Clogged Registry?

[Guest]

Hi,

I hope you can help me, I'm a bit of a novice at Windows.

I've been running XP, which came pre-loaded on my PC, for about 2 years.
I've added SP2 and have instaled a lot of software - and uninstalled some! -
since.

I've got a few problems:

1) A recurrent problem is that Windows Explorer crashes regularly, when I
try and open files that are in nested folders. This happens with some
folders and not others - there seems to be no direct relationship with the
level of nesting. If I move the nested folder to a higher level - eg onto my
desktop - files open OK.

2) I have ADV installed to combat viruses and PestControl to deal with
pests. Howver, I've had a few pests along the way. I have an old accounts
program - VT installed which has run fine until recently. Now, whenever I
try to open it, it fails. If I copy the autoexec.nt file from windows/repair
into windows/system32 the program runs fine, but next time I restart the
computer the problem has returned.

3) Windows seems to be much slower than it used to be. I regularly defrag
and cleandisc.

I have a suspicion that the regsitry is clogged up with stuff from
uninstalled programs, and that deleting the various pests I've had has
introduced some errors here and there. My feeling is that a re-install of
Windows and maybe a reformat of the C: drive would be a good idea. But I'm
only guessing.

1) Would it help?
2) As XP came pre-loaded, how do I reinstall - is it possible to get hold of
a legitimate CDROM copy for this purpose, given that the original version is
legitimate?
3) If I reformat the hard drive, I presume I need to reload the CDROM driver
before I can install windows (assuming I then have a CDROM version). Is this
right and Where do I find the CDROM drivers?


Thanks for your help

 

[Guest]

I have a suspicion that the regsitry is clogged up with stuff from
uninstalled programs, and that deleting the various pests I've had has
introduced some errors here and there. My feeling is that a re-install of
Windows and maybe a reformat of the C: drive would be a good idea. But I'm
only guessing.

1) Would it help?
Definitely.

2) As XP came pre-loaded, how do I reinstall - is it possible to get hold of
a legitimate CDROM copy for this purpose, given that the original version is
legitimate?

If you still have the original CD, use it. If not, you will need to
purchase a new copy. If you do, make sure it is the SP2 version. Last, if
the manufacturer already installed a recovery program on a hidden partition
on your hard drive, use that version if you want your computer restored to
the way it was when you bought it. For example, Hewlitt Packard computers
typically have such hidden partitons, well Dell provides separate recovery
CDs.

3) If I reformat the hard drive, I presume I need to reload the CDROM driver
before I can install windows (assuming I then have a CDROM version). Is this
right and Where do I find the CDROM drivers?

No. All you need to do is insert the XP, turn off your computer, turn it on
again, and select "boot from CD" when the option comes up on your screen. Be
advised that you will lose all data on the hard drive, so first back up any
files you want to save to a CD, another physical hard drive, or another
partition (if you have one) on the current hard drive. Also be prepared to
spend several hours reinstalling all of your previous software that you still
want to keep. But nothing runs faster or better than XP just after a clean
install.

Ken

 

[Guest]

Thanks for that Ken, very helpful.

BUT, I didn't get a XP CD when I bought the computer, and as far as I know
there's no hidden partition.... Do I really have to buy XP in order to
reinstall??

 

[Guest]

Thanks for that Ken, very helpful.

BUT, I didn't get a XP CD when I bought the computer, and as far as I know
there's no hidden partition.... Do I really have to buy XP in order to
reinstall??

Yes.

Ken

 

[frogspawn]

Yes, BUT...
You really only need a valid Product Key, a unique alphanumeric,
25-character string organized into 5 groups of 5 characters. Mine is on a
label attached to my computer case. Check the bottom, back, sides of your
case.

If you cannot find it, your computer can tell you the key by itself! Go to
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Then, you need to get a copy of a disk that is compatible with your key.
Your version of XP can be found on Control Panel / System / General.
You may be able to borrow the disk from an acquaintance and make a copy of
it on a CD burner. Otherwise, check out:
"Replacement of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Software Media" at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246
In any case, having just done a Clean Install after almost 2 years, I highly
recommend it. There is definitely sludge in your registry. See
Michaelstevenstech.com for info on how to do it (it is easy). Further,
should your computer's hard drive die, you will definitely need that disk
and product key, so get busy now, my friend!

 

[Ron Martell]

Hi,

I hope you can help me, I'm a bit of a novice at Windows.

I've been running XP, which came pre-loaded on my PC, for about 2 years.
I've added SP2 and have instaled a lot of software - and uninstalled some! -
since.

I've got a few problems:

1) A recurrent problem is that Windows Explorer crashes regularly, when I
try and open files that are in nested folders. This happens with some
folders and not others - there seems to be no direct relationship with the
level of nesting. If I move the nested folder to a higher level - eg onto my
desktop - files open OK.

Please define "crash" as it applies to this instance. If there is an
error message produced please provide the complete *verbatim* text of
that message including all of the parameters. There are tens of
thousands (at least) of different error messages that can be produced
by Windows and without the actual text it is very difficult to
identify just what sort of problem you are encountering.

2) I have ADV installed to combat viruses and PestControl to deal with
pests. Howver, I've had a few pests along the way. I have an old accounts
program - VT installed which has run fine until recently. Now, whenever I
try to open it, it fails. If I copy the autoexec.nt file from windows/repair
into windows/system32 the program runs fine, but next time I restart the
computer the problem has returned.

ADV is an unknown antivirus product, at least to me. Do you mean AVG?
If so then that is okay, so long as it is the version 7 and you are
keeping it up to date.

I also cannot identify any spyware product named PestControl. Maybe
you mean Pest Patrol? If so then that is also an OK product.

3) Windows seems to be much slower than it used to be. I regularly defrag
and cleandisc.

The slowdown could be a reflection of an increased load of startup
items, or just a matter of perception. Most computer users tend to
think there computer is getting slower as it ages, and what often
happens is that there expectations increase. So the system, even if
it is unchanged, seems slower because of the increased expectations.

I have a suspicion that the regsitry is clogged up with stuff from
uninstalled programs, and that deleting the various pests I've had has
introduced some errors here and there. My feeling is that a re-install of
Windows and maybe a reformat of the C: drive would be a good idea. But I'm
only guessing.

1) Would it help?

Debatable if it would help. Most of the time the main result of a
reformat and reinstall is that it turns out to be a giant p.i.t.a.
because of all the time it takes to reinstall all of the application
programs, reconfigure them, and restore all of the user data files
from backups.

Usually it is much better to identify the underlying causes of your
problems and then resolve them rather than undergoing the computer
form of "capital punishment" by doing a reformat and reinstall.

2) As XP came pre-loaded, how do I reinstall - is it possible to get hold of
a legitimate CDROM copy for this purpose, given that the original version is
legitimate?

The dealer/retailer who sold you the computer is required to provide
you with some means of reinstalling the operating system (and also any
application software that came bundled with the computer). This could
be in one of several forms:
- A Windows XP OEM Installation CD plus product key.
- A Windows XP "System Recovery" CD containing a compressed image file
of the installed Windows, just as it was when it left the factory.
- A hidden "System Recovery" partition on the hard drive that contains
the compressed image as per above.

If you did not receive one of the above items with your computer then
you have been shortchanged at least and you should return to where you
purchased it and inquire about the Windows XP reinstall method.

If you do not get a satisfactory result from this then your next
recourse is to report the vendor to (e-mail address removed) This will
not help you to resolve your problems with the installation of Windows
but you should at least get the satisfaction of knowing that this
vendor has been forced to correct his ways, or has been put out of
business.

3) If I reformat the hard drive, I presume I need to reload the CDROM driver
before I can install windows (assuming I then have a CDROM version). Is this
right and Where do I find the CDROM drivers?

All Windows XP installation CDs and System Recovery CDs are bootable
and there is no need for a boot disk. All you have to do is to
ensure that your computer's BIOS setup is configured to boot from the
CD before the hard drive and then put the Windows XP CD into the drive
and reboot the machine.

And if your computer has a hidden partition on the hard drive with the
Windows XP System Recovery data on it then there should be a "hot key"
at startup or some option in the BIOS setup to access this partition
and initiate the System Recovery process. On my daughter's laptop
(IBM) this System Recovery partition is accessed by pressing the F12
key when the machine is powered on.


Hope this is of some assistance.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Treeman]

You can try Registry 1st. Aid 'Look Here'
(http://www.rosecitysoftware.com/reg1aid/)
First time I ran it I was like you, bunch of suspected registry
clutter.
I installed and ran the program. It found 744 invalid registry entries.
I figured, well if it doesn't work, I'll just have to format &
re-install Windows anyway.
Two years & one version upgrade later, I'm still using it on a
semi-weekly basis.
Just follow the default settings. It will create a system restore point
first & back up your registry before it changes anything.
Treeman

 

[HeyBub]

Hi,

I hope you can help me, I'm a bit of a novice at Windows.

I've been running XP, which came pre-loaded on my PC, for about 2
years. I've added SP2 and have instaled a lot of software - and
uninstalled some! - since.

I've got a few problems:

1) A recurrent problem is that Windows Explorer crashes regularly,
when I try and open files that are in nested folders. This happens
with some folders and not others - there seems to be no direct
relationship with the level of nesting. If I move the nested folder
to a higher level - eg onto my desktop - files open OK.

2) I have ADV installed to combat viruses and PestControl to deal with
pests. Howver, I've had a few pests along the way. I have an old
accounts program - VT installed which has run fine until recently.
Now, whenever I try to open it, it fails. If I copy the autoexec.nt
file from windows/repair into windows/system32 the program runs fine,
but next time I restart the computer the problem has returned.

3) Windows seems to be much slower than it used to be. I regularly
defrag and cleandisc.

I have a suspicion that the regsitry is clogged up with stuff from
uninstalled programs, and that deleting the various pests I've had has
introduced some errors here and there. My feeling is that a
re-install of Windows and maybe a reformat of the C: drive would be a
good idea. But I'm only guessing.

1) Would it help?
2) As XP came pre-loaded, how do I reinstall - is it possible to get
hold of a legitimate CDROM copy for this purpose, given that the
original version is legitimate?
3) If I reformat the hard drive, I presume I need to reload the CDROM
driver before I can install windows (assuming I then have a CDROM
version). Is this right and Where do I find the CDROM drivers?


Thanks for your help

Before such Draconian measures as a re-install, use EVERY tool you can find
to ferret out malware. ADV and PestControl together are probably not
sufficient to find everything.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for that Ron.

Yes, AVG and Pest Patrol!

I will get onto my retailler for XP backup disc.

In terms of the crashing, I get the following message when trying to open a
file in a nested folder:
Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry
for the inconvenience. The folder - and any other open folders - close.

If I click on More Info I get this Error Signature:

AppName: explorer.exe AppVer: 6.0.2900.2180 ModName: ntdll.dll
ModVer: 5.1.2600.2180 Offset: 000106c3

 

[frogspawn]

I disagree. Registry sludge is a reality. My local computer shop suggested
it, and everything I do is much faster now. When your cursor lags on the
screen and you have scanned with *everything*, it is sheer pleasure to
reformat and reinstall.

 

[Ron Martell]

Thanks for that Ron.

Yes, AVG and Pest Patrol!

I will get onto my retailler for XP backup disc.

In terms of the crashing, I get the following message when trying to open a
file in a nested folder:
Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry
for the inconvenience. The folder - and any other open folders - close.

If I click on More Info I get this Error Signature:

AppName: explorer.exe AppVer: 6.0.2900.2180 ModName: ntdll.dll
ModVer: 5.1.2600.2180 Offset: 000106c3

One reference to this problem links it to the script blocking function
in Norton Antivirus (2003 version). So if you have Norton installed
then try shutting off the script blocking function in it and see if
that makes any difference. If it does then check with Symantec for a
permanent fix (or switch to a different antivirus).

Another source indicates that a Creative Labs Audigy sound card may be
a contributing factor in this problem.

And there is evidence that some spyware products also install a
modified version of ntdll.dll as part of their infestation so you
should ensure that your computer is spyware free. See MVP Jim
Eshelman's spyware quick fix page at
http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

Good luck




Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Stan Brown]

I hope you can help me, I'm a bit of a novice at Windows.

[snip]

This seems to be the same query you posted only two minutes
earlier.

 

[Guest]

If I was to use a registry clearn, Registry First Aid is the only one I would
use. I have used it in the past and it has never caused any major problem.
It it the only one I have ever tried for which that statement holds true.

 

[Jeff]

If one were to use it, how can one find out which of the many hundreds of
items it finds it would be safe to delete? In other words what those items
mean?

--

Jeff Stevens
Email address deliberately false to avoid spam
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Guest]

If one were to use it, how can one find out which of the many hundreds of
items it finds it would be safe to delete? In other words what those items
mean?

That's the problem. Most users assume that even if they don't know if it is
safe to delete an entry, the software must somehow know. Usually it does,
but if it makes a mistake you may be hosed. The only way is to allow the
software to identify potential entries, but go through each one individually
(including any research on Google or these newsgroups) and delete only those
entries that you know first hand are safe.

The good thing about Registry First Aid is that it makes you create a system
restore point and also saves backups of your deletions. The system restore
point protects against catastrophic error, while the individual backups allow
you to restore deleted entries as a method of fixing less serious mistakes.
Also, when I used it, it never screwed me the way some other cleaners did
back when I used to believe in these things.