Corrupt Register files

[WarHog]

I was recently given a computer that wouldn't boot up. It would stop after seeing the windows screen apear and give me a message that said *WARNING Corrupt register files* It won't let me run scan disk from the command only promt in Safe Mode, nor will it let me reinstall windows. There is data on this drive that would take hours to replace ie: Family tree etc... Unfortunatly there is no backup files. What can I do to remedy this problem? I was told that if I were to use a program like Norton Ghost it would just copy the damaged files to a new hard drive if I went that root. How about xcpopy would that work? Any suggestions would help thanks.

[BigBlue66]

Hi WarHog,

Try this first. Go to a DOS prompt. (Now, I'm not sure if you need to be in the root directory or in the Windows subdirectory, although it may not make a difference. Try the root directory first. Worst case scenario would be a bad command or file name error. If so, then change to your windows subdirectory) Type the following:

Scanreg_/fix (Where the underscore is a space)

Alternatively, you might try:

Scanreg_/restore (Same thing about the space. This will restore the registry from a backup of your choosing, I think.)

Try the fix command first. If that doesn't work, try the restore command. If neither of these work, then it's quite possible that the registry was infected by a virus. If so, you may need some virus software.

Let us know how you're doing.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

[BigBlue66]

One more thing. You know what? I'm not sure if the slash in front of 'fix, or restore' is supposed to be a forward slash or a backward slash.

Oh well, try it like I suggested, ie. /fix and /restore. If you receive bad command or filename errors, try it with a backward slash. \fix and \restore.

Sorry 'bout that.

BB66

[BigBlue66]

OK. I was right in the first place. Use a forward backslash.

Scanreg /fix

scanreg /restore

Sorry for the confusion. It's he__ to get old.

Big Blue

[Paleo Pete]

Yep, it's forward slash. Dos switches always use forward slash, backslash is used for the path in a command line. ie c:\dos c:\dos\run.

Also, scanreg is only included with win98, it will work with 95, but you have to already have it installed from a 98 CD to use it on a 95 machine.

------------------
Soon as I come up with all the answers...they change the questions!!

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[WarHog]

BigBlue66 and Paleo Pete, Thank you so much! I tried what you said and it worked. You saved me hours of time... I'm glad I stumbled upon this site, it's people like you that can reinforce the positive attitude of others when it comes to working on PC's.
Thanks again,
WarHog http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Paleo Pete]

Coolness has been achieved!!

All credit goes to Blue, he pegged the problem and the solution, all I did was confirm his info.

------------------
Soon as I come up with all the answers...they change the questions!!

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[BigBlue66]

Ah pshaw, Pete. All's I did was repeat the advice that I have seen you give repeatedly.

Sure glad I could help, though. I must say that I have learned a lot from this forum, and it sure feels good to give back.

Oh, and I got lucky with the fact that he did indeed have 98 on the machine. I didn't know that about 95, but now I do!

Cheers,

Big Ass Blue '66 Cadillac

[This message has been edited by BigBlue66 (edited 12-08-2000).]

[Paleo Pete]

chuckle...

You may have gotten the trick from me, but you figured out the problem and solution on your own, I still say you get the credit...all I did was confirm your advice.

------------------
Soon as I come up with all the answers...they change the questions!!

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)