[peef]

I had a problem in XP. It was recommended by Dell tech support to edit the registry, which I tried to no avail. Through some research, I found out the cause of my problem was most likely a software conflict.

I want to "clean up" XP, but I don't know what the best thing to do is. I want my registry like new, but I would like to leave my applications in tact if possible.

If I repaired Windows, would it give me a totally clean registry again? Or should I reinstall? Or should I go all the way and reformat the HD and start over?

 

[slavick07]

hi. well i would recommend AGAINST a repair. i attempted this once to fix a problem that was cause by an old game that would not work on xp. my system still ran but i just wanted to fix a minor problem. anyway the repair shat itself halfway through and woud not complete. so i had to ring a microsoft tech to help me fix it which costed $50AU.

he told me of a way of reinstalling windows that left your my documents, windows and program files folders intact. so you would get a clean registry, but would have to reinstall your apps again. you had to go into the repair console from the windows xp cdrom and rename your my docs and other folders, so windows could copy new ones a-fresh. this way saves from doing a complete format. i am sorry that i dont have detailed instructions on the procedure, however i am sure that some of the tech-gurus here will know what i am talking about...mabey...

 

[peef]

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely take it to heart...

As for the type of reinstall to which you are referring, do you know what it's called? Is it a clean reinstall?

 

[quizme1220]

Hello peef and Welcome to TSF. Someone posted a similar situation the other day take a look this http://www.techsupportforum.com/showthread.php?t=69715. What you're referring to is a repair install.