msnoname86 wrote:

> Thanks John. There is a facility to undo what it did, and I tried that,
> then removed System Mechanic so probably the backup has gone as well. I
> have tried System Restore several times, but it just says there have been
> no changes made.

I'm sorry to hear that. You have three things to try, but back up your data
first before doing anything else.

1. Use the System File Checker. Start>Run>sfc /scannow [enter]
Have your XP cd handy. I don't have a lot of faith that this will fix
things, but it's an easy first step and if it works - great.

2. If #1 is no good, do a Repair Install:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

3. If the Repair Install doesn't work, then I'm afraid you've damaged your
operating system files too badly and you'll need to do a Clean Install:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...alling_Windows - What
you will need on-hand

After all the dust has settled, what will you never use again? All together
now my loves: no more registry cleaners!

Seriously, lots of people have used registry cleaners and swear by them.
Many more people wind up swearing *because* of them. They are simply not
needed in XP.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User