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chrisrud15 · Jan 5, 2006, 03:02 PM

Hi my computer had problems with error popups and trojan popups all the time so I decided to reinstall windows and everything is fine now except I keep getting a windows registry error. I've done this one other time and the Comcast guy set up everything for me and I can't find out how to finish the registration. I have windows xp. Also any advice on good anti-virus would be appreciated. Right now I see that Adware SE, Spybot, and CCleaner are good. Thanks

Chery · Jan 5, 2006, 03:19 PM

Have you tried Microsoft's Antispyware? It was free when I got it.
I also use Registry Mechanic from PC Tools which cleans my registry every time my PC starts up. If you are not an expert on fixing things in the registry directly, there are also other registry cleaners out there. In this day and age, it's beneficial to invest in antivirus, antispy and registry cleaning software to protect your computer as much as possible. Check www.pcworld.com for the latest reviews and new about what's on the market or a freeware site like www.freeware.com to get something for quick fixes until you can afford better. The antivirus software from Computer Associates is OK, but the experience I've had with that is it was free for 12 months only and when I wanted to get rid of it - I had problems getting it all off my PC, so now I opted for Norton.

To get help with your current registry problem, you should write down exactly what the error is, so that our computer experts can give you a better solution to your problem. Good Luck.

Keep us posted.

chrisrud15 · Jan 5, 2006, 03:46 PM

I have Norton to install after I get everything straight. Is there something I need to do to the registry to straighten the install out. I don't want to do this manually because I don't want to screw it up. Is there a program I can download that will automatically complete the registry install and clean up? Thanks

chrisrud15 · Jan 5, 2006, 04:01 PM

The error mostly just says that it has critical errors and that the registry is corrupt. Do I need a windows cleaner? Thanks

Curlyben · Jan 5, 2006, 06:22 PM

In my opinion, if you have recently reinstalled and you are getting reg errors I would start over with a completely fresh install.

Boot to your XP cd and follow the prompts.
Once you get to the format prompt choose a FULL format and not the quick one.

This should resolve all your issues.

chrisrud15 · Jan 5, 2006, 06:59 PM

But what about when I first get the internet? I think that is what caused my problems. I didn't have any security when I first logged online. Should I save a program so that I can load security before I get online. The thing is I wiped the entire cpu clean. I didn't save any files, documents, programs, or anything. I wanted everything to be fresh. Now should I do this again? What should I do different? Thanks

Curlyben · Jan 6, 2006, 02:37 AM

The reinstall route I always use is:
Install XP
FULLY patch it with Windows Update
Install Anti Virus, update and scan (AVG is good and free)
Install Anti spyware, update and scan (A couple of good removal tools are Spybot and Adaware)
Defrag.

Then install any other Apps you need, like Office, etc.

fredg · Jan 6, 2006, 05:34 AM

Hi,
Curlyben gave a very good order of things while installing.
I second the AVG, available from http://www.grisoft.com
I switch from Norton to AVG, and am glad I did. So far, nothing gets passed AVG.
It did with Norton!
Also, another great free program (similar to Microsoft Anti-Spyware program) is Spyware Blaster. It does the same, stops spyware/advertising programs from getting into the computer.
Available from: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbupdate.html
Another hint is to run all Virus scans and Spyware scans in SafeMode.
Best of luck.