About a week ago, my computer was running unusually slowly, so I asked my supposedly computer savvy friend, and he suggested I use a registry cleaner like Registry Mechanic, so I did.
The next day, my computer would freeze on the desktop right after startup. I did a bunch of research, and found out that registry cleaners can do damage to the registry.
Well crap.
Is there any way I can fix the computer, if only temporarily so I can go in and save my files to a disk? If so, what? I've tried starting the computer up if safe mode by holding down the F8 key, but that was the only tip I got, and it didn't help.
Okay, When I turn on the computer, it boots up, then freezes once it gets to the desktop. I cannot click anything. I can't go to start and restore the system, I can't go to my doccuments and back up my files, because I can't click anything. When I boot up in safe mode, it does the same thing. My compute came with XP already installed, so I don't have any operating system disks.
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6 responses so far ↓
1 DayTripper // Jul 29, 2008
Hopefully, you created a backup of the Registry before running Registry Mechanic. If you did, just restore it and reboot. If you didn't, you might be out of luck. In that case, you should back up all your relevant files (documents) if you can, reboot and wipe the machine. A bit gruesome I know, but it might be your only option.
2 itguy992005 // Jul 29, 2008
Locate the Windows operating system cd and boot with it. When you get to the menu, select the repair option. Follow the steps and you should have a functioning PC again.
If you are concerned about malware still being around run either of the two scanners below and that should take care of it.
3 Carl N // Jul 29, 2008
You can restore your registry by using System Restore. If you go to Start, Help and Support, System Restore. Pick a restore point a few days before your incident where the registry was damaged.
Good Luck
4 rickster // Jul 29, 2008
If you start in safe mode and are able to do anything, go to start menu>programs>accessories>system tools>system restore and restore your pc to a date prior to you running the registry cleaner. This should work but obviously it wont if your machine is frozen directly after booting up even in safe mode. You could also try repairing your windows installation by booting your machine from your windows disc, good luck
5 JoelKatz // Jul 29, 2008
What you are describing is not the usual way registry cleaners mess up a PC. Most likely, the registry cleaner just didn't solve your problem and whatever problem you had in the first place got worse.
Sadly, at the most critical point in your problem description, you left out the description! You say you tried starting up in safe mode, but "it didn't help". What does that mean? Where you able to start up the computer in safe mode or not?
Most registry cleaners have a 'revert' function. I doubt that will help, but you can certainly try it.
I'd go back to trying to solve your original problem and figure out why your computer was running slow and crashing. Rule out a hardware problem (like a bad CPU fan or excessive dust). Test your CPU/ram/mobo with a program like memtest86+.
Basically, troubleshoot the problem. Don't focus on the registry cleaner, because I doubt that's the real problem.
6 bYDMiTq // Jul 29, 2008
Go to :
http://tpdownload.com/registrycleaner.htm
Let free scan and fix your register and Faster your PC!
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