[boyNamedFoo]

Hiya Dearson,

Sorry about late reply, hectic weekend. If you've solved your problem then ignore the rest of this.

Manually editing the registry is not really recommended unless you know what the registry is all about!

A registry mechanic or cleaner scans your registry looking for registry keys that have been added by programs (e.g. spyware) or changes to keys such as default windows keys. Before you use one though its best to let windows try and sort itself. Try this:

1) Put your XP CD in the drive
2) Restart computer making sure your CMOS will boot from the CD, do this by going into the BIOS (usually delete key during booting) and changing the boot sequence from 1st boot device floppy or HDD-0 to CD-ROM)
3) Save and exit.

The XP CD should then give you the option to repair windows. I have never used this but i'd be very suprised if it harmed anything, follow the steps; see what happens when you get back into windows.

As far as doing a clean install of xp (which i have done lots of times to improve performance and get rid of accumulated rubbish) you will lose everything stored on your hard disk unless you back it up. I back up my data (music, video, programs) to another hard drive that has no Operating System on it just folders and files. I am not sure about losing e-mails from outlook express, as i have very rarely used it, i use hotmail it would be dependent on the type of e-mail account you have. User accounts will have to be setup again during installation and all programs will have to be reinstalled i'm afraid.

What error message did you get for sfc /scannow??

Phew HTH, Steve.