Major Registry problem...

[WaryWolf]

ok, i have a major registry prob. when i start the pc up it gives me a "stop" (i think they're called that, it just gives you an error message saying this and that and dumps physical memory to disk) error, saying that the "hive" (file) of registry thingy /HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Software is missing or corrupt and a log or alternative cannot be found. it dumps the physical memory to disk and then reboots. i managed to get things to work by pressing F8 after i type in my BIOS password and selecting "last known good configuration", and selecting XP (i have a dual boot setup). then, strangely, XP shows the loading screen and then reboots. so, i type in the BIOS password and then select XP, and XP loads normally. then, if i reboot, XP is fine, but if i reboot again, XP gives me the stop error problem. i am pretty sure this is due to the MS03-026 patch for that security hole that microsoft discovered, because the stop error appeared the first time i rebooted after installing the patch. my specs are:

XP Pro version 5.1 (build 2600.xpclient.010817-1148) (i installed sp1)

Hadware(although i'm pretty sure this has nothing to do with hardware):
1.8 Ghz P4 cpu
some intel mobo
60gig and 30gig seagate IDE drives
dvd-reader/cd-rewriter drive
MSI GeForce 5200 pro, 128 meg version, AGP (this is the most recent piece of software i have installed, about a month ago)
generic screen, mouse, keyboard.

if you have a solution to this problem, i would be very grateful to hear it. but if you can show me a way to take the .reg file that windows uses as the "last good combination", and make it my default registry, then that would be just as good.

thanks in advance!

[LooseChippings]

Try an OS repair.

[WaryWolf]

if i try an OS repair, will that replace the entire registry so i have to reinstall every program again, or can i skip that and do a "lite" install that only overwrites certain folders?

[WaryWolf]

oh jeez, sorry, i clicked the "post new topic" button instead of "post reply". i'm not used to forums like this. sorry again. BTW thanks loosechippings. i checked the XP manual and see what you mean, an "OS repair". thanks again.