Damaged Registry - No List In Add/Remove Progs

[nawabasif]

Hi All.

I was uninstalling some programs whilst in safe mode. When I restarted my computer, I noticed that i had no programs listed in add/remove programs.

I think that it is to do with a part of my registry being deleted because i was uninstalling in safe mode. is there any way of restoring the registry or allowing the registry to scan for the programs installed on my computer. Or if there any programs around that can do this scan. i dont have any entries in system restore because i already tried it and there wasnt anything there.

I hope there is someone out there that can help.

Many Thanks

 

[mattjurado]

Boot off of a win9x floppy, and try running the scanreg /fix command. Search your hard disk for scanreg.exe, that will tell you what directory to run it from in dos.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[nawabasif]

Thanks Matt J.

I will remember that advice. I am going to try that scanreg now. i will let you know how it went. Fingers crossed.

Thanks.

p.s. Look, u have a star next to ur thread!

 

[mattjurado]

Thanks, if it doesn't work, I have other suggestions.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[nawabasif]

Hi Matt.

I tried it but it still didn't help. I forgot to mention that i reinstalled windows Me. it wasnt a clean install, i just put the cd in and ran setup.exe but that didnt help either. i am willing to hear any other suggestions. I have tried registry cleaners in the past but i dont think that they are suited for restoring registries.

Thanks

 

[mattjurado]

You can also run the scanreg command with the /restore switch instead of the /fix switch. This may restore parts of the registry that your uninstallations deleted, but it may fix your problem. It will make a backup first, so you can revert to the backup if your restore fails.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[nawabasif]

Hi Matt.

Before i run that. doesnt it just restore to the last backup it made? I understand that it makes a backup everytime you boot up the computer.

Thanks

 

[mattjurado]

No, it should give you a selection of recent automated backups.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[mattjurado]

If that doesn't do it, does this key exist?

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

What about sub-keys that correspond to installed programs?

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[nawabasif]

Hi matt.

The restore didnt have the date i needed. it only went back as far as the 15th. i do have that key, i have looked at it before. what do you reckon i can do with it. upon looking at the keys, i cant see all of the programs i have installed. i cant see ms office, msn messenger. etc.

I am so annoyed at this computer. i wonder if i can use norton utilities to undelete the .cab files used for scanreg restore?

 

[mattjurado]

No I wouldn't try that at all, in fact Norton Utilities can cause many problems with the file system. I suggest you dump it, if you can uninstall from the Start Menu>Programs>Norton... In the event you have to reinstall, don't reinstall that product.

Have you scanned for spyware/virus?

The sub-keys in
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall, if you click on them, do you get strings on the right that point to product names, or uninstaller instructions?


Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[nawabasif]

i dont have a virus. i have looked at those keys and i did find uninstall locations for some. some dont allow me to. but i dont wanna on some. i just need the list back up.

It seems like a waste of mine and your time for this.

i am posting a new thread in the win me section be sure to have alook at it.

Many thanks friend

 

[mattjurado]

If its a different problem with this same computer, then I would post here, otherwise people will get half the story.

Anyways, have you actually scanned for viruses AND spyware?

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[nawabasif]

no i havent scanned for viruses and spyware. i am going to now though. all i am using is norton antivirus. is that sufficient?

 

[mattjurado]

yes, just make sure you do updates first.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.