Solved Deleted a registry file

[squaw2874]

Please help. I deleted a registry file called wow6234node (something like that). It came up with an error saying that there was an error deleting it. I rebooted and now vista won't start. I am running 64 bit Vista. I DID NOT back up anything!!! I know very very stupid. Cannot get it to start in safe mode either. Can I repair this at all without losing anything? I thought about putting in the os disk and trying to repair that way but I was afraid of complete loss.

PLEASE HELP.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello squaw2874, welcome to Vista Forums!



Have a look at the tutorial at the link below to do a system restore to a point before you deleted the reg entry; be sure to post back to keep us informed.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html?ltr=S

 

[richc46]

Please help. I deleted a registry file called wow6234node (something like that). It came up with an error saying that there was an error deleting it. I rebooted and now vista won't start. I am running 64 bit Vista. I DID NOT back up anything!!! I know very very stupid. Cannot get it to start in safe mode either. Can I repair this at all without losing anything? I thought about putting in the os disk and trying to repair that way but I was afraid of complete loss.

PLEASE HELP.

The best method would be through system restore, as suggested. If you have a problem, post back and tell us, did Vista come preinstalled and do you have a Vista DVD?

 

[squaw2874]

I am unable to see my desktop. It will boot up to the Vista welcome screen then goes black. I would LOVE to be able to do a system restore but cannot. I am using my hubby's computer to troubleshoot.

Is it possible to run the OS disk to repair it or will it erase everything in the hard drive?

It doesn't come up in safe mode either. It was some sort of file wow6234node (something like that) that I deleted. I was attempting to delete all things World of Warcraft....go figure!

Let there be some hope.

 

[richc46]

We can get you back, but you may lose doucments, etc. We have told Members always back up. We will try to get you back with outlosing anything, but, I do not know. I will be back with another repair tutorial.

 

[richc46]

If you do have the origianl Vista OS DVD. You can do the system restore as suggested by TED (BareFoot). If for some reason there are problems with that approcach, see if this works.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html?filter[11]=Performance Maintenance

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Have a look at the tutorial at the link below to see how to use your system disk to do a system restore; just go back before you deleted the file.

It doesn't matter that it says Windows 7 it works for Vista also.

Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums

 

[squaw2874]

OK guys..I'm alittle nervous now. I followed all the prompts waiting to see where I can do a system retore and/or repair and I did not see it. I am at a acreen right now that says.. "Where do you want to install windows?" I am afriad if I click on the drive that it will reformat that drive. I DONOT want to do this if at all possible.

Please guide me again.

 

[richc46]

If you follow the instructions given by Barefoot, for SR, option 2, you should be able to make a system restore. System Restore does not touch your doucments etc.

 

[squaw2874]

Unfotunately, it's not giving me the option for a system restore after selecting time, language and keyboard references. It continues on to what appears to be the installtion of Windows. Where I am left at is "Where do you want to install Windows?" It is prompting me to select which drive I'd like to install on. Does anyone know if I should continue in hopes that it will give me the choice on the next screen to system restore or if it will reinstall on that drive?

 

[richc46]

If you look at the tutroial that barefoot gave you. Option 2 shows a picutre. Is this what you see?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Stop don't do that, what tutorial are you looking at?



Read through this one thoroughly first.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/65207-password-reset-using-system-restore-windows-7-a.html

 

[SIW2]

Close that window and exit.

Reboot the cd.

When you see the "Install Now" window - look at the bottom - you will see "Repair My Computer" - click that.



It will then spend a few seconds searching for Windows on your drive.

When it stops, click Next.

Then click System restore from the list of options.

 

[squaw2874]

Yeah, I don't have that option. I am not seeing what you posted. Don't know why. When that initial screen comes up it only says Install Windows. Nothing else.

I bought the computer from Cyberpower and the CD they game me says.....Windows Vista Home Premium SP1. It also has printed on it that it is a recovery dvd-rom and that it may only be used for backup and recovery of the computer system.

Wow6432Node- I believe this is the registry file I completely deleted.

 

[Brink]

Hello Squaw,

You might see if you are able to do a system restore at boot via the Advanced Boot Options (tapping F8 every second during startup) and selecting Repair Your Computer and system restore.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[SIW2]

Hi Squaw,

The best thing is to replace the registry hives from the backup.

It is quite easy.

D/L this free program:

Paragon Rescue Kit Express - Product Tour

It burns itself to cd.

BOOT the cd - select Normal Mode, then File Transfer Wizard.

Browse the drive to C:\Windows\system32\Config\Regback.

Copy the files you see below to the Pargon clipboard ( the left Window - the ones with no extension - exactly as in the screenshot). Your program may look a little different as I am using the fancy version.







Then click Next and browse to C:\Windows\system32\Config.





Click on the Config folder to open it, then Copy the files from the Pargon clipboard into the Config folder.

That will overwrite the damaged registry hives with the backups.

Close Paragon, take the cd out and restart the pc. If your backups are in good shape - you should get in fine. Depending how old the backups are, you may find you need to get a Windows few updates again.

 

[squaw2874]

I did download, burn to disk and boot your suggestion. But I am still looking at a black screen (desktop) still with a cursor staring at me. I am at a loss now as I am sure you are.

I think what I so stupidly deleted from the registry won't allow me to restore my computer. This sucks.

 

[SIW2]

Damage to the Windows registry is completely unconnected to the ability to boot a cd.

Did the cd boot and Load?

Could you browse the drive and restore the backups?

If you are still unable to get into Windows after doing that - you will need to restore an image , or reinstall.

If you made an image using one of the excellent free apps. like these:

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

Paragon Backup & Recovery 10 Free Edition

Now is the time to restore it.

Otherwise:

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

You will need your Vista product key and an installation dvd.

At STEP 10 of the tutorial, DO NOT select Drive Options(advanced) and DO NOT format the drive - simply click the partition you want to install to ( to highlight it ) then click Next.

The existing partition contents will be saved to a folder called Windows.Old. You can fish your data out of that after the reinstall has completed.

 

[squaw2874]

No I was unable to boot the cd. A cursor kept flashing in the upper left hand corner. Then it went to the safe mode screen.

After I deleted that registry key and rebooted I was never able to get to my desktop again. The welcome screen would appear but then when it was time for the "desktop" to appear it was black and I had a cursor. I can get into advanced boot options BUT I do not not have a restore option there either. I selected "Last known good config" (nothing) and I selected "Directory services restore mode" (nothing). There is another option called "Debugging Mode" I haven't selected that yet.

But.....if I understand correctly.....IF I go ahead an reinstall windows into the same partition (without formating) that it will save ALL the data from what I had before and I CAN RETRIEVE ALL of it after I reinstall. Is that correct?

 

[SIW2]

Yes.

You can get your data out - but you will need to reinstall programs , get all the windows updates, and set everything up to your liking.

Might be quite a long job.

You need to be careful if you are using a manufacturer supplied reinstall disk - it might not give you many options about how to reinstall - read them carefully before you proceed. ( It might insist on formatting - don't do that)