[TIGERE]

As I mentioned earlier I am looking for a very comprehensive registry utility - but I am also concidering reformat and reload ... have a certain distrust for "cleaners" but truth be known I wouldn't know I screwed up unless it just crashed ... probably because I just don't really understand what they do ...have alll the discs etc for a reload - save a few drivers ... (ps. thanks to techie and number6)

Thoughts advice opinions notions ....appreciated

Tigere

[number6]

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "reload."
If you're looking for a registry cleaner, CCleaner is a good one and will give you the option of backing up the registry every time you clean it. Even if something does go wrong with the registry, you can use System Restore to correct it so you're not in much danger from CCleaner. I've been using it for a few years on dozens of PCs and it's never given me any problems.

[TIGERE]

I was thinking of reformating the HDD and reloading XP ... if I can accomplish the same with a "cleaner" well ... why not ... I tried to downlaod a "trial" and it set my AV off ...scared the heck out of me : o ))

[number6]

Why do you need to reload XP?

The registry is a database of configuration settings that sometimes get a little messed up which is what CCleaner and other registry cleaners are for. If you want to delete the entire hard drive, what you want is a hard drive wiper which you can get from things like the Ultimate Boot CD.
h3. www.ultimatebootcd.com/

[TIGERE]

OK - having run CC - I deleted 647 MB of unwanted excess files and crap and after three scans of registry have arrived at "no issues' ...

Thank you very much for your input and sharing your experience ... I appreciate it very much ... I am a techie's worst nightmare - I know just enough to exremely dangerous ...

Thanks again and Merry Christmas

[number6]

Glad I could help. If you have any more troubles, let us know.