Corrupt Windows Registry

[Afiorentino]

So here is my problem:

I need to do a system repair on my windows drive because an important registry file is corrupt, my dvd drive is toast, and my windows installation disc is in storage 2000 miles away.

I managed to find the appropriate disc image I need, but have no access to a dvd drive for the time being. I tried using unetbootin, but I'm not able to boot the windows image from my thumb drive.

Any ideas?

[NormanFLinux]

Did you back up your data before it went kaput?

I have a feeling once one registry file gets corrupted, there are more problems and its time for a fresh install.

[Afiorentino]

I'm using a dual boot system and can still access my windows hard drive through linux.

You think a fresh install is my best bet?

[NormanFLinux]

Since you can still access your Windows hard drive through Linux, back up your critical data from there and then do a fresh install.

In my experience, once registry files get corrupted, fixing them is usually more trouble than its worth.

[collisionystm]

Can you safe mode?

[oldsoundguy]

yes, if you can get into safe mode, do so with networking and go get Glary Utilities (FREE) install it and run it.

[wilee-nilee]

Which MS OS is it?

Do you have access to a windows computer I think you need admin for what I'm thinking.

If XP you can use this tool to load a thumb. This only works with a legit disc or ISO I forget which you use, a p2p will probably not work, just saying.;)
http://wintoflash.com/home/en/

If Windows 7 I have had sucess every time with, in Linux formatting a thumb with a NTFS putting the bootflag on it and extracting the W7 ISO to the thumb, boots no problem. I suspect Vista will work this way I have never tried.

[handy]

So System Restore can't take you back to a time before the problem?

[Afiorentino]

I've been completely unable to boot into XP through any of the advanced boot options (safe mode, etc.)

I'll give the wintoflash website a try and get back to you.