Re-installing Windows

[Kenny Graves]

If I re-install windows without formating my harddrive will all the programs that I currently have on my system still be in the registry? Will I get a new clean registry with the programs that are on the system now within the registry? I belive my reigistry is meesed up from me always tinkering in it. I belive the last time I check I had lie 75 missing OLE objects. How can I get a good registry without all the mistakes but not lose the programs on my system now.

[a Bill]

I tried deleting just Windows one time, without deleting everything else. It worked for me. That does not mean that it will work for you, but it might. Back up all programs first and take a shot at it. Worse comes to worst, you'll reformat, which you may well end up doing anyway.

[Ed_S]

Reinstalling will correct any missing or corrupt Windows files, but will leave your programs intact. Will not fix many registry problems, as any settings that you or a program have added/ modified will remain.

Might be able to clean it up with good util like Norton, but, from the sound of it, you need to do full backup now, as format will likely be needed.