REsiduals after removal of Softwares

[shram]

I am a regular reader of digit and chip. I install almost all new softwares from the cds and try the same. subsequently I remove them if I do not use them.
In the process I get into problems in the operating sysytem (Windows XP with SP2). I relod the system. Now I have 4 residuals of windos xp.
Whenever the sytem is swtiched on, there will be 4 windows xps appearing on the opening screen. Only one can be opend.
I would like to know as to how the unused ones can be removed.
I am having only the Xp with SP2. Is there any MS DOs patch for XP, so that the registry can be opened from the run command.
a r ramanathan[/quote]

[anandk]

welcome. ur first post !
i may be wrong, but a clean formatting/install seems to be the only solution i can offer.

[Vishal Gupta]

Several methods:

1.) Open boot.ini file, should be present in C:\ drive and it should be HIDDEN and Read only.
U'll see all those 4 entries which u see in boot loader at starting.
Remove all three entries which r useless and keep the actual entry. save the file.

2.) Right-click on My computer icon, select Properties, goto Advanced tab, in Startup and Recovery section click on Setting button , then click on Edit button, rest is same as 1.) option.

3.) Goto: Start -> Run and type msconfig, it'll open a window, goto: Boot.ini tab, click on Check all boot paths button.

PS: If u r not familiar with such things, then u can simply post the contents of ur Boot.ini file here and we'll tell u what u should edit in that file.

[shram]

Thank u for the message. I tried the 3rd method and got the residuals removed.
I had also menined in my message about the problem that I am not able to open the regedit from the run command. Is there a way to correct the same?
Once again thanking U
a r ramanathan

[QwertyManiac]

The Service must have been blocked by the admin,
u r using a normal user ? or admin user ?

For a quick soln, run the script here :
http://www.dougknox.com/security/scripts_desc/regtools.htm

[anandk]

thanx QM, i 2 learnt sumthing new.