I've had to re-load XP a couple times over the past few years due to
virus/spyware problems I couln't resolve. My question is, does doing this
erase all errors on the drive and or registry? I ask because after my latest
re-install, I was getting pop-ups telling me that my registry was corrupt,
and that I should visit such-and-such website to correct it. This happened
while trying to re-load DSL software from a CD. Is there a fix or is this PC
doomed? Would a new hard drive take care of this? Any help is appreciated.

"peeaytch" <peeaytch@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:AE6C529A-7CF8-441A-9BD4-2DAFDB46C482@microsoft.com...
It depends on what you mean by "re-load".

A Repair install uses the existing registry - that's why you don't have to
re-create user accounts or reinstall programs - and so registry problems
*are not fixed*. It it was broken before, it will still be broken after.

A Clean install starts with wiping the drive, requires recreation of user
accounts and reinstallation of applications. A brand-new registry is
created.

If you're getting popups saying that your registry is corrupt that direct
you to a website, your system is infected with adware. And that's the kind
of thing a Repair install won't address.

As to loading DSL software, you probably don't need that at all, especially
if you have a router.

HTH
-pk

These are probably Messenger Spam pop-ups. With "always on" internet
connections it may be prudent to physically disconnect the cable from
the internet while you format the drive and reinstall Windows, only
connect the cable after Windows is properly installed and secured, make
sure that your firewall is turned on before you connect to the internet
or else you will get unwanted pests within minutes of connecting to the
net. There is no need to replace your hard drive, it wouldn't make any
difference. When you format the drive before re-installing Windows
there will be no leftovers from the old installation.

John

peeaytch wrote:

Thanks, Patrick. I did initially try a repair install, and as you say, it
did little to fix anything. But I also did a full install after that. IE
won't connect to my DSL. That's why I was trying to re-load the software and
encountered the problems. It leads me to believe that even after a full
re-install, there are still registry problems. Any other suggestions?

"Patrick Keenan" wrote:

"peeaytch" <peeaytch@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0703FDCF-2390-495A-AFEB-A29E06B3993A@microsoft.com...
If it's a clean install and if it's SP1 or earlier, you are probably
getting Messenger Service spam (which means your registry is fine). All
you need to do is enable the Windows firewall, which happens
automatically if you upgrade to SP2 or SP3. More info:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/330904

You will see that there is a temporary "workaround": disabling Messenger
Service (not necessarily a bad idea). But it's more important to make
sure you have a working firewall enabled for much better security.

Also see "How to turn on or turn off the firewall in Windows XP":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283673

peeaytch wrote:

By any chance is this a laptop with 2 drives (one where data is kept for
re-installing XP, etc?)

--
A successful [software] tool is one that was used to do something
undreamed of by its author.
-- S. C. Johnson

peeaytch wrote:
The message is coming from a bit of malware and is lying.

Before anything else, get the infestation off your computer using the
available malware (virus, trojan, adware, etc.) tools.