Cleaned reg,pc won't start

[Marcia]

I just downloaded a registry cleaner program. Ran it and cleaned up the pc (dup files, invalid reg keys, etc.) I restarted the pc and now I get a black screen with the words "Invalid system disk. Replace the disk, and then press any key." Everything I deleted is in the recycle bin but I cant' get to it or find which one I would need. Please help! Pressing any key just brings up the same screen.

[guestolo]

Are you sure there is no floppy disk or Cd left in the computer, if so remove them

If that doesn't help, you will have to supply us with more information
Operating system would be nice
Did you delete needed files or folders?
What registry cleaning program did you use?

[Marcia]

There is no disk or floppy left inside.  I'm running Windows ME.  I downloaded a program that I think is called TonyArts (something that begins with an A) Cleaner.  It looks for invalid reg keys, dup files, etc.  I did delete duplicate files.  They are all still in the Recycle Bin.  I went online with my other pc to try and find info.  I did manage to get into the BIOS (by pressing Delete) during startup and I was able to make sure the pc starts first from C, second drive A, and then third CD.  Should I have done that and changed that setting?  I still get the same message, it didn't help anyway.

[guestolo]

Have you tried scanreg /restore at a command prompt?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q221512/

[Marcia]

Of course the error I have doesn't have a prompt.  Now I have to find the start up disk and try what you suggested.  I'll get back to you on how that works.  (Just from my past experience, you are one smart guy.  I'm glad you are helping me again.)

[Marcia]

I cannot find my startup disc.  I really don't want to spend hours pulling my hair out on this one.  I have a question for you.  On my other pc I have Windows XP.  I do have the installation disc for XP.  Can I install it on the problem pc and not lose everything on there?  My main concern was a folder full of pictures I have taken over the last few years, that I'm embarassed to say I have not backed up on CD.  I don't care about anything else on there really.  Is there any way XP can be installed and I still have that folder?  Is XP an upgrade of ME, or is it a very different OS?

[guestolo]

One copy of xp per computer is the norm.....

A copy of a startup disk can be found here
http://www.bootdisk.com/

Personally, what I would do
Try the startup disk first, set the bios to boot from floppy and try scanreg /restore
Also check in the bios and make sure it recognizes the harddrive

If that won't work, if your comfortable with digging in the inside of the computer
and save time
I would pull the harddrive out
Set it up as a slave drive with the jumper pin
Hook it to the other computer you have xp
Same cable
XP should be able to see the ME disk
Pull your photos off of the hard drive and stick them on the xp machine

After that's done, shut down and put the harddrive back in the original comp. and reinstall
Consider it a learning curve, be careful what you remove with registry cleaners and careful with what files you delete
Clean install Windows Me
That's the route I would go, others may have a different suggest

You could try reinstalling over top also, I'll leave that to you

[Marcia]

I'll try copying the startup disk from bootdisk.com and see how it goes from there.  If that doesn't work then I'll venture further and take out the hard drive and hook it up to my other pc.  I'll let you know how all that goes.  Thanks.