PLEASE HELP -- Various and Sundry Errors in Windows (O/C related)

[skrill]

OK, I was upping the bus speed in my attempts to OC -- and suddenly I ran into all kinds of errors in Windows.

When I attempted to load at 166 fsb, I got a grey sceen -- indicating my Nvidia drivers were not loaded. Windows then tried to load new drivers for a new device the "PCI steering Bus" or something like that. After I backed it down I continue to get various errors, reboots and feezes when I try to get into Windows. Its also continues to try to load drivers for the "PCI Sterring Bus" and will randomly decide to load the Nvidia drivers (or not). If windows does load flawlessly -- it tells me my registry is damaged, and that I need to reboot to fix the error. When I reboot -- I get the same host of errors. This happens now whether I O/C or not.

OK here are my questions:

1. It appears my Windows registry (and possibly other key files) are toast. Am I right?

2. Is there a way to work a repair without reinstalling Windows ME?

3. Assuming I need to reinstall ME, is there a way to do a reinstall without reinstalling all of my apps?

4. Assuming not, can I reinstall everything without losing my data (MP3's, Word docs, etc.).

Please give me some input -- detailed instructions would be a great help.

I am pretty good with hardware, but pretty dumb when it comes to software. Please help.

Thanks,

Cris

[Yodums]

Lots of people will get the registry error.

Usually, Microsoft is trying to restore the backup registry which seems to be already corrupted as well..

The registry error would go on and off ..
(Occurs for overclocking or multiple registry changes)..

Are you connected to a network or do you have a burner great way to back your self up..

You can try going into safe mode and then opening..

Control Panel - System - Devices - Remove PCI Bus somewhere there..

And the next time it boots it'll re-detect everything hoping it'll work.

[skrill]

How do I get into safe mode? I know that is a dumb question.

[Godfodda]

Originally posted by skrill
How do I get into safe mode? I know that is a dumb question.

Hold F8 before Windows takes over.

Personally, I'd try to restore the registry from an older version first. If you're interested in that, try this:

Boot from a boot disk into DOS mode. Get to the command prompt. Type "scanreg /restore". This will bring up a list of previous backups. Pick the date before you started having trouble (or if unavailable, probably go with the earliest).

I used this when my reg fragged a few weeks ago with no problems. If this doesn't help, come back and we'll try harder to trash your HD. :D

[Softwebdev]

Originally posted by skrill
How do I get into safe mode? I know that is a dumb question.

if you use winXP, press and HOLD F8 key before you see windows LOGO.........after that, choose SAFE MODE

JUST to play SAFE...............Install windows in a normal SPEED of CPU................after you do that..................you can oc your speed

and see if you encounter any problem.........if yes, lower the setting a little bit......and try it...........until you find STABLE

otherwise,.............you will have all sort of problem..........and you assume that it's OS problem.........while you can lower the setting of CPU overclocked............

good luck.............

[skrill]

Thanks for the help guys. I posted same question on Hard Forums and Anand -- and you guys were the only ones to really help me.

I really thing this forum has the best support network.

I will try to restore the registry settings first.

Then try, try safe mode.

I am using Windows ME BTW.

Any other ideas??

[Yodums]

Thats really about it..

[martyt]

One other thought is to do a system Restore if you had Restore working before the problem.

I can't remember exactly where Restore is in ME but I think it is in:

Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Restore

Boot in the Safe mode and see if you can Restore the whole system.

I had to do a Restore last night. I try a lot of Freeware and something I had done in the last couple days was slowing my whole system. I did the Restore to an 8PM Monday spot and then when that didn't work I did a Restore to the next earlier point and it worked great!

[skrill]

Thanks guys (esspecially you Godfodda):

The "scanreg/restore" worked perfectly. Everything appears to be back to normal and I am running happily at 1.83 ghz (12 X 152).

Thanks -- saved me a big headache.

Is there any long term ill effects I should be aware of? Of are all registry corruptions solved by this utility?

Thanks