Scott,
There is a freeware program called "RegScrub" that I use all the time with absolutely no problems. I run it in the fully automatic mode and it has bailed me out on more than one occaision. It automatically backs up every change to the registry and if something does go wrong you can restore to any previous values.
It is not as aggressive as most reistry cleaners, which are very dangerous unless you really know what you are doing. http://home.carolina.rr.com/lexunfreeware

Good luck,
Walt

Scott. Regarding Norton Ghost. I recently updated one of our PC's New Motherboard. New CPU. New RAM. New HD. When I Ghosted my previously Image back. Win XP and all programs booted as if I had not charged a thing. XP just searched new hardware found.

Before I Ghost an Image back I remember to save 2 things, Email Address Book & Favourites. I normally Ghost an Image back every 2 to 3 months just to get rid of junk and to get a fresh start again. You will find the PC runs a lot faster.

Graham UK

Scott,

I GHOSTED everything including the applications/programs. But I usually leave out the personal/user files and let the backup program do that job for me.

If my system crashed for whatever reason, all I have to do is REFORMAT my hard disk - that's right REFORMAT then use GHOST to restore all the OS and programs that I saved previously - no need to reload programs, drivers, etc. After that, I use the backup software to restore my personal files. I usually put all my personal files in ONE directory like MyDocuments so it's easy to backup.

This strategy has worked for me since my job requires me to use Win98 and as you know that system is prone to problems and from time to time I have to reload the software.

Also, GHOST can be run from a floppy disk. You can create this disk from the program. So in the event that you have to reload your OS and programs, then just bootup your PC from floppy using your WINDOWS startup diskette. Switch to the GHOST floppy, run it and reload everything. Then in a few minutes, your system is back to normal.

There is a reason why GHOST is so popular among savvy computer users. I think there are other companies that might provide this free UTILITY program but I'm not sure. Just check at CNET website.