Registry corrupted?

[Brad]

I recently upgraded my new HP cpmputer to Vista Business. Shortly after, I
started my copmputer, and instead of having all my startup programs load, I
had multiple error messages. When I clicked on any program, I got an
association error message. I discovered that the only way to start any
program, including built in Windows programs, was to right click the icon,
select "open with", then browse the directory and find that program's exe
file and select it, and even that doesn't always work. After I do so, if I
try to start any other program the usual way, it will instead start up the
last program I opened using the exe file. Vista otherwise boots up fine. I
contacted HP, and after hemming and hawing, they gave me their stock answer,
that I would have to do a complete harddrive erase and reinstall everything
from their disks. I obviously don't want to do that. I have far too much
stuff installed, and I can't get any back up or system restore programs to
work no matter what I do. If anyone has any suggestions, I would really
appreciate the help. I can be reached at (e-mail address removed)

 

[Peter Foldes]

Not knowing those error messages that you have received I have to agree here with HP (most of the time I do not). Back up and\or save what you want to keep and do a clean install after a reformat