Mikee wrote:
>I use Windows XP SP3. I think I accidentally changed a registry. I do not 
>understand this but I have a feeling it isn't a good thing. >>


You can't change the registry inadvertently, to do so you have to open 
regedit and you wouldn't do that by accident. At worst, you may simply have 
altered some settings which are then stored in the registry, but this is 
usually no big deal, even if you got it a bit wrong.

First restart the computer. This alone often fixes minor glitches.

Can't help you with OE corruptions. OE is the worst email program ever 
invented. Whilst problems like these are quite common, they are usually 
very difficult to fix---hopefully someone familiar with OE will help you there.

Loss of Internet Explorer history is no big deal, CCleaner I think empties 
these out by default so that would be quite normal.
CCleaner is far too aggressive in my opinion, and needs to be using with 
great caution, if at all. It rarely makes any real difference to 
performance and is hardly worth the risk that you may remove something useful.

While on this point, Browser histories are a prime target for any trojans 
which may be lurking in your system. These will report details of all 
websites you've visited and searches you've made. When this info is sent 
out to their masters, you then become a prime target for spam emails 
targeting those interests. Some people like to empty their browser 
histories every time the browser closes, for extra security. Depends how 
paranoic you want to be, and how good your antispyware protection is. (I 
personally like to keep the browser history, as I find it useful. I prefer 
to rely on good internal security to keep the nasties out).

As Tom says, try a different restore point.  If none work, that can be a 
sign that you may have some trojan infection. Trojans protect themselves by 
preventing Restore from working.  Run a full system scan with a good 
anti-spyware program such as Malwarebytes or Superantispyware (both free). 
If these won't install or update, that's another sign that your computer is 
infected.  Also update and run a scan
with whatever anitvirus program you have.

Winpatrol gives you pretty good protection against inadvertent and 
unauthorised registry entries, so you were probably right to deny that.

I wouldn't lose any sleep over losing Windows Mediaplayer. It's very basic, 
looks pretty but is woefully short on functions. There are plenty of free 
alternatives you can which are far superior. eg VLC Player, Gom Player, 
Kantaris. Just Google for them.

Don Penlington

             Do you want to signoff PCSOFT or just change to
                    Digest mode - visit our web site:
                   http://freepctech.com/pcsoft.shtml