xp stalls on start-up

[catmando]

Any ideas please...I tried to edit my registry file to remedy a software fault, following advice found on a relevant blog. My desktop now stalls part-way through the start-up process. Safe mode start fails at exactly the same point - showing the Windows logo. I've no bootable cd. How can I get it going again without spending lots of ���s at a techshop and risking the data? I now know why they say 'don't tinker with the registry if you don't know what you're doing'! ps It's XP pro MCE

[VHG]

As you have discovered, the registry is the most important file in Windows. A corrupt registry can stop Windows starting.

I assume you have tried pressing F8 during start up (you say you have been in safe mode).

What you need to do is somehow go back to the "last known good version" which may be difficult if pressing F8 does not work.

If you can get a copy of a Windows XP CD you may be able to do a repair install (which install XP over the top of existing XP). But even that may not work if your registry is corrupt.

[BillySugger]

'don't tinker with the registry if you don't know what you're doing'!