Yep, there's nothing better than Reinstall...
I agree and specially when it comes to dealing with the Registry.
Often there is a option for the user in make a "Repair" of the Windows folder and it makes nearly as much good job as a "clean" install for the registry files. It wont touch My Document nor the Program folder.
For those that don't know how to use "image clones" this can be a good first try.
Certainly, there's nothing better than make a completely clean install of the OS and for being on the safe side before starting.
Wipe the whole disk out by using a "Live CD" which overwrite everything and even the boot-sector on the drive if reinstall on the whole disk there's only need for one partition. Otherwise erase only that partition that should be used.
Then it's safe beginning with reinstall an saved image or make a completely new clean install.
