Win98: Cannot edit Registry

Start --> Run --> Msconfig --> selective startup --> and uncheck anything you do not need (except systray and explore).

Regedit is probably running out of resources.

You have a virus that is stopping regedit.

First: If you don't have a GOOD antivirus program, download AVG free deition from the link below, it is WAY, WAY, WAY better than Norton or McAffee and best of all, FREE!!!
http://www.grisoft.com

To edit the registry,
COPY regedit.exe to a new name such as, regcopy.exe
run regcopy.exe instead of regedit you should now be able to edit the registry and clean the problem files.
Don't forget to rescan your system to ensure all infected files are removed. Oh yeah, and rename the new file back to regedit when your done.
Good luck

Ozmedia is correct in assuming a virus is the culprit. Many virus's protect themselves via the registry by disabling regedit, msconfig, and other normal methods of removal, including disabling any installed anti-virus.
I am responsible for over 1,000 computers at work, and have found the following to be the best for my end-users.
1) Usually the easiest method to remove a virus is to perform a free online virus scan from norton, mcafee, housecall, etc. ( For links, check out http://www.linkbutler.com/pcprotect.com ).
These places also provide free virus removal tools. Note: Your virus may not allow certain active x online scan controls to work, if not - try another, as each is different. If you currently have an anti-virus program installed, it has been compromised, and will need to be uninstalled, then reinstalled (and updated online). ALWAYS keep your anti-virus programs updated weekly to prevent another infection.

2) If not running Windows XP, and if you have not had the virus long, try using scanreg /restore or scanregw /restore to restore a previous uninfected registry backup. You may need to boot from an uninfected dos boot-up disk to do this, as the virus may have scanreg.exe / scanregw.exe disabled in Windows, also. I usually edit scanreg.ini to allow 30 backup sets, instead of the default 5. This allows me to go back a month, if the user is lax about contacting me immediately.
3) Recommended method is backup and restore the hard drive, as some virus' destroy necessary files, meaning Windows, or other programs may not function correctly now.

After removing the virus, follow standard anti-infection procedures, such as not allowing preview pane in outlook express and other mail programs (most common culprit), keeping anti-virus program's DAT files current, being careful who gets on your pc, what is installed, etc.

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