Windows 95/98/Me: resetting the registry
Some viruses change the Windows 95/98/Me registry so that no executable files can be run. You can reset a registry altered in this way with RESETREG.BAT. This will enable you to follow the rest of the disinfection instructions for the virus concerned.
What to do
Download RESETREG.BAT
- Download RESETREG.BAT
- Save it to floppy disk
- Write-protect the floppy disk.
Restart the computer at the command prompt.
You must then restart the affected computer in a version of Safe mode that only has the command prompt. In Windows 95/98, restart in DOS mode. In Windows Me, use a startup disk.
Windows 95/98
- Go to Start|Shut Down.
- Select 'Restart the computer in DOS mode'.
Windows Me
- Go to Start|Settings|Control Panel.
- Click 'Add/Remove Programs'.
- Select the Startup Disk tab.
- Click the Create Disk button (if the virus stops you doing this, create an MS-DOS startup disk)
- Write-protect the startup disk
- Boot from this disk
- Select 'Minimal boot' in the Safe mode menu
- Remove the startup floppy disk from the drive.
Run RESETREG.BAT
At the DOS prompt
- place the RESETREG.BAT floppy disk in the floppy disk drive
- type
A:
RESETREG.BAT
RESETREG.BAT will reset the executable file entries in the registry to the default settings.
Disinfect the virus in Safe mode
Reboot the computer in Safe mode
Windows 95/98
- Switch the computer off, then switch it on again.
- As the computer boots up, press the F8 key to get to the Safe Mode menu
- Select 'Safe mode'.
Windows Me
- Place the startup disk in the floppy disk drive
- Boot from this disk
- Select 'Safe mode' in the Safe mode menu
- Remove the startup floppy disk from the drive.
Follow the disinfection instructions for the virus you are removing.
If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.
- Article ID: 10384
- Created: 8 Jan 2004
- Last updated: 5 Oct 2006
