dmdrendall

Perhaps I'm an outlier, but I can vouch for the "unruly...with random patches over the years" part. I'm an extreme newbie, and feel like a spec among towering power users after perusing this thread, so I'm respectfully requesting some patience. I installed SP 2.1a, and my Registry Checker seems to be stuck in a loop. I've done some research on the error message I'm getting...paraphrased: "System files contain errors.....Restart." Although the Registry Checker indicates it has successfully found a good copy of the registry, which I exported to the desktop a few days before installing 2.1a, 98SE continues to go into the Registry Checker upon booting. At this point, I'm at the Library (as this is the only access I have to the internet) with some solutions in hand (i.e. scanreg/fix and scanreg/opt from the command prompt(to flip an errant flag), and/or uninstall 2.1a) Is there an obvious fix I'm missing? I thought backing up my registry was the same as backing up my system files, but fear it is not, as I am not even sure how I would go about backing up my system files. I've copied instructions for a clean install, but I'm very intimidated by the thought, although I'm aware this was the solution for many years for the 98 OS. However, my OS came installed on my PC, and I have no CD-ROM for 98SE. I value my files very much, otherwise I would use the "Quick Restore" CD-ROM's provided. Is there any way to clean up this mess I've made, and still reap the (undeserved) rewards of 2.1a? I'm not sure how many or which SP's I've installled although I'm certain I've seen at least two in the Add/Remove Programs list. I've read hp38guser's "Windows Update v4 Windows 98SE Prerequistes" but I'm not sure if it applies to my situ, or where to start if it did, since I can only use Safe Mode now. Gratuitious offers of suggestion or direction would be greatly appreciated. I'm on the brink of panic, but will continue to scale the learning curve.