Can not run Regedit

[Derek]

If I am trying to run regedit then I am getting the below error message:

16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem
C:\windows\system 32\regedit.co
The NTVDM cpu has encountered a illegal instruction.CS:0577ip:9c3fop:o 0400 1004. Choose close to close the programm.

I have already did a repair installation of Windows XP but that isnt working. Please help me.

[Jerry]

Can you try to search the system32 folder for the regedit.com and delete it. The proper file should be actually regedit.exe but when you run regedit, it grabs the first one it finds, that is, the .com version.

[Derek]

Thanks for the reply, but I am not able to find the system32 folder.

[Jerry]

Try to click on Start and then Run and then type this %sytemroot%\system32 and click ok.

[Derek]

Alright, I have got the system32 folder but cannot see regedit.exe or regedit.com. Please help.

[Anywhere]

It seems that you got a virus in your system. When you open System Configuration Utility like msconfig, registry editor or task manager, then they flash for a second and quit, which looks like a symptom, that is caused by viruses. If you have an antivirus then update it immediately and then run a full system scan.

[Actionguy]

You can even try to click on Start and then Run and then Rype cmd and click ok. After that from the prompt try to run the below command:

del /y C:\Windows\system32\regedit.com

[Zachary]

You can try to perform a clean boot for Windows XP and see if that helps, follow the below articles:

How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434

You can even use HijackThis log that generally gives you an idea if any malware is present in your pc. Just search for this program on the web and download it and install it. AFter that launch it and then it will create a log of your system, paste it over here.