Windows 7 Recovering a corrupt registry

Dealing with a corrupt registry in Windows 7 can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to try and resolve the issue. Since you're able to access your files by booting into another partition with Windows 7 installed, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can follow to fix the corrupt registry on your original installation: 1. Attempt System Restore: - Since you mentioned that you can't system restore because the drive is not "system protected," you can try booting into the advanced boot options and selecting "Last Known Good Configuration" to see if it restores the registry to a state where your system was working correctly. 2. Repair Windows Installation: - If the auto repair feature is not working, you can try to repair the Windows installation by performing a Startup Repair. To do this: - Boot from your Windows installation disc or USB. - Select "Repair your computer" instead of installing Windows. - Follow the prompts to perform a Startup Repair. 3. BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) Troubleshooting: - If you're encountering a BSOD and can't get past the Windows logo screen, you can try booting into Safe Mode. This allows you to boot with minimal drivers and components, which might help in diagnosing the issue. To access Safe Mode: - Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears. - Choose "Safe Mode" from the Advanced Boot Options menu. 4. Registry Repair: - If you can access the registry from your other Windows 7 installation, you can try exporting a working branch of the registry and importing it into the corrupt installation. Be cautious when editing the registry as incorrect changes can further damage your system. 5. Sound Card Driver Issue: - To address the sound card driver problem on your new installation, try downloading and installing the correct drivers from the manufacturer's website. Ensure you have the right drivers for your specific sound card model and Windows version. 6. Data Backup: - Before attempting any repair operations on your original Windows 7 installation, it's crucial to back up all your important files and data to prevent any potential data loss. By following these steps, you might be able to resolve the registry corruption issue on your main Windows 7 installation and address the sound card driver problem on your new installation. If needed, feel free to provide more details or ask for further assistance.