how can i get around 'access denied' when trying to remove references to previously uninstalled programs from my registry? i am logged in as administrator and even started windows in safe mode. neither has allowed me to delete those registry entries even though they refer to programs that have been uninstalled. i have tried both 'regedit' and resistrar. the entries it wont let me delete are the ones registrar calls 'devicedesc' which i assume means device description. how can i remove these referances to programs that are no longer installed when it keeps saying 'access denined'? Never try to teach a hog to sing. It frustrates you and aggravates the hog.

1.By clicking Doug's Windows Tweaks&Tips you may go to the website. 2.From the left Colum click On Security. 3. From the next page locate the link for Disable/Enable Registry Editing Tools on the Right column of hyperlinks 5th from the top. 4. Download and Run following these instructions: Usage: Download regtools.vbs Save the file to the folder of your choice. Double click the VBS file. The VB Script file will check for the appropriate value and if not found will create it. If the value was found, it will be toggled to its opposite state and you will be informed that you need to log off/back on or restart your computer. One note. This change is made in HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System. Disabling the tools takes effect immediately. Enabling requires a restart. This script can be viewed in Notepad or any text editor, as to the specific Registry key and value that are updated. Your antivirus software may report this script as potentially malicious, or a possible virus. This is because the script writes to the System Registry. M

this was not helpful, though maybe i am just stupid. ??? Never try to teach a hog to sing. It frustrates you and aggravates the hog.

Please copy and post the keys name in Regedit you have problem editing. We can test in our Pc's for reproducing your error. Open Regedit, drill down to the key or value you were trying to delete that caused the "Access denied" error. Click Edit>Copy Key Name and paste it here in your post. M

Hi Dragon, I think it has something to do with permissions. Look here: http://www.techzonez.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-14034.html. I didn't read through it all, but it sounded like your issue. You may want to try removing them in safe mode: restart computer and start hitting f8 key, select safe mode from menu by using up/down arrow keys... --j