Windows 7: Incorrect Registry Files

Question

Issue Summary

I messed up a couple values in my Windows Registry, I know which ones, I am having a hard time changing them back.

Issue

I was trying to change the default location for program installations. I found out I could do this in Regedit under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion and I started to change every value in there which start with D: instead of C:

This led to an error popping up when I try to launch programs (like Regedit) that states:

"Windows cannot find 'C:\Windows\regedit.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again."

You can replace C:\Windows\regedit.exe with pretty much everything I try to run on the computer right now.

Attempted Solutions

1. I attempted to dive into the C: drive and run regedit from my Windows folder. No dice there
2. I attempted to run cmd (success) and run the REG command from there (no success), since it asked for the admin password (there is none).
3. I attempted to run the REG command and put in a blank admin password, error-ed out, saying admin password cannot be blank (approximately)
4. I attempted to run a new cmd from cmd as an account with admin privileges, and it says I did not have privileges

Question

Does anyone know a way I can fix this short of re-installing? (I do not have a disc, purchased the computer from a friend of a friend) I am not sure where the registry binary file/files are located, but I would like to dive through them since I can check my working computer to see what the code should looks like for the files I changed.

Answer 1

On the small chance that it works: run RegEdit on the PC which does work, and choose menu option "File > Connect Network Registry". Then pick your broken PC. With a bit of luck, remote registry access is still working.