would replacing registry files through the recovery console "wipe" a pc?

[Chazell29]

hey, so this computer would blue screen when booting up and trying to load the gui...came with a registry error, so through the recovery console we replaced some of the registry files to get it back into the window...it worked, but when we gave it back, the person said that the computer had been wiped, or reformatted...would replacing the registery in recovery console cause this?

[shadowpr]

Wiped? As in all there personal stuff and programs were deleted?

I don't think that could happen from just replacing the registry.

[Chazell29]

Wiped? As in all there personal stuff and programs were deleted?

I don't think that could happen from just replacing the registry.

Yeah, all programs, all documents, stuff like that.

[Chazell29]

no body else know?

[Cricket]

No, replacing Registry keys will not "wipe" a hard drive...it can't. If the keys are really messed up you just won't be able to boot into Windows. If just a few keys are missing and they're for certain programs then those programs may not work properly, but you won't end up with a "wiped" hard drive just from working in the Registry.

If possible, get the computer back from the owner and put his HDD onto a bench machine and see if the files are still there or not.

:) Cricket

[Chazell29]

Yeah we got it back I have to look a bit more