Deleting XP registry entries?

[Theinkman]

I recently uninstalled a HP printer from my system running XP home. I used the HP uninstaller to do this. Now, when I try to install the new (HP) printer, the system recognizes the printer but I am unable to install the software. This is an all-in-one printer-fax, scanner, copier, printer. So I do need to install the software. When I try to load the software, the system just kind of hangs and does nothing. The only place where there is any reference to the old printer is in the registry, where there are a bunch of entries relating to it.
I'm thinking maybe one or more of these entries are corrupted, or incompatible with the new printer. I am not experienced in registry matters, but I think these entries may be causing my problems. Any ideas?

theinkman

[mrmister1]

You can delete them, just make sure you know what you're deleting and make a backup.

[Theinkman]

mrmister-I thought maybe it would be safe to delete these files, as they are no longer applicable to my system. If I back these up, say on a CD-RW or some other removable media, how do I reinstall them if that becomes necessary (not that I think it will)?

[mrmister1]

You can just make a backup copy of the Registry. Go into the Registry and click on File, Export and save it.

[Theinkman]

Is this acceptable (or necessary) whenever uninstalling software? I'm wondering if every uninstall leaves these entries in the registry which are basically just taking up space. I don't like messing with the registry because of the possible pitfalls, but I also don't like a messy system.

[glc]

Dig around the HP site. They have dedicated uninstallers for exactly this problem. Go to the support page for your model printer and start looking at the FAQ's, etc. No need to go registry diving.