Windows XP cannot delete bad registry file

[Ace Sterling]

I have got a problem - my optical drives no longer show up in My Computer. This is a known problem with XP sp2 and Roxio Easy CD Creator. I have uninstalled Roxio ECC. Microsoft support fix is to delete a registry key. I get an error while deleting message even when logged on as administrator with full authority. Now what? Re install Roxio? I need to use my CD and DVD drives.

[doctorgonzo]

What error are you getting when you try to delete the registry key?

[Ace Sterling]

The error I get is: "cannot delete error while deleting key"

[Ace Sterling]

Will someone please get back to me on this? I have come to the end of what I can think of to try.

[doctorgonzo]

See this: http://www.laplink.com/support/kb/article.asp?id=1055

[Ace Sterling]

I have already done that, but thanks. didnt work for me...sigh

[Ace Sterling]

In other words even though "everyone" has "full control" the line or subfolder cannot be deleted. I get the same error as above.

[Mesaeus]

This might or might not work, but have you tried renaming the key ? (just add a 2 or something). If you can rename it, it should become a harmless junk entry.

[Ace Sterling]

Ok I found the problem - Microsofts file on this is not detailed enogh. Its not deleting that line, its critical that you delete the upper and lower filters associated it with in the window on right. I at least got the DVD drive working. Here is the whole help file on it from Roxio:
OS:
Windows 2000
Windows XP

Issue

CD or DVD drives are not accessible after installing or uninstalling PhotoSuite 5.
Device Manager may report a Code 31 error with your CD or DVD drives.

Cause
Incorrect configuration of Upper and Lower filters.

Resolution

Section 1
1. Open My Computer.
2. Double click the C drive.
3. Double click Program Files.
4. Double click Common Files.
5. Double click Roxio Shared.
6. Double click Upgrade.
7. Double click Roxassist.exe.
8. Restart the computer.
If this did not resolve the problem, proceed to Section 2.
Section 2
WARNING: THE NEXT STEPS INVOLVE EDITING YOUR SYSTEM REGISTRY.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU EXPORT YOUR REGISTRY (STEP 3)
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY EDITING (STEP 4). EDITING YOUR REGISTRY
INCORRECTLY CAN CAUSE IRREPARABLE SYSTEM DAMAGE. WE
RECOMMEND THAT IF YOU DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE EDITING YOUR
REGISTRY THAT YOU SKIP THE FOLLOWING STEPS.
1.Log on with Administrative Privileges
2.Open the Registry Editor:
- Click on "Start" then select "Run"
- Type "regedit" and click "OK"
3.BACKUP YOUR REGISTRY BY:
a) Highlight "My Computer" by clicking on it once.
b) At the top of the page you should see "File"(Win XP) or "Registry" (Win 2000),
click on this and then select "Export Registry File"
c) The following screen will allow you to select where you would like to save this
backup and what file name you would like to save it as.
d) Please note at the bottom of the screen where it says export range "All"; this should
be selected to ensure your entire registry is backed up completely.
e) Give the File a name and click on the "SAVE" button (this will bring you back to
the registry editor)
4.Remove the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values by:
a) Expand the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" key (looks like a folder) by double
clicking it (or clicking the "+" next to it.)
b) Expand the "SYSTEM" Key
c) Expand the "CurrentControlSet" Key
d) Expand the "Control" Key
e) Expand the "Class" Key
f) Please look for a key containing the following string of letter and numbers:
{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.
g) High light this key by left clicking once on it
h) On the right hand side you are looking for "UpperFilters" and "LowerFilters", once
you find these please delete them - high light them (clicking on them once) and then
delete them by "Right" clicking on them and choosing "delete" (or pressing "Delete" on
your keyboard.)
g) Note: It will be easier to use the Registry editor in the future if you collapse the
keys that you expanded by Double clicking the expanded key (or clicking the "-" next
to them.)
5.Close the Registry Editor, click on "File"(Win XP) or "Registry" (Win 2000) and
then click on "Exit"
6.Restart your computer. Your CD/DVD Drives should be back and functioning.


LAST UPDATED: BACK TO TOP

[Ace Sterling]

Actually my error was Code 19 and I didnt have PhotoSuite 5 that I know of.
But still I did get my DVD drive back by deleting those filters. Hope this helps someone else. I guess I should have checked Roxio's website first but it seems pointless to actually expect an answer from software companies. Mea culpa! Thank you Mesaeus! I might to need to go there if I cant get the CD back.