Windows 7 corrupt registry

Question

I have been unable to boot with Windows.  I have a Pavilion dv6-1245dx computer running Windows 7 as an upgrade to Windows VISTA.  When it goes into the startup repair it either says it cannot find the problem or cannot repair the computer automatically.  I cannot restore to an earlier point because no matter how far back I go, it says the registry at the restore point is corrupt.  The problem details I get from Setup Repair are as follows:
Problem Event Name:          StartupRepairOffline
Problem Signature 01:         6.1.7600.16385
Problem Signature 02:         6.1.7600.16385
Problem Signature 03:         unknown
Problem Signature 05:         AutoFailover
Problem Signature 06:         10
Problem Signature 07:         CorruptRegistry
OS Version:                             6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1
Locale ID:                                1033
I can't do the c prompt copy of the registry files from regback because when it hits the SYSTEM file, there is an I/O error.  I need to know whether I can fix this problem with the software or should I just scrap it and go get the data off the hard drive.  I don't want to pay $60-100 to get software support if I can't fix it.  I ran a memory and hard drive test and both were ok.  Thanks for your help.
Colleen

Answer 1

OK.
I think we can work around that, Colleen.
You said your notebook came with Vista.
Make your own Vista disk, install Vista and then pop in your W7 disk and upgrade from the desktop.
If you can no longer read your Vista key due to wear and tear, I think you can skip the part where you enter it at the beginning and Vista will still install and give you 30 days to activate.
But since you are going to upgrade to W7, I believe you can just go ahead and upgrade then and there via the desktop.
Here's how...
If you're up to a slight but rewarding challenge you can make your own if you can read your 25 character Vista product key on the PC.
Just download the 3 files you need at the link below, and read all of the instructions to create a bootable DVD installation disk using imageburn.
Disregard the part of the text under the first screen shot about "extract the files to the Vista folder."
The files were already extracted to that folder when you ran the X14.exe file by reading the text on top of the first screen shot.
The other thing I noticed is on the 4th screen shot, where it shows Developer ID Microsoft Corporation. I had to type Microsoft Corporation in myself, and then the other codes automatically populated.
When I went to compile the ISO file, ImageBurn gave a message that about a WIM file and ISO, and if I wanted to burn it in a different format.
I selected No, make the ISO file.
It was not that hard to do. I burned both the 64 bit disk and the 32 bit disk in case I ever need them.
I tested both of them an my hp dc7100 CMT desktop PC, they worked perfectly.
When you enter the product key, it knows what version of Vista you have.
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/3317.2-3-microsoft-windows-v....
After you successfully install Vista, you can then install the drivers from your PC's support and driver page.
Paul