Well, this really isn't a VB question, but a Windows question. Obviously, something is missing from the registry that needs to be there. "Cleaning" the registry will not restore this missing information. I would try to reinstall VB. If this doesn't work, its a Windows thing and I'd recommend reinstalling Windows. Trying to troubleshoot it and find out exactly what it is will take much longer than reinstalling.

Take it easy,
Phil