Registry Erased

Help, I downloaded a registry cleaner only instead it wiped out my whole registry. I think it was a rogue. Anyhow when I start up my Windows 7 I can log in to my desktop but nothing works. All the shortcuts look like blank file icons, as well with all the shortcuts in the taskbar. Even when I click on Control Panel, or my computer I get this message, "File is not recognized would you like windows to remove this" something like that. I tried using recovery windows by pressing F11, I tried the windows automatic repair twice, it didn't work, I went to use a system restore point, but I never had set one. Is there any way I can get my pc with all the files it had hopefully on it? I have the windows installation disc, which I burned that I downloaded off of the MicroSoft RiverDigital website. Can I possibly use? Please help anyone. Also, I went to the official microsoft website but I can't access their support because you need the 20 digit authentication #, and the only way you can get that is if through control panel. But I can't because of my situation, but I have my Order#,Custom#, and product key. What are my options should I take it to a PC shop to get it fixed.

Thanks, for the response. The program was called Clean My Computer something like that. How would that work moving the files? I've never used Linux before but I'm confident I could use it. I have an external hard drive as well so would I be able to backup my files there? And regarding Linux what would it do exactly, will it allow me to access my hard drive, or will I install it like an operating systeM? Also my PC has two 300GB internal hard drives. On one I had my windows OS installed on it, the other was just used for storing, is it safe to assume my second hard drive will be left intact as it had no OS, or applications installed on it. Once again thanks a lot. Where do I download Linux?

You will find it easier to use this free app. to copy your data off FREE Rescue Kit Express | PARAGON Software Group - free partition ...

Boot the Paragon cd, select Normal Mode>File transfer Wizard.

Here is a good guide on how to do that with Linux: Computer First Aid Using Knoppix
But next time you should really put your data into a seperate data partition: Data Partition

Knoppix is the first "Live" Linux distro that comes to mind, and it can read NTFS partitions. Just download the iso and burn it to a CD. Attach your external drive and boot to the CD - you should be able to use the Knoppix file manager to transfer your files.

Does System Restore work when the registry has been hosed?

Product FRED said:

Also, the only registry cleaner you will really need and can trust is CCleaner's registry cleaner feature, which will create a backup before touching anything. It will also free up space on your hard drive by scanning for and deleting unused and unwanted data.

Even better is no registry cleaner at all.

Product FRED said:

Also, the only registry cleaner you will really need and can trust is CCleaner's registry cleaner feature, which will create a backup before touching anything.

EasyCleaner is another app that can be trusted and worked great under WinXp. Under Win7/Vista it needs to be configured to run as administrator to work properly.