read this first:
http://forums.speedguide.net/showthr...threadid=95824

I need to run the 'msoobe' command or somehow get into the registry from DOS... then I could probably fix this, but I don't see how to get in from DOS.... any ideas anyone?

I'm gonna try doing a repair on the windows xp installation, but not sure that will work.. I'm determined to not have to re-install windows and all my apps & tweaks.