Registry size after backup & import + Thanks to all

[SteelersFANinMA]

I was having a problem with Norton LiveUpdate, which I've had before and fixed, but nothing was working. I ended up trying to uninstall all Norton porducts and couldn't do it from Add/Remove programs. I ended up using the Norton Removal Tool which worked. For whatever reason, reinstallation continually failed from the CD, which is in excellent condition. I then found some uninstall info. on the net which led me to find more Norton/Symantec items in various places on my computer. I got rid of it all, but still couldn't reinstall from the CD.

Before messing with the registry entries I backed it up. The .reg file equalled 46.7 mb. After deleting the Norton/Symantec keys, i backed it up again, equalling 46.2 mb. It got smaller, which makes sense. I then tried messing with some services and gave the CD installation one more try, which was unsuccessful. So, I went through the uninstall process again with the Norton Tool and manual deletions, (in case that sounds silly, the failed install left a few things behind.) I then decided to import the 46.2 mb .reg backup. Out of curiosity, I decided to back up the registry again and see what size it was after the import. Well, it was 47.2 mb. It got larger!

I was wondering if anyone could briefly explain this? I didn't add anything, so I was thinking that if I imported a 46.2 mb backup, that the registry would be 46.2 mb and not larger. Sort of like deleting a 4 mb file from a 10 mb folder and then replacing it. The folder should return to 10 mb. I realize that backing up the registry isn't deleting it, but I thought that importing or restoring, as it pertains to the registry would do the same. Maybe importing and restoring are not the same in this case.

PS: I realize that I could've gotten to the point much quicker, but I wanted tell the whole story so that I may thank all the members here who have led me to a new Anti-Virus solution. After 6 years with Norton, it came down to Kasperky and NOD32. I chose NOD32 due to my old laptop's specs. What a difference!

I don't have anything bad to say about Norton's protection since i've been running safely all these years. However, it is a major resource hog and the recurring LiveUpdate issues and the most recent uninstall/install problem has left me no choice. THANKS AGAIN!

[MadDoctor]

Where do we send the bill for services provided? You have PayPal? How about a sister or pet?

[YARDofSTUF]

run a registery cleaner like regscrubXP and then a registry defragger:

http://www.registry-clean.net/free-registry-defrag.htm

[mnosteele52]

It could be due to registry fragmentation, something I install for all of my clients that runs at every boot is PageDefrag, it keeps things running better.

[Norm]

There are many misconceptions about registry backup, and restore. I suggest you read the following link at least 3 times.

Don't skim it, read it in full 3 times. Your question will be answered if you do this.

Link to info

[SteelersFANinMA]

Thanks for all the replies.

Norm, I'll take a look at the link, thanks.

mnosteele52, I use PageDefrag, but my pagefile is set to a static size and isn't fragmented. Plus, I defrag more than I need to.

YOS, I will give registry-defrag a try. After reading about it, it sounds like that may be the answer to my question. I already use ccleaner's registry cleaner as well as regscrubxp. Also, while Norton was working, their One Button Checkup, (OBC) had a registry cleaner which would find some things that the other two didn't.

MadDoctor, you're a funny guy. I have a kitty, but she's all mine. There are a few Wild Turkeys in the area that you could have a go at if you like.


I did figure out what the Norton problem was. I apparently disabled The DCOM Server Process Launcher service. I enabled it and everything is working now. I don't plan on going back to NAV, but the SystemWorks disc does have GHOST, so I will use that.

Thanks again!