NT 4 problem creating registry key

I use a backup utility named Handy Backup ver 3.9, and have installed it successfully on many Windows 9x systems. Registration of the software requires submission of machine information and the serial number of the software to the writers.
A .reg file is sent back with the unlock information to be imported into the registry.

I have never had any problem whatsoever until I tried to unlock a copy of the software on a NT 4.0 SP6 server.

The .reg file attempts to create a registry key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnkh and to populate it with the appropriate information. This is exactly what has occurred on all other installations.

However, in the NT case, a key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnffile\pnkh is created. This key contains the correct information, but is obviously not in the correct location.

I deleted the incorrect key and restarted the system. I then used REGEDIT to attempt to manually create HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnkh.

All seemed OK. I exited and restarted REGEDIT. The key has been placed at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnffile\pnkh as before.

I have administrator priveleges on the NT Server.

Does anyone have any ideas please?

 

Most odd and as you describe what you did, I don't have a clue why it happened.

But how about leaving the incorrect key there (should be harmless) and adding another with the correct information.

 

Thank Newt

I said:
"I deleted the incorrect key and restarted the system. I then used REGEDIT to attempt to manually create HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnkh.

All seemed OK. I exited and restarted REGEDIT. The key has been placed at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnffile\pnkh as before. "

but I neglected to say:
I left the key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnffile\pnkh there and thinking that I was clever, attempted to create a new key at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnkh. Regedit told me that it could not be created because the key already exists.

Might go back on site and rename, or export and remove the pnffile key and try again - after backing up the registry again of course.

GeoffG

 

Have you looked in the reg file? Does it appear to be making the changes to your registry based on the file contents?

If so and if you already tried the sneak thing (great minds and all that ) then it does sound like the company made a goof of some sort.

With a 2K box I'd sorta suspect the system file protection feature but NT4 didn't have that so all that's left is the reg file or the app doing something strange that the company will need to deal with.

 

I have not been able to get back to try anything devilish yet.

I have looked at the .reg file and all seems OK.
Apart from the data, the file is the same as all those that I have applied to 9x boxes when unlocking the same software, i.e. it should create the key at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnkh.

In fact, I ran the .reg file on a 9x machine and the key was placed exactly at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pnkh, so I do not suspect the file at all at this time.

I will go see on Monday.

Cheers,
GeoffG

 

Hi Newt
Well, the problem is solved.
As you so wisely suggested, I had the software supplier re-issue the .reg registration file - and it all happened!
Had a look at the two files but cannot see any obvious differences although it seems that there must be.

Since it works, I do not need to know.

Thanks for your assistance.
GeoffG

 

Glad it's working.