new computer but not new enough

Hello, I have a new notebook running xp and am having a problem with a database software called Nova from day one inc. this software runs good enough to get by on all my other pcs. it helps me fill out standard appraisal forms by automating some of the fields within them and doing some of the math. on the new computer it is giving an error message when I try to recall saved work. I have tried the un/reinstall routine a couple of times with no luck. I would like to remove it from the registry and try a fresh install but I dont know exactly what to look for in regedit. how do I find out what it put in the registry when I installed it? another quick question in case that doesnt work. If I want to just start the whole computer over again will a restore cd do a decent job? I have heard that a restore cd that comes with the computer is not nearly as good as having a real copy of windows. Any advice here would be appreciated as I am not having any luck with tech support.