Solved Programs not opening after CCleaner Registry Clean

Hi there
Have a HP G7000 Notebook PCN running Windows Vista Home Premium. 32xbit Operating System, Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU T2370 @1.73GHz. Have had my laptop now for four years, with minimal problems.
Ran CClean on 12 June 2012 (version 319). Opened a small ms dos screen, and asked me to enter new path/values (can't recall exactly). I closed the screen, for not knowing what else to do... Also asked if I would like to make back-up, I clicked "no" (duhh!! Learned a valuable lesson). So apologies to the geeks for my total ignorance, oi!
Since then no programs open except Avast free antivirus, (and folders containing my docs etc)
When I try to see 'system restore point' it just keeps 'searching'. Also tried 'last good configuration', but think I waited too long and only discovered this means after trying to find a solution.
This is honestly my own ignorance, and I have no idea how to sort this out, for there is probably some essential 'path' now mis-directing iteself, I think. Now control panel doesn't even open anymore!!
My computer skills are not helping me solve a problem of this nature, I'm afraid, I usually just use programs, and have no idea of the internal workings.
Would be grateful for assistance...
Thank you
Delia

CCleaner is one of the most trusted cleaners on the market. That being said, I do not let it clean any registry items. I do not tick any of those items. If you have a restore point your problem can be remedied by using system restore from a few days before the problem.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html
You may be able to use system restore in safe mode.
If none of that work, do you have stuff that you would like to save? If so back them up, just in case.
Do you have a Vista install DVD?
We are not reinstalling, yet, but may try a repair install.

Hello Richard
Thank you so much for your reply.
In the meantime I have backed up everything I could on my laptop, took some time and lots of re-booting though.
Opened her up in Safe Mode, I tried twice to do a system restore, but its switched off, and there is no option I can tick to switch it back on (or off for that matter). And like I said, in normal mode it just keeps 'searching'.
I have recovery disks I made at the time I bought her, and Vista was installed with purchase.
What to do now?
Blessings
Delia

Delia
If your stuff is backed up and you understand that this procedure will return your computer to the way it was the day you bought it (no updates, settings or installed software), boot the computer and while booting frequently and quickly hit f11
Recover Windows Vista Operating System Using HP Recovery HP Pavilion Notebook PCs - HP Customer Care (United States - English)
If that does not work, insert the recovery discs, you should get the same result. Boot from the Discs. You will go back to the day you bought the computer.

Hello Richard
Thank you so much for your reply.
In the meantime I have backed up everything I could on my laptop, took some time and lots of re-booting though.
Opened her up in Safe Mode, I tried twice to do a system restore, but its switched off, and there is no option I can tick to switch it back on (or off for that matter). And like I said, in normal mode it just keeps 'searching'.
I have recovery disks I made at the time I bought her, and Vista was installed with purchase.
What to do now?
Blessings
Delia

Read this entire article, be sure that you understand it. Then follow the instructions step by step
How to Use an HP System Recovery Disc | Tech Tips - Salon.com

Hello Richard
Re-booted, hit f11 and followed the steps. But couldn't follow through as the same problem with 'no system restore' settings and don't get an option to change it.
When I insert my recovery disks, it does not read them.
There is a 'D' drive marked "recovery", and has about 8gigs and 2gigs free. Tried to open it but couldn't.
Blessings
Delia

You may want to try to change the boot priority.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/205005-boot-priority-change.html
Since you have recovery cd's, that is your best option.

Hello Richard
I so appreciate your replies and your help.
Thank you very much!
I have restored my computer at last.
Have a beautiful day
Delia

You are welcome. Glad that you were able to solve your problem.