Blank message box on boot

Hello,

I am receiving a Blank Message box with an OK button on the bottom of the screen when the Windows 2000 system is rebooted. When you hit OK, everything loads normal and the system runs fine. The issue started occurring when someone backed up the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software registry branch reviewed it in notepad, and then re-merged it. I assume that there is a pointer or counter out of place. Anyone ever hear of this. Any input would be appreciated. Reinstalling the OS is not an option. Hoping to fix this through registry edits.

Thanks in advance.

first of all just because someone has edited the registry, i wouldn't just assume that is the cause. Assumptions are the mother of all screw-ups.

for all you know u might have a infection on the system.

I haven't come across this problem before myself.

does the log files say anything?

does it occur in safe mode?