It’s true that registry cleaners for Windows (any version) are bad and do more damage to the OS than really cleaning the registry?

I am using Windows XP and all of a sudden, when I clicked on the shortcut to MSN Messenger one day (after starting the computer), it didn’t respond. It seems to be "working somehow" (light indicator showing something is happening and the computer is buzzing) but the Messenger window never shows up. I have uninstalled it several times, rebooted, installed again, but to no avail. I have also removed the shortcuts and created new ones. Nothing seems to work. The process is running though – msnmsgr.exe. I don’t know why the computer started behaving this way. I have an antivirus, don’t go to any suspicious sites, etc. Also, quite recently, my Firefox stopped remembering and suggesting form entried used in the past although it is set to do so. Is it possible that my Windows XP need reinstalling or so? I have had the computer for 2 years. I have a RegistryCleaner that I use from time to time (and have used it now again with no improvement) that always finds lots of errors, etc. and fixes them. (Although I suspect it is quite possible that the registry cleaner may have caused some mess too.) If you have any suggestions, I would be grateful. Thanks a lot in advance.
Adding some details:

Thanks, I have done so and all went fine. Except for the fact that it has not solved my problem, unfortunately. I have tried installing it, uninstalling it, cleaning the registry, etc. and all in vain. I have really no idea why it is doing what it is doing. All of a sudden. Any other idea? Thanks a lot in advance.

Does this also help remove or disable malware? How does cleaning the registry relate to malware issues?

I use AML’s Free Registry cleaner. One day after cleaning the registry keys up, I could no longer connect to the internet. After restoring the back up I made, I could connect again. What are some keys that are responsible for internet connections so I can put them on an ignore list?

My friends computer has become infected with spyware or a virus. He is running Windows XP on a Compaq. Theres a little dialog box popping up constantly that says theres a virus on the computer. When you click on the box it redirects you to a spyware remover page. Obviously its an attempt to sell this product. How can I remove this and stop all these pop ups? I was thinking about manually cleaning the registry. How would I go about that? And what about those programs in the Add/Remove programs in control panel that just wont go away? I need to get this junk off his computer. What do I do? Without spending money that is.