"Data is invalid" error when trying to install any hardware in Windows

"I found something hopeful here. I'm copying it here:

Why do I get a ""data is invalid"" error when installing a driver in WindowsXP or 2000?
This error appears to be due to a protection problem in the Windows registry and can occur with a variety of drivers (sound cards and SCSI drivers have been reported). To fix this problem, go to Start, Run... and type ""regedt32"" without the quotes to run the Registry Editor. Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\ENUM\PCI
and you will see a number of keys of the form ""VEN_xxxx"", where xxxx are strings like ""1102&DEV_0004&SUBSYS_00011103&REV_04"". Under each of these folders will be another folder with a long numerical name. Open each folder and look for the ""DeviceDesc"" which matches the hardware you are trying to install. Right Click on the ""VEN_xxxx"" for that device and select 'Permissions' and then tick ""Allow"" for ""Full Control"". Close Regedit and then continue with the installation of your device.

Now, since I have never had this problem, I cannot verify that this works, but hopefully it helps.
If it doesn't work you may have to try a reformat and reinstall."