Well I did it.

I had so corrupted the registry on my main machine that I had even lost access to the console.
I was just about to go old school and try to find the installation DVD's etc.

Then I remembered that I had been using WHS, why not try that? How much more trouble could I get into?

I install programs on my C drive and keep data on the D drive, so that lessened the pain.

I inserted the PC restore disk and went back to July 1st.

It took just 2 hours and 45 minutes to restore about 250 gigs of data.

All I had to do then is go through all of the updates that had been made available. About 25 from MS alone.

Altogether a satisfying experience and one I will do sooner if/when I mess up again