On the Registry issue DO NOT GO There.
Expert country

Instead run something like ToniArts Easycleaner or CCleaner ( www.ccleaner.com ) On the Registry cleaner to Get rid of any tail ends

On the troublesome computer uninstall the drivers for the Voyager Modem click on the "Arrows" and choose uninstall have the "New" driver ready to install Pull out the Blue lead when it says so NOT Before

Before you stat the reinstall Look underneath the Modem and I want to Know which modem you are running? The older Installation used the Voyager 100 and the Final 2 years or so Used the 105 model and if you are using the driver on the disk It barely connects up Have to download the Version on the AOL website

Check to see if these numbers tally

When reinstalling like uninstalling wait for the Message to plug in the Blue USB cable OK Get 2 steady green Lights and "The arrows" will be a steady Green NOT "Training" flashing Yellow

As regard your Files I think you'd like to Investigate something like Google desktop search or Yahoos desktop search product? This will gather information of where many files are located and make a "personalised search" page
Windows XP search can find things But you have to keep running it to access the files

PS If you Have Images to find look no further than Google Picasa It does that and a lot more Besides .For the total Beginner Its easy to work

If still no Joy Try Rebuild AOL Adaptor On the " One Click fixes list" Takes a second to complete