Yes - has overlapped with your post.
But fine, if it works now. I always have a prepared backup copy of SH4 in packed format on the hard drive, so I can clear the game in about 2-3 min and restore it instantly.
But there are also great tools - RR Corruption Management System (SH4CMS) for example...
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=229395