My XP logs on... then immediately logs off... Help!

[bohsocks]

I think I have a semi-unique problem.

Someone on my computer recently downloaded some programs off
limewire. I know this type of stuff is sketchy, and sure enough, soon
after my task manager would not open. After banning that person from
ever using my computer again, I noticed that limewire would keep
opening on its own even when I closed it.

I found a problem like mine listed online. To solve it, they
downloaded an anti-virus program called AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/
freeweb.php/doc/2/). I downloaded it, and scanned my system.

It found just about everything as a virus/problem.... even stuff like
my web browser and windows system files. I finished the scan and it
said it fixed the 550+ problems. Awesome. I was in safe mode when I
did this, so I attempted to restart my computer in regular mode. When
I did, I found that my login screen was different. It was the one
with a picture and avatars you click on to put in your password...
except I used StyleXP to change the picture it shows. It was the
regular User/Password box thing.

I go to login and it plays the startup music... then it plays the
shutdown music and goes back to the login screen. So what I'm
thinking that AVG deleted something after the scan that StyleXP
modified... so now my computer won't load correctly.

The plot thickens....

I put in the recovery CD in hopes of repairing my installation. After
it loads up, I press R and pick my installation... It asks me for a
password... odd. None of my usual passwords work... the only thing
that works is pressing enter... which just gives me a DOS prompt.

Will I be able to fix my situation or must I format? If I have to
format... at least I can use the DOS prompt to back up some of my most
important files... I just hope I can fix it and do this the easier way
and then just re-format at my leisure....

Please help!

 

[Holz]

I think I have a semi-unique problem.

Try the following
log on while holding the shift button until the complete logon prcess is
completed.try running
msconfig and remove entries from the start related to things you are not
aware of.
Boot into safe mode and see what's in startup. try running
msconfig and remove entries from the start related to things you are not
aware of.
Limewire is safe as the user, and if allof that does not work, why not try
Linux?
no spyware, no viruses, no reboots, no crap. pure working machine.

 

[bohsocks]

I have tried Linux.... and don't like it for three reasons....

1) Not enough software support... and a Windows Emulator is an
imperfect alternative
2) When you have a problem... less availability of help/answers
3) When you do find an answer... you need one tailored to your
particular distro

So anyway... I found more info on this problem... maybe it wasn't as
unique as I thought... My problem now lies in how to NAVIGATE THE
RECOVERY CD

I am missing a file called userinit.exe.... I need to find it on the
CD and copy it to my C:\Windows/System32 directory and then I should
be able to get into Windows and fix whatever else I need to while in
there... hopefully...

It's a start anyway.

 

[Holz]

I have tried Linux.... and don't like it for three reasons....

1) Not enough software support... and a Windows Emulator is an
imperfect alternative

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Feisty for help, do not use wine, f
anything use crossover.Anything u can do in XPI can do in Linux, anything.

2) When you have a problem... less availability of help/answers 3) When
you do find an answer... you need one tailored to your particular distro
Rarely.
So anyway... I found more info on this problem... maybe it wasn't as
unique as I thought... My problem now lies in how to NAVIGATE THE
RECOVERY CD

I am missing a file called userinit.exe.... I need to find it on the CD
and copy it to my C:\Windows/System32 directory and then I should be
able to get into Windows and fix whatever else I need to while in
there... hopefully...

Sounds like what you need to do is in place repair, since you have system
file corruption. Boot off the CD, skip the first repair option, select the
second time is is offered to you.

 

[bohsocks]

I have used Ubuntu and Knoppix. I liked Ubuntu better... but would
not feel comfortable using it primarily. I have to admit I used
wine...

Maybe I would give Ubuntu another shot... if I get this problem fixed
I might be back on Google asking how to set up a dual-boot so I can
use Ubuntu, too.

Anyway back to the problem.... I'm in the C:\ prompt (well, E) and am
trying to find my way through to the Windows files on it... if
possible. Sigh.

 

[Holz]

Anyway back to the problem.... I'm in the C:\ prompt (well, E) and am
trying to find my way through to the Windows files on it... if
possible. Sigh.

The missing userinit.exe is only a part of the problem. Do in -place
repair.

 

[Guest]

I've had this problem before.. the issue was that all the security groups
were gone off the machine. I friend of mine wrote a scritpt to readd those
in there, sorry but i dont have them.

 

[Plato]

I think I have a semi-unique problem.

Not really. Many people still have not caught on to the fact that file
sharing sites often have very bad results.

Someone on my computer recently downloaded some programs off
limewire. I know this type of stuff is sketchy, and sure enough, soon

Live and learn. Put in a system password to protect your pc.

 

[bohsocks]

Well the person could use my computer.... but not anymore.

I have XP and Ubuntu loaded on my computer now. Happiness.