Continuous Locking console after username and password is entered

[Guest]

I have a server 2000 that starts up fine and runs but when I try to unlock the console by entering CTR+ALT+DEL and entering the username and password it accepts it and shows the desktop for a second and then locks the console again. If I try to enter a different username and password it does the exact same thing. Does anyone know how to fix this problem without reloading windows

Thanks!

 

[Steven L Umbach]

Try booting into safe mode to see if it still does it. If it does not then you have a
problem with a startup program/service/driver that you can use msconfig to
troubleshoot. Usually if it is for one user, it may be a corrupt profile. Otherwise
you may have a problem with boot partition drive letter being changed corruption,
infection, or otherwise inadequate permissions to the user profile and/or operating
system files in the \winnt folder structure. If possible try to view Event Viewer
remotely from another computer to see if it gives a clue as to what the problem is
which may require the use of the Recovery Console to implement repairs. Another thing
to try is to use PsExec from SysInternals and try to use secedit on the locked out
computer to reset security settings to default defined levels as described in the
second link and if that does not help try running sfc /scannow on it remotely first
putting the install cdrom in the cd drive keeping in mind that you will not be able
to tell when it is done, but give it at least ten minutes and the disk light activity
should drop dramatically when done. If none of that helps, a fast repair installation
would be worth a try with an in place upgrade installation being the final option
which would require a reinstall of service pack first and then critical updates. ---
Steve

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q249321 -- Boot partition
letter has changed.
http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/psexec.shtml
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;313222
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;238359 -- boot from cd and
select first repair
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q306952 -- boot from cd and
select repair AFTER Users Agreement

I have a server 2000 that starts up fine and runs but when I try to unlock the

console by entering CTR+ALT+DEL and entering the username and password it accepts it
and shows the desktop for a second and then locks the console again. If I try to
enter a different username and password it does the exact same thing. Does anyone
know how to fix this problem without reloading windows?