startup problem

[Guest]

I've just recently had this problem with one of my computers. When i start up
the computer everything's normal that i can see until it gets to the welcome
screen where there would normally be the icons for different profiles. For
some reason none of these profiles show up, making it impossible to log into
windows. I've never had this problem before...please help!! (tried rebooting
in safe-mode, didn't work)

 

[Guest]

Mine said logging on ,then it went right into logging off. Finally I just
reinstalled windows from my recovery disc..I didnt have to reformat.

 

[Taurarian Constellation]

This can occur if you manage to delete all local user accounts or, in some cases, if
you upgrade your computer from an earlier version of Windows.

If you're using Windows XP Professional, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete two times to display
the Log On To Windows dialog box.
Type Administrator in the User Name box, and enter the password you created for the
Administrator account during setup.
Logged on as Administrator, you can run User Accounts and create one or more new
accounts, which will thereafter show up on the Welcome screen.

Windows XP Home Edition users can't log on using the Administrator account, which is
prevented by account restrictions from logging on.
Instead, you must start Windows XP in Safe Mode by pressing F8 at the beginning of
the startup process. After you're up and running in Safe Mode, you can run User
Accounts to create one or more new accounts.

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308421
HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP

NOTE: You must be logged on to the computer using an account that has administrative
privileges. If you are running Windows XP Home Edition, in order to have access to
the Security tab, you must first start in Safe Mode and log on with an account that
has Administrative rights.