Unable to open user accounts after reinstallation of Windows XP

[James on the Hill]

After problems with the config.sys file, attempts at using recovery console I
reinstalled Windows XP Home Edition SP2 from the original disc.

Certain files could not be found on the disc and I selected the option to
continue with the install without these files.

The windows screen opens with the two user accounts I have. On selecting
these, the message "installing personal settings" appears but immediately is
replaced by "saving personal settings" then "logging off".

I have tried to log on as administrator in safe mode, but the same thing
happens.

Any ideas gratefully received!

 

[Rich Barry]

Did you format and do a clean install or a repair Install? If you
updated to SP3 that may have caused the message Certain files could not be
found. That's a guess though , from my
previous experience with SP2.

 

[neil]

Is this a retail copy of XP or OEM that came with the PC or recovery disk
that came with the PC. Did you carry out a repair install or was it a
recovery to manufacturers default.

If you had the message "not all files could be found" that might suggest
there is something wrong with the disk or the PC. If it's the PC it could be
the CD drive, cables or memory.

I think until you have carried out a "reinstall" without error messages you
could have various errors that stop the PC from logging in.
Neil

 

[Bruce Chambers]

After problems with the config.sys file, attempts at using recovery console I
reinstalled Windows XP Home Edition SP2 from the original disc.

Erm.... WinXP doesn't use Config.sys, so what kind of problems did you
actually have?

Certain files could not be found on the disc and I selected the option to
continue with the install without these files.

That was unwise. Now you've added to your problems.

The windows screen opens with the two user accounts I have. On selecting
these, the message "installing personal settings" appears but immediately is
replaced by "saving personal settings" then "logging off".

I have tried to log on as administrator in safe mode, but the same thing
happens.

Any ideas gratefully received!

Back up any important data, fix the hard drive problems that caused the
problems copying files during the installation (Most often caused by
defective, incompatible, or sub-standard hardware; in order of
likelihood, either RAM, the hard drive, or the motherboard. On very
rare occasions the CD drive or installation CD is the problem), format
the hard drive and perform a clean installation of the OS.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[James on the Hill]

Rich,

Thanks for your advice. I did a repair install not a clean install. Can
you update to SP3 simply by accepting the updates from Microsoft? It may be
that if I had done this, that is why some of the files were not on my
original disc.

 

[James on the Hill]

Neil,

Thanks for you assistance. It is OEM provided by Dell, who made the
computer. I did a repair install.

The initial fault which led me to do this was after a power failure, on
booting it said that a file in system32/config was missing or corrupted.

 

[James on the Hill]

Bruce,
Thanks for your time.

The initial problem occurred following a power failure. On booting the
computer returned a message that a file in system32/config was missing or
corrupt.

How can I back up the data - I understand that using copy in the Recovery
Console cannot be used for copying to removeable media.

Many thanks,

 

[Rich Barry]

James, using your Dell CD try doing a Repair ( not Repair Install ) and
get into the Recovery Console. From there you can do a check disk For more
info on the Recovery Console
check below. At the command prompt type: chkdsk C: /p /r Note:
It could be a different letter than C: depending where WinXP is located.
You can also try removing and
reseating the Ram. If you have more than one Ram module try one at a
time. I have washed my XP CD with dishwashing soap and that has helped at
times. If you have room on
your hard drive do a parallel Install. Parallel Installs use a new
Windows Folder to install to. A repair Install uses the old Windows Folder.

 

[Rich Barry]

Forgot the link. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058

 

[neil]

Yes you can although it may not be the best way to carry out the update. I
still think you need to re-install and complete without error messages.
Neil