Unwanted automatic log off in Windows XP SP2

[Guest]

Dear All,

I have been facing a strange problem with my latop Windowxs XP SP2. There
has been no problem with the SP2 installation itself which I did more than a
year ago. About two weeks ago I lent my laptop to a friend to type a Word
document that he saved on his memory stick but when I got back my laptop I
have not been able to log on normally. Each time I log on, the system
automatically logs me off without allowing me to access anything on the
system. The logging off happens within the second I am logged on.

I have tried the classic solutions, Las known Good Configuration, Safe Mode,
etc... without success. Can anybody help with suggestions that could include
editing of registry through Repair Options etc as I am an IT person?

Many thanks in advance

Niye

 

[Guest]

Sounds like it's time for another classic solution -- a repair installation.

1. If you have important data on that system that is not already backed up
to other locations then boot to Recovery Console on your Windows XP SP2 disc
or use a third party boot disc with data recovery utilities on it. Save the
data -- somewhere else than your hard drive, if you can. The methods are too
numerous and complicated for me to contemplate trying to give you a
step-by-step. You should be able to find one that will work for you. Or maybe
someone less lazy than I will come along.

2. After ignoring my advice above (Most people do.) boot from your Windows
XP SP2 disc. (Avoid using a pre-SP2 disc.) Choose to repair the Windows
installation. You may get a working installation of Windows out of it, though
it would probably be best not to rely upon it. After making sure your data is
safe (I mean it this time. It's too easy to back up your data from within
Windows to excuse yourself this time.) just reconfigure the system from the
bare metal up -- because it really sounds as though malware is a possibility
here.

3. Show your friend where to stick his memory stick. (It may or may not have
been the source of your problem, but you should have fun out of this anyway.)

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your useful suggestions. The recovery console to first save data
could be the best alternative here, (it didn't occur to me though!). And once
my data is secure I could just go the second option no problem.
Believe you had a merry Xmas and wish you a happy new year 2007!

 

[Guest]

I hope you're able to save all of your data. When you're under the gun it can
be easy to forget a couple of the special data locations.

BTW, has your friend with the memory stick been informed that s/he may be
carrying something ungood on that stick?

Thanks for the well-wishes. I hope your days start going a little smoother.