Windows XP Home automatically logging users off

[Guest]

I am working to solve a number of issues on a Windows XP system. I get to
the sign in screen, select a user and attempt to log in. Windows XP advises
that it is loading settings, then automatically shifts to logging the user
off. I am not able to access the system. This happens in normal, and all
safe modes. The machine has not be virus protected and has had a user
downloading files from the internet. Any help you can provide in recovering
the system would be great.

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

Treat the User accounts as corrupt as specified in the following Knowledge
Base Article:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q318011

Once complete, install an antivirus application, make sure it is up to date
with the latest definitions and scan the system.

Also, check for any malware, download, install and run Ad Aware:
www.lavasoftusa.com

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol.

Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/communities/mvp.aspx
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

 

[Guest]

Michael,

Thanks for the information, but I am unable to access any account at the
sign in screen. Is there any way to bypass this?

Cheers Hurley

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

You need to use the hidden machine administrator account to accomplish the
task of creating new user accounts and moving their files.

If you have XP Pro, just hit ctrl-alt-delete at the welcome screen, an
account named administrator should be in the dialogue box or in the dropdown
list. You likely didn't create a password for this account, so leave the
password blank and press enter. Then, just proceed as mentioned in the
Article I posted and the following article as well:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151

If you have XP Home Edition, boot the system, start tapping F8 and keep
doing so until the menu appears, at the menu select Safe Mode and press
enter. Then follow the same procedure as above, select the administrator
account, leave the password blank and press enter, then, proceed as above.

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol.

Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/communities/mvp.aspx
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/