XP logon does not recall user preferences

[Vaughn]

I had a failure two days ago where the computer froze,
and then after rebooting (cold reset) and working for a
few hours it simply blacked out (no apparent power
failure) and would not reboot.

The box remained powered down for a while and then I
restarted the computer and logged onto the normal
adinistrator role that I use and XP started, but with the
majority of desktop icons removed, the default wallpaper
and My Documents pointing to other than my data directory
(on a second partition).

Now whenever I log onto that (and all other accounts) I
seem to get these default first time logon settings.

Any ideas?

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Sounds like the installation was corrupted because of a hardware fault.
Freezes are usually the result of a hardware problem, you may need to bring
it to a shop for proper diagnosis.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

OK: That might be the cause of the freeze, but the random
behavior that exists now is very frustrating - what do I
do to get the old preferences and program settings back
(eg: Office XP appears to be loaded but never run - so
you get asked for Name and initials each time you start a
program).

Is there likely to be a file corrupted that is telling XP
that this session is the first time the program has been
run each time I log in?

vaughnR

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Vaughn,

The problem is that once some hardware is blown (possibly a blown capacitor,
or a burned-out line), the system is going to be flakey, exhibiting odd
behavior, not doing what you would expect, seemingly simple tasks not taking
hold even though everything appears right. Even repairing the installation
won't help until the fault is corrected, as some parts of the repair may or
may not take hold. You are going to need to fix the cause before you try to
repair the damage. I would advise that you backup files critical to you, as
recovery may mean a clean installation after the hardware fix.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org