Windows stuck at login screen

Hi.

For several weeks I have been trying to solve a problem on a family members desktop computer.

The scenario is as follows:

User clicks on their profile and their custom background appears. From here, the taskbar and desktop icons do not appear automatically and the user must open task manager and manually launch the process 'explorer.exe' to force the desktop to appear correctly.

The problem occurs with all the profiles on the computer and there is nothing in the event log to suggest that there is a problem.

Could someone help me out?

Check the Shell value for Winlogon in your registry. Under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
should show:

Shell REG_SZ explorer.exe

Or download this tool: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/XP_FixLogon.zip
This utility checks for the correct GINA value in the Registry and will allow you to restore it, if its incorrect.


By the way, this is usually a sign of Virus\Malware infection
You are therefore advised to go here, and complete all steps:
Viruses/Spyware/Malware Preliminary Removal Instructions

The registry value was ok.

I have gone through all 8 steps of the malware link you gave me. here are my results (attached) as instructed...

is there anyone that can help me out with my reply?

I'd try a Windows repair at this point. Do you have your Windows installation CD?

-- Andy

my computer was purchased from Dell so I will need to have a look if they sent me a Windows XP disk with it...

As your logs are now a week old

You may be best providing a new HJT log

Before supplying the log, please do these things:

Run CCleaner (to remove old temp files)
Reset IE, using this proceedure
Remove any known, not required startups, using this tool

Restart, then create a new log

I used to work for Dell and they stopped shipping CDs more than 2+ years ago. You have to pay for them separately now. If you can get your hands on a Windows installation CD for the version you have, then you can do the Windows repair. Either get one from a friend or from an independent computer store.

Best,
-- Andy

I have Windows XP Home Edition.

So as long as I can find a Home Edition CD it will allow me to do the repair?

Will I still keep my legitimate Windows key?

Check the Windows sticker on your computer. If it's for the same version as the CD, you're home free!!

-- Andy

And I won't lose any of my files?

No! Windows repair does not touch your personal files, program or settings. It only check the Windows system files and associated settings.

Pop the installation CD in the CD drive. Boot to it. On the first screen, press <enter> for an installation. It's the next choice where it asks if you want to install a clean copy or repair. That's when you select 'r'.

Repost if you have questions.

-- Andy

Transform as you are being told to Repair Windows
I must state that you should back up first!

Yes there is always the chance that you can lose data

Although Windows repair does not specfically touch your person files, yes, Kimsland is correct, it can fail and result in the installation being corrupted. In my experience, that happens because your file system is corrupted to being with. That doesn't appear to be your case. Nonetheless, if you want to be prudent, back up your files first.

That will be difficult considering I have nothing to backup to

Don't sweat it then. In my expereince the only Windows repair backfires and corrupts the installation is simply because the file system was corrupt to begin with. This isn't your case. Your files are safe.

You can proceed with the Windows repair.

-- Andy

just did the repair but its still the same problem

Option #1

• Already stated in post#7 above (not done)

Option #2

• Click on Start -> Run -> control userpasswords2
• Tick "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer"
• Click to highlight your username
• Click "Apply"
• Un-Tick "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer"
• Click "Apply"
• Type in your current password (or leave blank if you don't have one)
• Click OK
• Restart your computer

Option #3

• Please backup your Kaspersky licence information and key
• Then fully uninstall Ad-Aware
• Then fully uninstall Kaspersky
• Once complete restart your computer

Reply with results

Good news, bad news.

Good news is that if the Windows repair completed and you can boot to the Desktop, your Windows system is probably fine.

Bad news is, your still having problems and it's something outside your Windows system.


I don't think in all of this I ever asked or you ever mentioned this but can you boot to Safe Mode? If so, do you still have the same problems?

I might suggest if you haven't tried this but create a new user account (call it "Sparky" for fun!) See if "Sparky" has the sames problems.

-- Andy

And is a Windows logon issue

One of the options above, will likely fix it
I'm betting on Option#3 But yet to hear your reply Transform