HELP!! Cannot System Restore as 'can't fins user account'

I'm having a very similar problem.   After getting a virus that pc-cillin didn't catch and won't clean (even after updating), i've decided to restore to factory install...

So, I restart, press F8, select 'repair' option and it takes me to a login screen for "Other User" and asks for username and password of an administrator account.   However, putting anything in the username errors out with 'unable to connect to directory'... leaving it blank gives me a 'please enter usersname password'.  A catch 22.

My question is this:  what account is it looking for, and what Directory is it unable to connect to?  This is a standalone PC and not part of a network that would require a directory for authentication.

I'd reinstall from a disk, but can't find originals...

BTW: using Vista with the service pack.

If there's a Repair option on the F8 menu, try that one instead of the Restore option.

Ron

Yes this was exactly the same problem I was having - I also got - RCS server too busy and was unable to do administrative tasks when logged onto the internet such as uninstall a program or change firewall settings etc.....I still don't know what the solution is. I havent done a system restore - did you manage to do one in the end?

?????

can you by any chance get into the system logs

as you only did a repair

any thing that keeps a log like your anti virus program still has all the bad things you just fixed in them

and if it stop you the first time it will keep stopping you

its the same thing if you get it up and running and can not get windows updates

just pointing

i found that out first hand

your only fixing windows not all the programs

@ROHE

  => we are using the 'repair' option on the F8 menu...the Restore option on F8 is only 'restore to last known good boot'   since the problem is virus, not booting, the restore points are not helpful.

@NO2498

 ==> we don't have any system logs on the repair, as we don't get to repair options.  It is asking us to log in as administrators BEFORE giving us any options to repair / restore / anything.   And it's during this login that we get the 'directory not available' message, which prevents us from logging in, and therefore, prevents us from doing anything.

Also, I'm not trying to repair windows, I'm trying to put the system back to the software it had when it shipped...yes, i loose all my data/settings/apps, but it's the only way to clear the virus.

So I'm still stuck with a machine I don't want to connect to internet due to uncleanable virus, and i can't really use it offline. 

I'm hoping someone has some experience with this 'directory' issue and can help us restore our system... or at least point me to someplace I can order the CD version of my system setup so I can install fresh from some disks.

Thanks in advance

Mmunro - Read this.

Ron

Mmunro - Read this. Ron

If you can't find the Vista DVD and live in the US, you can request replacement disks, once, by completeing this form. Dell may charge for the disks.

Ron