Computer Crisis!!

Question

Help!!  My system crashed this morning (have no idea why),...the web page I was on was not responding, couldn't get the computer to respond...so I turned it off assuming it would reboot as always.  BIG MISTAKE.  When I restarted the computer I got this error message, 'Windows cannot load the locally stored profile.  Possible causes of this error include insufficient security rights or a corrupt local profile.'  Then, I got this error message, 'Windows cannot find the local profile.'  It logged me on temporarily and I have lost everything!  All of my pictures, documents, files...everything!  I tried restoring the computer back to Wednesday, January 26th, hoping to recover my information...no success.  Have I lost everything???!!!  I've tried contacting DELL technical support and can't get through, I've email...I'm just impatient.  Any advise?  I'm pulling my hair out here...

ceri sheeran · Answer

Hi,

Write down the exact error messages.

What computer series and model and what operating system. Without this basic information nobody will be able to help you.

Have you carried out full virus and spyware scans with up to date signature files

Carry out virus scans using installed software with fully up to date signature files or on line

http://www.sarc.com

or

http://uk.trendmicro-europe.com/consumer/products/housecall_launch.php

Then download and install Spyware removal software.

Ad-Aware, Spywareblaster, Spybot & CWshredder.

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/10/17/10-17-150.shtml

Run each, update all of them and then run again, removing everything found.

Also install and run A Squared free or the pay version

http://www.emsisoft.com/en/

Can you start in Safe Mode

hth

Ceri

blessedwsamanth · Answer

Dimension 2400, Processor - Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.66 GHz, Processor Speed 2.60 GHz, Memory (RAM)256 MB, Operating System - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Operating System - Version 5.1.2600

**Exact error messages were listed in the first thread.

**I have McAfee Antivirus and AntiHacker software on and running. Haven't done a scan since this happened, but I'll run one now.

**How do you start in safe mode? Computer doesn't give me that option when I turn it on, just says the error message listed above.

ceri sheeran · Answer

Hi, To get to Safe Mode, press F8 about once a second after the Dell splash screen. When you get the boot menu screen shoose Safe Mode. Post back once you have done virus and spyware scans. Ceri

blessedwsamanth · Answer

Okay...update...spyware and virus scans are complete...no viruses, nothing vital found through spyware.  Tried logging on in safe mode and then trying to change the account settings under the Administrator...no luck.  I did run a search and my files have not been deleted from the computer - the pictures, documents, are still in there...I just can't access them unless I run a search, they aren't listed as usual.  (I have no idea all the names of all my pictures/documents!).  I noticed more to the system error when I restarted the system...(overlooked it the first time).  It says 'the system has attempted to load or restore a file in the registry but that file is not in a registry file format.'  What the heck is going on?  Still stuck on a temporary profile page.  Any help is appreciated!

simpswr · Answer

My advice . . for what it is worth . . back up your important files before doing much more troubleshooting . . just in case. wrs

blessedwsamanth · Answer

Thought I'd share what I learned in case anyone else experiences this. DELL technical support emailed me (thanks Dell!) with the following message:

Please refer to the link below that explains, "Error Message: "Windows Cannot Load the Locally Stored Profile."

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;812339

I followed the instructions, created a new administrative account, resolving that issue.

Then...after searching my system I found that my computer had moved all of my files to the C:drive under Documents and Settings and under my old administrative name. Yeah!! Crisis averted. Thanks to everyone for your advice and support! Blessings!

Storage, Drives & Media

Computer Crisis!!

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