cannot log into PC

Question

My son  clicked on some linkk in an IM message and now when you log into an account, it logs in but immediately logs out.  I tried booting in Safe Mode, but the Administrator userid has the same problem. Mcafee does display a message when shuttting down about a suspicous file, but I can't log in to run a scan to clean up.  Is there a way to boot up without the log in, so I can run virus scan ore removal software?

bamajim · Answer

pmeoli When you say 'you log into an account' does it prompt you for a password? And when 'it logs out' does it return you to a screen, such as the log on screen, or do you just get a blank screen? bamajim Training at Malware Removal University

bamajim · Answer

cdfeigley

Try this

Reboot your pc, when the logon screen comes up press Ctrl-Alt-Del keys together, you may have to do it twice. Another smaller window should come up (if not passwrod protected just hit O.K. see if you can get to Windows then.

Are you able to get into Safe Mode?

bamajim

Training at Malware Removal University

Cdfeigley · Answer

I am having the same problem on my daughter's computer. When I click on any of the accounts it starts loading settings but then says loggin off. It does not ask for a password or anything. I've not been able to do anything to get into Windows.

Cdfeigley · Answer

That didn't work and I can't get in Safe mode. Everything comes up to the account screen and that is as far as I ever get.

pmeoli · Answer

I have the same behavior as the other replies. I can enter the password, and the logging message appears, but it immediately then displays the logging out message and returns me to the account list. For the account that don't have a password, I get the same logging in and logging out messages.    I can reboot in Safe Mode using the F8 key on restart. However, I get the same logging in and out messages even using the Adminstrator user id.  As for the XP Home CD, I do have it. My only concern is that when I used this CD on reboot it started reloading the OS.  I didn't complete the installation because I don't want to lose the data I have on the PC.  If I continue with the OS installation, will I lose everything?

bamajim · Answer

Cdfeigley Do you have your Operating System Disk that came with the PC? bamajim Training at Malware Removal University

Cdfeigley · Answer

No operating disk. Safe Mode does not work. I tried every option after using F8 during startup. All go to the account screen and then I get the starting then logging off every time. Is there a way to bypass the account screen so that it will just start up on it's own?

bamajim · Answer

Follow the directions at the link below

http://www.theeldergeek.com/repairing_windows_xp.htm

Scroll down to the section begining with Windows Recovery

If you have any problems please reply

Thanks bamajim

Training at Malware Removal University

pmeoli · Answer

Using OS disk and repair selection, I can log in as adminstrator in Command Line mode.  Can I run virus scan or some other type of clean up from this point?

bamajim · Answer

pmeoli

I'm not sure I understand your question?

I'm assuming that you are in repair consol at the C:\ prompt correct? If so you cannot run av from the C:\.

Having your OS disc, it is more benefical to repair windows one step beyond where you are.

Load from the OS disc-->when it asks you to type R for recovery consol or enter to proceed.

Select enter, then You will be prompted to log into were the operating sytem is located "1"

When the OS disk finds the resident operating system, you will then be prompted to install or repair previous installation, select repair.

This will not delete what you have on your pc, it will only repair the OS. If any files are deleted they would have been corrupt anyway.

Once completed it will Start Windows. Please reply when you get that far, and we will start removing infections

bamajim

Training at Malware Removal University

pmeoli · Answer

I did these steps,  and chose '1' for C:/Windows.  It asked for me adminstrator password and said it was starting Windows. However,  it brings me to a C:/Windows prompt not the normal Windows screen.    I am on Windows Home edition. Is there something else I can try with the OS disk.

bamajim · Answer

pmeoli

Hmmm. that shouldn't happen,

Lets try a work around or 2.

First

Log on with an account that is a member of the administrators group

At the command prompt, type ,(at the C:\ prompt)

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Press Enter

This should start the "Welcome to System Restore" screen. If you get there follow the prompts, pick a date a few days prior to your problem starting.

Let me know?

bamajim

Training at Malware Removal University

pmeoli · Answer

It says command not recognized. It looks like only DOS commands are the only ones available.

bamajim · Answer

pmeoli At the C:\ type in CHKDSK /F (there is a space between chkdsk and /) Reply with a report of what it finds and repairs bamajim Training at Malware Removal University

pmeoli · Answer

The only options are /P or /R.  Do you want it to fix bad sector automatically?

Virus & Spyware

cannot log into PC

Was this post helpful?