Windows XP Loops on start up

  • Thread starter Thread starter Barry
  • Start date Start date
B

Barry

Dear all
When I start the pc, it goes to the desktop, but only shows the
background picture, then it goes back to a welcome screen and invites me
to log in.
I click on the icon and it say loading, then it says shutting down, and
goes back to the login screen with the icon.

It does the same if I try safe mode.
So I cannot login at all.
Help please.
Barry
 
Barry,

Sounds like one of two things,

1) a corrupt profile, press Ctrl + Alt + Del twice at the login screen and
use the username "administrator" to login, you will then have to create a
new user within control panel and login with this account.

OR

2) a virus or corrupt entry for userinit.exe the file which activates logon,
this isnt easy to repair however. I would try a system restore from within
safe mode if possible..

(To Access safe mode keep pressing F8 as the PC is booting up and then
navigate to "Safe mode" and hit enter)
 
Barry said:
Dear all
When I start the pc, it goes to the desktop, but only shows the background
picture, then it goes back to a welcome screen and invites me to log in.
I click on the icon and it say loading, then it says shutting down, and
goes back to the login screen with the icon.

It does the same if I try safe mode.
So I cannot login at all.
Help please.
Barry
Click to expand...

As Kris suggests, this is probably caused by a problem with userinit.exe.
This file is required both for the Normal Mode and the Safe Mode login and
it is therefore unlikely that you can launch System Restore from within Safe
Mode. Here are a couple of options:
a) If the machine is networked and if it is a WinXP Professional machine
then you can probably fix it from a networked PC. Post again if you would
like to try this option.
b) Use a manual System Restore process:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545.
 
Dear Kris
I tried option a, the windows login window opened, I typed in
Administrator and I get the following message:

"Unable to log you on because of an account restriction."


Again, I tried both in normal mode and safe mode.

I can unplugged the HDD and plug it into a USB Adapter on my other PC
and can read the drive this way. IS there anyway via this system, that I
can over-write the corrupted file?

Thanks
Barry
 
Pegasus said:
As Kris suggests, this is probably caused by a problem with userinit.exe.
This file is required both for the Normal Mode and the Safe Mode login and
it is therefore unlikely that you can launch System Restore from within Safe
Mode. Here are a couple of options:
a) If the machine is networked and if it is a WinXP Professional machine
then you can probably fix it from a networked PC. Post again if you would
like to try this option.
b) Use a manual System Restore process:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545.
Click to expand...
I tried option a, the windows login window opened, I typed in
Administrator and I get the following message:

"Unable to log you on because of an account restriction."

Again, I tried both in normal mode and safe mode.

I can unplugged the HDD and plug it into a USB Adapter on my other PC
and can read the drive this way. IS there anyway via this system, that I
can over-write the corrupted file?

I have a network, but both pc's are running Windows xp home, and as I
cannot log in to the other pc at all, not sure what to do.
Thanks
Barry
 
Barry said:
I tried option a, the windows login window opened, I typed in
Administrator and I get the following message:

"Unable to log you on because of an account restriction."

Again, I tried both in normal mode and safe mode.

I can unplugged the HDD and plug it into a USB Adapter on my other PC and
can read the drive this way. IS there anyway via this system, that I can
over-write the corrupted file?

I have a network, but both pc's are running Windows xp home, and as I
cannot log in to the other pc at all, not sure what to do.
Thanks
Barry
Click to expand...

Ok, accessing the disk in a USB case will help. Here is what you can do.
Note: If you get a "Permission denied" message then you have to seize
ownership of the current folder. If unsure how to do this, click Start /
Help and look for help on "Ownership".
1. Log on as Administrator. You need to do this in Safe Mode on a WinXP Home
machine.
2. Create a folder X:\RegistryBackup. Instead of X:, use the correct drive
letter for your USB disk.
3. Copy X:\Windows\System32\config\System to X:\RegistryBackup.
4. Convince yourself that the file X:\RegistryBackup\System really exists.
5. Navigate to a folder similar to this one:
X:\System Volume
Information\_restore{14157744-4FA2-4CAF-BAFB-72CC49941087}
The folder will be hidden, hence you have to do it like so:
Click Start / Run / cmd {OK}
Type these commands:
cd "\System Volume Information}{Enter}
cd _{Tab}{Enter}
6. Type this command: dir /od{Enter}
7. Pick the most recent folder name, e.g. RP48
8. Type these commands:
cd RP48{Enter}
cd snapshot {Enter}
dir {Enter}
9. Pick the file with the word "System" in it.
10. Type this command:
copy /b _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM
x:\windows\system32\config\system{Enter}

You have now replaced the suspect registry file with its most recent backup.
Put the disk back into its usual place and boot into Windows. It things get
worse, reverse Step 3 above.

By the way - what did you do or change that brought this problem about?
 
boot looping is not
an uncommon problem.

simply boot up with
a winxp cd and log
into the repair console.

then at the disk prompt
run the following commands>:

chkdsk /p
fixboot
fixmbr

say yes to the
above when prompted

then exit, remove cd
and enjoy.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @hotmail.com
"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Barry

Have you tried Last Known Good Configuration?

A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/en-us

What are your anti-virus and anti-spyware arrangements?

What is your computer make and model?

--


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Barry said:
Dear all
When I start the pc, it goes to the desktop, but only shows the
background picture, then it goes back to a welcome screen and invites me
to log in.
I click on the icon and it say loading, then it says shutting down, and
goes back to the login screen with the icon.

It does the same if I try safe mode.
So I cannot login at all.
Help please.
Barry
Click to expand...


Hi Barry,
Did you scanned this Hard drive when you slaved it to the second one?
You can try this CDlive to scan and perform the system restore and many
other tasks at hand with CDlive for DR web.
Dr.Web LiveCD
http://www.freedrweb.com/livecd
You cannot log on to Windows XP after you remove Wsaupdater.exe
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892893

====Copy the code below and save it on your desktop ===
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"Userinit"="C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\userinit.exe,"
=== end of code =====

Simply run Regedit select the HKLM key and from the "file" menu you should
see an option to load hive.
Browse to the desired hive which located in For (Regedit32.exe)
"D:\windows\system32\config" which D for your Slave Hard drive letter been
asigned or something similar alphabiticaly in this order.
Try to load the prevoius Registry into it and take out the salve drive to
it's case and try to boot up, does it help?

Fixing disabled userinit.exe entry
http://forum.sysinternals.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7672

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from
starting
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/en-us
HTH,
nass
 
Barry

Troll Buster is the Real Truth MS-MVP (aka PC Butts) peddling his dubious
solutions. He is an imposter, who delights in leading others up his garden
path. Be warned.

--


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Gerry said:
Barry

Troll Buster is the Real Truth MS-MVP (aka PC Butts) peddling his dubious
solutions. He is an imposter, who delights in leading others up his garden
path. Be warned.
Click to expand...
Hi Gerry
Many thanks, all notes, will leave that post well alone!

barry
Penarth, South Wales, UK
 
Pegasus said:
Ok, accessing the disk in a USB case will help. Here is what you can do.
Note: If you get a "Permission denied" message then you have to seize
ownership of the current folder. If unsure how to do this, click Start /
Help and look for help on "Ownership".
1. Log on as Administrator. You need to do this in Safe Mode on a WinXP Home
machine.
2. Create a folder X:\RegistryBackup. Instead of X:, use the correct drive
letter for your USB disk.
3. Copy X:\Windows\System32\config\System to X:\RegistryBackup.
4. Convince yourself that the file X:\RegistryBackup\System really exists.
5. Navigate to a folder similar to this one:
X:\System Volume
Information\_restore{14157744-4FA2-4CAF-BAFB-72CC49941087}
The folder will be hidden, hence you have to do it like so:
Click Start / Run / cmd {OK}
Type these commands:
cd "\System Volume Information}{Enter}
cd _{Tab}{Enter}
6. Type this command: dir /od{Enter}
7. Pick the most recent folder name, e.g. RP48
8. Type these commands:
cd RP48{Enter}
cd snapshot {Enter}
dir {Enter}
9. Pick the file with the word "System" in it.
10. Type this command:
copy /b _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM
x:\windows\system32\config\system{Enter}

You have now replaced the suspect registry file with its most recent backup.
Put the disk back into its usual place and boot into Windows. It things get
worse, reverse Step 3 above.

By the way - what did you do or change that brought this problem about?
Click to expand...
Hi
I managed to get the permissions sorted and followed the above
instructions, however there are two folders
within the restore folder, one with only 2 folders and one with load,
but some are blue.

When I followed the instructions, it went to the folder with just two
folders in, which showed only to "files".
I selected the higher number, which it went to, then did cd Snapshot.
I got accessed denied. (I think - back on my pc). So cannot go any further.
Help please
Barry
 
Barry said:
Hi
I managed to get the permissions sorted and followed the above
instructions, however there are two folders
within the restore folder, one with only 2 folders and one with load, but
some are blue.

When I followed the instructions, it went to the folder with just two
folders in, which showed only to "files".
I selected the higher number, which it went to, then did cd Snapshot. I
got accessed denied. (I think - back on my pc). So cannot go any further.
Help please
Barry
Click to expand...

I number my instructions in steps from 1 to 10 so that we both know which
step we're talking about. Your feedback does not tell me where you have a
problem. Regardless of this, you have to follow the instructions you found
in Help to resolve your "Access denied" problem. Remember that the message
can be generated either by the source or by the target folder.

I am a little confused about the "blue folders" in your report. Since my
instructions in Step 5 direct you to work in the Command Console, there
wouldn't be any colours.
 
Pegasus said:
I number my instructions in steps from 1 to 10 so that we both know which
step we're talking about. Your feedback does not tell me where you have a
problem. Regardless of this, you have to follow the instructions you found
in Help to resolve your "Access denied" problem. Remember that the message
can be generated either by the source or by the target folder.

I am a little confused about the "blue folders" in your report. Since my
instructions in Step 5 direct you to work in the Command Console, there
wouldn't be any colours.
Click to expand...
Hi Sorry for the confusion and thank you for your patience
Here is what happens

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>CD G:\

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>G:

G:\>CD \System Volume Information

G:\System Volume Information>cd _
"_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8
}"dir /od
The system cannot find the path specified.

The Directory is there and I have permissions set.

Thank you
Barry
 
Hi Sorry for the confusion and thank you for your patience
Here is what happens

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>CD G:\

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>G:

G:\>CD \System Volume Information

G:\System Volume Information>cd _
"_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8
}"dir /od
The system cannot find the path specified.

The Directory is there and I have permissions set.

Thank you
Barry
Click to expand...

You merged two separate commands. The first command is
cd "_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8" {Enter}

and the second is
dir /od {Enter}
 
Pegasus
Hi Ok, sorry

Here is the latest results.

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>G:

G:\

G:\>cd System Volume Information

G:\System Volume Information>cd
"_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}"


G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}>dir
/od
Volume in drive G is Programs
Volume Serial Number is F5A9-0060

Directory of G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5
061EA3C8}

02/04/2009 16:59 <DIR> RP982
03/04/2009 10:37 <DIR> ..
03/04/2009 10:37 <DIR> .
03/04/2009 18:15 <DIR> RP984
0 File(s) 0 bytes
4 Dir(s) 20,128,759,808 bytes free

G:\System Volume Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}>
G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}>cd RP984

G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}\RP98
4>cd snapshot
The system cannot find the path specified.

on an aside,
When checking G Drive via my computer and going into the System Volume
Information folder, there are two restore folders.
Again, Thanks
Barry
 
Barry said:
Pegasus
Hi Ok, sorry

Here is the latest results.

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>G:

G:\

G:\>cd System Volume Information

G:\System Volume Information>cd
"_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}"


G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}>dir
/od
Volume in drive G is Programs
Volume Serial Number is F5A9-0060

Directory of G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5
061EA3C8}

02/04/2009 16:59 <DIR> RP982
03/04/2009 10:37 <DIR> ..
03/04/2009 10:37 <DIR> .
03/04/2009 18:15 <DIR> RP984
0 File(s) 0 bytes
4 Dir(s) 20,128,759,808 bytes free

G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}>
G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}>cd RP984

G:\System Volume
Information\_restore{7938EDEC-E9CD-4150-B605-B9D5061EA3C8}\RP98
4>cd snapshot
The system cannot find the path specified.

on an aside,
When checking G Drive via my computer and going into the System Volume
Information folder, there are two restore folders.
Again, Thanks
Barry
Click to expand...

You can locate the backup registry file like so:
cd /d "G:\System Volume Information"{Enter}
attrib /s | find /i "machine_system"{Enter}

This should give you a number of entries like this one:
A C:\System Volume
Information\_restore{14157744-4FA2-4CAF-BAFB-72CC49941087}\RP477\snapshot\_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM

As you see, there is an RP477 in the middle. The trick is to pick the RP
(=Restore Point) with the highest number. To move to this folder, type a
number of CD commands like so:
cd _restore{14157744-4FA2-4CAF-BAFB-72CC49941087}{Enter}
cd RP477{Enter}
cd snapshot {Enter}

You can now continue with Step 9 of my instructions.
 
Pegasus said:
You can locate the backup registry file like so:
cd /d "G:\System Volume Information"{Enter}
attrib /s | find /i "machine_system"{Enter}

This should give you a number of entries like this one:
A C:\System Volume
Information\_restore{14157744-4FA2-4CAF-BAFB-72CC49941087}\RP477\snapshot\_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM

As you see, there is an RP477 in the middle. The trick is to pick the RP
(=Restore Point) with the highest number. To move to this folder, type a
number of CD commands like so:
cd _restore{14157744-4FA2-4CAF-BAFB-72CC49941087}{Enter}
cd RP477{Enter}
cd snapshot {Enter}

You can now continue with Step 9 of my instructions.
Click to expand...

Hi again
get to this line but cant see how I get the streight up line after the /s
attrib /s | find /i "machine_system"{Enter}
so I get -

G:\System Volume Information>attrib /s ¦ FIND /I "MACHINE_SYSTEM"
Parameter format not correct -

It is obviously me, not know how to get the "thing" after the /s
Sorry,
I have had enough for today, so I am off to bed.
Will try again tomorrow afternoon.
Thanks for all your help and patience so far!
Much appreciated.
Barry
(e-mail address removed)
 
Hi again
get to this line but cant see how I get the streight up line after the /s
attrib /s | find /i "machine_system"{Enter}
so I get -

G:\System Volume Information>attrib /s ¦ FIND /I "MACHINE_SYSTEM"
Parameter format not correct -

It is obviously me, not know how to get the "thing" after the /s
Click to expand...

You're right, it's the character after the /s that's wrong. On US type
keyboards it is often located right above the Enter key, prefixed with the
Shift key. You can also do this:
- Mark the following line with your mouse:
attrib /s | FIND /I "MACHINE_SYSTEM"
- Press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
- Put the focus on the Command Prompt.
- Type this command:
cd /d "c:\System Volume Information"{Enter}
- Right-click anywhere in the black area, then left-click "Paste".
Now you have the whole command. Press Enter.

On an overall note: Since you have no specific experience with these things
(which is no shame!), you need to decide at some stage which is the more
effective solution for you: To persist with this exercise (of which you have
covered around 20%) or to re-install Windows XP from scratch (which will
take you one hour, plus the time required to install your applications and
restore your various settings). This is particularly relevant since I cannot
guarantee sucess with the current method. Depending on what caused the
problem, the probability of succeeding might be as low as 50%.
 
Back
Top