Windows log-in problem

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Hi,

I hope you can help me.

One of the user's machines at my work that's running Microsoft Windows XP Pro is proving to be somewhat rebellious.

On boot-up it gets as far as displaying the desktop wallpaper but doesn't then progress to displaying the application shortcuts and the "Start" button and "Taskbar" as per usual. All that appears is a minimised command prompt screen in the bottom left-hand side of the window.

What could be causing this? I've tried booting up and logging in as the administrator, booting up using the last know good configuration... all to no avail. The only way that I can log-in and see the desktop - whichever profile I'm using - is to boot up in safe mode. A system restore gives me some temporary respite, but this is obviously just a short-term fix.

All help will be greatfully received!

- Alex

 

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has there or is there any .dll error messages once getting into Windows?

 

are these local or domain accounts?

In either case, have you tried logging on with an account that hasnt been used on the machine (such as by creating a brand new local account in safe mode)?

 

Domain accounts, and yes I've tried logging in with an account that hasn't been used on the machine.

 

So its not likely to be an issue with the userdata on the machine then.

If it logs in fine in safe mode on any of the accounts, then it sounds like a service is hanging. Have you tried using Safe mode with Networking? Does that log in ok?

 

If these are domain accounts then I'd suggest that this is a script/gpo that is going wrong.

Harry.

 

it is probably trying to map a network drive.
check the startup folder for any .bat files and/or disconnect any network drives that have been mapped

 

Indeed it does.

 

you could try using msconfig and disabling all the startup programs. If that logs in fine normally, start reactivating them one by one till you find the culprit.

Whilst you could also try this with Services, I would be careful about which ones you do. I'm no service expert, so I personally would steer clear of doing this.

Is there anything in the Event log that might hint at the cause?

 

Agreed, also as Fergal said check startup with msconfig.

Also maybe run system file checker ?

 

I was going to suggest the same thing. Does the user have roaming profiles enabled by any chance?

 

If it works ok in safe mode but not on a normal start up, then windows isn't the cause, most likely it's a start up application hanging or driver issue.

When did this start happening and have you installed any hardware/software recently?

obviously it could be an application that loads with windows, such as a third party firewall or aniti-virus program hanging.

If you have Norton Internet security on there, uninstall it. That cures 99% of all weird problems and speeds up your PC by an order of magnitude.

Do a malware scan in safe mode to, using your prefered scanner/s.. Spybot S&D, Lavasofts Adware etc.

 

Hi all,

Sorry that it's taken me so long to respond to your suggestions. There's some good ideas that have been forward and I'll take them on board.

I'll return with an update on Monday.

Thanks,

- Alex

 

Yes, I imagine she does. Should I try disabling this feature?

 

that depends really. It could be that the roaming profile is HUGE. In which case you could give it a shot.

Personally I would start by creating a brand new user account with roaming profile (if the problem account does have it), and trying to log in with it. If the problem happens with it, then its unlikely to be an issue with that I'd say. A brand new account will have very little data in the roaming profile. You said you'd tried logging in with an account never used on the machine before. Was this a brand new account, or an account that is in use, just elsewhere?