User Account cannot open in Control Panel

Discussion in 'Software' started by gomcse2002, Jun 30, 2008.

  1. gomcse2002

    gomcse2002 Nibble Poster

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    I am using a HP Windows XP SP2 PC. The windows boots up by default to the Administrator account. When I tried using the User Account function in the Control Panel to create / switch user, it would not start up. I have also tried using the Computer Management tool but when I click on the Local Users and Groups item, it give me an error "Unable to access the computer XXX. The error was: Invalid syntax" and this feature is marked with a red 'X'.

    How do I resolve this flaw without need to go through the reinstall the OS ?

    I even CANNOT create an alternative User account by using the Run "control userpasswords2" as a "backdoor" entry into the user accounts management program and create / delete users.

    Help, anyone out there who has a solution to this problem!!!
     
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  2. r.h.lee

    r.h.lee Gigabyte Poster

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    gomcse2002,

    Questions:
    1. Which version of Windows XP? Home Edition or Professional?
    2. Was the Windows operating system pre-installed by an OEM?
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCP+I, MCP, CCNA, A+
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  3. gomcse2002

    gomcse2002 Nibble Poster

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    1. It is using Win XP Pro Edition SP2
    2. It is installed by me not not by an OEM
     
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  4. r.h.lee

    r.h.lee Gigabyte Poster

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    gomcse2002,

    Have you tried launching the mmc?
     
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  5. rax

    rax Megabyte Poster

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    Hmm, what about trying a windows repair?
     
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  6. craigie

    craigie Terabyte Poster

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    Try enabling the Guest account to see if we can narrow this down some more.
     
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  7. Fergal1982

    Fergal1982 Petabyte Poster

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    I'm guessing that he wont be able to do that, since he cant get into the user account widget in the CP, nor into the users and groups area on the MMC.

    I'd try using the install disc to perform a repair, and also try using sfc /scannow.

    I doubt its the cause, but are you sure that the account you are using is in the admins group? Try running 'net user <username> from the command prompt, and see if its in the administrators group. If not, try logging in with the 'administrator' account (you may need to log into safe mode before it will allow you to do this - and if you havent set a password on it, its probably blank).

    Has this been a problem since the install, or is it something recent? If so, what have you done recently to the machine that might in some way have caused this?
     
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  8. nugget
    Honorary Member

    nugget Junior toady

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    Try booting up into safe mode.

    Is the computer a member of a domain or a standalone (workgroup)?
     
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  9. Bluerinse
    Honorary Member

    Bluerinse Exabyte Poster

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    I've seen this a lot as a side affect of spyware/adware infestation. Try running some scans using spybot S&D and Lavasoft's Adaware (both free) and try a system restore.

    Once you have removed any malware, run an OS repair and cross your fingers.
     
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  10. Bambino1506

    Bambino1506 Megabyte Poster

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    Another vote for running SFC
     
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