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Computer will not load past welcome screen

Last answer on Oct 15, 2009 11:24:21 pm BST wldy, on Aug 5, 2008 4:05:47 am BST 
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Hello,
My computer, after not being used for a few months logged into windows and the internet just fine, once....then it stopped going to web pages. So I restarted the computer. Then XP would load to the welcome screen, and the next screen it shows is the background (just before you would choose which ID to login under) it never loads past that point. When I tried to reboot and go to safe mode the keyboard would let me get it to that screen then the keys would stop working. TO fix that I had to take out that little battery inside the computer. Then I tried to log into safe mode, I got past the choose ID screen, then it stopped loading again.

I cannot reformat the harddrive as I do not have the windows XP disk, I have the key, just not the disk.

I did find programs on the computer before I rebooted the first time, and I tried to go into Add/Remove programs to remove them, I cuold not get into that either, but I did find the weird stuff in the program files and deleted a few things that I knew what they were and that were not supposed to be on this computer (ie world of warcraft)

I have tried every single thing I can think of and I cannot get this problem fixed, any suggestions besides blowing it up, or brining it to a shop? I already have to replace one computer that will not turn on anymore....

Configuration: Windows XP
Internet Explorer 6.0?

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1

hanees, on Aug 5, 2008 9:24:28 am BST
  • +2

Hello,

It often happens that some computers that has been dormand has these problems since windows has not been updating .


Best is to re-install Windows and update your system.

Reply to hanees

13

moya, on Jan 19, 2009 6:08:46 pm GMT
  • +3

Help please

Reply to moya

55

Jonezyy, on Jul 21, 2009 7:39:40 am BST

I think I've figured out my problem, as soon as we got past the Windows loading screen the monitor just said no signal (because the graphics card then needed to take over). So if I'm right, the graphics card is screwed because it works fine untill it needs to take over. Please tell me if it's right because I don't want to grab a new card to find it doesn't work!

Reply to Jonezyy

56

cannonwill, on Jul 21, 2009 12:07:03 pm BST
  • +1

I wouldn't go this route if I were you. I have experienced this, if it is in fact the same issue, on a number of computer in the last couple of days and it is happening not only on a desktop but a laptop as well. All signs are pointing to a trojan infection related to this Personal Antivirus malware.

I am having browser redirects and infection warnings propmpting for the purchase of software. Software I suspect is nto software at all and just a plot to harvest credit card numbers.

I am able to get to the desktop on a laptop. On a PC that has had Spybot Search and Destroy run I am getting the login loop. I can't get to the Windows desktop even in safe mode. And I am reading this is recently an issue on Macs as well.

I have been able to recover data by using a USB IDE drive adapter, but only on accounts that are not password protected. I am in the process of manual removal on another system but my experience tells me there is little hope in the long term for this to be a complete success. If I could just get my hands around the neck of the guys who do this stuff I am sure I would have plenty of grateful visitors to my prison cell.

I would like to find a way to at least get to the Windows desktop so I can recover some folks data. I am looking for a way to get past the login loop is only for a temporary period. I have tried the replacement if the userinit.exe file and writing over the wsaupdate.exe file that I have found as a suggestion with no luck.

Still waiting for an answer. - Patrick

Reply to cannonwill

57

Jonezyy, on Jul 21, 2009 12:22:25 pm BST
  • +1

Don't worry, I'd be right there in the cell next to you mate! I'm only 14 but oh well haha it would be worth it. I would personally ride over 2 their house and do it. (Love my pushies, I race downhill :D) I don't know what they think they're trying to proove. Everyone just thinks their a wanker but It makes them feel special I guess. So you think it's not the graph card? I don't even get to the welcome screen, it just does that windows loading bar and as soon as that finishes which is when the card needs to come on (Welcome screen should come up) the screen just goes black and I'm pretty sure it's not a virus cause the internet stopped working so I just left the computer for a month or so and it was working fine, but yeah like a month later I came back and it won't do anything now. So I have nooooooooooooo idea mate.

Reply to Jonezyy

58

cannonwill, on Jul 21, 2009 1:31:36 pm BST

May be a different issue, dos not sound similar enough. I can at least get to the login screen. Lets you log in and says loading system settings then straight to loggin off windows and back to the login screen

Sound like you may not have data to worry about. If that's the case I would write zeros to the drive a couple of times and then reload the OS. May as well start fresh if you don't have anything to worry about data-wise.

I you keep after it and figure something out. Drop in and post so we know what you discovered. If you think it is the video card 'borrow' one from anotyher system to give it a go. Keep us posted.

Reply to cannonwill

64

Help?, on Aug 1, 2009 7:50:40 pm BST

I am having an identical problem to you, have you had any luck solving it?

Reply to Help?

69

freak, on Sep 9, 2009 6:45:27 am BST

I guess re-installing of windows mite help...its not the graphic card prob i too faced the same.

Reply to freak

2

wldy, on Aug 5, 2008 2:07:52 pm BST

I would love to just reinstall windows, however I do not have the disk, I have the key, just not the disk.

I was told by my kids that the computer was not working well before the last time we used it in June. So I guess this is a long time problem (its the kids internet computer)

Any other suggestions?

Reply to wldy

42

cher, on Apr 11, 2009 2:22:09 am BST

Have had the same before and you call Microsoft and tell them.They will help you get Xp disk.

Reply to cher

3

eb, on Aug 20, 2008 6:31:33 am BST
  • +2

I have the same problem, but I have the disk and correct activation code. I am stuck bad......any suggestions??

Reply to eb

7

PDUB, on Dec 5, 2008 4:42:35 pm GMT
  • +9

Just got the same problem. how did you get it fixed? any help would be greatly appreciated.

Reply to PDUB

12

where to get xp disc, on Dec 24, 2008 2:00:08 pm GMT

Take your key # to a computer repair store and they will usually burn you an xp disc.

Reply to where to get xp disc

4

lifeisagame, on Aug 27, 2008 12:01:38 pm BST
  • +13

You can download the xp disk and burn it to re-format your computer. ive left my email address, if you need specific instructions on how to do so.lifeisagame @ hotmail. co. uk

Reply to lifeisagame

68

tuck, on Aug 22, 2009 2:29:00 pm BST
  • +8

How do i fix my pc it freezes at welcome screen my email doinitall4ya@yahoo.com

Reply to tuck

6

tommy r, on Oct 20, 2008 11:58:35 pm BST
  • +1

When i turn ob my computer all i get is a orange screen with start on left side and icons on the right. no icons appear on the opening page ? please help. i have tried every thing suggested except throwing it out the window. please respond asap.thank you

Reply to tommy r

8

tridip, on Dec 16, 2008 4:32:48 am GMT
  • +2

At FIrst u have to do "change the motherboard battery".
or remove the battery and after half an hour reinsert in the same locatiion.
this is the utlimate solution

Reply to tridip

9

Pdub, on Dec 18, 2008 8:27:33 pm GMT

Thanks, I'll give that a try. this has been driving me insane.

Reply to Pdub

11

Pdub, on Dec 22, 2008 11:14:05 pm GMT
  • +3

Still no solution. took battery out which reset clock / settings but did nothing to help my main issue......the keyboard works to enter setup f2,etc...but once windows starts loading all of the functions of the keyboard are deactivated so i cant enter safemode or anything for that matter (arrows to move to other options don't work). it goes right to the logon screen as normal but when i click on my icon it goes to the desktop for 1/2 a sec. and shoots right back to 'welcome' screen and 'saving settings'. I have disks to reformat but can't because it asks 'hit any button to start from cd' which i can't because my keyboard doesn't work past initial startup 'ram', hdd's, etc. would hate to have to reformat but would if it is my last resort. i've tried talking to microsoft and norton people....'this happened right after i did 'pc cleanup' with norton utilities....got me even more frustrated both we're a joke. it has to be in bios, or something, and i can't get it to run. anybody know what the actual name of this issue is so that i can research. i have built my own comps so hardware not a real issue for me but this is getting into either bios/config/software problem or i caught a virus. Help would be greatly appreciated.

Reply to Pdub

21

deeter, on Feb 13, 2009 10:56:25 am GMT

Hola ,

I am wondering if you found a fix for your issue. My father called me last night with the same problem. Laptop loads to the splash screen but the mouse and keyboard do not appear to display or function properly. Its like the Keyboard and mouse pad do not exist. I did find you can use the keys to load the bios and choose option pre-windows..

Any help would be appreciated.

Reply to deeter

24

victoria390, on Mar 1, 2009 9:18:12 pm GMT
  • +2

Hi. I would suggest you reinstall the operating system. :) I'm having that trouble also with a friends computer, as I can hit F10 and get the safe mode screen, but I can't get past that. The arrows on the keyboard won't work. If you don't have the OS on CD-ROM, I would suggest downloading it onto a flash drive, and trying it that way. :) Hope I helped, I'm majoring in CPT-IT and we are just starting to trouble shoot. :)

Reply to victoria390

72

 imjustaguest, on Oct 15, 2009 11:24:21 pm BST

How can i make the dowloaded xp installer work on a flash drive?(just a 16 y/o lmao no clue about reformatting etc)i have problems when the windwos screen the log on screen wont show up and tried safe mode but cant theres a blue backround and says technical infromation stop and numbers......if u can help me(knwing how to reformat with a flash drive)maybe i dont have to play my ps2 again ang again

Reply to imjustaguest

52

Jonezyy, on Jun 19, 2009 11:58:54 pm BST

So you think if we remove the watch battery looking one, leave the computer alone for half an hour then put it back in, the comp should work? Does it matter if you try and turn it on during that half hour? Thanks

Reply to Jonezyy

10

james, on Dec 22, 2008 10:38:44 am GMT

Go bios setting and fuck up lol worked for me

Reply to james

14

Cammers, on Jan 25, 2009 3:39:08 pm GMT

Chances are its a simple mistake like the time and date is incorrect, i have had this problem on several other computers i have seen. Best thing to do is...

Boot into Safe Mode when the computer gets passed the Bios press F8
Boot into safe mode, the computer should boot up as normal asking which account you would like
to login to [USERS] or Admin
Login to the user as your normally would, check the date is correct if not adjust accordingly.

Restart the computer, and it should be working.

Reply to Cammers

15

pdub, on Jan 25, 2009 7:32:19 pm GMT

Can't load into safe mode. keyboard disabled after initial startup. I can show the screen for booting in safemode f8 but can not move to option of safemode because my arrow keys don't work. like i explained in my first response.

Reply to pdub

71

cgauna, on Oct 4, 2009 11:02:13 pm BST

Would like say thanks for help thought i would lose everything on my computer. stressed

Reply to cgauna

16

pathum, on Feb 3, 2009 4:53:55 pm GMT
  • +1

Switch on PC and keep pressing F8 till u get that SafeMode screen. Choose Load Last known Good Config of XP. Try that and see.

There are many things you can do other than that. Try removing all peripheral not needed devices.

* REMOVE RAMS - one by one. (Eg: if u got two RAMs remove one and try to boot, if that fails remove it and try booting after plugging in the other)

* REMOVE VGAs. (if u got onboard graphics enable it through BIOS and remove your VGA card and try to boot)

* REMOVE all Harddrives except the one you got Windows on.

* REMOVE Drivers of hardware devices and also software's like disk managment applications etc.

* You can also try and see whether there are malicious software at boot - u can check how to do dat here - http://windowsxpproblem.blogspot.com/2009/02/edit-windows-xp­-startup-items.html

* One last thing, try to fix your master boot record. - see how to do it here http://windowsxpproblem.blogspot.com/2009/01/fixing-your-mas­ter-boot-record.html

Reply to pathum

17

Pdub, on Feb 3, 2009 11:42:31 pm GMT
  • +1

Pathum, first off thank you for all of the advice. unfortunately the majority of your solutions dictate that i can get into safemode or 'load last known good config' which i can not. i have stated this earlier but my keyboard works initially (f# keys) and after bootup (welcome screen) but does not work if i go to f8 (it goes to the screen but I am not able to move the cursor and by default it sits on load windows as normal...either way i have to reset at this point since no keys work). I also tried some of your other fixes for s*&t's and giggles but none of them worked. Actually just did the RAM and Vid Card since I had all ready taken off 2nd hdd (yes I moved jumper on main hdd back to original setting as only hdd on system. This is driving me totally insane......love my laptop but would love to have my desktop back, times are tough so i will not be replacing or taking into a shop to fix until economic situation improves. I have made a video of exactly what it does after startup on my camera, i would be more than willing to send it to anyone who may (out of the kindness of their heart) have some computer skills that I don't possess and wish to help. thanks for trying.

Reply to Pdub

18

pathum, on Feb 4, 2009 2:25:30 am GMT
  • +2

Hmmm...interesting....Can u get into BIOS? If u can (by pressing DEL or F1 or F2 in most PCs at bootup) in most motherboards there are PRESET SETTINGS. For Eg: HIGH PERFORMANCE, OPTIMIZED, FAIL SAFE. I used to have it on my previous motherboard. Try to switch to something similar like that.

Try disabling your USB ports, and putting DEFAULT values in the BIOS if you have entered any High Values previously.
Clear the BIOS using the CLEAR JUMPER on the motherboard. (removing or replacing the battrey doesnt do it sometimes)


Oh and there is ALTERNATIVE (which i dont knw you would like to) Use Linux (UNTIL YOU FIND AN XP CD)
IF u like to have a go i recommend UBUNTU which even i use. I dual boot it with XP. U can download it here and its totally free http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

You can backup your info using linux and burn them onto DVDs or whatever. There is an application called WINE for Linux and it can be used to Emulate windows and run most Windows Applications on Linux.
Also if you DO go for Linux u might want to look at the last post of this http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-329592.html

Yes i'd like to see that video which you've made of ur system

Reply to pathum

19

hey, on Feb 9, 2009 8:04:00 am GMT

I need help i need a welcome screen and i dont think i have a # or disk what can i do (i need it for free)

Reply to hey

20

ashnrev, on Feb 10, 2009 2:35:01 am GMT

My mom is having a similar problem with her computer. she just recently got it from my grandmother and its an older comp. its worked slow but decently for years now. She got it and downloaded internet explorer 8 onto it and once she rebooted it, it wont go past the start-up screen. she has a disc to reformat it and the key but the computer wont turn the disc at all. and she cant get it to do anything. anyone know what she could do? would be awesome if we could get the comp to work seeing as she doesnt have the money to get a new one.

Reply to ashnrev

23

Premnath, on Feb 26, 2009 10:19:36 am GMT
  • +39

When i click LOG ON button it Shows (windows Loding Your Personal Settings) it''ll Suddenly Show The Message (windows log off.

Reply to Premnath

25

RAZOR, on Mar 2, 2009 7:44:24 am GMT
  • +2

My comp just sits at "loading ur personal settings" and i'm stuck using safe mode until its fixed
PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME PLEASE EMAIL ME "That_guy99@hotmail.com"

Reply to RAZOR

28

Travtech Computers Tech, on Mar 7, 2009 6:58:18 am GMT

I have removed the hard drive and I am scanning it with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on a test system. It has Avast Virus scanner installed as well. When the spyware scanner scans each file if there is a virus Avast will also pick it up . I booted up the computer system with a Live Linspire Linux cd and it is working fine. So the hard ware is ok. The hard drive is still being scanned so I can not say what the problem is just yet.

A quick easy solution would be to just replace the HDD .They are cheaper then getting a computer tech to look at it.
You can use a external box or device to read the HDD and get the data off that you want to keep.

I will post my findings ASAP. At the rate the scanners are running it may be tomorrow.

Reply to Travtech Computers Tech

53

cannonwill, on Jul 20, 2009 10:30:56 pm BST
  • +2

Haver you been able to find a solution to this problem, outside of reloading Windows?

I have tried everything I can think of and find on the web from booting to Safe Mode (can't do this!) for replacing the userinit.exe file and copying it over the wsaupdater.exe file with no luck. I still get the logon loop.

When I click the LOG ON button it shows 'Windows Loding Your Personal Settings' then it will show the message 'Windows is logging off' and I end up back at the login screen.

What worse, in the last couple of days trying to resolve this problem I have had 2 more computers dropped in my lap with the same problem.

Struggling for answers! Thanks.

Reply to cannonwill

66

Will, on Aug 16, 2009 2:30:05 pm BST

I'm haveing the same problem i was wondering if you found a solution if so can you let me know.

Reply to Will

26

cameraeye, on Mar 4, 2009 7:15:32 pm GMT

I have the same problem. I got infected with the antivirus 360 and that is when my nightmare began. I tried to repair it by reinstalling ie8 and the it won't let me get pass the screen logon. Please if you get an answer email as soon as you can and I'll do the same.

Reply to cameraeye

46

ceb, on Apr 23, 2009 8:23:45 pm BST

Mine has been doing the same thing! if u figured out how to fix it email me at gcgdlover3377@aim.com plz!

Reply to ceb

27

Travtech Computer Tech, on Mar 7, 2009 4:17:08 am GMT
  • +1

I have seen this problem and it sounds like some kind of virus ,boot or Bios . I have only seen it in PC's with older MB's and not in one with dual bios chips. I am working on another PC with the welcome screen problem now ,so I will let you guys know what I find.

Reply to Travtech Computer Tech

29

Pdub, on Mar 7, 2009 5:28:56 pm GMT
  • +1

Right on the money. I took my HD out and brought it over to a friends house and did a full scan. Took out a bunch of viruses and adware. was then able to get into HD to remedy the situation. Seems like the easiest fix is to detach hdd from existing unit and scan. thanks for everyone's help.

Reply to Pdub

31

Weed, on Mar 16, 2009 6:27:55 pm GMT

Pdub - did scanning and removing viruses from your HD allow you to boot the original PC?

I have same issue. Could not do a repair on the HD. Need the data on it.

Bought a new HD. Tried to install XP on it, but the system keeps booting to the XP Media CD and will not install XP - even after I go into BIOS and say boot from HD only.

Makes me think it is BIOS problem and not a HD/software/virus problem. But I have never seen this before.

Any help is appreciated.

Reply to Weed

32

PDUB, on Mar 16, 2009 7:28:10 pm GMT
  • +1

I wasn't comfy with existing version so I actually did new install of OS on a different HD and it worked. I have 2 hd's on system so had to switch master/slave config and it seemed to work. You want to boot from CD and not HD because that's where the problem exists if trying to reinstall OS. Boot order CD-rom drive and take HD boot off. May need a touch more info on your system to figure out what may be the issue.

Suggestions that I have gotten that may be of help from this thread.
*Take MB battery out to clear Bios
*Take HD off system and see if it is recognized by other workstation away from your box, If yes then you know its not the HD, clean it and try to go into it to get data (ultimate solution for me) or copy to ext HD if you want....if No then you found your issue.
*You mentioned trying to install OS on new HD and it wouldn't work (dumb question, is it full version or upgrade that you have (sry but have to ask since i don't know your level of expertise)
*Can you get into safemode? When I had the issue, I couldn't even go into safemode which I believe was a direct result of a virus shutting down my usb ports...after the scan the usb ports still didn't work but my ps2 input still worked for my keyboard. I was then able to put fresh OS on HD and blah blah blah.
*Another weird thing was that my comp would shut down 3 minutes in after being cleaned....found that temp settings were adjusted to auto shut down would initiate because temp was being exceeded. Cranked up fans and it was all good.
Was a royal pain in the butt to get it fixed but alas like my wifes pregnancy the destination was definitely more enjoyable than the journey.

Hope this helps.

Biggest thing is to isolate as much as possible to find out where the issue may be...Hopefully you can get it fixed and be able to fix on the cheap and take HD back if not needed

Reply to PDUB

44

Jay, on Apr 15, 2009 7:56:43 pm BST
  • +1

Hey weed,
Have you tried hitting ctl, alt, del and loading the task manager and starting a new explorer task? You might have to do it twice but it should give you the desktop back, long enough to save your data.

Reply to Jay

33

Weed, on Mar 17, 2009 12:45:02 pm GMT
  • +6

PDUB,

Thanks for the thorough response. I didn't explain myself clearly, I apologize for that. As a side note, I have a fair amount of experience and have reinstalled Windows on dozens of machines, but I am not an expert or even a veteran by any means. I'm the friend "who knows computers."

The machine's symptoms were boot to welcome screen (where user selects profile). Upon selecting the profile (there was only one) the machine would flash the desktop (no icons) and then return to the Welcome screen saying "Saving settings . . ." and then sit there as if I had not clicked on anything. I could shut down, but never properly attain the desktop. Before this, the user said they had accidentally clicked on something while browsing and a bunch of pop-ups started showing up.

I figured it was a virus of some sort and my first order of business was to boot to Safe mode. Upon doing this, the safe mode boot (after selecting Safe Mode and not Safe Mode with prompt or network) was to boot to welcome screen and now show two profiles - Admin and the User. I've tried both profiles and both act as mentioned above - a quick flash of the desktop screen sans icons and then back to the welcome screen.

I can't say that I've seen this before, so I figured the virus messed up the HD royally. I then removed the boot HD, he has two in the machine, a second larger HD for maintaining his work, and put the boot HD into a USB HD kit to read it from another machine (also the User said there may be some data on the machine that he needed). So after checking the drive, it came up fine as an external USB drive, I put it back in and did a Win XP install (repair), this went fine (as far as I could tell), but upon final booting of the machine, it had the same behavior as mentioned above. Welcome Screen only.

So I said, bugger that. I bought and put in a new drive. I had to change BIOS to boot from CD. This worked fine an Win XP (full version) started to install. It wanted to format the new drive. Good. I chose NTFS and after formatting it copied over the Win XP installation files. After copying over the files, I get a 15 second (red bar) countdown that says it will reboot automatically. As I remember, this is normal. Upon reboot it starts using the files it copied over to HD.

Well, when it did reboot, the BIOS has the "Boot from CD: . . . ." message, which usually means press any key if you want to boot from CD. I didn't press anything but the system boots from the CD as if the driver were new. It wants to start the XP installation from the VERY beginning. So I went into BIOS and changed boot order again to HD first. This didn't change the outcome. So then I changed BIOS again to say HD only, and it still boots from CD.

I am starting to wonder if the Mobo IDE controller has gone bad. I think the mobo is about 4 years old. The user does not have the documentation for it.

What I currently still need to try:
Checking the original boot HD in another machine with a virus checker. (Another thing I noticed about the drive was in the Documents and Settings directory -where profiles are stored - the user had about 10 different profiles that looked like automatic bastardizations of his original name. Not sure how else to explain it. As if Win XP was trying to boot but couldn't so made a new profile similar to old one).

Removing battery from mobo - to reset BIOS.

The mobo has a second IDE controller slot (where his two DVD drives are attached). I thought I might detach these, and hook up original drive only to see if it can boot from that controller.

And to answer you question, I couldn't get into Safe mode, so that is what prompted all this other action. I may have a situation where a virus and a hardware failure are occurring at the same time.

Thanks again for reading and for helping!

Reply to Weed

34

PDUB, on Mar 17, 2009 4:52:20 pm GMT
  • +1

Sounds very similar to my situation. I said to heck with existing version of XP and refomatted one of my HD's with new because I figured if it was some sort of virus that it would find a way to reinfect.

When separated from comp on different workstation, my 'troubled' HD was recognized and we ran both a virus and ad-aware program. I would suggest doing thorough scan of all sectors (depending on machine and HDD size, be prepared to go get a few drinks and come back after a couple hours like I did). Coupled with removal of MB battery (leave out for about 1/2 hr before putting back in). it should hopefully work. My BIOS was rather old as well which seems to be the target of this specific problem. If this doesn't work, go back and get a few more good drinks because your scenario is worse than mine was and I don't know what to tell you. Good Luck.

Let me know if you have anymore questions that I can try to answer....I am also 'that friend who knows computers'.

Reply to PDUB

36

Weed, on Mar 25, 2009 11:58:11 pm GMT
  • +1

Hey PDUB,

Well as far as I can tell I am screwed.

I checked the original hard drive. It is all clean, nothing bad detected.

I undid the Mobo battery and that didn't fix the problem.

Then I switched the IDE controllers and that didn't indicate any problems either.

A new hard drive will not install Win XP from the full install disk. (SP2).

I still have same behavior. Boots to welcome screen. I click the only profile to load. An instant flash of the desktop, sans icons, and then back to the Welcome screen where it says it is Saving settings.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!­

I will try just about anything else. If something doesn't work soon I am going to use a sledge hammer!

Reply to Weed

37

Weed, on Mar 26, 2009 12:39:28 am GMT
  • +2

Okay, I am an idiot.

A little more research and I found that the USERINIT.EXE had been deleted from the WINDOWS/SYSTEM32 directory.

Found that (old) info here:
http://www.compatdb.org/...

(weird how my earlier searches with that exact phrase did not turn up when I searched a week ago)

Replaced that file and booted to desktop. Problem 1 solved.

However, seems like virus deleted several files from SYSTEM32 directory.

I am first going to try to do a Win XP Repair install.

If that doesn't work then a full XP install again on original drive leaving file system intact.

And if that doesn't work, a full wipe and reinstall.

I am not sure why the new drive I bought did not work unless there is something wrong with that new drive. It's possible I guess. I will be taking it back to the store.

Thanks again for the help!

Reply to Weed

45

buddy, on Apr 17, 2009 2:41:51 am BST
  • +1

How did I get the deleted file back so my computer will start up and load desktop?

Reply to buddy

49

Weed, on May 28, 2009 6:38:52 pm BST

Hey buddy,

I can't remember now exactly what I did, but I think I removed the Hard Drive, plugged it into a USB convertor kit, copied the file over using another PC, and then put that original hard drive back into the original computer.

Once I was able to get to the desktop, I was able to perform repairs as normal.

Good luck!

Reply to Weed

70

vmishi, on Sep 14, 2009 4:02:36 pm BST

Yes, yes and again yes, its helped me. USERINIT.EXE was missing!
I attached hdd to other clean and safe pc, checked with nod32 and malwarebytes, nothing was found, i copied
the userinit.exe reatached hdd and tadaaaaaaaaa its working.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR IDEA (to be honest once before 2-3 years i had similar problem but didnt remember, i think the same solution was, if im correct spyboot or similar one deleted by update the userinit.exe)

Greetings from Hungary!

Reply to vmishi

41

cher, on Apr 11, 2009 2:10:34 am BST

I have had these problems and more with pc's.
Need to tell a virus that is in your programs that some time is not deteced which when as soon as it has done its damage to the HD no going back. Wipeout time sorry to say!My husbad works on PC's on the side, can tell
you some wild stories about them.And myself has had some problems that has him for days to figure out!
I know that is not what you want to hear but thats what is to do .XP is not a good window. My husband uses 2000 sata and loves it,I use XP sata and now less problems.No more wiping out the HD.

Reply to cher

43

Weed, on Apr 15, 2009 1:23:26 pm BST

More importantly, what Windows and most operating systems have taught me, is never to keep any data that I want on the boot drive.

All my computers and all computers that I build for people I highly recommend having two drives. One for the OS and one for everything else.

Too often Windows craps out and you have to reformat the drive or reinstall the OS. And NEVER, NEVER save anything in the My Documents folder. That is just asking for trouble.

Thanks again for the help.

Reply to Weed

35

sev, on Mar 18, 2009 7:11:06 pm GMT

I had a similar problem. My computer my power cord came undone whilst i was logged on and when I restarted the computer after 2 weeks holiday it did not load past the logon page. (mouse not moving and keyboard inactive)

I removed the motherboard battery for a few minutes and put it back in. This fixed the issue.

best of luck to you all

Reply to sev

38

jen, on Mar 28, 2009 4:53:20 pm GMT

My fiance's computer got a virus. So I ran a sweep and it found some very harmful stuff. It kept popping up with svchost.exe error 0x7d4caa9b throughout the entire process. After trying to restart the computer I did get a start key in the bottom but it would not go to anything. Now it has gone pass the welcome screen and nothing. Just the background pic of the dog. No start screen no icons nothing. Any suggestions!

Reply to jen

39

Weed, on Apr 2, 2009 8:18:43 pm BST

Jen,

If the virus check found a bunch of crap on there, then your best and most sure method of getting back to normal is to install the OS again - but try the repair install first. Not the Repair Utility, but the Repair installation. This leaves all the files on the drive intact and basically repairs the Windows installation.

Do a few more searches on your problems and symptoms first and then - if nothing helps, reinstall OS.

Good luck.

Reply to Weed

50

redmond.48, on Jun 4, 2009 11:58:11 pm BST

I am having the exact same problem as described above, with one additional problem. I have a windows XP disk and would like to re-install the OS, but BIOS doesn't recognize my CD-ROM drive. I suspect the drivers have been deleted from the virus, but since I can't log into windows past the welcome screen, I don't know how to check or re-enable my CD-ROM drive.

I've tried changing the boot order in BIOS so that the CD-ROM drive boots first, even unchecking the hard drive. The message displays that selected drive not recognized. Help.

Reply to redmond.48

40

Dave, on Apr 9, 2009 4:45:16 am BST
  • +4

If your keyboard is not working when trying to boot in safe mode all you need to do is enable the USB Emulation option in Bios.... F2 for Bios

Reply to Dave

47

pat, on Apr 25, 2009 4:00:08 am BST
  • +1

Dave, your suggestion solved the problem for me. I also had a problem selecting to safe mode from the boot menu since my keyboard did not work and I was running into the BSOD (blue screen of death) after installing bootskin and login studio from stardock..

Reply to pat

51

Anonyomus, on Jun 6, 2009 4:29:43 pm BST
  • +1

I made my own coustimized computer and i dont have a key or a disk help me!

Reply to Anonyomus