asked on

XP will not log-in... hangs for a while then restarts itself.

One of the systems here, a laptop running Win XP Pro, is having issues. During a normal boot, when the "CTRL ALT DELETE" Prompt comes up for Novell login, the user does so and then it hangs.... for about 5 minutes... then restarts itself.

I then went into safe mode, and tried to log into windows... it willl actually ask me for my username and password, but after that is entered, it once again hangs and restarts after about 5 min.

So far it looks to me as though there's no way to get INTO windows.... any help? Would Norton CE scan the computer while its in the Novell "CTRL ALT DELETE" screen?

Any ideas??

katacombz

are you able to log on as the local admin?
if so
have you tried looking for an updated network driver?
removing and reisntalling the nwlink (ipx\spx)?

bmirza

ASKER

unfortunately, no. not even the admin will get it into windows. it accepts all the normal users and their passwords... but it just freezes up during the intialization of windows.

FatherErvin

Their are 2 things I would try:

Run a Windows XP system restore from a command prompt - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449

-OR-

Try getting into the OS using ERD commander... snoop around, see what you can find!

Good luck,

fE.

ezraa

It sounds like a service is causing the computer to reboot. Does the computer reboot after 5 minutes even if you don't log in?

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DVation191

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FatherErvin

Reinstalling the entire operating system should be the last thing you try to resolve the issue.

bmirza

ASKER

the network cable is unplugged.

i got into the command prompt using "safe mode with prompt" but could not perform the system restore.

can't afford erd commander

bmirza

ASKER

Well as far as vital information goes... this guy just keeps a few MB's of data in his My Documents folder, the rest goes on the shared drive. Re-installation (or repair) would not be too big of a problem.

FatherErvin

what was the error message when trying to run system restore?

FatherErvin

Well, you can put the drive into another PC and get the data off.. or, if the PC is networked, you can copy the data from command prompt... if thats the case, let us know and we'll give you instruction on how to do so!

DVation191

Reinstalling the OS in the manner I proposed is a very good solution if it fixes the problem without losing any data. Try it and get it over with.

Asta Cu

Which version of Windows XP? How current is WindowsUpdate?

Some possibilities below, if they apply to your envrionment:
After you install Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), you are prompted to restart the computer. When the computer starts, but before you can log on, the computer begins to continuously restart.
CAUSE
This problem occurs if you have a UMAX scanner driver installed on your computer when you install Windows XP SP2.
More here.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;873161

Resources for troubleshooting startup problems in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;308041&spid=1173&sid=156

bmirza

ASKER

Ok lemme try to tackle the last few questions at once...

There was no error message when trying to run rstrui.exe ... after hitting (ENTER) it just goes down to the next line of the prompt.

Unfortunately, it's a laptop, so the transfer of hard drives is not reasonable... and I think i can recall enough DOS commands from the old days to transfer from the Windows partition to the FAT32 partition.

It's XP Pro SP1.

Thank you all for your help... I'm going to try the repair method listed above first... then I will distribute points accordingly.

Peace,
Bill

Asta Cu

Also, you mentioned Novell; which version of Novell Client are you running? May need to update that. More here:
http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/searchtid.cgi?/2965754.htm

This article describes the operation of the Novell Client, from boot-up of the machine, through the user login. It discusses how the Client uses defined protocols to locate resources and authenticate a user. It also contains a comprehensive listing of the various setting available to control the behavior of the Client.
http://www.novell.com/coolsolutions/netware/features/a_novell_client_49sp2_2_nw.html

Off to work, good luck.

Robnhood

I have seen something like this recently.

Take a look at this, and see if it helps:

http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=47865

bmirza

ASKER

Novell client was 4.9.02, but even getting to that was impossible since there was no way into windows... repair is running right nwo through teh method described by DVation

bmirza

ASKER

Great variable to explore on the Ad-Aware thing, but not for this system. thanks anyway

DVation191

I know of that problem Ronbhood, and although it sounds applicable...I don't think this is the right situation.

The Ad-Aware problem forces a logoff whereas this problem is a reboot. I suppose it's still possible and worth exploring.

Asta Cu

I'm baffled by your comment, DVation191 " Ad-Aware problem forces a logoff " I've never experienced the AdAware spyware fighting software package to force log offs. Perhaps you mean adware/malware/malicious BHOs (intrusions).
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/20975384/Standard-response-material-re-Spyware-Adware-BHOs-and-other-Malware.html

DVation191

What happens is Ad-Aware incorrectly removes the spyware BlazeFind, in two revisions of its software. When this happens, windows XP automatically logs off as soon as you log in.

Check it out! http://www.lavasofthelp.com/articles/v6/04/06/0901.html

Asta Cu

Thank you, most helpful.

bmirza

ASKER

Thanks DV, that did the trick (repaired XP)

DVation191

You are very welcome! Thanks for the grade.

renga080798

http://www.lavasofthelp.com/articles/v6/04/06/0901.html

This link is not active. Can you please point me to correct page.

thanks
R

Asta Cu

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Please try here, then hit HOME if you wish to explore further.
Asta