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Why would XP user profile lock then disappear?

Dell Vostro 1000 laptop, Main Profile with Administrator Rights had a password but the password stopped working - Correct password was being used GUARANTEED, after a crash and reboot. I logged in to another account with added Admin priveledges which has no password (created much after original). This profile had no password so not affected. I tried changing the password on my account but system still would not accept password/log in. I then tried to remove the password - The both accounts showed but mine still requested a password which none of the password options old or new would work. Then another reboot caused My main profile to disappear completely - which is worrying as all my invoices (backed up about 3 months ago) is there. I would try a system restore but this has failed the last 2 times I tried for other unrelated issues (what causes that? - restore files not saving?).

Main question how to recover profile or documents etc in profile?
2nd What is cause so I can stop a re-occurrence? Similar happened months ago but changing password worked that time. DEFINATELY not wrong password as cause!!!
Thanks in advance.

SOLUTION

jfields71

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Freshcafe

ASKER

It had an image/button for fast user switching but the button has disappeared. Of course the profile being used has no access to the password protected profile or files inside. The restore is set to 12% (12495MB). Just checked the Admin tools - local user and groups and the profile name still shows as a local user but how to proceed to restore without the restore app working?

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jfields71

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Freshcafe

ASKER

Restore just says it has failed so nothing was done and gives a prompt to try another restore point. But the profile is back now and I'd just like to know why this happened - should not get locked out after 2 attempts and the lockout should only be 30 minutes as default and set currently when I checked the admin. Just being patient may have sorted it but having the login disappear and thought of losing two months - panicked.
Thanks for the assist. Points soon.

SOLUTION

jfields71

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Freshcafe

ASKER

This is even more confusing/raises even more questions! Security in event viewer shows Failure audits since Decembe 2007. My account is on most showing
logon Account error
event 680
error 0xC0000234 or 0xC000006A

There are a few on the other account/profile
same category
error 0xC000006E

NONE OF THESE COME BACK AS LOCKOUT WHEN REPORTED- BEST WAS WRONG PASSWORD but every day since 2007 is unlikely especially since it signs us in and MICROSOFT SAYS NO USER INTERVENTION REQUIRED. ????

The 5 sucessful audits of 778 are 3 policy changes on this pc name and
2 System events on Computer name STUDENTXP

Cannot find evidence/report of lockout and there was no error - it just wouldn't let me in with my password then the icon on the fast user switching screen was not there.

AT LEAST ITS WORKING AGAIN BUT WOULD LIKE TO RESOLVE IT TO STOP IT OCCURRING AGAIN.

Freshcafe

ASKER

May not be everyones answer but - patience may have worked. It acted like a lockout but no message or log or other evidence to say so. Thanks for your assistance. Now on to the next peculiar fault!

Freshcafe

ASKER

May not be everyones answer but - patience may have worked. It acted like a lockout but no message or log or other evidence to say so.