asked on

Windows XP login failure

I have a PC with Windows XP SP3 that I just cleaned up from a virus/malware attack. After cleaning with SpyHunter 3 and rebooting, I cannot login. I get the login screen, click on the account icon, I get the usual loading screen, then an immediate logoff before the desktop comes up. This circle takes place with all accounts including the admin. I have never seen this behavior before. Any ideas?

NarendraG

You could try doing a repair installation of windows.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

IanTh

have you tried safe mode using your admin account and do the virus checking

the other way is do an in-place repair as your virus malware cleaning could have broken system files

see http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/pdf/XPrepairinstall.pdf

NarendraG

This is because it could be called 'userinit.exe'
the wsaupdater file seems to be the userinit file but renamed by a virus

Read more: http://www.d-a-l.com/help/windows-xp-help/40370-auto-logoff-after-login-no.html#ixzz0cQePyePl

Houssam Ballout

Check this:

http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Windows-XP-Logs-Then-Immediately-Logs-Off-t15771.html

CLewT

ASKER

Thanks for all the quick responses. My next step was to try a repair from the original CD. It does the same thing in safe mode, I should have mentioned that to begin with. I suspect it is the userinit.exe problem. I will try the linked solutions and report back.

CLewT

ASKER

OK, copying the userinit.exe to wsaupdater.exe failed to solve the issue. I also tried to fix the boot record. Any other ideas short of reinstall?

CLewT

ASKER

Anyway to edit the winlogon registry key from the recovery console?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

CLewT

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial