Cannot login to Windows XP, weird login issue.

Lucutus

lo all,

It's been a while since I posted around these parts, however, I could use some tech help and I reckon there might be some crossover with Malware/virus stuff here.

I have an unusual problem with an older PC, Shuttle SN25P, that I need to get working again:

Windows looks like it is booting normally, gets to where user should be prompted to login (standalone workgroup machine), yet the login prompt is not presented, instead, just a blank blue background, mouse and keyboard are responsive (mouse moves, keyboard allows capslock toggle).

CTRL-ALT-DEL does not bring up the task manager.

Same behaviour is evident is safe mode.

Have attempted using last known good configuration, VGA mode, all safe modes including safe mode with cmd prompt - (didn't even get a cmd prompt!), shortcut keys to try to get a run dialog and an XP repair install to no avail.

I have booted from an XP CD and disabled some services in the recovery console, (thought logmein might have been at fault), but that didn't help.

I don't *think* there's an actual virus on this machine, it always scans clear (AntiVir and Malwarebytes updated daily, weekly full scans etc.)

Any suggestions appreciated, I've spent a good 12 hours on this problem and I reckon it's time to ask for help

Agent Smith

This might sound silly


have you tried a different keyboard?

Lucutus

Doesn't sound silly at all, I've seen simpler solutions to more complex problems.

I never even thought of that... .oO("Not my trusty G15!")

Will give it a go now...

Lucutus

No joy there, I'm afraid I tried another USB and a PS/2.

ActorSeeksJob

tried chkdsk /r ?


Boot from the Windows XP installation CD.

At the "Welcome to Setup" screen, press R to start Recovery Console. Choose the installation to be repaired by number (usually 1) and press "Enter".

When you are asked for the Administrator password, leave it blank and press "Enter".

At the command prompt, type chkdsk /r and press "Enter". (Note the space before /r) The disk check operation will start.

This will be a very thorough check of the hard drive and the file system...be patient and let it complete. It may appear to hang or even back up a few times...this is normal. 60 to 90 minutes is not unusual for this check...it may take longer in some cases.

Once the check completes and you are back at the command prompt, type exit and press "Enter". Let your computer boot normally to Windows.

Lucutus

Aye, did that last night, should have stuck that in the OP

edit: Forgot to add, it found a single 'error' and claimed to have repaired it

Lucutus

Still wrestling with this issue, any other suggestions out there?

EL_Loco

oddly this happened to me last week at work, took the Hard drive out, put it in another computer, copied all I needed and did a windows reinstall.

bit drastic, but like yourself, nothing else was working.

ActorSeeksJob

tried a windows repair ?

http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/How-to-repair-Windows-XP-t138.html

Lucutus

EL_Loco wrote: »

oddly this happened to me last week at work, took the Hard drive out, put it in another computer, copied all I needed and did a windows reinstall.

Aye, I have retrieved file level data from the HDD, but unfortunatly, I have lots of other application data, registry data and browser saved passwords etc. I need to get at.

ActorSeeksJob wrote: »

tried a windows repair ?

http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/How-to-repair-Windows-XP-t138.html

Yep, slipstreamed the SATA drivers onto an XP disc on Friday and attempted that, same issue. My mouse cursor looks nicely anti-aliased or something now

The quest continues...