XP logon looping after Spybot

[bgibsonaz]

I Can't log on...


Have a Dell machine running Windows XP Pro. When I reach the logon screen and enter a password, it briefly displays the logging on screen - says 'loading personal settings - then immediately precedes to log the user out. This happens with all the user accounts. Also tried F8 into safe mode but same happens.

The last program that was run was Spybot search and destroy. Spybot suggested rebooting in Safe... but that won't work!

Any ideas how I can bypass this screen and get in to try and solve the problem?

[ktkendall]

When you use F8 to get to that safe mode menu, did you try the other option of "Last known good configuration" ??

[glc]

Known issue.

Boot your computer from your Windows XP cd, when the menu comes up hit the R key to get to the recovery console. Log into the administrator account.

The prompt should start off at C:\Windows>. Type cd system32. The prompt should now read C:\Windows\system32>.

Type copy userinit.exe wsaupdater.exe.

[Mesaeus]

glc, could you give a link to more info about this ? I'd like to know what could cause this, are we talking vindictive spyware that trashed his system ? Inquiring minds want to know

[glc]

Google userinit wsaupdater - lots of links, some at Wilders.

Yes, it's spyware and incomplete removal. Both Spybot and Ad-Aware have had this issue.

[bgibsonaz]

thanks for all your responses... I'm now on another computer. will try the suggestions and will post the outcome.

Thanks again everyone!

[bgibsonaz]

That fixed it!

Now I'm wondering if I should even use Spybot anymore. Any advise?

Barb

[glc]

Sure - you still need to use it. How else are you going to get rid of spyware, other than don't get it in the first place? Best way to do that is stop using Internet Explorer.

[Mesaeus]

Originally Posted by bgibsonaz That fixed it! Now I'm wondering if I should even use Spybot anymore. Any advise?

Team Spybot do their best to avoid any bugs. However, when you have spyware that hooks itself deep into all kinds of nooks and crannies, you can always get problems when removing it. I fondly (well, not THAT fondly) recall all the trouble New.net gave me before I figured out a way to delete it safely. Keep using Spybot, this issue will probably be corrected real soon.

[bgibsonaz]

Thanks for your reply... so do you recommend Netscape over IE. If so, I have NO problem switching.

[seagull]

Mozilla period !!!!! 3 yrs and no problems.

[Geoman]

GLS and Segull, why not use IE? What is it about Netscape or Mazoila or someone at another site mentioned Pegauss and Endora. What is it about those programs that stop spyware?

Do these other programs also help to prevent virus's or trojans? If so, how or why?

I've asked this on different forums but could never get a solid answer as to 'why'. My question is for personal use, not to debate, I honestly do not understand the differences and why there are.

Thanks to all

Rich