Windows fails to start

[norman.ross]

Yesterday I spent the day using RegCleaner, CCLeaner, AdAware and Microsoft Antispyware and then defraged the drive. Today, with that drive, I cannot start. When I try to start, all seems OK until I have logged on when the computer sometime starts to show the desktop, sometimes not, then logs out saving settings. This happens on all accounts including those having administrative privileges.
I tried starting up using ' Last known good configuration ' and also ' Safe Start '
Same thing happens. When in Safe Start mode I tried to run in all accounts including ' Administrator ' ( which required no password ) but same thing happened.

I tried to repair using the XP2 CDROM and the Recover Console. When I was asked for the Administrator password I tried just pressing ' enter' as I don't remember ever setting a password during an installation. However this was rejected. so no repair

Am using Windows XP SP2 with all updates

I have installed an old drive with Windows to send this.

Any suggestions?

[Panama Red]

Might be quickest and easiest to do a Repair/install.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[norman.ross]

Thanks . will try that

[norman.ross]

That worked but took a long time. I don't want to have to do that again.
Have you any idea why it might have occured. I have used all the programs many times before but never one after another
Thanks very much for your help.

[Panama Red]

I don't use the registry cleanup programs you've mentioned but I would suspect they have a backup/restore utility. I use Registry Healer (purchased full version) and have never had a problem with it. Before each scan I'm offered the option to create a Restore Point. I ALWAYS do that - just in case. Your registry probably was roached but why is anyone's guess. Next time, before you do any cleaning, create a restore point so you can return to that point if anything goes wrong.

[doubledragon5]

When using the other programs to clean you system, it is possible you deleted some key items to run Windows properly.. I have stoped using registry cleaners ( and I admit I'm a novice when it comes to that type of program) because of doing just that....

[norman.ross]

Thanks for all your comments. I had backed up registry and created a restore point before cleaning etc. but being unable to even start the computer these were not of much use. I even had a full backup of all the Windows and settings files available but again could not use them.

Thanks again