Problem with computer logging in then out automatically

[moose48fox]

First the problem:
I am not sure if I had a malware or virus problem, but with roommates you can never tell. Especially ones that will just download everything (((. Anyway I have AVG (paid version) and ran the system scan, I also ran the system scan with I think spyware blaster but it could have been another program, as I can’t get to windows to check. When I restarted the computer I got to the typical login screen. When I hit my name it started to show the desktop without the icons then went back to the login screen and said logging off then saving your setting. If I clicked my name again the same thing would happen but it would not even go to the desktop but would just say logging on, logging off, then saving settings.

This is on Windows XP pro

I goggled the problem and I guess this is fairly common cause there was plenty of information out there. The general consensuses was that one of the necessary login .exe was corrupted by something and that the anti virus software removed it. This puts you in this login loop.

This is what I tried to fix the problem:

1) First I tried logging on to windows in safe mode thinking I could restore to point before but that did not work the loop was still there in save mode.
2) Placed the Windows XP installation disk in to the disk drive
3) Turned on computer hit escape button then F2 to get to bios and changed boot config to have the computer boot windows from the disk.
4) Restarted computer and got into the windows rescue mode
5) D:\windows
6) Entered CD SYSTEM32
7) Then COPY USERINIT.EXE WSAUPDATER.EXE
8) Entered EXIT
9) Went back to BIOS and changed to boot from HD and restarted the computer.
10) DID NOT WORK ( still in login loop.

Anyone have any ideas they think may work???

Can I just completely reinstall windows and not loose what is on my HD

I am ok with computers, but everything I have learned I have learned here so please do not assume I know anything.

Thanks in advance,

Randy

[hammer_]

It seems your user's profile got corrupted, If you are not an administrator, then you are able to log in. other wise you have to repair windows. Boot your computer with Xp Disk and hit "R" for repair it.

[freddiej]

Childish, but we do it to people at work all the time. Any chance someone has put a log off script in your start up process?

[moose48fox]

Tried a bunch of stuff that never worked and just gave up and formatted my hard drive. I was due anyway and of course it fixed the problem beautifully )))).