On my father's computer, whenever you try to login to *any* account (other than administrator in safe mode), it shows the desktop wallpaper for a few seconds, then automatically logs you back off. Is there any fix to this? Or is a reformat inevitable?
Hmmm. I don't know what that is, but after you are in Safe mode, have you checked all the startup items, scanned for spyware and virus's etc? Did you try the Administrator account in normal mode? Could also try creating a new user and see if it's a profile issue.
Hmm, I'll try those suggestions - thanks, hopefully it resolves the problem. EDIT: It still doesn't work. I think we'll probably just go with a reformat. It needed one anyways, so it won't be too big of a deal.
Can you clarify that? I'm not sure I understand what you mean. And... he reformatted the computer, and a few days later (today), it has the same exact problem again.
I was going to suggest that you may have some 'nasties' hiding in you 'puter...but you say you reformatted. Did this occur before you connected to the internet - or after?
Check for driver conflict. Or does it do it when there is absolutely NOTHING installed except windows?
I was thinking drivers first but it do sound a lot like malware. Have a look at the registry key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" and see if it's pointing to :\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,". The file userinit.exe may also have been replaced, follow the instructions in the link below. BlazeFind http://www.winxptutor.com/wsaremove.htm These all pretty much point to the same issue and answer: Windows XP logs in then logs off http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20972739.html Windows XP home login/off http://www.mcse.ms/showthread.php?t=626296 http://www.google.com/search?q=XP+logs+off+as+soon+as+i+login If it is malware messing with the log-on and it happened twice, again right after a format you need to make sure he understands and install some protection, make sure he is all patched up and check which programs he is installing. Otherwise he will just keep having to reinstall. If it's not malware, or related issue to the already mention registry key and/or file. I guess it can be system corruption (say to the registry hives) caused by faulty hardware like RAM or HD, bad shutdowns or power outs. I'd run a RAM and HD check to make sure (Edit: what do using Last Known Good Configuration do ? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852) The fact that it happens again after a format, tell me either something physically still present is causing the issue like RAM or HD. Or he is repeating something like installing some program. I can't tell by your post how computer savy your dad is but it may be he is installing some programs he shouldn't be or somehow getting the system hosed.
