[Chexee]

Recently, I tried to log on to my laptop, (Windows XP) and after I entered my password, I looked around and tidied up a few things on my desk, looked up again and it was back to the login screen. Confused, I entered my password again and watched. It logged in and after a bout a seconds flash of my desktop, said "Logging off" again. Thoroughly frusterated I tried logging in on the other account, with the same result. Still determined, I went in Safe Mode and still with the same results.

The next day I took it to Best Buy, where the guy at the counter did all the things I have already done and then informed me that the only way to fix it was to reformat and if I wanted to save all my data on my hard drive, they would need my computer for about a week and it would cost $160. I told myself, (and still hold true) that if I had to reformat and lose my data I would cry. I probably will. I'm an internet junkie to the extreme, and a weblogger girl-type HTML savvy type. Shame on stereotypes.

Currently, my laptop is sitting on a counter, closed and collecting dust because ... well ... I am broke. Can someone please help me? I would be MUCH obliged.

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Hi Chexee, welcome to Geeks to Go!

Let us take a closer look at what is running on your PC. We'll need you to use a free diagnostic tool (HiJackThis) and post a log back here with the results.

Click the HijackThis Guide in my signature, download it and follow the instructions in the guide.

Most of what it lists will be harmless or even essential, DO NOT delete or modify anything yet! Someone will be along to tell you what steps to take after you post the contents of the scan results.

[admin]

Hi Chexee, welcome to Geeks to Go!

Let us take a closer look at what is running on your PC. We'll need you to use a free diagnostic tool (HiJackThis) and post a log back here with the results.

Click the HijackThis Guide in my signature, download it and follow the instructions in the guide.

Most of what it lists will be harmless or even essential, DO NOT delete or modify anything yet! Someone will be along to tell you what steps to take after you post the contents of the scan results.

[Chexee]

Well, the thing is, I can't run anything ... so ... I can't really run HiJack This ... or any other program, since I can't log in. x__x That's my big dilemma.

[admin]

Sorry, I should have read your original post more carefully.

Have you tried restarting the computer using "last known good configuration":
1. Start Windows, or if it is running, shut Windows down, and then turn off the computer.
2. Restart the computer. The computer begins processing a set of instructions known as the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). What is displayed depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some computers display a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS, while others may not display any indication that this process is happening.
3. As soon as the BIOS has finished loading, begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Continue to do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
4. Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, scroll to and select the Last Known Good Configuration menu item, and then press Enter.

If that doesn't work, do you have a Windows XP CD?

[Chexee]

I've tried that too ... *despairs* I'm sure I have one around here somewhere ... if I can just find that box ...

[admin]

If you can locate a CD (and your CD key), I'd recommend a "repair installation". You won't lose any of your data.

You can find an XP repair installation guide here: http://www.geekstogo...p?showtopic=138