Need help with a computer problem......

[Mikekoz13]

I apparently got a virus on my desktop yesterday. I ran Malwarebytes and it found all the infections and removed them. But I'm left with an issue.

When I get to the WELCOME screen where all the user names are I'm OK... but no matter which user name I select it looks like it's going to log me in but then immediately sends me back to the log in screen.

I looked into this on the internet (on my laptop) and tried a feew things with no luck.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm desperate.

[The Noggin]

Have you tried running in safe mode?
What OS do you have?

[IRONHORSE]

Mike,

I'm going to work on the assumption that you're running a Windows machine (most are,) and suggest a few things. First, do a google search for "AVG Anti-Rootkit download" and download and run it (You may need to go into safe mode to do this.) The nefarious thing about rootkits is that they re-install every time you reboot. Once you're rootkit free, then run your Malwarebytes again (Pretty good program!) and perhaps Lavasoft's ad-aware. Lastly, I'd suggest downloading and running Zone Alarm's free version of their anti-virus. I'm a big fan of Zone Alarm. I ran their Security Suite on my system, when I ran Windows.

Hope I was able to help a little,

Scott

[Mikekoz13]

Guys-

It's a desktop with Microsoft XP. The problem with Scott's suggestion is that I can't get past the login screen to do anything. When I click on my or any other user name it looks like it's going to log me in. My wallpaper flashes up for literally a second and then it logs me out immediately.

[IRONHORSE]

Mike,

Try pressing...oh crud, I think it's F11, (and if that doesn't work, reboot repeatedly and press F-buttons until the option comes up) during bootup and selecting "boot up in safe mode." and go from there.

[Mikekoz13]

Mike,

Try pressing...oh crud, I think it's F11, (and if that doesn't work, reboot repeatedly and press F-buttons until the option comes up) during bootup and selecting "boot up in safe mode." and go from there.

Yeah I did that.... still couldn't get past that welcome screen.

[IRONHORSE]

well, crud. The only other option I can think of at this point would be a wipe and reinstall of XP. Sorry, bro.

[Mikekoz13]

If I do that will I lose any of my personal data on the computer?

[IRONHORSE]

If they aren't backed up somewhere, yeah. All documents, photos, videos, music files....everything... Kapoof. Gone 

[The Noggin]

You can try a repair installation of XP. That way the personal data would not be lost.

[IRONHORSE]

You can try a repair installation of XP. That way the personal data would not be lost.

Yeah, what he said. You have nothing to lose by trying this first. Be aware though that viruses will still be there, so take all appropriate steps to eradicate them before you reboot, should the repair work.

[Jack]

Yes, a repair installation may help. It sounds like userinit.exe has been deleted or corrupted (it's needed to initialise user accounts, hence userinit; hence you being logged out immediately). To do a repair installation, boot from the Windows CD and follow the setup process normally until you see an option to repair a detected Windows installation (this is not "R" for Recovery Console). If you reach the disk partitioner, you've gone too far. If you get no option for a repair installation, report back and we'll try using the recovery console to restore userinit.

Also, try entering the Advanced Boot Options menu with F8 (as you've already done) and select Last Known Good Configuration. This may allow you to log in.

In any case, if we can get you to the desktop, I'll connect to your computer with remote assistance software and make sure it's clean if you like.

[Mikekoz13]

According to everything I've read on line it's definetly a problem with the userinit file. I tried several of the solutions that I found but with no luck. I'm really trying to avoid taking the computer to the guy in town to fix because I don't want to drop the cash.... I think he is $65 to fix this type of thing. He is EXCELLENT though.........

[Mikekoz13]

I tried last known good config earlier with no success.

[Mikekoz13]

Reporting back.......... No selection for a Repair Installation..............