URGENT problem with WinXP

[mAdD INDIAN]

Here's the problem:

When WinXP loads, it logs in and then logs me out..and then logs in again and then logs back out. And it repeats like this by not allowing me into the computer.

It says "Loading preferences" and then says "Saving settings" and then it goes back to "Loading Preferences" and then "Saving settings".....and it repeats like that.

This happens for any user account. Also happens when I go into Safe Mode.

Ironically enough, just before this happened I ran both SpyBot and AdAware to remove all the spyware on my computer.

Any advice? I'm in Repair Console right now but not sure what to do in it.

Thanks

 

[mechBgon]

In the Repair console, use the CD command to change directories until you're at C:\Documents and settings\all users\start menu\programs\startup, and if there's anything in there, delete it.

 

[tbalon]

Are you running an activated version of XP? If the software is not activated within the time limit, it will act this way until you do activate it.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: tbalon
Are you running an activated version of XP? If the software is not activated within the time limit, it will act this way until you do activate it.

No its activated.

I fixed it...apparently there's a spyware called "Search Assitant" that replaces userinit.exe in Windows\System32 with a file called wsaupdater.exe So when you remove spyware with AdAware...it removes that...but not the registry entry...so it still points to wsaupdater..which sin't there.

So you have to goot repair console and then fix it.

 

[mechBgon]

Ewww, spyware = :evil: Who put it on there, was it you or someone else? If it was someone else, make them a nice shiny Limited account all their own, and password-protect all the Admin-level accounts. If it was yourself then be more careful, or maybe run Limited yourself.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Ewww, spyware = :evil: Who put it on there, was it you or someone else? If it was someone else, make them a nice shiny Limited account all their own, and password-protect all the Admin-level accounts. If it was yourself then be more careful, or maybe run Limited yourself.

it was me. 🙁

This kinda stuff has never happened to me before..so I was ignorant in a sense. Who wuold have thought spyware would control your computer now??

Stupid technology. 😛

 

[mechBgon]

Well hey, I run Limited-class myself at home and at work, most of the time 🙂 Actually it's called Restricted User since I'm back on Win2000Pro right now. But a Limited/Restricted account is a very powerful means of avoiding accidental spyware/adware installation. Of course, if we are determined to install the FREE SMILIES or whatever, we deserve to suffer the consequences 😉

Always living and learning, we are... 🙂