New user accounts hang at "loading your settings"

[Charlee]

Hi
I have tried to add 2 new user accounts and followed the instructions
meticulously. I have previously done this without any problem,and then
deleted the accounts at later dates. Now, every time I try to log on to one
of the other user accounts, (all of which are admin) they start to open and
then the pc hangs whilst displaying "Loading your settings". I cannot escape
or anything so have to use the on/off switch to shut down and reboot.

I think another someone in my house, who shall remain nameless, has deleted
files but I don't know which. I am not very experienced with PC's so any
help would be greatly appreciated.

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

When the pc is booting up (after the BIOS has done its POST test and
before Windows starts loading),
Tap F8 Function key to get bootup options. Tap & keep repeat tapping F8 !

You will actually see "Disable automatic restart on system failure" as an option .
Select that and give it a try. This option is available if you have XP service pack 2.

Then select Safe mode, login with an administrator-rights account. Save data as needed.

You need to see any fatal error that Windows may have. So do the following.
Right Click the My Computer icon on desktop. Select Properties.
Next, select Advanced. Look for a block that says Startup and recovery. Press the settings button.
In System failure section, turn off (un-check) Automatically restart.
Write an event to system log should be Checked (selected).

Ask the "other someone" what they have done !

BTW, are all user accounts given admin rights? That is not a good practice.
--
Maurice N
MVP Windows - Shell / User
-----


Charlee wrote:
> Hi
> I have tried to add 2 new user accounts and followed the instructions
> meticulously. I have previously done this without any problem,and
> then deleted the accounts at later dates. Now, every time I try to
> log on to one of the other user accounts, (all of which are admin)
> they start to open and then the pc hangs whilst displaying "Loading
> your settings". I cannot escape or anything so have to use the
> on/off switch to shut down and reboot.
>
> I think another someone in my house, who shall remain nameless, has
> deleted files but I don't know which. I am not very experienced with
> PC's so any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Charlee]

Thanks for the help Maurice, I will try it out and let you know how I get on.
Won't be today though as I have to go out.

The "Other person" doesn't know what they did I have. As he is co-owner of
the PC it's a little difficult to remove his admin rights!

"Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:

> When the pc is booting up (after the BIOS has done its POST test and
> before Windows starts loading),
> Tap F8 Function key to get bootup options. Tap & keep repeat tapping F8 !
>
> You will actually see "Disable automatic restart on system failure" as an option .
> Select that and give it a try. This option is available if you have XP service pack 2.
>
> Then select Safe mode, login with an administrator-rights account. Save data as needed.
>
> You need to see any fatal error that Windows may have. So do the following.
> Right Click the My Computer icon on desktop. Select Properties.
> Next, select Advanced. Look for a block that says Startup and recovery. Press the settings button.
> In System failure section, turn off (un-check) Automatically restart.
> Write an event to system log should be Checked (selected).
>
> Ask the "other someone" what they have done !
>
> BTW, are all user accounts given admin rights? That is not a good practice.
> --
> Maurice N
> MVP Windows - Shell / User
> -----
>
>
> Charlee wrote:
> > Hi
> > I have tried to add 2 new user accounts and followed the instructions
> > meticulously. I have previously done this without any problem,and
> > then deleted the accounts at later dates. Now, every time I try to
> > log on to one of the other user accounts, (all of which are admin)
> > they start to open and then the pc hangs whilst displaying "Loading
> > your settings". I cannot escape or anything so have to use the
> > on/off switch to shut down and reboot.
> >
> > I think another someone in my house, who shall remain nameless, has
> > deleted files but I don't know which. I am not very experienced with
> > PC's so any help would be greatly appreciated.
>