PCTech Forums

On a new HP computer I have running Windows XP Media Edition, when I try to start up the computer, it now requires me to click on my name to enter - it then just returns to the start up screen - then goes right back to the same question. I put it into safe mode and it allowed me in by clicking on "Administrator" (which was not one of my choices earlier). I then restored to an earlier time - it did not help. I then ran safe mode again and checked into my user account settings and there are now three - one says administrator/administrator, one says my name/administrator and the other says Guest which is turned off. I am assuming the first one should be deleted (I can't even imagine how it got there as I've done nothing different in the last few days). I don't use passwords to get in as I'm the only user on this computer. I've never had this proglem before so this is totally new to me. How do I fix this situation? When I try to get in normally, the only choice it gives me is the "my name/administrator" account and that one doesn't work. I have to go in through safe mode and then use the administrator/administrator account? What has happened ????

The three accounts that you made reference to Admin, your name and the guest accounts are all default install.
Windows will not let you delete the admin or your account.

There could be a number of things that has caused this problem.
Anything from virus/spyware to a corrupted user file, even bad drivers.

Try this boot into safe mode log in as admin and run a full virus scan with your anti-virus program.
If that doesn’t fix it then we will have to see what is loading at startup.
Please download , unzip it to it's own folder.
Start HijackThis and select 'Do a system scan and save a logfile'
Now post the contents of the logfile back into this thread
This can all be done in safe mode with networking.

The other option is to create a new user account while in safe mode and see if you can then log on in normal mode.

When the XP menu comes up with the users, hit Control Alt Delete twice. This will pull up a standard domain login menu. Type in administrator and the password if there was one.

Then go to Start-->Run and type in " control userpasswords2 " without quotes and hit enter

Uncheck the box that "users must use a name and password etc" and reboot.

Hopefully that should fix it.