Hi all .. never encountered a problem like this and hoping for some help from more experienced heads. I was "fixing" my sisters LAPTOP, which had multiple malware and spyware problems. Used spybot to scan and fix all and all seemed well until I re-booted. Now I get to XP login but can get no further. WHICHEVER user I click on (inc Administrator in safe mode), it SHOWS the desktop background but no icons and then automatically logs me out - back to login. Same problem in safe mode, and I can't revert to last GOOD configuration - same problem there. Any help/ tips gratefully received. PeterDo you have the Windows CD?

If so, perform a Repair Install:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htmThanks - My sister is searching for the CD that came with the machine but no sign yet.Quote

Download Windows Recovery Console: http://www.thecomputerparamedic.com/files/rc.iso
Download, and install free Imgburn: http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download
Using Imgburn, burn rc.iso to a CD.
Boot to the CD...let it finish loading.
When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
Then, follow the steps from here: http://icrontic.com/articles/repair_windows_xp, starting below this picture on page 1: