I have an OLD Dell notebook (Inspiron 700m) with an Intel Celeron PROCESSOR that is running Windows XP. We have other laptops in the house and this one is not used, but I now need access to it for some old documents.

It starts XP and loads the usual welcome page, with the list of users. Clicking on a user then leads to the computer TRYING to load personal settings. I get a brief flash of the desktop and then it advises that it is logging out and saving personal settings. I am then back at the welcome page with the list of users. All user accounts have been tried and they all react the same way.

I have tried to access through various options in SAFE mode, but cannot get past this problem. Any help you can provide would be appreciated. Given that the machine is no longer in active use I don't want to spend much to take it in for troubleshooting.

Thanks.Can you try safe mode?

Yes, I have tried safe mode through all of the options I could, but they all put me to the same welcome screen.I had this problem before. I cant remember exactly what I did but it was something similar to the answer found here http://www.compatdb.org/support/topics/139521_windows_xp_will_no_got_to_desktop_from_welcome_screen.html
Try this, usually works. The problem is to with some spyware, and when removed (by adaware) causes the behaviour you guys are describing.


First off, boot your computer from your Windows XP restore cd/OS cd, when the menu comes up hit the R key to get to the recovery prompt.

The prompt should start off at C:\Windows.
Type cd system32 The prompt should now read C:\Windows\system32

Type: COPY userinit.exe wsaupdater.exe
Reboot

Im no expert so you might want to wait on someone with more experience to help you.