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winlogon.exe fails--Application Error

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by bcongeni

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How can I fix this problem without re-intalling XP? I must run a Visual C++ debugger or cause XP to reboot. I do not get this problem in safe-mode. Also, no system restore will fix the problem either.

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by cntrysky

Would it be possible to include the complete error word for word?

Anyways, the problem could possibly be caused by a 3rd party Graphical Identification and Authentication (GINA) DLL file. You may want to check to see if the default msgina.dll file has been replaced or not. In order to do this, use regedit from the RUN field and find the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Value = GinaDLL

Be careful what you do in the registry. It could cause more problems if messed around with.

If the value of MSGina is present and is anything other than Msgina.dll, then possibly a 3rd party program has made a changed to its value. Normally you should not see this value at all. If it is not present then everything should be okay here.

If MSGINA is present you can simply remove the key altogether by highlighting msgina and remove. Don't simply remove the value within the key as it will prevent your system from booting to Normal Windows. You will still be able to go to Safemode to remove the key manually if this does happen though.

I can't remember the exact error I have experienced that was sort of related to this but this was where I started. Let us know how things go.

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