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XP Log On loops After Program Removed- Possible Registry Changes

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PLEASE HELP! - with specific steps I'm a novice here.
Running XP SP2 on my HP Pavillion dv5220. Have security program provided by ISP and Spybot S&D. Attempted to remove ISPs security program in order to load a new security program. During "remove", SpybotS&D prompted messages appear: asking Allow or Deny regarding several "System Startup" registry changes. I've apparently allowed or denied in error with my responses. Cannot log on normally nor Safe Mode in either User or Admin account. Keeps Looping.

Have "Recovery disk set" made at initial purchase. Without losing programs and data: 1)Can I Repair XP/registry from Recovery disks? HOW, specifically? 2)If not, is it possible to do a manual restore (prior to program removal)? Again, specifics - can't seem to get to command prompt.

No success yet with "last known good config" etc. I put Recov disk 1 in & F11'd. Choices were R- repair, F-format, Q-quit. HP site makes it sound as though I'll lose all programs & data if I chose either R or F!! Please help.

7 replies

by pc-guru

run a system restore from CMD prompt
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
hope that helps if not run a repair install
from the cd you will lose all files under documents and settings (desktop included)
but programs will be intact...hope this helps

by Former member

If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings.
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.

1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD
2. At the second R=Repair option, press the R key
3. This will start the repair
4. Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement
5. Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS
6. It will then check the C: drive and start copying files
7. It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.
8. You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation)
9. When prompted, click on the Next button
10. When prompted, enter your XP key
11. Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name
12. The computer will reboot
13. Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install
14. Activate if you want (usually a good idea)
15. Register if you want (but not necessary)
16. Finish
17. At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.

by kenone

If you can you can just do a system restore back before you tried to uninstall the program.

by mythymeout1

Thanks to all for suggestions. Feel I need to better clarify my present notebook status.
I do not have original "installation" discs for XP. At time of purchase instruction was to simply make "recovery" discs so I have those. From everything I'm reading on line appears my only chance of keeping all data AND applications in tact is to do a repair using "installation" NOT "recovery" discs. Sounds like "data" only will be preserved using "recovery" discs for repair -specifically what data I'm not sure: documents, photos, videos, music?? ALL? But supposedly will not be able to access data until all programs are re-installed. Trying to avoid this if possible.
Cannot do restore from Command Prompt b/c cannot get past log in when I attempt to access Command Prompt. Can't log in via normal start up NOR in safe mode. Sits at welcome screen with accounts displayed but clicking on either user or Admin account only results in screen repeatedly flashing to "loading" then immediately "saving" settings. Can't get past this loop and actually log in.

Finally found phone number on MS site to call & request replacement software. Have "key" from bottom of notebook. Don't know if I'll have to pay for XP Media Center Edition 2005 OS or if they'll just replace since I have my key code? Can't call them till Monday or Tuesday perhaps due to posted hours and Holiday.
Update: In meantime, hoping not to have destroyed chance to preserve everything if I can get "install" discs. We decided to try an F11 repair from the Recovery partition on the hard drive hoping to just see other options b4 actually starting Recovery repair. Got Message like: "preparing system for recovery" but did not select any option from the "Recovery" screen that followed. Hoping the brief "preparing system" activity did not destroy chance to do full "restore" or "repair". Anyone know? If so, I may as well start the laborious tasks of reloading everything and accept that items since last back up are forever lost!
Please let me know if I need to clarify situation further or if there are any choices based on current status. Hopefully I'm not miscommunicating situation due to my limited tech knowledge and tech language as I'm definately out of my league here.
Thanks again for your time and input.

by Former member

You will need to take out the drive and put this into a powered usb case/caddy. Buy a new hdd and place this into your computer. Load on Windows or what ever you have and load all of the updates blah blah, load on your motherboard drivers or download them from the makers website. When all done then you can connect your powered usb case/caddy to your computer and then you will be able to access your files and folders. Hope this helps you.

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.

by Former member

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.

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