Lost usernames and pictures from welcome screen XP Home cannot log in

Hi thanks for the reply.

Tried CTRL+ALT+Del (press the sequence twice) brings up a Log On to Windows XP Home Edition window with Boxes for Username and Password, it also has my user name 'Andy' in it.

I had three profiles, one for myself and two for other family members. I was also the admin.

There was no passwords on any of the accounts. All I usually do is click on the required username and picture. Clicking OK does not work - and like I said There are no passwords.

If I click on the OK in the Log On to Windows box that I invoked with pressing CTRL+ALT+Del = twice; Then is shows a strange message, regarding 'Doimain' it has never done that before.

Message says "The system could not log you on. Make sure your user name and domain are correct, then type your password again. Letters in passwords must be typed useing the correct case."

I don't think that I have ever had 'log on with domain' set, although my PC is just part of my home network it is still a stand alone PC. as they all are, (currently three PC's), with extra HD's connected.

I already investigated about the log on with domain - see- difference between a domain, a workgroup, and a homegroup. I have no reason to believe that this is the fault. My PC was turned off as normal with no problems, the next day I turned it on - I had no user profiles or pictures for the profiles.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/what-is-the-difference-between-a-domain-a-workgroup-and-a-homegroup

Is there a way to get into windows - log on so that I can get to the start menu and control panel? - Someone else said I could log in 'as a power user' whatever that is. They may have been yanking my chain.. I thought the top level was as admin.

Thanks for any help, in advance.
Andy

Hi -
I did try that before, I got the same or similar messages.
I've just re-done it again with variations on case and usernames.
Administrator or administrator - New Message 2 "Unable to log you in because of an account restriction"

Admin or admin / Andy or andy - Usual Message 1 says "The system could not log you on. Make sure your user name and domain are correct, then type your password again. Letters in passwords must be typed useing the correct case."

Administrator
Admin
andy
Andy
Each time I typed X's into the password and then deleted with backspace, to clear out any text or spaces that I couldn't see. (Just in case)!

(I have been turning the PC off recently, where usually it is an 'always-on' PC).
I had left the PC on overnight last night, to see if it would update automatically as I have it set to do that if it is on at 4am - -sitting at the log on screen. its now 4:17am UK time - nothing except I now have an extra choice. As I shut it down, I select 'Install updates and shut down" where usually I only have 'shut down', 'restart' or 'stand by' available. It installed some updates but returned me to the same state of welcome screen with no user profiles or pics.

Andy.

I don't think this is a contributing factor to my missing usernames and pictures, but I will tell you about it anyway.

I was using NET Framework 3.5
There were no errors with the machine until I installed Net Framework 4.5 (By mistake), and I got a critical stop error message. I thought I had killed my PC at the time, but I managed to revive it.

I thought was installing Net Framework 4 which is the newest version that my XP home can run. That was over a month ago, I corrected that mistake. I have NF4 now.

I needed NF 4.5 for a bit of software that can only be installed on the desktop, (not in program files), and that software was running on NF3.5 which I had. Then there was an update of the software, which required NF4.5 or windows 7 / 8.1 - the vendor claimed. However, I went back to NF4 and the software worked fine.

The computer has been running fine for over a month since the NET Framework fiasco, with no errors until two days ago.

I have not installed any more updates till those two just this morning. (And I don't know what updates they were). I usually like to see what the updates are actually about. Although I nearly always install the critical security updates from MS, because I don't usually understand the tech behind them.

Andy.

By the way - did you know that MS are still supporting XP after April 2014. Until April 2015 for critical security updates only. I fount this - article on my travels whilst trying to fix my missing profile issues.
Search for 'UK government pays Microsoft £5.5M to extend Windows XP support'

So, I think all countries will benefit.

Do you know if there is any way to get to the profiles via the repair consol?
Then maybe I could copy them in case I have to reinstall everything. Would that even work?

Also - I asked originally, do you think:-
Could I fix this using the registry fix See https://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545



Do you think I should try using the Original CD to 'set up windows XP' because I think this is a last resort, isn't it? This would overwrite my files and profiles, I'd be back to square one, like it was a new blank PC. And, I would lose everything wouldn't I?

You help and wisdom, please. #Greatly appreciated!
Andy.

On my last attempt trying different solutions, I went for more potentially system altering fix 'FIXBOOT' (but not fix MBR). I know that totally destroys something doesn't it? - No joy!

I ran chkdsk again - that said. "The volume appears to be in a good condition and was not checked.
So then I ran chkdsk /p and it found a couple of errors and fixed them.
Then I used chkdsk /p again and it said no errors again..

Then restart PC, but still at 1), as above - no profiles..

When I repeatedly do this, each time I go into the recovery console and use chkdsk it says no errors - (and) if you still want to check any for error type chkdsk /p
Then if you redo it chkdsk /p it finds and fixes a couple of errors again.. ?? Don't understand why - I suppose it is creating those errors by going through its start-up proceedure..

Also - I noticed that the system date was at 01/01/04 (Its actually over ten years ago as I write). Date now 2014-10-10.

I'm ready with the big hammer from my toolbox...(My most satisfying solution to date)..
Or.. Perhaps, I'll go rest and consider LXLE ??

Update:- FIXED IT - but with errors - not 100% my own fault - bad and confusing instructions in
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545
And
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531

This is a way round it, using a Registry Fix. * I screwed mine up, but if you read about my mistakes and remeber then before you start this. You should be able to fix your missing user names and pics from your welcome screen.

Maian thing is, I have my program back that was installed on the desk top - not in the program files.
Also of course - some of my recent work - I always back-up what I am working on, to an external hard drive.

After three days of searching, and being online for 40 minutes with Microsoft Answerdesk chat http://answerdesk.microsoftstore.com/ just this morning, 2014-10-10 - the agent did not know of any other way to get into windows XP except by using either safe mode (which does not work for most people like me experiencing this problem), or by loging in as a power user (CTRL+ALT+DEL TWICE).

I also discovered that if you have no-passwords entered in your admin or user accounts like I did; Then you cannot reset passwords or get passwords pulled from your PC HD by certain software methods. (Hook up you HD to another PC as an external; type of processes).
eg- search for this article 'Three free tools that reveal your PC's deepest details (including product keys)'

Also you can sort of fix your Registry files, as I tried to do using.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

And I also needed
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531

Because my c:\ drive is NTFS

At the point where you are told to find the 'SNAPSHOT' folder.... Be careful..
A problem I encountered was - I used the most recent file from my System Volume Information folder - that had todays date 10-10-2014 - I had another file dated a month ago in September and I should have used that. Or at least taken a copy of both files, and put them into the TEMP folder - they are supposed to be safe there 'temporarilly' of course. MY ADVICE - copy that whole folder into the TEMP folder and then rename it to something stupid so that you can remember it, but so that windows software will not pick it up by mistake,, Then you can come back to that folder and work on another system restore point if the first does not work.

Because I did not do this, the system overwrote the older September file. I did find the folder in another remp recycle bin (yes, there are more than one), I could not see the information inside the folder though, but I remember wat files were in there..

I can now see my program files and the main software I was most concerned about losing - when I am now successfully running in SAFE MODE- in my 'Andy' user account - as a folder. But my previous profiles are still not showing on a welcome screen - in fact there is no welcome screen yet - I think it is just turned off.


Another problem to watch out for - is that they tell you in the instructions, to copy to the 'tmp' folder and I did not have one - I do have a c:\windows\temp folder though - when I was working in cmd mode - and error message said something like destination folder does not exist..

TIPS: Make sure you know what your c:\windows\temp folder is called exactly.
Also make sure you type very accurately, even a mistake in a space can send this all down the toilet.

Like in https://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531
Type the following line, and then press ENTER:
cacls "driveletter:\System Volume Information" /E /G username:F
There is a no space beween the speech mark and driveletter "driveletter - and ther is a space between /E /G yet is threw up an error message. - With trial and error, I took out the space between /E/G and it accepted the instruction.
So my line was "c:\System Volume Information" /E/G Administrator:F



BEFORE you do this - it will just put your PC quite near the state where it used to be. - Make sure you have your activation keys - your PC will reset to the new regitry state, (sometimes like mine did - you will have a different screen resolution - like it was in 600 x 800).

By the time you finish - you will get you screen res back, if you do the reg fix correctly. However, you might also want to change the screen res in order to work with it easier. It will still chang back to what you had when you finish the registry fix.. ;-)

Activation Key needed... make sure you have yours before you do this..
The message states - "This copy of Windows must be activated with Microsoft before you can log on."
Then my wiresell mouse and keyboard did not work any longer - I have to plug in an old wired keyboard and mouse to control the PC.. Annoyingly - I left the wireless devices connected and had to restart to make the system pick up the new plugged in mouse and keyboard, but the wireless ones then started working.. (Just watch for that).

Windows was unable to activate online - even though I had my internet and networking all working from before the issue.. That's not a problem I will do it later when I have the system running as normal.


ANDY - Sorry this was long and not perfect - but if one of the more apt PC fixers can sort this mess out and rewrite it, they are welcome to do that,, I just wrote about my problems fixing my missing usernames and pictures - gone from my welcome screen for no reason - when I switched on one morning three days ago.. Its been a 72 hour slog..

Thansk for all your help here everyone.. I'll drop by later...


Some other things I did try before this Registry Fix.
Previously...
I tried FIXBOOT within my install disk system 'R'epair mode. That did not work.
I DID NOT do FIXMBR - as this will destroy something - (I ignored this advice not to use this once before and paid the price for my lunacy).

The only advice from MS Answerdesk was to re-install from my XP home install disk.
They were wrong about that.. So who knows..

My startup option keys on this ASUS Mobo are
F2 - Bios
F8 - (Start up options - like safe mode) =Windows Advanced Options Menu.
F10 - Boot Options to select which drive or DVD / CD rom to boot from (to run the install dist etc).
Pressing SPACE BAR - during startup -

SpaceBar - brings me to
HARDWARE PROFILE / CONFIGURATION RECOVERY MENU
(It says (white text on black screen) this is not the same as F2, F8 or F10).
The page says:-

This menu allows you to select a hardware profile to be used when Windows is started.

If your system is not starting correctly, then you may switch to a previous system configuration, which may overcome startup problems.
IMPORTANT: System configuratuion changes made since the last successful startup will be discarded.

Profile 1

Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to the selection you want. Then press ENTER.
To switch to the Last Known Good configuration, press 'L'.
To Exit this menu and restart you computer, press F3.

-----------
I then tried LKG - Last Known Good (first - as you do). But I think this is the same as doing LKG elsewhere. The instructions change to give you the option to go back to the 'Default' cnfig if you press 'D'. -(To do LKG after pressing 'L' next press enter. LKG didn't work for me. Still same state as at 1), above.

------------
Since there is only one profile (Profile 1), there is nothing to select and this means that the PC 'IS using' Profile 1 (where the problem is). So, that did not work for me either.

Andy.
My advice - always back up your registry files and other programs separately. and in addition, use a backup service. Although I used to use AVG - but that service has gone now I think. The problem with that expensive solution, is that it did not work as promised. The tech says recover your crashed, damaged PC from any state. That was not true, my first problem could not even be fixed by a total re-install and then run the backup to replace the files. I think that was the process I did about two years ago now.. Asked for my money back, didn't get it.

I don't think I have any drives big enough to copy my whole C drive.- (I could get a new external HD and I probably will do that).

But the other issue is that I don't understand how to back up and use Ubantu like you are saying - It certainly sounds simple.

I just tried to back up my registry (but, in my view, all MS are really telling me, is how to create a restore point, and that is not what I mean by back up - to me a back up is a copy that I can keep forever on a separate CD. for example).

I have other work to attend to, so my current dilemma on that PC is going to be sidestepped for a while. I do need to learn how to make solid backups that don't fail. Yes - I am saying evey back up that I have ever done has never worked. Not even when I paid for a professional backup with AVG. They could not return my machine back to the state it was in at the time of the back-up.

I'd be interested to know if anyone ever makes successful backups, because I have never met anyone who has recovered a PC from the dead.. (from a backup).

There is always something, some excuse as to why 'I' got it wrong, like with the AVG backup. AVG talked me through it on the phone, then months later when I had a complete PC HD failure, they claimed that I had not included important files - etc.. Anyway..

I like to learn how to back up successfully.

I just tried the backup utility on the Win XP disk, that strangely, does not install when you install windows. I am surprised that MS would let this happen when they are always banging on about the importance of backing up.. So, I installed it and then ran it.

It works up to the point where I go to save to CD rom disk - then it complains that I must chose a valid path to save. I don't understand what is stopping this from being a valid path.

I tested the path -My blank CD-R's are 700 MB and the test files were only 95mb and they went onto the disk OK. I know about single and multisession CD's.I was saving my backup to a General Purpose MAXELL DVD+RW 4.7GB disk so there should be plenty of room for a simple backup of just 'MY FILES', as there is also options to create a full backup. And it still refuses to finish and write the files because of an INVALID PATH.. Any Ideas?

On the other issue of recovering my PC settings and files. After trying to get my welcome screen user profiles back...
Its as if I am logged in on a different PC now - but, -
I can see the desktop of my 'Andy' profile, when I am logged-in in either safe-mode or normal start conditions, as Administrator or Owner, (I cannot log-in as Andy - which is what I need to do); So that I can run the program I desparately need that is on the 'Andy' desktop. I even copied the entire Andy's Desktop to a CD in my only D;\ drive - its a DVD+/-R/W / CD-R/W drive and I have made successful CDs and DVD's with it.

I have not got a welcome screen at all now. And I cannot find how to turn it on. MS say to delete a GinDll file - but that (I think), this is only if you have installed another program that has turned off, or is blocking the welcome screen. I don't even have this file, and I certainly don't have the program then mention.
Andy

Update - 2014-10-15 - Made a backup, it would not reinstall. It was all too complicated and I got confused and annoyed because I folowed several different instructions on how to backup files and the whole PC - I cleared out an old archive external flash drive 1TB to save to..

None of the backup methods worked, or fell at some hurdle, like "Go into this or that menu and select XYZ" and there was no XYZ to select..

Eventually I decided to let it all slide and did a total reinstall of a fresh XP home, but I did not format. Got all the files installed and running in an uncertain manner; taking a long time to start-up etc.. Then the Win XP developed the constant restarting fault.

Fixed that, then I started getting, CHKDSK upon start-up everytime, although no errors or errors were fixed.

In the end I totally re-formatted the whole drive and started again. I really don't have the time to waste the rest of my life on this, I thought.

Everything is working, with a few different issues now. Like I installed .Net Framework 3.5 after trying to install the patches for 2.0 3.0 and 3.5 - .Net Framework 4 is the latest that my PC can take.

So, if anyone else is considering giving up and starting over, best make the decision at the outset - in my opinion. I lost everything yes! - But I also drug the whole thing out on a crusade to heal my PC - it did not work and it was not worth it.

If at first your don't succeed, GIVE IN! - That is what I wish I had done at the start of all this. #

Format the whole drive
Install Win XP
Then install all your bios and chipsets software

Next install your Windows Installer software - this stupid bit of software that dictates how software is installed and uninstalled, as used by software developers, is most important to the life of your PC, THIS ANNOYING software IS NOT INSTALLED as you install win XP - HOW F- stupid is that?

Then after all that - install your drivers and install your LAN - for your networking to connect to the internet.
Then I installed my Mobo graphics and sound.
Next comes your .Net Framework software.. Do not install any below 3.5 unless you use a particular certain bit of software that need the .Net FW version.. You just get a message that says you have wasted your time. (And those files, I discovered, do not get removed from your PC, then when you come to install .Net FW 3.5 or 4 later - you get error messages that say you cannot add later versions of .net FW's

Many hours later and many restarts - two late and all night sessons. Finally the PC is alive.

And that important bit of desktop software that I cannot live without or do my work without, is still not installed.. So the fun is still yet to come..

Bye for Now, or as we say in Yorkshire UK TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)!

Final Update 2014-11-01 Just purchased a second-hand 500GB HD from eBay and reinstalled XP freash today- Could not fix my missing login usernames problem. Eventually, the HD died anyway and maybe that was the cause of the problem.

Although I might have damaged sectors on the HD by constantly trying to repair the fault. Re-writing Boot etc - I've done most things people have claimed would work, but none ever did.

Thanks for help here..
Andy.