Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop wit

Discussion in 'Software' started by waterboy2, Oct 29, 2012.

  1. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop with no wallpaper


    then i have to restart a few times and it brings back my original desktop

    thanks everone
     
  2. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    I'm not sure if you have a corrupted profile or not. That would explain your symptoms. Maybe try doing a chkdsk on your C: drive to see if that helps. Computer>rightclick C: and select Properties. Under the Tools tab hit the Check Now button. In the window that opens leave the first box ticked and hit the Start button. It will schedule the chkdsk for next reboot so reboot and let it run. See if your problem still persists.
     
  3. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    hello sach2

    thanks for contact

    have run chkdsk twice problem still persists
    "your user profile was not loaded correctly"
    this is a temporary log on nothing willbe saved

    "please see event log for details or see system adm"

    so i guess i have lost my original desktop

    now how to solve this problem and will begin again

    also when problem first appeared after 3 or for restarts the original desktop reappered but the i mistakenly shut compter down and
    am now in this situation

    also 1 time it couldnt even load it went to system start repair but said couldnt fix it
    so i shut down for night unplugged toook out battery
    and this morning it boots up

    hotspot sheild 2.47 was loaded a few weeks ago maybe thaat is the evil problem

    well thanks for any ideas to fix
    "your user profile was not loaded correctly"


    '
     
  4. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    Hi,

    As far as I know there is no way to fix a corrupted profile, a new one has to be created and then you can copy your personal files from one to the other. I don't have the details as I haven't done it. I think the first step is getting a new profile which can't be done from the temporary account as far as I know.

    See if you can get into safe mode by hitting F8 repeatedly during the manufacturer's splash screen (particularly towards the end of the splash screen just as Windows starts to load) when booting the computer. If yours was the only administrative account, because it isn't working, it may let you into the built in Administrator account where you could create a new User. Start>Control Panel>Users then create a new account. If you can't get into Safe Mode and the Administrator account then we will have to figure out a workaround. Do you have a Vista installation disc?
     
  5. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    not sure what im doing i got into safe mode
    i createds three new standard profiles

    but when i try to login to them it says i cannot

    its a toshiba i have the recovery disk but no vista windows install disk thanks

    amazing how a profile can cause so much problem
    thanks
     
  6. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    So you now have 4 users on the Welcome screen. What exactly does it say when you try to log into one of the new users?
     
  7. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    the user profile service failed the logon.use profile cannot be loaded
     
  8. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    I'm not sure what is going on. It should have been fairly simple to create the new user and log onto it.

    Just to be sure, have you tried to login to the new user(s) in normal mode rather than safe mode?
     
  9. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    yes i am in abnormal windows mode lol

    i created them terroist safe mode but tried to acces them in normal mode

    but i think i am in tempoaary mode always

    anyway if you have any ideas thanks so much
    peace
     
  10. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    to more clues

    au_.exe prevents me from deleting a program

    also can not access temp files ????

    thanks
     
  11. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    I'm generally lost when it comes to services not being available. I hope someone else can help.

    Is there any chance of doing a system restore to maybe a month ago? If that could complete perhaps creating a new user again would be a viable option.
     
  12. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    After researching what au_.exe is, I've learned it is used by legitimate and not so legitimate software when installing. (one person dealing with malware elsewhere, saw the CPU usage climb to 100% by this and it was eventually tied to a Yahoo toolbar).

    I next looked at Hotspot shield and saw that it adds extra toolbars unless you look closely and opt out.

    If you can remove Hotspot shield as a test, perhaps that will fix the au_exe and your corrupt user profile.
     
  13. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    thanks plodr and sach2

    i didnt load any toolbars with hotspot sheild

    to delete hotspot i must delete au_.exe but i have found no clear instructions for this
    i have run spy ware but it doesnt find any problems
    i read something about unhideing folders/files but never did thatbefore when fixing an infrcted computer.

    so any help woulld be appreciated gracias
     
  14. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    my computer everytime it boot up deletes everything in my user account saying user account loaded incorrectly. i loads new desktop and say it is temporary.

    also get notice about not being able to access temp fles

    i try and delete hot spot shield but it say au_.exe is not working or stopped working

    thanks
     
  15. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    your user account could not be loaded correctly

    you have been load with temporary account

    nothing will be saed


    how do i solve this issue
    thanks
     
  16. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    au_.exe stops me from uninstalling hotshield 2.74

    also seems to afect my temporay files

    also when booting up installs new desktop everytime deleteing al previous information

    say user account did not load correctly
    you are looged on with temp user

    thanks
     
  17. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    user account loading incorrect

    user account loading incorrect

    so it loads me in temp user account

    many notices that tenp files cannot be used or accessed when trying to download avg

    there is a notice to view log file

    can someone tell me where to find it and could they decifer what it says to solve this problem


    thanks
     
  18. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    Did you look to see if there were any restore points available? Start>type in system restore and hit <enter>. You may not have permission to run sys restore from the temporary account but I want to know if there are restore points available.

    Also do you have a blank CD or DVD? You could create a repair disc to try system restore from that if it won't work from safe mode. To create a disc type Create in the search box and "Create a Repair Disc" will come up in the list of results. It will guide you to the process. Then you could boot from that and see if it will let you run sys restore.
     
  19. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    i do not have any system restore points

    i promise when i have my computer working correctly i will learn about

    system restore points.

    thanks any other ideas


    gracias
     
  20. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    On the screen where you choose safe mode perhaps you could try Last Known Good Configuration. See if that will let you into Normal Mode.
     
  21. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    Do try Last Known Good in case it would be an easy fix.

    What is your usual username? This is the list of users from your logs and I don't see a standard user account unless your user name is "1".

     
  22. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    yes my user name is 1 that is correct
     
  23. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    in safe mode it also says user account loaded incorrectly and loaded as temp user


    also i hit f8

    from that page i dont see an option for loading last good configuration

    i see safe mode
    safe mode with commad prompts

    and few others but nothing about last good configuration
    thanks
     
  24. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    last known good

    i dont see that option

    how would i get to that page

    thanks
     
  25. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    Apparently some computers don't have that option (I thought all did but I have learned otherwise). It would have been on that safe mode screen as seen here. http://www.fanhow.com/images/thumb/...w_to_Use_Advanced_Boot_Options_in_Vista-1.png

    Let's try one last thing. In Safe Mode go to Start and type in cmd but do not hit enter. Cmd.exe will come up in the list of search results. Right-click that entry and select "Run as Administrator". In the command window that opens type/paste in

    net user administrator /active:yes

    and see if it will accept the command. If it asks for a password use your password for the "1" account.
     
  26. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    it accepted that command

    so when i am on account user page i now have
    1
    and
    administrator
    icons
    before i just has

    1


    also very strange when i went to f8

    and page came up with options
    i saw
    open with last good config

    i tried it but
    it still loaded new dexktop in temp user mode

    thanks
     
  27. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    Will it let you log in to Administrator? Does it give a temporary account message the same as 1 does or do you not see that popup message?
     
  28. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    If it lets you sign in go ahead and go to Control Panel>Users and see if you can create a new user account with administrator privileges. Make sure it is a name you would be willing to use as I think you may have to just start using a new account/profile. If you can create it go ahead and sign out of Administrator and into the new account and change the wallpaper by right-clicking an empty part of the desktop and selecting Personalize then choosing a new theme. Reboot and sign back into the new account and see if the changes have been saved.
     
  29. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    in admin mode i created a new user account with adminprivilages

    when i tried to logg into new account
    it said

    the user profilr service failed the logon

    user profile cannot be loaded
     
  30. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    I'm reading up on the problem.

    Let me know if you can get to this file path C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live\SqmApi\SqmData720896_00.sqm

    It probably doesn't exist but I just want to make sure. On my Win7 I do not have a Windows Live folder so you probably don't either but please check anyway.

    Just go to Computer and then to C: and keep clicking each folder in the list until you can no longer find the next folder. You have to have hidden files showing so in Computer click the Organize link at the left top of the window and choose Folder and Search options. Under the VIew tab, tick the circle for Show Hidden Files and also untick the box for Hide Protected Operating System Files then hit Apply.

    Oh BTW, so you use Windows Live Messenger?
     
  31. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    the folder thread stops at windows no windows live

    i have windows live messanger i think i have tried to used but people dont see me or i dont have something set up

    thanks thanks
     
  32. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    It seems your regular profile is corrupted but also you are having problems creating new profiles. I have not found anything particularly useful. I will have to look at this tomorrow.

    I'd like to see if you have any .sqm files in your Users/default folder to rule them out. I think this command should bring up any.

    Start>type in cmd then right click cmd.exe from the results list and select "Run as Administrator" in the window type/paste the following lines and hit <enter> after each one:

    cd c:/users
    dir *.sqm /s /a

    Does it find any? Does it find any in directory C:/Users/Default
     
  33. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    it found 2
    log attached
     
  34. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    07/06/2012 10:38 AM 644 SqmData19_00.sqm
    07/14/2012 03:49 PM 740 SqmData21_00.sqm
    2 File(s) 1,384 bytes

    Directory of c:\Users\1\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Movie Maker\SqmApi


    07/14/2012 03:45 PM 140 SqmSessionData-NoOptIn-MovieMaker-00.sqm
    07/14/2012 03:50 PM 140 SqmSessionData-NoOptIn-MovieMaker-01.sqm
    2 File(s) 280 bytes

    Total Files Listed:
    7 File(s) 4,006 bytes
    0 Dir(s) 1,559,519,232 bytes free

    c:\Users>^A
    '☺' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
    operable program or batch file.

    c:\Users>^A
    '☺' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
    operable program or batch file.

    c:\Users>
     
  35. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    It seems to be saying it found 7 files total, let me see the whole list.

    Repeat the last command with added > C:\sqmfiles.txt This will output the information from the command to the sqmfile.txt and put it in the root of the C: drive.

    So at the C:\users> prompt type/paste

    dir *.sqm /s /a > c:\sqmfiles.txt

    Then you will find the sqmfile.txt file in Computer and clicking on C:
    You can attach the file to your post.
     
  36. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    file attached
    thankssssss
     

    Attached Files:

  37. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    I'll have to look again tomorrow. None of those should be causing the problem creating new users because they are all related to your "1" account not the "default" account from which new users are created.

    Am I correct that you now have three names on your Welcome screen:"1", "Administrator" and "your new account" but you can only log into Administrator?

    Also am I correct that the Administrator account works fine without telling you it is a temporary account?

    I just want to be sure I am understanding your situation.
     
  38. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    yes i have 3 accounts on welcome screen

    :"1", always loads a temp account
    "Administrator" seems to work fine

    "zen" cannot access i just created it a few hours ago


    thanks
     
  39. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    Good. I'll read up on the problem tomorrow and try to find something useful.

    I think your Administrator account is good because it was created before the current problem. Deleting a troublesome SQM file somewhere in C:\Users\Default\... is the usual fix for not being able to log into a newly created user but you don't seem to have one of those so we'll have to look for another solution.

    I'll get back to you.
     
  40. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    i try to delete a program hot shield
    and i get cant continue
    au_.exe

    maybe this part of problem

    also had problems with temp files
    when trying to load files in the "1" account

    thanks thanks
    good evening
     
  41. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    Hi,

    I am really having trouble narrowing anything down. I don't think Hotspot Shield is involved--did this happen immediately after install of that program? You might go to C:\Program Files and look for a HotShot folder and then see if there is an uninstaller in that folder. If it exists try double-clicking it. (My thought is that au_.exe is an unexpanded file which is why it won't run. So maybe there is another uninstaller in that folder. The name would probably include "uninstall".)

    I'm wondering if there is anything showing in Event Viewer. Go to Start and type in event viewer and hit <enter>. Then you want to expand Windows logs on the left and click on Applications. See if any errors relate to User Profile. This photo shows basically where you want to be in Event Viewer. Do you have any errors where the Source column references User Profile?
     
  42. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    event viewer does show

    Error 11/12/2012 7:29:06 PM User Profile Service 1542 None
    Error 11/12/2012 7:29:06 PM User Profile Service 1542 None
     
  43. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    When you click on those two problems does it give anything in the bottom pane under the general tab relating to any file such as in that screenshot. What I am looking for is anything with \Users\Default\ in the path. I am convinced it has something to do with not being able to copy a file from somewhere in that directory. Windows uses that as the template for creating a new user, if it gets an error while copying any file the new user is not created properly and you get the User Profile Error.

    You can see in that screenshot that there is a Source and Destination in the error pointing to a copy error. Also those errors don't include the word "Service" but if you don't have an "General" errors just see if those two service errors you have reference any file at all.
     
  44. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    hi sach2 i am traveling for next 10 days so hard to work on this hopefully you will help me when resume late november
    have a great thanksgiving

    thanks thanks chris

    i need to instal a screnshot program but tried 2 and my antivirus said it was threat so working through that
    peace
     
  45. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    Enjoy your Holiday!

    We can get back to it whenever you get a chance. I think the ability to create a new user is something that you will want to be able to do even if you can get by using the Admin account for now.

    For screenshots, you can always just hit the prntscreen key and then open Paint and hit Paste. Crop as needed and save as jpg. Not really that many steps if you don't do screenshots too often and don't need a separate program.
     
  46. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    hello sach2
    well i stupidly ran avg
    and cc cleaner it deleted the event viewer event logs.......
    i tried to log onto my othe user accounts and then check event viewer but the problem didnt show up very strange
    also in the admin user account that work ok on destop when i try to add folder by right click on option it shows empty

    also i created some new folders on desk top and put files in them but when i re booted it deleted the contens of the new created folder.
    when i right click desktop and select new it shows empty instead of options for new folder and other options in tha menu
     
  47. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    this is from another thread is this a clue to problem

    thanks thanks

    Yes but this is not a malware problem. You have the environment variable for your user account set incorrectly. It is set to the below:

    USERPROFILE=C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile

    And is should be set to

    USERPROFILE=C:\Users\1

    Also you do not have your TEMP environment variable set correctly. It is set to:

    TEMP=C:\Windows\TEMP

    And it should be set to

    C:\Users\1\AppData\Local\Temp
     
  48. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    event viewer screen shot

    strange doesnt show problem
    thanks
     

    Attached Files:

  49. waterboy2

    waterboy2 Private E-2

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    user profile service screen short
     

    Attached Files:

  50. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Re: Why does my vista computer say 'preparing desktop', then load a fresh new desktop

    I'm going to have to reread this thread. In your second screen shot can you highlight one of the User Profile General errors and let me see what it says about it in the lower pane (post a new screenshot)?

    The information in your other post about the USERPROFILE=C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile etc. etc. looks like it may be important.
     

    Attached Files:


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