Can't log on

My laptop will boot up but when I try to log on as a user I get a quick flash of my desktop and then I'm logged out. I'm running Windows XP. I can't get to my hard drive....Is there anyone that can give me suggestions as to what I could try? Thanks, Mariah

 

Try booting to safe mode. Before Windows starts to load, tap the F8 key repeatedly until you see an option for Safe Mode.

 

Have you downloaded and installed Service Pack 2?

 

Have you used a smart card on the laptop?

 

I have booted into safe mode and I still can't log on. I have not used a smart card and have not downloaded the service pack. Thanks so much, krazykrl and GeekaBee, for taking the time to try and help.

Mariah

 

Can you give us some detailed information about the hardware and software you are using? Are you able to get online? Can you install programs to the malfunctioning computer?

 

I think the problem may be a virus or malware, seems like something is logging you off as soon as you try to log on.

Do you have an anti-virus CD or something you can boot from to perform a virus scan?

 

I use my laptop for financial records but am not connected to the internet. I can connect to see if I can get on....I use my desktop for internet. My laptop is a Toshiba and I run financial software and I have Nortons but as I say I am not using internet. Also, I do have a virus software CD (Spy Sweeper) I can try to run. I have cleaned my desktop of bugs through the help of Chaslang and I can do that with the laptop too, if you think it's a virus problem rather than a hardware problem. The laptop has been on the internet in the past but not for months....this problem just started. Maybe that the nasty bug was dormat? Thanks again for any help. I will try to log onto the internet and also try to install Sweeper. Mariah

 

If you use it for financials, then you most likely copy files back and forth to other system perhaps?

How do you do this normally? Floppy? CD?

 

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply....I used the Windows XP start up disk and was able to log on. I found a file that was corrupt and was able to fix the problem. Thank you for all the suggestions. Mariah

 

Mariah., Try the F8 key again and scroll to "start windows normally" and press ENTER. This may correct the boot sequence on start-up.,,,bg_

 

Hi, Mariah, I have the exact same problem. And I saw that you already were able to fix that problem, would you mind telling me how you did it, please?
You said you were able to log on, how did you do that.