Fix Windows XP Log On/Log Off Loop

Written by Brandon Hann

I’ve run into this issue so many times while fixing client’s computers and it seems like every time I do a search for a fix, I get a different answer each time and sometimes, the fix works, sometimes it doesn’t. Well, today, my troubles are over! And hopefully yours as well.

I found this ridiculously organized and thorough tutorial over at ThinkingInPixels.com that should fix this problem 99% of the time. In fact, if it can’t fix this issue, you’re better off restoring your system. When you’re done with that, give your pc to your little cousin and buy yourself a Mac.

Anyway, moving on…this guide was written by Dan Fischbach way back in 2006, but for all you Vista-haters out there, it’ll still hold up today. I’m not going to re-post the multi-page guide here, but I will provide a mirror for at least one of the large downloads required for the repair to work.

To see the guide, click here. To download the needed disc images, see below.

Windows Vista Recovery Disc — 120Mb
Save Me Disc — For good reasons, I won’t be posting a download of the second disc. As it often changes, it would be a much better idea to download it directly from the source.

*If the link above is not there, the mirror is not available at the moment. Try again later.

Here’s something you can try if you don’t want to go through the whole guide. Sometimes, the problem is just a quick fix. Please note that if you follow the guide, this fix is performed automatically. It’s still advised to follow the full guide!

I’ve seen quite a few infected computers lately that have some type of virus that changes the registry key for the USERINIT.EXE file which is what’s used to log you into user accounts.

In the registry, you’ll find the key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon

Within that key, USERINIT should be referenced like this:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe, (<–With the comma)

If you’re infected, it most likely points to WINLOGON32.EXE or something else. If it looks right, but you still can’t log in, you might have a corrupted (or missing) USERINIT.EXE file. You can fix this file a number of ways:

  • Copy one from another similar machine (Same OS version, same service pack)
  • Retrieve it from the i386 folder (either on disc or from the root of your computer if it’s there)
  • Run this command after placing your XP disc in the computer: sfc /scannow

You may ask how to edit the registry when you can’t log into Windows! You will need to have a “PE disc” of some sort like Bart’s PE or the Ultimate Boot Disc. PE simply stands for Preinstalled Environment and it allows you to essentially load a temporary OS from a CD or DVD disc to enable you to access the “broken” OS for repairs. You can also use discs like these for data backups and a whole lot more.


Posted on May 27th, 2009 at 1:54 am

This website uses IntenseDebate comments, but they are not currently loaded because either your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or they didn't load fast enough.

8 Responses to “Fix Windows XP Log On/Log Off Loop”

  1. Dan Fischbach

    May 27th, 2009

    Hello,
    The Windows Vista Recovery Disc I have no problem with you mirroring, as it is made available by Microsoft, but please do not mirror the Save Me disc. It changes over time, and it’s one more thing for you to manage. However, I do appreciate your enthusiasm for the fix. If you liked the fix, please consider donating if you haven’t already to help with server costs.

    Also, the guide has been revamped completely over the past few months, and it is only 7 pages not 11. I will delete those other pages in time as they are simply old instructions.

    Lastly, it’s ThinkinginPixels.com, not ThinkingPixels.com.

    Thank you,
    Dan Fischbach

    Reply to this comment

  2. Dan Fischbach

    May 27th, 2009

    Hey there Brandon,
    PS; Please change “the source” link to not have “5/” at the end in case the guide moves to another domain. I can redirect it easier this way.

    Thanks for your cooperation! :-) I’ll let you know if anything in the guide changes that makes your post out-of-date.
    Dan Fischbach

    Reply to this comment

  3. Dan Fischbach

    Feb 7th, 2010

    Hey there Brandon,
    FYI, the SaveMe disc takes care of the registry key and the missing userinit.exe file. Also, the guide’s address/location has been updated. If you click on the old link for the guide, you’ll see that it’ll bring you to the new link.

    Thanks!
    Dan Fischbach

    Reply to this comment

  4. Brandon

    Feb 7th, 2010

    Yeah, I posted that step mainly for my own knowledge as well as for anyone who didn’t want to go through the guide. I updated the link and added a note saying that your guide/tools take care of that process automatically.

    Thanks.

    Reply to this comment

  5. Dan Fischbach

    Feb 10th, 2010

    PS: Thank you for providing a mirror for the Vista Recovery Disc. Do you want me to link directly to the file (hotlink) and make you an official mirror on my guide? I would be glad to if your server can handle the extra bandwidth. Also, they don’t need to use a BartPE CD to edit the registry. I am working on redoing the SaveMe application to make it easier for everyone to do common tasks.

    Reply to this comment

    • Brandon

      Feb 11th, 2010

      Please do! I don’t mind helping you out as a mirror. My server can handle it. If anything changes with that, I’ll let you know.

      Reply to this comment

  6. Dan Fischbach

    Feb 13th, 2010

    Thanks! Last month, my fix alone caused almost 1 TB of bandwidth. Crazy. You’ve been thanked on the Thanks page as well.

    Reply to this comment

Leave a Reply