XP logon screen

[Huderon]

OK, this is silly, but annoying ...

This machine has four users, none of them password protected.

On Monday afternoon, my wife logged in as normal, checked her email and turned the PC off. On Monday evening, she turned it on again and went to log on, but the logon process demanded a password. When I checked, it demanded a password for all four users.

I went in in safe mode as Admin and created (not changed) a password for all of the users, rebooted and found we could all log on.

Full scans with AVG and Malwarebytes showed nothing, nor did a quick scan with SuperAntiSpyware.

Removing the passwords didn't change anything, the logon screen still demanded a password.

I used System Restore to go back to the state the machine was in when I shut it down on Monday morning, and was still asked for passwords. I then removed the passwords on a couple of the users and was able to get into them without being asked for a password. Note that was done from my account and did not involve a reboot.

This morning, after turning the machine on, passwords are demanded for all users again.

Has anyone any idea what is going on ?

The last software installed was an upgrade to Open Office, but I don't think that's what caused this ... it's something that happened when the boss lady was checking her email, but apart from this logon nuisance, nothing seems to be amiss.

OS is XP Home edition with SP2 installed.

[LewPaper]

Boy, do I understand how you feel.

My first solution is the obvious one - have you gone to the Windows update site?

My second is - do you need the four seperate accounts? If not maybe you could dispense with the login altogether by tapping in "control userpasswords2" (without quotes) in Run - Open and following on-screen instructions.

Failing that, I'd suggest a complete reformat and a fresh install; drastic, but if it's that annoying it may be necessary.

[Huderon]

Yes, I have checked for updates, and there aren't any outstanding.

I also need the four accounts ... among other things, I really don't want to find oodles of music files the kids make use of cluttering up my documents folder !

If all else fails I will go the drastic route, after backing up everyone's files, but it would be a last resort even if it would give me a chance to organise things on here in a slightly different way.

[LewPaper]

It could be a blessing in disguise. Though be very careful what you backup, you don't wanna carry over what's causing the problem.

In cases when I need to do this I use a ghost image, but if you have the time (and patience) you can't beat a completely fresh install.

[LewPaper]

Just had an idea.

Have you tried Microsoft's own maintenance website? I use it as often as I use my other maintenance programs.

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-Us/center/clea nup.htm

There's three degrees of scan, just choose the one you want. If you use the full scan, allow a few hours.