How to Fix the Windows XP Log On/Log Off Problem

The Windows XP Log On/Log Off issue is frustrating; troubleshoot the problem.

Downloading and installing programs that contain malware can cause your computer to become unstable or behave in a strange manner. One such example is the Windows XP Log On/Log Off issue, which causes a PC user to have to log on and then logs him/her off after a brief period. If you are experiencing this issue, chances are you recently installed malware on your computer. You must use the Recovery Console to repair your PC, as this issue is caused by changes in your registry. You must have your Windows XP CD to resolve this problem successfully.

Instructions

Install the recovery console

1. Place your Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM drive and then select "Run" from the Start menu.

2. Type "d:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons" in the box and then click "OK" or hit "Enter" on your keyboard. Note that "d" stands for your CD-ROM drive, which may vary from one computer to another. If you are using Windows XP Professional, 64-bit edition, enter "d:\amd64\winnt32.exe /cmdcons" in the box.

3. Select "Yes" when prompted to confirm the installation and then restart your computer. The "Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" screen appears upon rebooting your computer.

Using the recovery console

1. Read the Recovery Mode overview information and then press "R" on your keyboard. This must be done while you are still on the first screen.

2. Enter the Recovery Console by entering your administrator password, if any. The drive where your Windows XP files are installed is displayed on the screen, such as "C:\Windows."

3. Type "CD SYSTEM32" on the screen and then hit "Enter" on your keyboard; if this command does not work, type "CHDIR SYSTEM32"

4. Type "COPY USERINIT.EXE WSAUPDATER.EXE" and then hit the "Enter" key.

5. Exit the Recovery Console by typing "EXIT" and then restarting Windows.

6. Log on to Windows by entering your credentials and then select "Run" from the Windows Start menu.

7. Type "REGEDIT" and then click "OK" or hit "Enter" on your keyboard.

8. Scroll to the following branch in your Windows registry:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ WindowsNT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon

9. Modify the value of "Userinit" in the right pane to "C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe," (comma included).

10. Close the Registry Editor and then restart your computer. You have successfully resolved the logon - logoff issue in Windows XP

References

• Microsoft: How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
• Microsoft:Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console for advanced users
• WinXPTutor.com: Here is the solution to the logon - logoff issue in Windows XP

Resources

• WinXPTutor.com: How to safe-guard my system from spyware?
• Microsoft:Recover from a corrupted registry
• Microsoft: Advanced troubleshooting for general startup problems