winlogon.exe error during boot

[EZEason]

I'm trying to fix a Win XP sp2 computer that during the boot process an error window opens and says winlogon.exe had and error. When I send/don't send error report the computer just shuts down. If I do nothing the computer just re boots in a minute. How do I fix this???

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

 

[wolluf]

I'd boot from bartPE CD, backup the registry hives sam, security, software & system. Then restore these from latest versions saved by system resore in something like C:\System Volume Information\_restore{DBA0BBCB-A3EA-4494-AB37-23CB0DE9E357}\RP236\snapshot

(assuming system restore is on) - they'll be called _registry_machine_xxx where xxx is hive name.

This is a generic approach - as you've offered no history/background to this problem.

 

[linney]

There is anecdotal evidence that replacing the following files from the latest ServicePack files folder (or installation CD) may fix the problem? Replace the corrupt files that are in the System32 folder.

winlogon.exe
msgina.dll
shell32.dll
shlwapi.dll




An easy to follow recovery console description when unable to start computer due to corrupt registry.

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

This is a layman's version of Q307545 in simple language.


I am so screwed........
thread779-661886


If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[firewolfrl]

I would have to agree with Linney on replacing the files...winlogon.exe has been known to be have a virus infected version if it is in any folder other then the System or System32 subdirectory

this is 2 sites of many on the subject

http://www.3davenue.com/startup/winlogon.exe.php

http://www.auditmypc.com/process/winlogon.asp