Computer won't log in

[slickflip]

Hello. I had recently performed a Spybot Search and Destroy virus scan on my computer. I suddenly needed to close it, so I tried cancelling it out, shutting it down through Alt+Ctrl+Del, and the like, but it still kept on running. so i, in my amateurish ways, did the only thing left: i held the power button on the computer while the Spybot Search & Destroy was still scanning my comp. Now, my computer is not working properly. It'll start up, but it won't let me log in. Any help on this matter would be appreciated.

[md usa spybot fan]

What Windows OS? If it is a Windows OS with System Restore (Windows ME, XP and I assume Vista), I suggest that you do a System Restore to a Restore Point before you powered off the system with applications running.

[slickflip]

thanks for the response. yes, i have Windows XP. i'll have a look see about a System Restore (ie. how to do it, or if i can even access it since i can't log in). hopefully it'll work out.

[slickflip]

and just a quick question as well; is there anyway to perform a System Restore without having to log into the computer (which is exactly the problem i'm having)?

[Zenobia]

You could try this,and see if it works(I'm not sure if it will):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/
According to this,if you create a restore point from safe mode or command prompt,an Undo restore point is not created(just so you know):
http://bertk.mvps.org/

[slickflip]

alright, i've tried the help you guys gave me. the same problem seems to arise even with safe mode. i can choose to boot into safe mode, but i'm still unable to login. it still kicks me out immediately after i choose "Administrator." this is becoming a nagging dilemna. are there any other possible advice you guys might have?

[Zenobia]

Do you get any error messages when you try to log in?

[slickflip]

sorry for the late response. nah, i don't get error messages.

the Welcome Screen shows up. i have the several users that i can choose and login with. i pick a user, my wallpaper flashes up for a very brief moment, but i am soon kicked out. i find myself back to the Welcome Screen. under the user i attempted to login with, it says "saving your settings." the same thing happens when i'm in Safe Mode. i can't even log in to the Adminstrator user.

[Zenobia]

You could try Last Known Good Configuration,and see if that helps any:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000626.htm

[Zenobia]

Last Known Config probably won't work,though I guess you could give it a try.
This shows how to do a repair install:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
You could do that as sort of a last resort,if you have the Windows XP cd,and nothing else works.If you did do that you aren't supposed to lose your programs,etc.(though you never know,it could go pear-shaped,so hopefully you have a good backup stored somewhere.),but you would need to reinstall Windows updates.Just so you know,there's no gurantee that a repair install will fix this problem.

If you don't have a backup,you might be able to do this to backup some stuff if you have a USB flash drive or a USB hard drive:
http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/backup/knoppix.htm