XP Boot Issue - Loads but then stops

I have a problem with my wife's computer. I uploaded the Microsoft Live update and went to reboot. The computer booted to the first screen fine where it asks for which user sign in (my kids have accounts on it as well) and when we select any of the users it will load then stop. I see her personal background but dont see the windows tray, any short cuts ets. Is there a simple fix for this? I cannot get to the desktop to do anything yet the keyboard and mouse work.

Thanks in advance.

cws

 

Hi cws,

Have you tried starting with "last known good configuration" (wording?) by repeatedly tapping f8 during startup?

 

Unfortunately that did not work.

 

Safe Mode?

 

Safe mode does the same thing, ie it ends up in the same spot, though it does not read the background....

I ended up doing a System Restore, something happenned to the Registry IMO.....thanks for the help as it did help....

 

Ok, I'll step back just now and let others respond. In the meantime please confirm your XP version (SP2/SP3 etc) and whether or not you have an actual XP CD or a recovery CD?

As well as this if you can complete your system specifications it could save a lot of time.