Windows XP will not boot

I am in Australia using Windows XP SP2 and am having trouble booting my laptop. When turned on the laptop runs through the boot process but then sometimes gets to the login screen, sometimes just hangs and sometimes allows a user to logon.
The same problem also occurs when attempting to login in safe mode. Sometimes it allows the user to login but most of the time it hangs on or just before the login screen.
The problem occured after running a number of security updates on 13/10/2005. I have removed these updates but the problem still exists. The harddrive is only half full with 40gig free.
Please let me know if you have any ideas.

Thanks
Chris

Hello Chris and welcome to VirtualDr :)

I`m afraid some people are having problems after installing one of the October Updates.

http://news.com.com/Critical+Windows...op&tag=nl.e703

MS is aware of this and have posted these instructions.
The link below is from the above article.

http://dw.com.com/redir?destUrl=http...1009&lop=nl.ex

You have to restore the default permissions for the Windows folder and the COM+ catalog.

I hope you can manage to log on and fix it

Elaine

If that doesn't work do an over-the-top reinstall of Windows. Boot up with the XP CD in the drive and let Setup run. Go past the "C" and "R" repair options by presssing Enter just as if you're doing a clean install and you'll eventually get an option to "Repair an existing installation". That's the one you want. If it asks about formatting you've gone wrong, so start over.

You'll get to keep your existing apps & settings, but you need to re-install SP2, Windows Updates & any unsigned drivers afterwards. NOTE: Be aware that you'll lose any protection from Blaster / Sasser type worms. Don't go online without a firewall, whether the built in Windows one or 3rd party.

How to perform a re-install of WinXP

Repair XP

If anyone has trouble accessing the dw.com.com site referenced by dunedin go here
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/909444
P.S. One of the lists that populates HOSTS file has dw.com.com on it.