When I start windows xp, it just sits there at the blue 'starting windows' screen. What I think happend is when I reinstalled xp, i set it to 'assume this user is logging in' and then I changed the users around. And it tries to log in this 'user' that isn't there anymore. I can get in using safe mode, ('make sure the password and the domain are the same')and that's the error it gives me, but it actually lets me in (in safe mode). I think I might just have to tell it to stop trying to log that user in. BUt I don't know, or even where to do that.

when you're at the welcome screen, try this: press CTRL+ALT+DEL twice to get to the 'old' login screen. Type this as the username: Administrator If you've never set a password on the Administrator account, then leaving the password blank should let you in. However, the person that installed XP could have set a password. You can also try your own name&pass. When inside, go to ControlPanel>User Accounts and change the way you logon, and whatever needs changing to get it back to normal. Post back with info. svg

I managed to fix my own problem of it not starting windows. I just re-created the 'user' it was looking for. It still auto logs-on this account. Yes, I changed 'the way users log-on'. It was always set to show the welcome screen with all the users. But for some reason it doesn't work. Is there somewhere else I have to turn off this user from starting up automatically?

YES!! Try this: START>RUN Type this into the Run-Box: control userpasswords2 There you have the possibility of logging on automatically. Post back if you're stuck

It works! I didn't specifically see anything about logging on automatically. But I just clicked the reset passwords button and now it starts up fine. If I could have only found that screen in the first place- Why does Windows have to hide things? Thank you so much for your help! Now I get to begin installing program after program after program... Isn't formatting fun -_-

it sure is ...LOL There is a checkbox on UserPasswords2: 'Users must enter...' uncheck it and press apply. You will then be requested to enter a default username [& password] so windows will skip the welcome screen and enter xp automatically. Also, the PowerToys (TweakUI) from the Microsoft website will let you set that. HTH - rgds, svg