odd loop towards end of boot in w2k

[Gswiss]

I have an xp-sp2/W2k-sp4 dual boot system which has been working for years. Now, when I boot into w2k, it first starts out normally. Then, it hangs for a few seconds on "Opening a User Session" (I use no password and it usually whizzes through this part) and then it goes on until it reaches "Recording your parameters". At that point, it starts looping with "Loading your personal parameters" indefinitely. I keep on getting the w2k jingle.

I loaded a previously saved partition in its location and the same problem occurs. I shifted the partition on the disk in case some sectors were defective. No change.

From XP, I ran a chkdsk /R on the w2k partition. No improvement.

Exactly the same loop occurs at the same spot when I boot into Safe Mode.

Something must have gone wrong in the user parameter area.

Please note I can access all w2k files through my xp on the same pc.

[cluberti]

Does it happen for all users on the box, or just specific user accounts?

[Tripredacus]

Does it happen for all users on the box, or just specific user accounts?

Good start! I was going to say corrupted profile!

[Gswiss]

Does it happen for all users on the box, or just specific user accounts?

There's only one user: me. Don't you think it's a userinit problem? Edited August 9, 2007 by Gswiss

[Tripredacus]

I would say try to go into Safe Mode and make a new profile, the try logging in with that one to see if the same thing happens. Make sure to give this new user admin rights tho.