I created a new user on Windows ME, later deleted it. However, I kept getting a logon screen even though only the original default user was the only one left. The logon screen would have only a blank rectangular space to choose a user since I deleted the 2nd user. I could only click on Cancel to go to the desktop for the original user desktop/profile. The OK button was grayed out. I wanted to get rid of the logon screen since there was only one user and so it would default straight to the desktop. I deleted a user file in the c:/Windows folder that was created only a week ago. I didn't see any problem doing this since it was only a week old and could not be the original user profile. However, when I rebooted, I still got a logon/password screen, clicked cancel to continue.
The worst was yet to come. I was so angry when a totally different desktop came up as if a new user profile was created. There are only a few icons (Network N., IE, Recycle Bin, My Documents), none of which work when double clicking on them. The Start button sticks and doesn't work. I can't even open the Recycle Bin. What user profile is this? I tried starting in safe mode, but got the same new user profile/desktop with no functionality. I can get Windows Explorer by right clicking on My Computer, but cannot open any of the folders and get a dialog box saying I need Active X controls, etc. I also cannot access my Aol to go online either. Nothing but the clock shows up on the toolbar. Is there an Administrator account I can access to restore this user file I deleted? HOW DO I GET MY ORIGINAL PROFILE BACK?????? Any help is deeply appreciated!!

An outside chance that System Restore might work.

Are you still able to create new users?

Otherwise what Recovery Disks do you have?

Thanks for writing!

Can't acess anything to get to System Restore.
Can't access Control Panel or Command Prompt to create a new user (Start button sticks with no pop up menu)
No recovery discs
No install cd; was factory installed

Quite a mess.....

Originally Posted by jephree

An outside chance that System Restore might work.

Are you still able to create new users?

Otherwise what Recovery Disks do you have?

Can you get the command promt from the Safe Mode option screen?

System Restore command is: %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Can you get Last Known Good Configuration?

Does the OEM have a Recovery key perhaps? e.g. F10 etc.

Can you get the Task Manager? Ctrl/Alt/Delete

File/New Task/Run... explorer.exe

No luck with Safe Mode. Locked out of opening anything; Start button stuck with no pop up options/menu

Not sure of LNGC, but will try if available. Where would that option be? In the bios?

Recovery Key? Not sure what that is but have tried all the Function keys and only get the Bios.

Yes, I can get Task Manager. I will try that option. Didn't even know you could run a program from there, always though was only accessible from Start-Run. However, I already tried Windows Explorer which I could open by right clicking on My Computer, but it would not allow me to open any folders because it said my security setting were too high to allow Active X controls, etc. Although I could open IE properties, the only tab that had everything greyed out was the one I needed- Security (naturally). The tab page was almost empty and when I tried to lower the bar to lower the security settings, it would go right back to the top for the highest setting.

May need to just reinstall, but hopefully not. Thanks for your time with this!!!!

Originally Posted by jephree

Can you get the command promt from the Safe Mode option screen?

System Restore command is: %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Can you get Last Known Good Configuration?

Does the OEM have a Recovery key perhaps? e.g. F10 etc.

Can you get the Task Manager? Ctrl/Alt/Delete

File/New Task/Run... explorer.exe