currently typing this message on a mac...
I can start cpu.
Gets to user logon.
kicks you back to same spot after backround pic loads.
This is normal for a userinit.exe problem.
I can't hit "R" for recovery, or I can but it doesn't work.
I also can't find the xp disc, and don't have the CD key.
I am aware that you can remote logon, copy and move the file from the system32 folder (or am I mistaken), without the xp cd.
The problem is that I am using a MAC as mentioned above, and it is a bit dated.
I think that I could borrow lap top that runs xp.
The question is where do I go from here? And what kind of jumpercables do I need?
Any... and I mean ANY! Help would be appreciated. thanks

Is this a new problem?

Can you access Safe Mode options?

Did you try Last Known Good Configuration?

Unless you installed the Recovery Console R will not load it.

You could try the 6 floppy boot disks.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994

"don't have the CD key"

Why not?

Its new as of this morning.
I can access safe mode options.
Using last known good config did not work.
Cpu was built 5 years ago, have moved twice... things happen in moves.
I'm aware there is a program that can find it (cd key), but haven't purchased it as of yet.
I don't have the 6 disks or at least I haven't been able to find them.
Recovery Console... can it be loaded from the current state?
What about remotely moving the file?

The link above from Microsoft allows the creation of 6 floppy disks that will load the XP Recovery Console.

From there you can try the commands:

FIXBOOT or FIXMBR

..........

Also from Safe Mode proper you can try System Restore.

.................

Remote or non remote you need to login. If you can't now you won't be able to then.

thank you for your replies.... i'll try it and see what gives.

Here are the details of Recovery Console options:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058

From a brief search if your issue was with userinit.exe you should have received that specific error.

Google lists a few hits:

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...+userinit.exe+

http://groups.google.com/groups?sour...=1&sa=N&tab=wg

I will have to wait until tomorrow to do anything... I don't have discs and the mac I'm using doesn't have a disk drive. I'll have to do it from another machine and bring it home.
thanks again.

A little bit more info... the usenit file was deleting during a sweep for malware... I got bad advice from a site... you live and learn.
Thanks for your help and your time.

When downloading the boot cd info on to floppies, do I use sp1 or sp2 download? Of course my system was updated to sp2... but i'm not sure which to use. thanks for your reply.

If you had SP2 then use the SP2 download.

Thanks Jeph.