computer re-boots itself after desktop

[Relztrah]

hardware: Dell Dimension 4550
OS: Windows XP Home with SP2

A friend gave me his machine to diagnose. It boots to a desktop momentarily and then auto-reboots. This will go on indefinitely until I hit F8 and boot to Safe Mode, which I am able to do.

I asked if he had downloaded any new software recently, or before this started happening, and he couldn't recall anything new.

From Safe Mode I uninstalled some useless toolbars, a couple games, and a thing called Windows Defender. Ran the Disk Cleanup and empied the temp files and temporary internet files. No improvement.

I am able to run msconfig but I'm not sure how to use it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Relztrah

[FTT]

First, check the temps in BIOS. Also by default, XP reboots whenever it encounters problems. This 'feature' :rolleyes: can be disabled. Read this article (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q320299) explaining how to get rid of it.

[Paul Komski]

When you run msconfig you could first go to StartUp tab and Disable All. If that doesnt change anything try the Services Tab and do the same thing again. If one or the other allows you in then you have a job on hand to try and find out which program or service is the rogue.

The other thing possibly worth a try at this point is a System Restore.

[Relztrah]

Automatic restart is UNchecked.

Here's something from the event log that might be significant:

Type Date Time Source Category Event User Computer
Error 3/22/2008 4:59:56 PM Service Control Manager None 7026 N/A
Error 3/22/2008 4:59:56 PM Service Control Manager None 7001 N/A
Error 3/22/2008 4:59:56 PM Service Control Manager None 7001 N/A
Error 3/22/2008 4:59:56 PM Service Control Manager None 7001 N/A
Error 3/22/2008 4:59:56 PM Service Control Manager None 7001 N/A
Error 3/22/2008 4:59:56 PM Service Control Manager None 7001 N/A
Error 3/22/2008 4:59:56 PM Service Control Manager None 7001 N/A
Error 3/22/2008 4:59:05 PM DCOM None 10005 SYSTEM
Error 3/22/2008 4:58:56 PM DCOM None 10005 Administrator

The columns are off and I deleted the computer name. But it's showing all kinds of errors in the event log. I don't really know how to interpret the event log. Does any of this help?

Thanks,
Relztrah

[Relztrah]

...although this thing is full of bugs. At least I got it where I can boot normally. Still there's one nasty virus or something that I can't get rid of, namely nsmss.

When I get to a desktop I always get the message: Windows cannot find C:\system32\nsmss.exe. Make sure...blah, blah, blah.

So I guess that means it's lodged in the registry, correct? Is there any way to get rid of it? I've done scans with Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware 2007, AVG Antivirus and AVG Antispyware.

[Paul Komski]

I personally would do a backup of needed data and a clean reinstall. Alternatively post a hijackthis log. Meanwhile I will transfer this thread to the security forum.

[Relztrah]

Thank you again. Since I'm doing this for a friend pro bono, I have asked him to provide me with the system restore CD and I'll do as you suggest. I'm glad to clean up his machine for him, but it's taking too much time and not worth it at this point.