[Alex Ethridge]

I configured this Windows XP system to log the user on automatically and everything went fine for several days. For some unknown reason, it now comes to the screen where is says logging in and then immediately to logging off without displaying even so much as the desktop background. Then it just loops like that continuously.

Of note is that task scheduler is running and performing its tasks.

Is there a virus or malware going around that might be causing this?

[lawson_jl]

Try booting the system in safemode and disable the autologin. Assuming there are no hardware issues that shoudl allow you to log in and trouble shoot they system in a normal start up.

[Alex Ethridge]

Same thing in safe mode.

Really, what I'm wanting is just to know if there are any viruses or malware floating around that this is a characteristic of.

[lawson_jl]

There are virus' and malware that cause your system to have this type of issue. It's funny it does it in safemode though, that indiacates a major software issue or a hardware issue. Have you tried using the UBCD4Windows it has a lot of tools that could help you.

[Alex Ethridge]

I have a fix for it, an Acronis True Image backup. I just wanted to know about the virus/malware angle to gain some insight into whether the user might have been a participant/dupe in an infection.