XP logon problem

[peetersjeff]

When starting my computer, it gets to the log on screen and then tries to "load personal settings" and stops.
Does the same thing in safe mode.
Any suggestions? Can I run chkdsk from command prompt?
I tried "administrator" as user name and don't have the password.
This is my own computer, not on any network. I never new the password for administrator.

 

[bonk]

Just don't type anything in the place for a password...see what happens

 

[peetersjeff]

I tried that and it just sits there "loading preferences".

 

[peetersjeff]

I tried to reinstall Windows XP Pro, but it hangs on 27 minutes left. Tried several times.
Everytime I try to reboot, it keeps trying to complete the install and hangs at 27 minutes left.
I am guessing a bad spot on the hard drive. Any other guesses????Virus?????

Guess I will just have to use the drive as a slave to get my data.

Is there anything else I can do.