Help, what a hassle...

[dotymed]

I have an older HP pavilion laptop. I am an older disabled guy who is definitely not tech savvy.

I use Windows 7 as my OS.

My problem (besides those already listed):

When I log on (I am the administrator), I get this error message:

"The user profile service failed the log on."
"User profile cannot be loaded"

What really sucks is on this computer I have a "tune-up" utility that I can only use, using my administrator password... It has registry
fixing capabilities.
I did start-up in safety mode and changed (eventually decided not to have) my password, hoping that would somehow help...

I am currently using my Son's account but it has no administrative capabilities. I called "The computer Guy" but he wanted $100+ to fix the problem. I wish I had extra money but on SS disability that is not gonna happen.

If anyone can walk me through the steps (again, not tech savvy) to somehow regain administrator capabilities and ideally to get my profile to load, I would greatly appreciate it.
You can I.M. me or answer on this forum.
Thanks, Mike.

[mockmonkey]

1. This might help at this microsoft link

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947215

Method 2 mentions being able to copy your data to a new account and then maybe you can run your tune-up utility there?

You have to carefully read and understand the instructions before you attempt them.

They also mention this: Note You must be able to log on to an administrator account to fix your user profile or copy your data to a new account. Before you resolve the issue, log on to Windows by using another account that has administrative permissions, or restart in safe mode to log on with the built-in administrator account

How to start in Safe Mode "If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you'll need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer."

[gvstn]

2. If I remember correctly that is a bad error and difficult to fix.

If can't remember a clear-cut fix. I believe you will eventually have to create a new account/profile for yourself but I could be mixing Xp and Win7 as far as solutions. And you do seem to be able to sign into the limited account which is a good thing. Let's see what others can suggest.

A couple of things I would do since you have access to another account. Create a Repair Disc. If you have a blank CD/DVD you can go to Start and type in create and choose "Create a Repair Disc" from the search results. It will prompt for a blank CD and then hit the Create button. This gives you options if it doesn't start up later.

You can try enabling the built-in administrator account. Option two here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/507-built-administrator-account-enable-disable.html

Go to Start and type in cmd but don't hit enter. In the search results right-click cmd.exe and select Run as Administrator, give your current administrator password if asked or try leaving blank and hit enter. In the command prompt try this command and hit enter:

net user administrator /active:yes

Restart and see if you can log into the Administrator account. You could try your program (you might have to go to C:\Program Files to find the program) but I would try a System Restore first.

Lastly, You can try a System Restore by right-clicking Computer and selecting Properties and then System Protection from the left menu. Use the System Restore button to start System Restore.

I'll take a look around to see what the suggested solutions to the User Profile Service error are later today. I just don't remember any threads where it was resolved successfully.

[PrestonLocke]

3. I've seen this problem at least once before

After a few hours of trying to get the accounts to work, a reformat was the final solution.

[dotymed]

4. Thanks for your suggestions.

I am still trying. I did the system restore already and it didn't help.
When I purchased this computer (used), I had the shop make a rescue disk. I still have it.

I don't know how to use it.
How do I boot from the disk, as a last resort.
Do I need to somehow erase the content of this computer before I run the disk?

Still looking for help and thank you all.

[gvstn]

5. I think you will need to create a new user profile

Everyone seems to be in agreement that your user profile is corrupt. Nicrosoft's solution is a new user. Let's see if you can create one with administrative privileges.

You can try enabling the built-in administrator account. Option two here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/507-built-administrator-account-enable-disable.html

Go to Start and type in cmd but don't hit enter. In the search results right-click cmd.exe and select Run as Administrator, give your current administrator password if asked or try leaving blank and hit enter. In the command prompt try this command and hit enter:

net user administrator /active:yes

Restart and see if you can log into the Administrator account which should now show on the Welcome screen.

Go to Start and then Control Panel and then Users. Choose to create a new user with administrative privileges. Then logoff and try to log into the new account. If that works then we can help transfer your files over from your old user and delete the corrupted profile.

***
Booting from your recovery disc should just be a matter of putting it in the tray and restarting. The PC should look for a disc and boot from it before attempting to boot from HD. You can try booting from the disc to see what options it gives you. If it is the standard repair disc it should look something like this: http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winre/accesswinre.htm