I get the message "The User Profile Service failed the logon. User Profile cannot be located". How?

[mlchow]

Compaq Presario CQ3160D Desktop PC

Windows 7 Home Basic 32 

When I log in with correct password, the message "The User Profile Service service failed the logon. User profile cannot be located." This message was encountered from morning of 7/12/2011 onwards. I recalled that as I logged out on the night of 6/12/2011, I had to wait for 1 of 1 update. Things have changed after that 1 update. How do I resolve this?

[DavidPK · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You could try the following.

Shut down the PC.  Tap away at f8 as you start the PC to enter Windows Recovery Console.  Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode and hit enter.  If windows will load in this mode, from the Start Menu, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools and launch System Restore.  Pick a restore point at least 24 hours before the log-on issue ( so ideally the 5-12-2011 or before ) and then proceed with the restore process.  When complete, Windows will reboot as normal so check if you can now log in correctly.

Another option if the above does not help is as follows.

Shut down the PC.  Tap away at f8 as you start the PC to enter Windows Recovery Console.  Use the arrow keys to select 'Start Using Last Known Good Configuration' and hit enter.

Regards,

DP-K

[mlchow]

Tried the 1st option but it didn't work. Sent it to the shop & noticed that the guy tried the same steps which didn't work as well. That's when he said I had to leave it there for further checking.

As for the 2nd option, didn't get a chance to try but glad to learn about it. Thanks!