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Posted by: bfarber Nov 30 2004, 03:32 PM

When you install some applications, they will overrite a value in your registry known as the GINA value. This key points to a GINA file in your System32. The default value should be pointing to MSGINA.dll, though there are many programs which will install their own copy of the dll and remap your registry to this. This can cause several various problems, especially with login screens, logging in, and graphical interface errors.

More information about this error can be found in Microsoft.com's Knowledge Base at the following articles:

• http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;817142&Product=winxp
• http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;829715&Product=winxp

The above are examples of errors you may or may not see, but the symptom is usually the same...you cannot use the Welcome Screen, you get an error, and are forced to login with the older Win 2K style login screen.

The resolution is simple...you must delete a key in the registry.

WARNING: Modifying the registry can cause major damage to your system if not done properly. If you are not familiar with registry editing, simpley scroll down to the bottom of this article and look for the "FIX" Section. If you prefer to do this manually, continue...

• Click Start, and then click Run.
• In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
• Locate, and then click the following registry key:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon
• In the right pane, right-click GinaDLL, and then click Delete.
• Click Yes when you are prompted to confirm the deletion.
• On the File menu, click Exit to quit Registry Editor.

FIX

If you are unfarmiliar with modifying the registry, Doug Knox has created a small application which you may use to automatically fix this problem.

The webpage where I retrieved this file is found here.

 XP_FixLogon.zip ( 10.5k ) : 437
Unzip the file and run the exe. If the "Repair" button lights up, click it. Otherwise the registry value is already the correct default value.