Hey folks,
I searched around, but I couldn't find a concrete solution to my problem.
I had my avast home key expire, so I uninstalled it in order to install a new one with the new key (for whatever reason, I could never get it working properly again after inserting a new key... issue for another day). So, I uninstalled and restarted per its request - only now I get a login loop at the XP login screen. I'll log in, and the system logs me immediately out.
I also can't login via Safe Mode - it does the exact same thing.
So, in my frustration, I tried to repair XP via the CD - same thing happened when I tried to login afterwards. So then I reinstalled XP completely, since most of my important data is on separate partitions anyways. The install, which was XP SP2, went just fine. I logged in, installed the display and network drivers, and then Avast again... and lo and behold, upon restart, same problem! Another login loop!
So, the issue is clearly avast here.
I have access to the XP partition, since I have a dual-boot system with Vista - so, what can I do to fix this? I'd like to keep using avast, but... christ, this is annoying!