Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix: error at logon when pressing CTRl ALT DEL

Windows XP SP3 error at logon with Notepad popping up

Quick Answer: Try using the Windows Task Manager to identify running processes during bootup and investigate suspicious services or startup programs.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. 💡 Conclusion

Error at logon when pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del in Windows XP SP3 occurs unexpectedly, causing Notepad to open with an error message containing gibberish. This issue is frustrating as it prevents users from accessing their system before they can even attempt to log in.

The root cause of this problem may be related to a corrupted or misconfigured boot process, which could be triggered by various factors such as malware infections, driver issues, or incorrect system settings.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this issue is likely due to the presence of malicious software that is designed to load during the boot process. The 'Ctrl+Alt+Del' key combination may be triggering a script or executable that opens Notepad with an error message. This could be a result of a virus, Trojan horse, or other types of malware.
  • Another possible cause is a misconfigured system setting or a corrupted Windows installation. It's also possible that a driver or hardware component is malfunctioning and causing the issue.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Scanning for Malware and Updating Drivers

  1. Step 1: Run a full scan with an anti-malware software such as Microsoft Safety Scanner or Kaspersky Anti-Virus to detect and remove any malware that may be causing the issue.
  2. Step 2: Update all drivers to their latest versions using the Device Manager or a third-party driver update tool. This can help resolve issues related to corrupted or outdated drivers.

Analyzing Boot Process and System Settings

  1. Step 1: Use the 'msconfig' utility to analyze system startup settings and identify any suspicious programs or services that may be loaded during boot. Be cautious when disabling any system components, as this can potentially cause further issues.

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the issue, it's recommended to follow the primary fix method outlined above. If the problem persists after scanning for malware and updating drivers, proceed with analyzing the boot process and system settings using 'msconfig'. In some cases, deleting desktop.ini files in various locations may help resolve the issue. However, be aware that this approach carries some risks and should be done with caution.

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