Just. Can't Log. In. to panther! help?

[John B Beta]

Something v bizarre going on with my powerbook. I have it set so when u start up you have to select user and enter password - but it jsut won't log in - jsut hangs, and i get the spinning beachballofdoom, then eventually a message that says "sorry you cant log in at this time - please contact your administrator for assistance" or somethign like that. Has been happening every now adn then for a month or so, but if i rebooted adn tried againb it woudl usually let me in - now, NeVVVer...

My user IS the main administrator one - i havent messed about with permissions or anything - i am definitely entering the right password, its not doign the shake thing - ive tried booting from the panther installation cd that came with it, and running disk utility, verifyiung disk permissions, adn repairing disk - nothing was majory wrong. The first time i did that it let me log in the next time, now nothing... There's plenty of space on teh HD - no dodgy software, i have a firewall, adn up to date virex software - and i keep all the software updates in order...

anyone konw whats wrong? or am i gon ahave to go thru T booting firewire stylee, rescuing all my file adn installing from scratch?! Please, someone... Helllppp meeeeee

[Laslo Panaflex]

Boot to the Panther CD and change the Admin password and see if it lets you log in then. I know you know your password, but maybe changing it will help?

[Horrortaxi]

If you have another Mac, try target disk mode. Take copy your files over. This is just a precaution in case you have to reinstall--last resort.

I think that there is something on the Panther install disk that lets you wipe the passwords. I've never used it and I could be off the mark, but there is something like that.