When trying to log into my computer it starts the process and then auto-logs me off.  I am not able to access the desktop or my start button at all.  I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with XP.  I have a 20G HARD drive with 256K ram.

My daughter was running Spybot, but did not update prior to starting the scan.  It locked up.  I tried to REBOOT, but am not able to get in at all.  My son suggested trying to do a recover, but I do not have a recovery disc.  I tried using the XP upgrade disc, but am not sure what to do with it beyond the basic functions of repairing.  Doing this did not change anything.  Looking for suggestions.  The computer is 7 years old and I am more CONCERNED about accessing the data than anything.  If I could get it to tide me over till I get a new one that would be great!!
Thank you for your help.  I am excited about the option of free support!!
lynNumber of things can cause the logoff like that. Usually they are viral, so you might be faced with trying to remove a virus. Other cause woudl be if the Windows ACTIVATION broke and your grace period to activate has ended, but with that you would be prompted to activate before being able to access your system.

I'd look into finding an antivirus that can boot from CD and boot your system off of it to run a low level scan. I am not aware of any free ones, but I know that Norton AV and MCAFEE generally have a boot from CD scan out of box feature to scan the systems on boot with definition dates only as recent as the product packed date by mfr. This might fix it if it is viral as it sounds to be.Great I will try that.  Thank you!!
I have not gotten a hold of an antivirus boot from CD yet.  I am trying to have my son download one.

My husband has been trying things.  We are now getting a message that says the Windows install is not complete - try again. 

Does that mean he reformatted the hard drive and I have lost everything?  Is there a way to get the docs off from the hard drive?It doesn't necessarily mean that the hard drive has been formatted.   Doesn't mean it hasn't though . . . 

Have you tried to get into Safe Mode?  (Press F8 while the system is booting.)  If you can get into safe mode you will be able to check the contents of the drive.