Member Avatar for jems

I have a laptop--Gateway P-6860fx. The operating system is Windows Vista.

I was using my computer. It froze. I hit CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

This message came on-- Logon process has failed to create the security options dialog

Failure-Security Options

I clicked OK. The screen became blank. The computer was unresponsive. I unplugged the computer to shutdown.

I booted up in safe mode and then shutdown the correct way.
I booted up again. It took a long time. I hit F10 and then escape. The login screen came up. I logged in. I went to a website and then shutdown correctly.

I have not turned on the computer again. What is the problem with my computer? How do I fix it?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Portgas D. Ace

Dani AI

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Short summary and safe first steps (for )
This error can be a one-off glitch, but it has also been reported when Windows system files, the disk, or third‑party security software misbehave — several Vista users saw the same message after antivirus/firewall updates and fixed it by removing the offending security product. If the laptop will start and you can get to the desktop, proceed; if it will not boot reliably, make a file backup first (see below). (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick, safe troubleshooting you can do now

  1. Back up important files before doing repairs (external drive or image).
  2. Check Event Viewer for the precise error and timestamp: run the Event Viewer (Start -> type eventvwr), expand Windows Logs and inspect the System and Application logs; filter for Errors/Critical entries around the time the freeze happened. Save or copy any errors that mention Winlogon, LogonUI, or third‑party drivers. (learn.microsoft.com)

Repair steps to run (run an elevated Command Prompt: right‑click cmd -> Run as administrator)
Run System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

If SFC reports problems it cannot fix, note the CBS log location and consider running it from the Recovery Environment. Then schedule/check the disk:

chkdsk c: /f /r

(chkdsk may ask to run at next reboot). These two commands repair corrupted system files and file‑system errors that commonly cause hangs or Winlogon problems. (support.microsoft.com)

If the message returns or the system is slow after boot
Boot to Safe Mode (F8) and uninstall any recently installed security/utility software (antivirus, firewall, Comodo, etc.). If Safe Mode is OK, use a clean boot (msconfig) to isolate the culprit; Microsoft documents the clean‑boot steps. If those fail, consider System Restore to a point before the problem or a repair/restore from your recovery media. Because Vista is no longer supported by Microsoft, plan an upgrade or replacement — unsupported OSes are more fragile and risky. If the message recurs, post the exact Event Viewer error lines (source, Event ID, timestamp) — those are the most useful details. (support.microsoft.com)

Notes: and were right to suggest powering up and checking logs — the Event Viewer entries and the SFC/chkdsk output will tell whether this was transient or a real corruption/driver/AV conflict.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for Portgas D. Ace

Is your computer working fine now???...

Member Avatar for jems

I have not turned on the computer since the incident I described above. I did not want to turn on the computer until I know how to solve the problem.

Member Avatar for Portgas D. Ace

Well what if there is no problem.. it's a one time error??.. can you start up your machine, and let me know what happens.

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

you have to start the PC to fix the problem. when you restart checl the event log for any errors. as D Ace said it might be a one time thing. base one the key stroke you completed. i would also suggest that you disable the log in process until you resolve the problem ( if it arise again) BTW how do you log into the PC do you have to press Ctrl+ALT+DEL. turn that off, unlees you are loggin in to a you MUST use a password use the local logon where is shows user name then you select and enter your password.

Member Avatar for jems

How do i check the event log for any errors?

The computer boots up, I enter my password. Then the computer continues to the desktop.

Member Avatar for Portgas D. Ace

So it's working as it normally would now??... I wouldn't worry about it, unless it happens again.

commented: offset previous neg rep +6
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