Windows 10: User profile can't be loaded, then gets overwritten - how to get it back?

So, I've booted up my laptop after the recent Windows 10 update and I was hit with "Can't load user profile" error, so I've restarted the system and the next thing that happened is that Windows did log me into my account, except the account has been wiped clean, I mean it looks like a freshly installed Windows 10. My data is there, but all my settings, all my installed programs are gone. I'm afraid that because Windows could not load my user profile, it has overwritten it with a fresh one, at least judging from the modification dates of the NTUSER files. Is there a way to restore my original p

:)

 

The User Profile Service service failed the sign-in. User profile cannot be loaded.

Hello,

When attempting to login to my computer, I get the following message:

"The User Profile Service service failed the sign-in.

User profile cannot be loaded."

I referred to this Help article,You receive a "The User Profile Service failed the logon” error
message,

but the only difference is I only have one user profile on this computer. So, I can't login with another user to go through the steps listed in this post.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

 

User Profile Service Service failed! User profile cannot be loaded.

Brink:
I am using registry editor from command prompt. Drilled down to c:windows\system32\config inside the Load Hive dialog window. Have selected (checked box) the SAM file; clicking on Open opens error message that says:


SAM
This file is in use.
Enter a new name or close the file that's open in another program.

_______

I am at a loss, since I am not running any other program!

Any suggestions?

The SAM file is listed as being 64KB file size.

 

User profile cannot be loaded.

Hi Annie,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I understand the inconvenience caused to you with the user accounts on Windows 10.

Method 1: I suggest you enter into safe mode and enable built-in administrator and check with the status of User profile service.

Step 1: Start computer in safe
mode.

• 
  Type Settings in the search box on the desktop, select
  Settings.
  
• 
  Here select Change pc settings and then
  General.
  
• 
  Scroll down to Advanced startup, click
  Restart now.
  
• 
  Click on Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and Startup Settings.
  
• 
  Click Restart, select Safe mode and then press
  Enter.
  

Step 2: Enable Built-in administrator.

• • 
    Press Windows + X key together on your desktop screen.
    
  • 
    Click on Command Prompt (admin) to open
    Command Prompt.
    
  • 
    Type the following command and hit Enter:
    

• 
  net user administrator /active: yes
  (Check for the spaces)
  

d. Now log off from the current user and try to login to the administrator account that is enabled.

Note: Please follow the same steps and type net user administrator /active: no to disable admin account after the troubleshooting is done.

Method 2: Try to create a new user account (Microsoft account) and check if you are able to access the content from your computer

Create a user account

Create a user account in Windows

Note: Create a Microsoft account

Method 3: Check the status of User profile services.

Steps:

• Press Windows + R to open Run command, type
  Services.msc and press Enter.
• Search for User Profile Service, right click on it and
  start the service.
• Also, set the Startup type to
  Automatic.
• Now check if you are able to log-in.

Please get back to us with updated status, we will be happy to assist you.