Can't log on...

About a week or so ago, instead of getting the usual SL intro screen (with the mountains and the moon), I got a DOS window the lines in which would zoom by and produce the pre-caching screen and my "home" image. I'd then be logged on and would proceed on my happy way in SL. I assumed this new log on procedure was the result of switching to AutoLogOn in the debug menu - maybe so, maybe not. I wanted to switch away from it, but it was one of those things one puts on the back burner.

THEN, last Tuesday evening, after logging on successfully that morning, my SL world crashed. The DOS window popped up as usual. Then the pre-caching screen came on as usual. BUT THEN, the pre-caching screen disappeared, the DOS window reappeared for less than a second. It ran some lines and disappeared. Then nothing. I tried to log on again -same thing happened. As has happened , I'd guess, 50 times in the last four days - trying to log on after trying different "fixes" which have occurred to me.

I followed the suggested fix on the SL website support pages: delete the client, remove all files including temp files in Local Settings and cache files in Application Data. I ran Ad-Aware. I bought and ran Registry Booster which supposedly cleaned and ordered the registry ($30 down the drain?). I wrote ticket after ticket - 3 on Tuesday evening, 1 or 2 each succeeding day - to tech support in the Support section of www.secondlife.com. (More about that outsourced waste of time in another message). I have not had ANY contact with a technician in these four days. Not a word - Zilch - Nada (don't miss the message on tech support).

I considered reformatting my PC but wondered if that enormous effort would produce a successful log in. What if the problem were server side rather than client side? I would have done all that work for nothing.

My graphics card is nVIdia GeForce 7300 LE and is working fine. My computer is fairly new: Intel Core 2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz running with 2 GB RAM.

If anyone can help, I would so very much appreciate it. Thanks.

Can't believe I'm actually replying to both threads here, but I'm in helpful mode....
This question could possibly be better off in the technical forum.
But since you've already been in touch with LL and the issue has been forwarded to a developer, your best bet might be to have a bit of patience. See my other reply Good luck.

Not seeing mention of downloading specifically the new, mandatory client. Not sure these are quite the symptoms of the exploit, but they look suspicious.

Assuming the new client is installed, then it would be informative to try to login to this account from another installation. If getting to "pre-caching" then the login must be getting accepted, so it would be convenient to know if the account is broken (in which case only Linden tech is likely to be able to help) or if it's the client installation at fault.

An alternative debugging step would be to use one of the text-based clients, like the one in libsecondlife; if that can get in, then in all likelihood it's the client that's b0rked.

One could also create a throw-away alt, just to verify the client installation is viable.

k giving this a bump...... might not be sky .... definitely belongs in the tech forum ....but i'm in helpful mode ....

Qie is correct: First we have to determine if it's client based or if it's on LL's end.

If you have access to another computer that can run SL, then try it and see if it logs in. If it does, that means that it's an issue on the client end.. a.k.a. your computer.

If it winds up being on your client end, then check to see that the video drivers are up to date. Reboot all modem/routers that connect you to the internet. Do the whole uninstall/install bit. And then cross your fingers and pray that it works

If it isn't on the computer/client end, then you'll definitely need a Linden to help you. Make sure that in your support ticket, you list every step you have taken to correct the issue. Make that bold if you can, because I've had them not read that part. Explain the problem as in depth as possible. If you are premium account, get on the Live Chat on Monday and explain the issue! But most of all, DON'T GIVE UP.

Thanks for your help and responses.

I went to a friend's and logged on thru his MAC. I went to Client/debug setting and clicked "Return to Defaults." When I got home, I logged in fine. All's OK ...so far...knock wood.

Then someone told me to unclick "Console Window in the client menu. I must've "X"ed it by mistake 'cause I didn't know what the Console Window was. I'll see when I log back on if that got rid of it and brought back teh Mountains and the Moon intro screen.

The main lesson in all htis seems to be: forget "official" tech support and depend on a little help from your friends on the forums.

Thanks again...much.

I hope people don't take this recommendation too seriously. Although many people complain about Support here, there are plenty of us who have found it very useful.

I do agree, though, that the forums are a great place to get help.