I have a remote Windows 2008 server (Web Edition). This server is a web server only. It only has microsoft software on it. Automatic updates are enabled. Service Pack 2. I was working on the server, making configuration changes in the web server. I rebooted the server, and could no longer access it using remote desktop. I went to the remote location and hooked up a monitor and keyboard. Rebooted again. System gets to the log on page. After I log in, it hangs at Applying Settings. I booted the server using safe mode and it comes up, however I cannot access remotely (I assume this is normal in safe mode). I reviewed the event logs but didn't see anything that jumped out at me. I have seen some posts similar to this, but the fixes don't seem to apply to my situation. The other posts talk about domain controller (I don't have one as the server is on a workgroup), and dhcp (I have static IP's). There are no users accessing the server (only remote desktop login by the administrator). I ran msconfig and checked that there are only microsoft services installed. One comment I saw was that it would eventually finish "applying settings", but I have waitied more than an hour, and still can't access. Help.

Have you tried logging on locally with network cable unplugged? Regards, Dave Patrick .... Microsoft Certified Professional -Microsoft MVP [Windows]

This could be the problem documented in this KB: KB article 2379016 A computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 stops responding at the "Applying User Settings" stage of the logon process. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2379016