Vista - Vista Ult x64: on domain login "Preparing desktop," blank blue screen

I have a machine with Vista Ultimate x64 on it (more specs at the end). It is joined to a Windows SBS 2003 domain.

When I log in to either my domain account or the local administrator account, I get "Welcome," then "Preparing your desktop," then a blank blue screen with just mouse cursor.

Ctrl-Shift-Esc does not invoke task manager. Win-R does not bring up the Run dialog. Ctrl-Alt-Delete provides security screen, but Task Manager can't be invoked there.

I can boot into safe-mode or safe-mode with networking and successfully log into both accounts. (WTF?)

Things I've tried:
* Done Vista startup repair. It claims there is no problem (and it's sorta right - I *can* startup a normal windows startup, I just can't properly log in)
* Logged in with safe mode and done chkdsk /f on all relevant volumes
* Done sfc /scannow - nothing interesting
* Changing HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\Shell to "Explorer.exe" (it used to b cmd.exe /k start cmd.exe)
* Deleted the HKLM\SYSTEM\MountedDevices key and allowed it to be regenerated. No effect.
* Removing the machine from the domain, and adding it back
* Using net user Administrator /active:yes to activate the machine\Administrator account. I can log in (to a normal windows startup) on that account and get a desktop. But...then what.

No ghosting, drive letter shenanigans, etc. have been carried out.

Running out of ideas. Thanks in advance for any advice.

-Bryan

ABit IP35 Pro Mobo
Intel Q6600 stock clock
6GB OCZ PC6400 RAM stock clock/voltage
250 GB boot partition on a RAID 1 pair on the Intel ICH9
Vista Ultimate x64 box copy

***** UPDATE *****
I booted to safe-mode with networking and logged in with my domain account. I ran msconfig and disabled UAC there. Then restarted.
After that I was able to log in to my domain account from a normal windows startup.

BUT:

Things are very askew.

* If I try to do Properties on Computer, no properties appear
* Start > Control Panels is empty
* The Event Log service is not running, and when I try to start it, I get Access Denied.
* Same with the ISA Firewall Client. (not running, access denied trying to start)
* Windows defender wants to get new definitions but gets 0x8024402c trying.
* Internet access doesn't seem to work (dns errors), even though ipconfig looks ok and DNS service is running
* My Antivirus software is running (Computer Associates eTrust) and does not seem to be upset
* Mamutu anti-Malware is running and doesn't seem to be upset about anything

dude. u and have the same problem

im getting some answer.come to my thread

http://www.vistax64.com/general-disc...tml#post962223