"We can't sign in to your account" error message

do the following steps

Please press windows+S key

Type cmd

From below list right click on command prompt

Click run as administrator

In the command prompt type sfc /scannow and press enter

Wait till it finished

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth (Press enter. Let it complete.)

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth (Press enter. Let it complete.)

Restart the pc

Hi Gene. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

Sometimes if the User account gets corrupted and cannot start, Windows will sign into a temporary account. A Temp Account cannot be used as a normal account so do not set it up or copy files into it because at any restart it might decide to start into your old Account. I'll give you everything that can be done to repair or replace your account, based on helping others get through it.

1. Try restarting the PC a few times to see if it can sign into your account.
2. Check at C:\Users if you can see your old account with its files intact. If not check at C:\Windows.old to see if files were archived there during a version install that fails.

If so copy the files out externally so they are safe. Files should always be backed up if you value them at all. You can copy or drag them to an external USB flash or hard drive.

3. From the temp account try to repair the old account using one of these methods:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/48012-fix-y...

https://winaero.com/blog/windows-10-youve-been-...

4. If not then you can try to create a new Local Administrator Account to see how it works: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for....

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-change-user-...

5. If necessary to try to repair the old account or create a new Account you may need to enable and sign into the Hidden Administrator account used only for emergencies, using one of these methods:

https://www.isumsoft.com/it/enable-hidden-admin...

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2969-enable....

6. If no other method works you may need to create Windows installation media to boot into to access the Command Prompt at boot to perform Option 5 above, or do a Reset: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.... Detailed steps to boot media are in the tutorial in Step 12 below.
7. Once the new account is created: sign into the new account, move your files over, test that all programs run. If you decide to keep it then you can delete the old accounts when ready as shown here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5464-delete...
8. If the install is too corrupted for even a new account to run well or you want to invest the time in trying to fix the old account, then go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
9. If any steps cannot be performed normally then try them in Safe Mode with Networking or Safe Mode: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...
10. If nothing else works to fix the install try running a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...
11. If those fail then you can do a Reset: http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/reset-windows...
12. Or you can use the bootable media from Step 6 to do the vastly superior Clean Install which should get you past all difficulties as it has hundreds of thousands of others who have followed the steps in this link and never come back to report another problem: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

If you have files that aren't backed up you can use the same bootable media to rescue your files using this method: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

OK.  I followed your instructions to the letter and all three commands completed successfully.  it said there were no integrity violations either.  After restart the error message reappeared.

 I did uninstall Norton by the way...  now what??

ok well like I said I've already tried signing out and back in 6 or 7 times and the same message comes up unless I restart into safe mode.   And as far as my antivirus goes I've had Norton installed for over a year with no problems but if you think I should uninstall it I will.

hi

My name is Smith and I am an Independent Advisor. I would be happy to help you today.

let us try the troubleshooting steps mentioned below and check if that helps in resolving the issue:

Method 1:

I would suggest you try restarting the PC multiple times and check. The reason we are asking to restart the PC multiple times is because, during multiple restarts, your system might get back to your actual account.

Method 2:

Try uninstalling any third party antivirus program and check if you are able to boot the PC normally.

Note: If you disable the security software or firewall, the system might be temporarily exposed to security threats and risks. Please make sure to turn install it back once the issue is fixed.