can't log into new user accounts -- and there is no "default user"

when I create a new user account I can't log into it
error: profSvc service failed
I saw posts about changing something in C;/Users/Default User
But I don't seem to have such a folder. I defined view settings to show hidden files and also system files, but I don't see such a folder.
I only see the actual users, as well as public.

Maybe it got messed up from Eset, they have a trick for locating a stolen device, they create a fake user account, and when the thief tries to log in, you get a notification.
I think I see that fake user account listed as a folder in users, but I don't see the real account that I just created.
I don't have ESET installed anymore.

Do you have any restore points to revert back to? You can get into recovery options at the login screen by holding shift while clicking restart.
Go to troubleshooting, and it will lead you to tools to help fix the problem.

You may need to refresh your PC, or reinstall everything if this problem can't be solved.

no restore points.
what about copying default users from a healthy win 10 machine?

shmu26 said:

no restore points.
what about copying default users from a healthy win 10 machine?

yes, that fixed it. I simply copied the contents of Default from a healthy machine, and pasted into a new folder with the same name that I created on the stricken machine.

That won't help, as the default users folder is only for if the User Profile Service has failed to load your profile, or any profile on the computer, regardless if it is a new account.

The only way to log into Windows is to log in with the Administrative account, which is activated in group policy editor, however, if you can't log in, you won't be able to do this.

The default account won't be any help as it doesn't have any administrative roles and is limited to the use of a standard account.

This issue is normally resolved in the registry, or by creating a new user account and transferring all of your files from the old account to the new account, and deleting the old account.

Maybe others may have a better solution, but my best solution is to reinstall Windows.

Hmm I'm surprised that fixed the issue, but glad you got your issue solved.

lmaneke said:

Hmm I'm surprised that fixed the issue, but glad you got your issue solved.

you are right to be surprised. It only worked for one log-in. now the problem is back.
I am able to log in from two existing accounts, one of them admin. But I can't get new accounts to work.
I also tried changing the name of a third account, and converting it to a local account, and now that one doesn't work either.

There is definitely something wrong.

In your admin account, right click on start
Click command prompt admin

Type sfc /scannow
That will check for corrupt system files and attempt a repair.

After that's complete, type, chkdsk C: /F
Type y to do scan after system restart.

Try that first before we go further

what if I do "refresh"? do you think that will fix it?

lmaneke said:

There is definitely something wrong.

In your admin account, right click on start
Click command prompt admin

Type sfc /scannow
That will check for corrupt system files and attempt a repair.

After that's complete, type, chkdsk C: /F
Type y to do scan after system restart.

Try that first before we go further

Refresh will save all your documents, music, etc, but your programs will need to be reinstalled.

A refresh should help, as it will reinstall windows, but will keep your files. I recommend backing up your files first before the refresh.