-run the winxp setup disk. when it asks you to "install" or "repair" , pick repair. then pick "c:\windows as the directory you want to fix. when it shows c:\windows, then type in "fixmbr" and it will ask if you are sure. type "y" for yes and hit enter. It will tell you that mbr has been repaired. reboot and you shouldn't have the "loading personal settings" hanging up on you.
-we started having this happen to various pc's throughout our organization and figured out that our virus program, "symantec endpoint 11" was corrupting the mbr after a certain number of reboots. (we are a library). this has worked every time.
