I am on a macBook pro, and i have VM fusion running an install of ubuntu 7.10. I had to go through 2 rounds of updates. the first round wasn't a problem. however, after doing the second round of updates. ubuntu will start up all the way to the login screen. then it will basically, reload/flash over and over again. always moving the mouse to the center of the screen, and basically always in a state of thinking (round circular cursor). I can boot the system in the recovery mode, but I don't know how to bypass the login screen in normal mode. I was hoping that I could find some command line commands that will enable me to bypass the login screen (seeing how i am the only one who uses this laptop), but I couldn't find anything.

if anyone knows, you would be saving me the hassle of reinstalling from scratch. (because I have an up and running project on it currently.)

Thanks in advance.