Can't switch users: Message says computer locked

Question

You all helped me once before and I'm asking for help again. I have four users on my computer. Suddenly I can't switch between them. When I hit start/log off/switch user, nothing happens. I saw the little message that said you can also switch by hitting windows key + L. Here's where I may have done something wrong. I hit the windows key and l at the same time and got a window that said 'The computer is in use and has been locked. Only XXXX(my service tag#/Roy(my name) or an administrator can unlock the computer.'' Then is has my name in a user name box with a password box underneath. I don't ever remember creating any kind of password for any of these users. And I've tried all the usual suspects but got nowhere. At the moment, if my wife or kids or any of us want to switch users, we have to log all the way out of the current user and log in as the other user. I've looked around the questions already asked, and though some seem a little similar, no one has the exact same problem. Can you please help? Thank you in advance.

Pollushon · Answer

Somehow Fast User Switching has become disabled. Go to ControlPanel> Accounts> Change the way users log on and off> (Enable) Welcome Screen and Fast User Switching.

royayn · Answer

Hi again. I thought the solution seemed wonderfully simple. Should have known it was too good to be true. I followed your instructions. Checked the "Use fast user switching'' box. Then hit "apply options'' button, which closes the window. Seemed great. Problem is, I try to switch users and nothing happens. So I go back to the change the way users log on or off screen and the "use fast user switching'' box is unchecked again.
my account is a computer administrator, if that's a question. I don't know why the change won't take.
Sorry to bother you again, but any ideas?
Thanks again.
Roy

Windows General

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