Switching between User accounts

Question

Of late, I have been having problems switching between user accounts.  I run XP Home with Service Pack 2 installed. My kids have their own log on and now when they log off, instead of taking me back to the list of user accounts, the desktop frezzes on just their wallpaper. All I can do is swtich the PC off manually and reboot.  Im not aware of anything I have done to cause this or any new software Ive installed to cause this.  Can anyone help me resolve this, please?   Thanks   Kelv

jmwills · Answer

What about Active Desktop?  Any changes there?

KELV · Answer

Thanks for your reply.  Sorry but not quite sure what you mean by any changes to Active Desktop?

jmwills · Answer

My guess is that some fancy desktop wallpaper has been downloaded that is incompatible or buggy.  Try and  disabling it: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=190228

debbij51 · Answer

Please help.  I am having the same problem and have only had my computer for 2 weeks.

debbij51 · Answer

No fancy wallpapers have been added to my desktop.  Anything else that could cause the problem?

jmwills · Answer

How about screen savers?

KELV · Answer

Thanks for offering possible solutions.  We do have downloaded wallpaper but when I switched back to original XP wallpaper, it made no difference - still freezes when a user logs off.  I don' use a screen saver.

chiesavl · Answer

I am having the same problem as well. When I try to swtich accounts the screen just blinks and does not let me go into the other account.

jmwills · Answer

Did you uninstall the Screen Saver you downloaded and/or checked it for spyware?

KELV · Answer

Hi, whilst I have never understood why I still cannot switch successfully between users, I have found an answer.  If a second user wants to log on to your computer, go start-Log Off-Switch User and log on that second user, or indeed a third, fourth etc..  Do not switch the first user off or indeed any of the users using this method.   Instead, log back to the main user and then hit Ctrl-Alt-Del to bring up the Windows Task Manager. Click on Users, click on the user you want to log off and then click Log Off.  That works every time.   Good luck, Kelv.

Khis · Answer

I'm having the same problem as of a month ago. Have two admin accounts set up on XP home, User Account settings are checked for user switching, Services user switching and terminal services are both set to automatic.
When i try switch user (which used to work) the screen blinks and stays on the logon page.
Any ideas?

Windows General

Switching between User accounts

Was this post helpful?