I have Windows XP and just a few days ago I stopped being able to switch users.?

Question

When clicking the icon to switch to a different user the screen flashes for a few seconds then returns to the desktop of the original user. I regulary run my anti-virus, spybot and ad-aware programs. Any ideas what may have happened and how can I fix this?

Answer 1

Go to Start > Run..., and type:
control userpasswords2

Click the 'Advanced' tab, then the 'Advanced' button. Click the 'users' folder and, in the right pane, check to make sure the accounts you expect to use are not disabled if there at all.

Also, go to Start > Run..., and type:
services.msc

Make sure the 'Fast User Switching Compatibility' service is running.

Answer 2

Some information on switching users:

How do I control the Welcome screen display and whether Fast User Switching is allowed?


Under Control Panel, User Accounts, "Change the way users log on or off," is a simple dialog box that gives you two options (if you're in a domain, you won't have the "Change the way users log on or off" option):
 Use the Welcome screen—With this option enabled, when you first boot the machine, log out, or switch users, the system displays a screen that lists the local accounts and displays user pictures (if you configured the picture option). Also new to the Welcome screen is the ability to have a user password hint.
 Use Fast User Switching—Fast user switching, which works similarly to Terminal Services sessions, lets you log on as another user without having to log off the current session first.

Source http://en.allexperts.com/q/Windows-XP-3282/Technical-Problem.htm

Source http://www.windowsitpro.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=20539&DisplayTab=Article

Answer 3

if you have the xp cd and the product key you can do a new install save all your programs /anti virus /spybot/ad -aware and what ever else you want to save.some programs will be saved in your hidden programs folder .

Answer 4

Click on Start button, Control Panel, User Accounts and verify you have all users there, maybe someone erase the account

Answer 5

Try Help and Support on the Start Menu