Fast User Switching is fast, but it won't swtich users

December 22, 2006 9:08 AM

Fast User Switching isn't working for me in Windows XP Pro.

I'm trying to use multiple accounts in XP to give myself and my gf separate desktops, apps, folders, etc. But once one of us logs in, we have to completely log out before the other person can sign into their account.

If I don't actually log out, for example, she may click "switch user" and see the password-entry screen, but when she enters her password, all that happens is the desktop image flashes on the screen for 1 second and then the password screen comes back.

What I want is to keep all my apps running in the background (bit torrent, for example) while she logs into her account and uses it. That's my understanding of what Fast User Switching should allow under Windows XP. Am I wrong? Logging out completely kills my apps (and my downloads that are running).

This is XP Pro, all the service packs and updates yadda yadda. And I already have a Mac, so please... :)

posted by scarabic to computers & internet (10 answers total)

Just to cover the bases, do you have fast user switching enabled? This link has directions for toggling the function
posted by utsutsu at 9:17 AM on December 22, 2006

Start->Run->Eventvwr.msc.

Look through App and System logs for anything that is an error or a warning at the same time as you attempt to do the FUS.
posted by SirStan at 9:45 AM on December 22, 2006

Yep - the checkbox to enable FUS is checked. Also checked is "use the welcome screen."

And FWIW my account is an admin account and hers is not.
posted by scarabic at 2:00 PM on December 22, 2006

nothing showing in the event viewer...
posted by scarabic at 2:03 PM on December 22, 2006

Might there be network issues? FUS apparently doesn't work on Win XP Pro if the computer is part of a domain network. Are you part of a domain network? I came across this report of problems when a home lan used a novell server.

FUS also won't work if offline files are enabled, but you should get an error message if that's the case. Terminal Services service apparently also has to be enabled. Finally, FUS also doesn't work if you're using a third party program to customize your login screen.
posted by jasper411 at 2:25 PM on December 22, 2006

Are you part of a domain network?

Nope, just a solo home computer hooked up to DSL via a home router.

Terminal Services service apparently also has to be enabled.

How do I check for that?

Thanks, all
posted by scarabic at 9:31 PM on December 22, 2006

Start > Run > Services.msc then just scroll down to Terminal Services and make sure it's started
posted by jasper411 at 11:00 PM on December 22, 2006

Hm... no terminal services there... Is that something I need to install?
posted by scarabic at 11:19 AM on December 23, 2006

Hmmm ... I've always thought that Terminal Services comes with XP Pro right out of the box. AFAIK, it's needed for FUS - see about adding it from the Add Windows Components section of the Add/Remove Programs element of the Control Panel.
posted by jasper411 at 9:36 AM on December 24, 2006

I looked for it there but the packages therein are really broad things like "network service." I didn't see anything that looked likely. I'm sure it does come installed by default. Must have gotten removed at some point? Anyone have any idea how to reinstall it?

Thanks!
posted by scarabic at 4:17 PM on December 24, 2006