Problems with Multiple Users

[Guest]

There are four user accounts on my Windows XP Home Edition
computer, two of which are Computer Administrator accounts and
two of which are Limited accounts. Whenever I (or someone else)
is logged on, then switches to another user account through the
"Switch Users" button then logging on, the screen goes black while
logging on the second user, and the logon process takes longer than
usual. The desktop then appears, and programs operate normally.
Is this normal?

Additionally, when the second user logs off, the screen turns black
then switches to the blue "Logging off..." then black again, then
"Saving your settings..." then black again, where the computer's
hard drive activity light continues to flash for a few moments. The
computer either freezes on the black screen, or switches back to
"Logging off..." then freezes. Please help, is there some way to
fix this problem? (Windows XP was pre-installed, and I do not have
an installation or repair CD... this problem has occurred since I first
got the computer.)

 

[Chuck]

There are four user accounts on my Windows XP Home Edition
computer, two of which are Computer Administrator accounts and
two of which are Limited accounts. Whenever I (or someone else)
is logged on, then switches to another user account through the
"Switch Users" button then logging on, the screen goes black while
logging on the second user, and the logon process takes longer than
usual. The desktop then appears, and programs operate normally.
Is this normal?

Additionally, when the second user logs off, the screen turns black
then switches to the blue "Logging off..." then black again, then
"Saving your settings..." then black again, where the computer's
hard drive activity light continues to flash for a few moments. The
computer either freezes on the black screen, or switches back to
"Logging off..." then freezes. Please help, is there some way to
fix this problem? (Windows XP was pre-installed, and I do not have
an installation or repair CD... this problem has occurred since I first
got the computer.)

Jaros,

Depending upon the process running under the existing session, it may
take several seconds to switch user. Simply logging off or on a user
takes a significant amount of system resources; when you have
additional requirements to keep existing processes running, while
simultaneously adding new ones (the log off and / or log on process),
the computer will be very busy for a few seconds. I would not be
surprised if that caused a noticeable interruption in stuff like video
services.

That said, you may be able to reduce the observed symptoms. Keeping
the computer tuned, something you should do routinely, may be more
important with fast user switching.

How much memory does the computer have? Consider adding more, if it
has additional memory capacity. Memory is cheap, and a great way to
add performance.

Do you defragment your hard drive regularly? If not, start.

What processes do you have running when you switch user? Are all of
them necessary? Do you know what all the processes are? Do you do
virus and spyware checking routinely, looking for unknown processes?

Do an online virus check:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Check for spyware, similar to viruses but detected with different
techniques. Use HijackThis, Spybot S&D, and expert advice at SWI
Forums (all free). Complete instructions are available at:
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=5187

Fast User Switching is a tool which Microsoft provided with Windows XP
to allow multiple users to exist asynchronously on one computer. It's
not magical, it uses resources. Running multiple sessions on a
computer makes it work harder. When User A gives up the use of the
computer, to permit User B to work, whatever User A was doing
continues running. That's the upside - and the downside - of Fast
User Switching.

Cheers,

Chuck
(e-mail address removed)
Spam sucks - PLEASE get rid of the spam before emailing me!
Trusted Computing? Right! http://www.againsttcpa.com/

 

[Guest]

Thank you for the advice; I think that memory may
be a large factor in the temporary video disruptions
when switching users... I only have 96MB of RAM,
which some of my friends inform me is a bare
minimum if you want good performance out of
Windows XP. I'm thinking of upgrading the memory
soon and, yes, I do defragment once a month.