User account performance

[Guest]

I recently added user accounts to one of my XP Home PCs. I had previously
been using only the administrator account on this PC. Since adding the user
accounts, I have experienced a significant performance problem, but only with
the user accounts. Does anyone have any idea why?

I also have problems accessing certain programs that were installed under
the Admin account prior to adding the user accounts. Do I need to reinstall
the programs in order for the user accounts to access them? I'd rather not
install my virus protection, etc. on each user account...

Thanks.

 

[Malke]

I recently added user accounts to one of my XP Home PCs. I had
previously
been using only the administrator account on this PC. Since adding
the user accounts, I have experienced a significant performance
problem, but only with
the user accounts. Does anyone have any idea why?

I also have problems accessing certain programs that were installed
under
the Admin account prior to adding the user accounts. Do I need to
reinstall
the programs in order for the user accounts to access them? I'd
rather not install my virus protection, etc. on each user account...

Thanks.

The performance is not related to not using Administrator. It is
probably related to extra stuff that is running in each user account
such as malware, instant messenger programs, possibly all of MS Office,
and the like. You should streamline what is running in the background
and starting up in each account.

You do not need to install your antivirus program in each user account;
it will run in all accounts. Since you didn't explain what you mean by
"problems accessing certain programs" and what those programs are, I
can't give you a specific answer. If you are talking about not having
the shortcuts in the Start menu, right-click on the Start button and
explore All Users. Make shortcuts to the programs in all the users'
Start menus as you like. Otherwise, please give more details about what
you are trying to do and what is happening.

Malke

 

[Cycloid Torus]

Mike-

You might want to check in Task Manager with the all users switch "on". You
may find many processes running which you do not need. I use the hot key
switch between user accounts and sometimes find I have 70 or more going at
once.

As to what works where, I found I had to run SpywareBlaster and SpyBot
Search & Control in each account in order for them to be effective.
Apparently, IE6 maintains separate user configuration and support files for
each user account and this seems to be the only way. Most other programs run
from wherever they were installed, except for those programs which I have
installed entirely inside a specific user account. If you are having a
perofrmance issue which relates to a specific program, the program in
question may be clueless about user accounts and trying to store stuff where
it isn't allowed.

It is still confusing to me and like some programs I'm pretty clueless about
user accounts, so further comments from experts are most appreciated.

CT

 

[Guest]

Malke,

Thanks for you initial response. The two programs that I am having problems
with are my printer monitor (HP Photosmart 7350) and my DSL interface
software (2Wire Home Portal). These programs are not allowed to start from
the user accounts.

Thanks.

 

[Malke]

Malke,

Thanks for you initial response. The two programs that I am having
problems with are my printer monitor (HP Photosmart 7350) and my DSL
interface
software (2Wire Home Portal). These programs are not allowed to start
from the user accounts.

Are the user accounts Limited accounts and is this XP Home?

Malke