Information on Fast User Switching function.

Information on Fast User Switching function.

When the Fast User Switching function is enabled, Windows XP supports switching between user's account to and fro, without having to close any programs that are currently running. With this function, users are able to retain the same layout settings that was last logged off from.

A. To enable or disable Fast User Switching
1. Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the User Accounts icon.
3. Click Change the way users log on or off.
4. Check if Use the Welcome screen is selected. Select this option if it is not selected yet.
5. Select Fast User Switching.

B. To switch to another user's account
You may refer to any of the following methods:
1. Click Start and click Log Off. Then, click Switch User.
or
2. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and click Shutdown. Then, click Switch User.
or
3. Press the Windows key and the Lkey simultaneously.

C. To manage another user's session
The Administrator user can release the system resources by logging other users off from the computer. It can send messages to such users as well.

D. To log off other users from the computer
1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to display the Task Manager dialog box.
2. Click the Users tab and then click on any of the users' names.
3. Click Logoff and click Yes to log off the selected user from the computer.

E. To send messages to other users
1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to display the Task Manager dialog box.
2. Click the Users tab and then click on any of the recipients' names.
3. Click Send Message. Fill in the message in the dialog box, and send the messages to the users.

For further details, please refer to the relevant solution in Microsoft's technical support website.
Article ID: Q279765
Last Reviewed: October 10, 2001
Title: How to use the Fast User Switching Feature
Link: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q279/7/65.ASP