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I found this in a few different places around the 'net - hopefully it's helpful:

How to Quickly Lock Your Computer and Use Other Windows Logo Shortcut Keys

This article describes how to quickly lock your computer as well as the other Windows logo shortcut keys that you can use.

Windows XP includes a new Microsoft Natural Keyboard shortcut to lock your computer. Any other compatible keyboard that includes the Windows logo key and the Application key can also perform this task.To use this shortcut:

  • Press the Windows logo key + L.

The following list has different computer lock-up scenarios that are available to you, as well as other ways to lock the computer:

Fast User Switching EnabledIf the Fast User Switching feature is enabled and you lock the computer, you can observe the same behavior as if you switched users: The computer returns to the Welcome screen and other users can log on to the computer.

Fast User Switching DisabledIf the Fast User Switching feature is disabled and you lock the computer, the Unlock Computer dialog box is displayed that requires the current logged-on user to enter a password to unlock the computer.

Welcome Screen EnabledIf the Welcome screen is enabled, the computer can also be locked if you press Ctrl+Alt+Del (to open Task Manager), and then click Lock Computer or click Switch User on the Shut Down menu.

Note: The ability to observe "Lock Computer" or "Switch User" on the Shut Down menu is dependent upon whether or not the Fast User Switching feature is enabled.

Welcome Screen DisabledIf the Welcome screen is disabled, you can lock the computer if you press Ctrl+Alt+Del, and then click Lock Computer in the Windows Security dialog box.

In all of the preceding scenarios, the "Windows logo key + L" shortcut can lock the computer. If you do not have a password that is set for your user account, anyone can unlock your computer. To set a password for your user account: In Control Panel, double-click User accounts, select your user account, and then click Create a password.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Member #201682

Dani AI

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A compact troubleshooting summary for the specific problem raised by (the “Use Fast User Switching” checkbox refuses to stay checked). The feature is simple when it works, but it is intentionally disabled by Windows in several scenarios — domain membership, Offline Files, third‑party pre‑logon components or a policy/registry setting that hides the UI. A short Microsoft‑referenced summary of the feature and availability is reproduced on vendor pages for KB 279765. How To Use Fast User Switching (summary). (sony.com.ph)

Most common blockers (quick checklist):

  • Joined to a Windows domain (XP Professional disables Fast User Switching for domain members).
  • Offline Files / client‑side caching enabled (FUS and Offline Files are mutually exclusive on XP).
  • A Group Policy or registry value is hiding the switch UI.
  • A pre‑logon or GINA replacement (Cisco VPN, Intel PROSet Single Sign‑On, etc.) installed and set to “start before logon.” See the Flylib/SP2 notes on Offline Files and Intel’s PROSet docs on Single Sign‑On. (flylib.com)

Quick diagnostic + fixes (do these in order):

  1. Confirm domain vs workgroup: Right‑click My Computer → Properties → Computer Name. If the machine is in a domain, Fast User Switching is not available. (flylib.com)
  2. Verify Offline Files is off (Explorer → Tools → Folder Options → Offline Files tab). If enabled, disable it, reboot, then try enabling FUS. (flylib.com)
  3. Check Local Policy / Registry: open gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Logon and ensure “Hide entry points for Fast User Switching” is Not Configured/Disabled. If no gpedit, check the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\HideFastUserSwitching — delete it or set it to 0 to re‑enable. Back up the registry first. (petenetlive.com)
  4. Confirm the Fast User Switching Compatibility service can start (Services → Fast User Switching Compatibility). If a third‑party pre‑logon tool (Cisco, Intel, others) is present, disable its “start before logon”/single sign‑on feature or uninstall to test. (trishtech.com)

If those steps don’t fix it, check Event Viewer for msGina/CSgina errors (a common sign of a GINA replacement) and consider testing with a clean local administrator account. Note: do a registry backup before edits and reboot after changes. For safe shutdown workarounds already suggested earlier in the thread, see and follow her command‑line approach if needed while troubleshooting.

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Member Avatar for JANINE

thanks. just to add to this. if anyone ever has a problem shutting down from the start menu in xp it is worth trying this before resorting to the pain job of a hard shutdown.

go to start then run. in the box type cmd. this will bring up command prompt. in cmd type shutdown -s. to just restart type shutdown -r. it take a minute but is by far safer.

Member Avatar for nanosani

thanks. just to add to this. if anyone ever has a problem shutting down from the start menu in xp it is worth trying this before resorting to the pain job of a hard shutdown.

go to start then run. in the box type cmd. this will bring up command prompt. in cmd type shutdown -s. to just restart type shutdown -r. it take a minute but is by far safer.

And if you want to specify the time before the system could be restarted you can add -t xx (where xx is time) ....
example : if you want your system to immediately restart then :
shutdown -r -t 00

and for shutdown :
shutdown -s -t 00

Member Avatar for Kanichton

(where xx is time)

What units of time? Minutes?

Member Avatar for nanosani

seconds I think

Member Avatar for JANINE

seconds it is nanosani.

Member Avatar for nanosani

Thanks for confirming JANINE :)

Member Avatar for JANINE

no probs. i always like to try and assist where possible.

Member Avatar for alc6379

Some of my favorites:

Win+R Open the "Run..." Menu
Win+M Minimize all windows
Win+Shift+M Maximize all windows

If I find some more, I'll dig them up.

Member Avatar for nanosani

Is there any shortcut about closing all windows ??

Member Avatar for Catweazle

Sorry, nanosani, there's no shortcut for that. You'll have to hold down the <Ctrl> key and keep tapping <F4> untill all windows are closed.

Member Avatar for Member #201682

First of all, I would like to thank you for your efforts to run such a helpful forum. Now coming to my problem... I have lost my switch user capability in WindowsXP professional SP2.
I have Offline Files disabled but still unable to activate Fast user switching. when I use " change the way users log on or log off" and try to check " Use Fast Use Switching" upon clicking "Apply Options" nothing changes and " Use Fast Use Switching" becomes un-checked again. I 've searched on net but could not find any really working solution.
I would be grateful to you, if you can help in this problem.

Intel(R)
Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz
0.99GB RAM
120GB SATA
Microsoft WindowsXP Professional
Version 2002
Servive Pack 2

SwitchUserProblem-1.JPG 47.53 KB
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