Switching Users

Many users can use the same computer. Their individual Windows identities allow them to keep their files completely private and to customize the operating system with their own preferences. Windows manages these separate identities by giving each user a unique user name and password. When a user selects an account and types a password (if necessary), Windows starts with that user's configuration settings and network permissions. When you want to change users, you can log off, which closes all running programs, saves your settings, and signs you off the computer, or switch users, which quickly switches between users without having to close programs and saves your current settings.

Switch Users Quickly

Click the Start button, and then click Log Off.

Click Switch User to change users without saving current settings.

A Welcome screen appears, displaying user accounts.

Click your name.

If a box for a password appears, type your password.

Click the Arrow button to log on to Windows XP.

Did You Know?

You can change user account options in the Control Panel . Click the Start button, click Control Panel, double-click the User Accounts icon, and then select the options you want.

See Also

See " Adding and Deleting User Accounts " on page 280 for information on switching users.

Log Off Your Computer

Click the Start button, and then click Log Off.

Click Log Off to close all your programs, save your settings, and sign yourself off the computer.

A Welcome screen appears, displaying user accounts.

Click your name.

If a box for a password appears, type your password.

Click the Arrow button to log on to Windows XP.

Log Off and Log On a Network Computer

Click the Start button, and then click Log Off.

Click Log Off to close all your programs, save your settings, and sign yourself off the computer.

Press and then release the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time.

Type your assigned user name.

Type your assigned password.

Select or type a network domain name to access a network or the computer name to access the local computer.

Click OK.