After you switch between users in Windows XP, you cannot see the desktop, or the desktop is not displayed at the resolution that you expect (906486)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

SYMPTOMS

Consider the following scenario. You change the Microsoft Windows XP-based computer resolution from a high resolution to a low resolution. Then, you switch between users by using the Fast User Switching feature. In this scenario, you experience either of the following symptoms:
  • You cannot see the desktop.
  • The desktop is not displayed at the resolution that you expect.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because Windows XP does not save the updated display resolution information when you switch between users. Instead, Windows XP uses the previous high resolution information from the registry when you switch between users.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps before you switch between users:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type desk.cpl in the Open box, and then click OK.
  2. Click the Settings tab.
  3. Move the Screen resolution slider to the resolution that you want to use, and then click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about how to enable and use Fast User Switching, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

279765 How to use the Fast User Switching feature in Windows XP

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/8/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB906486 kbAudEndUser
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.