'Switch user' problem

I have lost the functionality of 'switch user' on my Toshiba laptop running Windows XP2 Media Center Version. Logging off and then logging on with another user works OK.

I have tried to tick off the fast switching box under user account but it won't stick. Once I click 'apply options' and go back in, the tick mark is gone.

There are no users shown under the user tab in the Windows Task Manager.

Using the Windowslogo key+L brings up a window saying the computer is locked and a line that shows my name and a blank password line - I have never used any passwords on this computer.

Today I made a clean install of an updated ZoneLab Security Suite, and also installed and ran Spybot S&D which only removed an antivirus overide? in windows security center.
I cannot be sure the user switch was working immediately before these operations.
I applied a restore point from a couple of weeks ago but it did not help - no changes made.

At this point I would appreciate any suggestions because I have no idea of what is wrong.

 

If there are no users shown in the User tab of Task Manager - I'd think that you've got a serious problem on your hands.

I'd start by removing all the tweaking/protection software and just have one antivirus, one antispyware, and one firewall.

Then, if the problem still exists, I'd consider running SFC.EXE /SCANNOW from the Run dialog. If that doesn't fix it, then I'd look at doing a repair install of XP: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

'Swith user' problem

Thanks John for your suggestions. I tried running sfc.exe /scannow but it asked for the cd in the end - despite editing the registry as the Michael Stevens link described. When I put in the original DVDs it did not recognize them so I assume it leaves me with no other option but to reformat the c drive.