Vista - How do I bypass "Switch User" screen to login as another in Vista?

Hi All,

Whenever someone in my family walks away from using the computer with Windows Vista, after the Screen Saver, I'm always taken to a screen that allows only the last user to log back in, but when someone else wants to log in, they need to hit the "Switch User" button to go back to the regular login screen.

My question is... Can I have the computer just go back to showing all the user's names (so I don't have to click the "Switch User" button to login as me). I would like this to work, just as XP did... so if the last person who used the computer has to log back in, s/he would just have to click their name again...just like XP did.

Thanks so much!
CG

Is this after the screen goes to a screensaver, or just anytime you switch users?

Thanks FS,

This is after the screen goes to a screensaver.

CG

Alright, what you're actually looking at should properly be considered a feature, I believe. If you look at what it says between the user's name and the password prompt, you'll see that it says "Locked".

If you look when you just go to the Start Menu and click "Switch User", in the same location it says "Logged On".

So, you're actually looking at two entirely different things. As the locking is a security feature, the assumption is that when you walk away, you are the only one who should be returning. The option for an alternative user is available so that the computer doesn't become completely useless.

I am unaware of anyway to get around this, though with the functionality for simply switching users I can create the system you'd like. There are some valid reasons for the OS being set-up how it is, though I do understand your annoyance. I believe, though, that in most settings (e.g. businesses, homes with small children, dorms) the trade-offs are welcome to prevent casual attempts to get into a computer where someone doesn't belong.

It is possible someone else will know a workaround, but my pouring through lots of forums suggests this is unlikely. You may be able to build something from Brink's tutorials on locking the computer, logins, and screensavers.

Best,

Scallion

Hi CG,

This may help you out:

In each user account, set the screen saver to have On resume, display logon screen checked. See step 9 here.

Screen Saver


You should also enable password protection on wakeup for all power plans to.

Password Protection on Wakeup

Shawn