Vista - Switch User Shortcut file missing

Sure was glad to find the download to install a shortcut for 'switching users' but the file 'tsdiscon.exe' does not exist and in explore with hidden files exposed I certainly didn't find it. Several other files weren't there as compared to the install demo. I'm certainly missing something here , what is it??? Thanks for the help..........Candy

Hi Can, and welcome to Vista Forums.

I believe you may be referring to this:

Switch User Desktop Shortcut


You should have it the file at "C:\Windows\System32\tsdiscon.exe". If not, try running a "sfc /scannow" (no quotes) command to see if it can replace it for you. You can see how to here if needed.

System Files - SFC Command


I attached a copy of that exe file from my computer in a ZIP file for you, but it's version will only work on your computer if you have the SP1 installed. You can copy it to the location above.

tsdiscon.zip < Click To Download

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Shawn,

I have read through all the links here, and this is all potentially very helpful, but maybe you could answer a couple questions?

I was initially searching for information about a display problem when switching users (Vista Home Premium 32bit). I use winkey+L to switch users, but often the black screen that comes up stays long enough for the monitor to show a "Monitor going to sleep" message. Then, as the desktop for the new user comes up, the screen sometimes flashes on and off several times. It is incredibly annoying. I have found evidence that other people have this problem, some suggest that Vista may be essentially rebooting the graphics card (mine is a ATI Radeon 2400 Pro) when it switches users.

Back to the point. Ran across the tsdiscon.exe shortcut for switching users and wanted to use it. I like the idea of going directly to the switch user screen plus I thought it might help my problem. I don't have the file. Ran sfcscannow and it said there were problems but I can't view the log file no matter what I do. I copied the tsdiscon file you provided hoping that would solve the problem, but Windows doesn't like it, says it is not compatible with my system. I assume because it is a 64 bit file, not 32bit.

Now I am sort of lost. I was looking for solutions to a different issue, and sort of found out that I have problems with at least one file, if not more. Essentially relating to a shortcut key that I don't HAVE to have. Re-installing Vista (on a two week old machine) seems crazy!

Do you have any info/thoughts on display problems when switching users? Is there a way to determine if I have more significant Vista problems?

Thanks and sorry for the long post!

Tom

Hi Tom, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Do you have the SP1 installed? The tsdiscon.exe file I have is the version with SP1, but it should work in either the 32 bit or 64 bit Vista.

I found this thread that might relate to your problem to. You might give it a try to see if it helps.

Switching users is too slow

Shawn

To be honest, I don't know and haven't been able to find out. None of the system data specifies SP1, but it is a new computer. Windows update doesn't tell me I need it. I find lots of places to determine my operating system, but none tell me if I have SP1.

I suppose the switching could be slow and that is causing the monitor to time out, but it doesn't take more than about 5 seconds. It is not a time issue as much as a display issue. Both users are using the same resolution and settings by the way. I'll keep working on it.

Thanks for your help.

Tom,

You can tell if you have the SP1 installed by right clicking on the Computer button in the Start menu and click Properties. Under "Windows edition" you will see "Service Pack 1" listed if you do.

Shawn

Alright, didn't have sp1, but have it now. Still not sure why it didn't come on my new computer or via windows update, but 500mb download later I'm good.

Bad news is that I still didn't have the tsdiscon file. Copied it into the system32 directory and got the same old result. "Not compatible with your system, check whether you have 32bit or 64bit, get the appropriate file". Ran sfc scannow and it actually found problems and fixed them all. Still can't read the log file. But, based on modification time, tsdiscon file was one that it modified. Tried it again, still the same result. The tsdiscon file I have will not work with my Vista SP1 32bit system.

Overall, I'm happy that I no longer have corrupted files that can't be fixed. I'd love to get the faster switch user shortcut to work, but it isn't remotely critical. I still have display problems when switching users - this is my main concern. Very strange, like the video card is getting turned off then back on. Will keep digging on that, let me know if you have any other ideas on the shortcut...

Thanks so much for you help.

Tom

Tom,

Do you have Switch User in the arrow menu in the Start menu?

If not, see if this will help for adding it back:

Fast User Switching


The only thing I can think of with the video issue are the video drivers. You might try different versions to see if one works better than the other.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Yes the switch user function has been available and working the whole time. Thanks for you help Shawn!

Tom

Your welcome Tom.

If that works fine, then I must admit that I'm stumped to why you do not have the "C:\Windows\System32\tsdiscon.exe or tsdiscon" file. This is what the one in the Start menu uses. LOL

Sorry,
Shawn