Disabling Fast User Switching? 1

[Glowball]

I am attempting to install some software (BalanceLog) in Vista Ultimate 64-bit and I get this message:

There are multiple users logged into your machine at the same time (fast-user switching). While BalanceLog works with this feature, we require all other Users be logged off when installing. Please log all users off and reboot your computer before running this installation.

Unfortunately, the company sold the software to another company, and they're not very committed to supporting it. It looks like I can't disable Fast User Switching, so how can I get around this error and install my software? I have no other users and Guest is disabled. Thanks!

 

[gpalmer711]

This could be due to the UAC features of vista - You could try disabling it while you are installing.

If you want to disable fast user switching I think it has to be done in group policy.

Start > Run > gpedit.msc > ok

Navigate to local computer policy > administrative templates > system > logon

Hide entry points for fast user switching
Always use classic logon

This might also be the same as going to the Advanced User Config screen, Start > Run > Control Userpasswords2 > OK and selecting the option "Require users to Press Ctrl-Alt-Del"

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[linney]

Do you get the same message if you run the Installer.exe as an Administrator via the right-click (elevated user) method?

Will that particular installer work from Safe Mode, some do, some don't, it depends, I think, whether it comes with its own installer or uses the Windows Installer.

 

[Glowball]

Thanks for all of the tips. I tried both of your suggestions, gpalmer711, and they both ended up with the same alert and end to the installation. linney, the same message comes up if I install as Administrator. I've been trying F8 at all different stages of my boot up and I can't get Vista to go to safe mode, so I'm not sure about your second suggestion. I either get a BIOS screen about the boot order (good to know that's available, though) or it just keeps going.

I may be out of luck. I'm not very happy with Vista so far. Between all of the copy issues (solved with RoboCopy) and unusable hardware, and now this dead and buried software, I'm a little past frustrated.

Thanks for your help, though, it was worth a shot.

 

[gpalmer711]

My only other suggestion would be to try my free runasuser software from

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk/main.asp?content=runasuser

I've not done much testing on Vista but what I have done makes it look like it deals with programs more like the XP way than Vista.

For example if you set a program to run as an admin in vista you still get a UAC warning. However if you use my app you do not.

Might be worth a try if this is something you want to get working on Vista.

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[linney]

Whether Safe Mode will help you or not pales in to insignificance along side the problem of not actually being able to get into Safe Mode itself. The problem seems to be the timing of the F8 key. Pressed too early it may be reacting with the Bios, such as in the case of some machines which also use F8 to display some Bios function such as Boot Order etc. In your situation delaying pressing F8 until immediately after the Boot screen has finished displaying, but hitting it before Windows begins to load may help.

It is also possible to edit the Boot.ini file (or use MsConfig) to enter Safe Mode, but that should not be necessary.

There are so many recovery options available in Safe Mode that its accessibility is critical.

833721 - Available switch options for the Windows XP and the Windows Server 2003 Boot.ini files

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;833721&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH