Creating an Icon to Switch Users

If you have Windows XP set up to allow Fast User Switching, you can put an icon on your desktop that enables you to switch users very quickly.
If you don't have Fast User Switching enabled a common situation in large companies where each user is required to log on with his or her own password - this same technique creates an icon that locks the workstation. That means your system goes back to the logon screen, and someone who is authorized to use your computer has to sign on before the system is unlocked.

Here is how to set up an icon that switches users quickly. It is very similar to the shortcuts used earlier in this technique:

1. Right-click an empty part of the desktop and then choose New → Shortcut.
2. At the top of the Create Shortcut Wizard, type
   rundll32 user32.dll LockWorkStation
   You must capitalize LockWorkStation in precisely that way.
3. Click Next and give the shortcut a name, such as Switch Users and then click Finish. You end up with a shortcut that quickly jumps back to the Windows XP logon screen.
   This is such a handy, fast icon that you click it and drag it to your Quick Launch toolbar. If you ever need to switch users, it works in a flash.