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Cannot switch users in Windows8

This is the second time I have seen this issue. After rebooting, I no longer have an option to Switch Users. There is no back arrow and I can only log in as the last user. This is a major issue with machines that users are not admins on.

I have modified the registry, as recommended by others, as well as the GP.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

DBI-DT

ASKER

Additional info.

Windows 8 Enterprise

Ran SFC /scannow. No joy.

comfortjeanius

You might want to backup any data and reinstall Windows 8. Was there any updates that was installed before this issue presented itself; you could try a system restore.

Manoj Bojewar

the problem is caused by either an incorrect ProfilePath setting or a missing ProfilePath setting in the registry for one or more of the accounts.

Please try this..

To resolve the issue, follow the steps below:
1.open Regedit
2.navigate to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
3.check each of the subkeys under ProfileList 1.make sure all have entries for : 1.Ref
2.ProfilePath
3.State

2.if any are missing any one of those, delete the key
3.if any have a ProfilePath that isn't legit for the machine (c:\users\UserAccountThatDoesn'tExist) then either fix the path or delete the key

4.reboot.

when it finishes rebooting, all should work fine... if any profiles are missing, create new versions and migrate the data from the c:\users\olduseraccount into c:\users\newUserAccount

DBI-DT

ASKER

I only have one local account that has been used. I have not been able to switch to create any others. The one account has the correct image path, RefCount (4) and State (0).

Manoj Bojewar

Please follow this article. this may help you.

http://www.kapilarya.com/cant-switch-users-in-windows-8-1

DBI-DT

ASKER

I had done most of that, but the System folder does not exist:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

I am running Windows 8 Enterprise. Does that make a difference?

DBI-DT

ASKER

Ok, reinstalled W8 and still no option to switch user. Please help!

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DBI-DT

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DBI-DT

ASKER

Not really sure why this happens.