Windows XP Tips:Get Rid of the Welcome Screen

Microsoft added the Welcome screen to make it easier for people to begin using the computer or to switch to other users. The Welcome screen lists the names of all the people who hold accounts on Windows XP. A user clicks his name, enters a password (if necessary), and starts working.

Some people want more security, though, and don’t want the account names listed on the Welcome screen. Turning off the screen is easy — if you’re the computer’s owner or hold an administrator account.

1. Click the Start button, choose Control Panel, and select User Accounts.
2. Select Change the Way Users Log on and Off.
3. Remove the check mark by Use the Welcome Screen.

The pros: Because there’s no Welcome screen with names, nobody knows who uses the computer. If lots of people are using the computer, there’s no need to crowd the Welcome screen with a bunch of names. When someone logs off,Windows XP automatically saves any work that was done, as well as the customized settings, leaving the computer ready for the next person.

The cons: Some people prefer the friendly Welcome screen and the con- venience of not having to type their name. Doing away with the Wel- come screen also does away with the possibility of a fast user switch — where one user can quickly log off so somebody else can borrow the computer for a quick e-mail check.

When waking up from the screen saver, Windows XP normally brings up the Welcome screen, forcing users to log on again. To disable this, right- click on your desktop, choose Properties, and click the Screen Saver tab. Then remove the check mark next to the words, On Resume, Dis- play Welcome Screen.