problem switching users in Windows XP

Try disabling Fast User Switching. When you use fast user switching xp leaves all apps and files open for you and starts a new session for the next user. There are many apps that do not like this functionality. To disable click Start->Control Panel-> User Accounts. Click "Change the way users log on or off" and remove the checkmark from the "Use Fast User Switching" checkbox. Now try switching users again. Now to switch users you will need to logoff the first user to logon the 2nd. If the problem is resolved then you can either retain this method or begin investigating what app or piece of hardware is causing the problem.

Cheers.

RW