Preparing Desktop

mobusteach

New member
Local time
6:49 PM
Messages
2
I'm unable to switch user, so I log off the user. When I try to go to another user, I get "preparing desktop" instead of "welcome" while I'm waiting. then I get a generic desktop.
Any ideas?
 

My Computer

OS
windows 7
Welcome

Where did you get your copy of 7

Preinstalled
Upgrade
Clean install with upgrade DVD
Full retail DVD

When did this problem begin?
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell XPS 420
OS
Windows 10, Home Clean Install
CPU
Intel Core2 processsor Q8200(2.33Ghz 1333FSB) Quad Core Tech
Motherboard
Dell
Memory
6 gb
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon 256MB HD3650
Sound Card
Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell SP2009W 20"
Hard Drives
640 GB Serial ATA Hard drive
Cooling
Fan
Keyboard
Dell USB Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Premium Optical USB
Internet Speed
DSL 2.85
Hello Mobusteach, welcome to the Seven Forums.

Desktop is a subfolder in C:\Users\User_Name. Windows 7 does not create user folders when a new user account is created, instead they are only created when logging on to a new account first time. When this happens, user folders (inclusive Desktop) are created. That's why you'll see this when logging on to a new user account first time:

View attachment 80842

It simply tells you to wait while the necessary folders are created, bringing you finally to desktop, showing the part of the desktop that all users share. So depending on how much apps and software have already been installed to all users, it can be a very basic one with only a shortcut or two, or already filled with shortcuts.

In other words, a new user starts with a personal desktop showing only those elements installed to all users. Desktop preparation only occurs once, if you get that later there's something wrong on your system. To help us to find out what, please answer the questions Rich asked here above, and give us as much additional information as possible.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
I got a free upgrade from Acer. Sometimes when I log off a user I can successfully login to another, but usually I get teh generic desktop. It will never let me just switch user. I always get the generic desktop.
 

My Computer

OS
windows 7
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