Others Logged On

When logging off my computer, I get this message, "Other people are logged onto this computer and may lose information. Do you want to continue to log off?" I am not on a network and am the only one who uses my computer. I have Mcafee firewall plus installed, and have asked their tech support to explain this to no avail. The reply they gave was, "Your firewall is working." Can anyone explain who these "other people" are and how I can stop them from logging on? It's really eery. Thanks in advance!!

 

Hi LELFORD,

Assuming your OS is XP?

Typically, you'll get this message if you are logged on and try to TURN OFF your computer rather than putting it in Stand By mode. Try logging yourself off first and you should not get this message.

Hope this helps,

PP the insomniac

 

Thanks, PP, for the reply. I know this sounds really lame, but the only way I know how to log myself off is hitting the start button, and the "turn off the computer" button. Is there another way you're speaking of? Do you mean logging off the internet, then turning off the computer? Thanks again for your time.

 

Hi LELFORD,

Again, I am assuming you are running Windows XP. When you select Turn Off Computer you should be given three options (Stand By, Turn Off, Restart). Let me know if this is not the case.

I can pretty well assure you that the “other people” the error message is referring to is YOU.

Here is an example of how you will get this message ( it is for Windows XP):

1 - You log on by powering up your computer and typing in your password.
2 - After you finish whatever you are doing, you select Start>Turn Off Computer >Stand By which puts your computer “to sleep” in Stand By Mode. This puts Windows into a low power state, but doesn’t log you off (or shut down Windows).
3 - Later, you “wake it up” by jiggling the mouse or pushing a key on the keyboard. If you left-click on any of the empty space around your user password prompt, the prompt will fade and tell you that “your name” is logged on. So, if you were then to (without entering your password and signing in) select the Turn Off Computer option in the lower left of the screen, and then select Turn Off, you would receive the message that “Windows is shutting down - Other users (YOU) are logged on and the will lose data ETC. . .”

So, essentially, when you try to shut down a Windows session without logging off (ending your personal Windows session), you'll get this message.

It seems that you are confusing Turning Off and Logging Off. If you look at your Start Menu, you should see both options. It may be different if you are not running Windows XP. You should also take a look at your owners manual. It should explain the differences between Logging Off, Turning Off, and Stand By.

These easy answers are always the hardest to explain. I’m sure I did a poor job. Someone else here may be able to do this more eloquently than I. Hang in there We are not all born computer geniuses and there are no lame questions. Let me know if this helps. I’ll be away from my computer all day, but I’ll try to check back tonight.

Best,

PP