Forcing a log off of the current user

Sometimes you'll encounter a system which just won't log off the current user. This is usually caused by some application which cancels the logoff process everytime it is attempted. Finding out which application is causing this can sometimes be very difficult and so you should always keep this quick trick in mind.

Instead of choosing "Log Off" from the start menu, try pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete and lock to workstation. You can also do this by holding the Windows Key and pressing L. Now that the system is locked it will ask for a username as password to unlock the system. If you now provide an administrator account (different from the one you are currently logged in as), the computer will force the current user to logoff and return you to the main login screen.

Note: This is only applicable to Windows NT systems (NT/2000/XP). The method you use to lock the system will vary between the different versions of Windows, but the process should work on any of them.

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