Error "Access is denied" when you try to log off an user account using Task Manager Users tab in Windows Vista

Symptom

When you use the Task Manager Users tab to log off an user account in Windows Vista, the following error may appear:

User (SessionId=2) could not be logged off. Access is denied.

Resolution

This happens if Task Manager is not running under administrative privileges. To log off an user account, Task Manager must be run with administrative privileges. Follow one of these methods:

Method 1

• Open Task Manager (taskmgr.exe) and click the Processes tab
• Click Show processes from all users
• When you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

(Task Manager now runs with administrative privileges.)

• Switch to the Users tab and log off an user account.

Method 2

• Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
• If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
• At the command prompt, type taskmgr.exe, and then press ENTER.

(Task Manager starts with administrative privileges.)

• Switch to the Users tab and log off an user account.