OpenOffice will only start for one user

[andygatch]

I have been using OpenOffice for over a year. I have 5 users on my computer, all with Admin privileges. OpenOffice has always worked fine, but , all of a sudden, it is only working on the primary account. On all of the accounts, OpenOffice is the only program listed in Startup. When I bring up another user, the computer beeps and a small box appears, big enough for the words "OpenOffice o..." and an OK button. If I click on OpenOffice, all I get is the same button. I can't enlarge it. But the primary user works fine. What has gone wrong? How do I fix it? Thanks.

[hol.sten]

OOo version? Operating system (besides it seems to be some sort of Windows)?

[andygatch]

I'm using OOo 2.3.1 on Windows XP. Thanks.

Andy

[Hagar Delest]

Try to rename the OOo user profile (\Documents and settings\<user>\Application data\OpenOffice.org2). A new one will be created.

[andygatch]

Hagar,

Could you give me a little more detail, please? I'm not sure exactly what to do. Thanks.

[Hagar Delest]

Be sure both OOo and its quickstarter (in system tray) are closed. Look at the folder described above and change its name for example ...\OpenOffice.org2 to ...\OpenOffice.org2.old, then, restart OOo.

[andygatch]

Thanks, Hagar. I did as you suggested. A new folder was created - OpenOffice.org2 - as you said. However, the new folder only contains a folder called "user" and none of the others. The problem persists and I'm wondering if it's an XP problem. I am the only one who can access the Program Files folder (I don't know why), but I don't know if that's connected to the OO problem.

[Hagar Delest]

A new folder was created - OpenOffice.org2 - as you said. However, the new folder only contains a folder called "user" and none of the others.

That's how it works. Each user has his own OOo profile. As you've seen, the OOo profile is located in each Windows user folder (\Documents and settings\<user>\...).

I am the only one who can access the Program Files folder (I don't know why), but I don't know if that's connected to the OO problem.

I think so. Very often under Windows, you need the full admin rights to run applications. If the others cannot access the Program files folder, perhaps they have not enough rights to even write in their own user directory, or they need to have access to the Program files folder. Try to grant them additional rights.

[andygatch]

It turned out that it was a Windows XP problem. For some reason, my wife's account was being denied access to the program files. To get it back - because I have XP Home - I had to change the security settings in Safe mode. I found this out through Microsoft's support page. Thanks for your help.

Now, how do I edit the title of this thread indicate that it's solved?

[Hagar Delest]

Now, how do I edit the title of this thread indicate that it's solved?

Add '[Solved]' in your first post title (edit button top right of the first post title line).

[pre456]

I am having the same problem. Could some explain how to the change the security settings in Safe mode? I am using XP pro.

[andygatch]

If you have XP Pro, you don't need to go into Safe mode. Find the Program Files folder on your C: drive. Right-click on the folder and choose 'Properties'. Go to the Security tab and, from there, you will be able to add users.
That said, the problem has recurred, so I'm not ready to label this thread "Solved". I've fixed it again, but I've also gotten a message from Thunderbird that it was trying to send a message to over 50 accounts. I think I have a virus, but ZoneAlarm didn't find it.
Good luck.

Andy

[Hagar Delest]

I've also gotten a message from Thunderbird that it was trying to send a message to over 50 accounts. I think I have a virus

+1.

ZoneAlarm didn't find it.

ZoneAlarm is a firewall, not an antivirus (purpose is different). When I was under Windows, I used to install Avast Home Edition (free for personal use, you just need to register, an activation key is send afterwards).