dr4712
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Logged in ghost user?

Hi there, since some time I have a pesky problem with one of my user accounts being shown as continuously logged on the user list in the desktop user pulldown menu. This user shows up automatically after a fresh start and I cannot delete it from the "users & group" system preference panel. How do I get rid of that user? Should I be worried that the machine got hacked?

Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4), 2x2.66 GHz Intel Xeon, 32GB-1.3MHz

Posted on Sep 11, 2014 1:32 PM

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dr4712

Q: Logged in ghost user?

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Sep 11, 2014 1:37 PM in response to dr4712
    Level 10 (271,811 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 11, 2014 1:37 PM in response to dr4712

    What is this user? Why can't you delete it? Is this an account you created? What Desktop pulldown menu are you referring to? Do you have Fast User Switching enabled?

  • by dr4712,

    dr4712 dr4712 Sep 11, 2014 1:42 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 11, 2014 1:42 PM in response to Kappy

    Yes, fast user switching is enabled. And yes, it is a user that I created, but that user is not logged in when it appears as currently logged in (orange tick mark) on the (fast user switching) pull down menu. It is also weird that when selecting that user to switch to the screen to that account (logging in with the correct password of that user) the screen gets grey and the computer becomes unresponsive. ???

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Sep 11, 2014 2:10 PM in response to dr4712
    Level 10 (271,811 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 11, 2014 2:10 PM in response to dr4712

    Well, first I would turn off FUS then try deleting the user in Users & Groups preferences. You must click on the lock icon and authenticate. Select the unwanted account then click on the Delete [-] button. Select the third option to completely delete, but do not opt for Secure Erase.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 11, 2014 3:22 PM in response to dr4712
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Sep 11, 2014 3:22 PM in response to dr4712

    Please post a screenshot that shows what you mean. Be careful not to include any private information.

    Start a reply to this message. Drag the image file into the editing window to upload it. You can also include text in the reply.