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Change default "My Documents" location

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14 replies

by rindi1 1 view

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Hi,

I've got this problem with windows all windows versions. When I create a new User either on a local Workstation or on a Windows Server, Windows creates the default "My Documents" Folder for that user on the System Drive. For me, the System Drive is a place where the OS resides, and as little else as possible. This folder should not be changed too much. It is OK if the Users Settings are stored there, but all other User Data can be changed and deleted by the user, and should therefore be on a separate, "Data" Partition which gets backed up separately.

Once the user has been created and logged in, I can move the location of the "My Documents" Folder, either by editing the registry for that user or logging in as that user myself, then change the location. This is time consuming and is also prone to errors (Ican forget to change certain settings, Typos can happen, etc).

Is there a way I can automate this? I've tried changing settings in the registry, but no luck there. I've searched the Group Policy, but can't find anything there which would help. Does anyone know how I can get Windows to create User's Folders at the correct place, without me having to open every user by hand? I'm sure other people need this as well.

Thanks for all help,

Markus

14 replies

by ewgny

You can use Group policy folder redirection to redirect the domain users to a network share.
It works very well. In a domain environment I would sugest using only domain user accounts and not creating local user accounts.

by ewgny

The group policy can be found at
User configuration - windows settings - folder redirection - my documents. Right click My documents setting, properties change to basic and Select create a folder for each user then enter the UNC for the network share that you have created to store the users My Documents

by rindi1

I can't find the option "folder redirection" in the windows settings folder. I'm using windows 2000 Enterprise Server, maybe that option is only present in newer versions? Or must I somehow "unhide" something the group policy snap-in?

by bobsta

Right click on my Documents and go to properties and change the default path.

by rindi1

That doesn't automate the process. I want the default Path to be autoamtically set when the user gets created.

by jschein

setup a new user... just the way you want it.. then copy that profile to DEFAULT USER... when a new user logs in, it now comes up the way you want it.

by rindi1

That way I can't use variables like %USERNAME% in the path, otherwise it would be OK.

by ewgny

The problem is you are trying to do this through a local group policy instead of a Domain based group policy. You should post back if you are having problems instead of rejecting the correct answer to you problem.

by valley boy

Okay, your using a form of Windows 2000 Server. Open 'Active Directory Users and Computers'. Right click on your domain's name (i.e. MyCo.local) and select Properties. Now click the Group Policy tab, then Edit the Default Domain Policy (or whichever policy you are employing). Browse to: User Configuration\Windows Settings\Folder Redirection. Inside the Properties of My Documents, you can alter the target folder. Phew....

by rindi1

I'm looking for a way to do that generaly. Some PCs are standalone and not connected to AD, others are on the network.

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