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Consistent Desktop Settings in NT 4 WS

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8 replies

by ken_kennedy

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How do i setup the desktop in NT so that i can have multiple users login under differnet ID's but still have exactly the same desktop settings?

I want to be able to change the icon sizes, settings etc. for a special application, but need all users to have the same settings without having to make the changes for every user individually

8 replies

by kenalmoore

Configure A Mandatory Profile.

1. Create a New User( or Log on as one of the users, Set up the Desktop.
2. Apply any restrictions you want using the System Policy Editor. Log Off.
3. Log on as Administroator
4. Use the System Applet in ControlPanel, User Profiles to select the profile and copy it to a shared directory on the network naming is SOMETHING.MAN. Remember to set permissions to allow users or groups at least Read and Execute Access.
5. Use Explorer to Rename the NTUSER.DAT to NTUSER.MAN
6. In User Man for Domains. select user or groups, properties, profile button and fill in the directory path.
7 You are ready to have users log on to WS.
This applies to the one WS.

by kenalmoore

A little help in the area is in most NT Server guides under "Managing and Creating User Account". This would help with System, User and Preconfigured User Profiles.
I use "Mastering Windows NT Server 4" by
Mark Minasi.

by msgtray

The limitation of using profiles is that profiles apply to individual users. It sounds like you want to apply changes (or restrictions) to user groups or globally in your network. I would recommend investigating the use of policies. I have downloaded (free) Microsoft's ZAK (Zero Administration Kit, similar to Novell's ZEN Works) for NT. I think that you will find your answer looking in that direction.

The reason I am recommending looking into the ZAK is that default NT policys are limited. The ZAK has added custom policies that include (as I recall) the ability to point users to a custom desktop.

Hope you find your answer.

Ray

by rfraysier

Set everything up the way you want as one user,no email or anything that deals with a name. Once you have the system the way you want blow away the Default User profile (or rename it), now rename the user profile that you used to customize the PC to default user. Anyone that logs into that PC now has the same desktop settings.

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