Deleting a user profile that is windows explorer but not in control panel/user accounts

[Mike]

I created a new user account to retreive my email because of a problem I was
having with Outlook Express. I then used System Restore, and picked a
restore point prior to the new account creation (this fixed my email problem
on my original account). The new user account no longer shows up in the
control panel under user accounts, but the profile is still in "Documents
and Settings" in windows explorer. Can I just simply delete this profile
folder, or am I asking for trouble (i.e. - registry problems, etc.)? What
would be the proper procedure? Thanks for any assistance.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I created a new user account to retreive my email because of a problem I was
having with Outlook Express. I then used System Restore, and picked a
restore point prior to the new account creation (this fixed my email problem
on my original account). The new user account no longer shows up in the
control panel under user accounts, but the profile is still in "Documents
and Settings" in windows explorer. Can I just simply delete this profile
folder, or am I asking for trouble (i.e. - registry problems, etc.)? What
would be the proper procedure? Thanks for any assistance.

Before deleting the profile folders via Windows Explorer, try the
correct method, to ensure that the registry also "knows" that the
profile is no longer "needed." Right-click My Computer > Properties >
Advanced > User Profiles > Settings.


--

Bruce Chambers

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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
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[Mike]

Thanks for responding. Tried what you suggested. There is no reference to
the profile in question, just the current active user accounts. I don't
want to risk screwing up the registry. I don't know if deleting the folder
for the unused profile might cause that.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Thanks for responding. Tried what you suggested. There is no reference to
the profile in question, just the current active user accounts. I don't
want to risk screwing up the registry. I don't know if deleting the folder
for the unused profile might cause that.

Curious. Anyway, if the user profile folder is truly unused (remember,
the profile folders don't get renamed when the corresponding user
account has been renamed, so be very, very sure), then it shouldn't
really hurt the registry to delete the folder; the worst it'll do is
leave a view orphaned registry entries.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Mike]

Thanks Bruce. I'll try to work up some nerve and give it a try.