Problems after copying user profile

[Jonathan Finney]

I have copied a user profile recently using the facility under Control
Panel, System, Advanced, User profiles, Settings. Although it's a good way
to duplicate the environment to another user, there's obviously a lot of
stuff that gets copied that isn't wanted (Outlook points to the PEST file of
the original user, for example). This hasn't been too much hassle to sort
out, but I only found it out when I went to start Outlook and I was
wondering if there's a guide or checklist to run through that would help in
the 'tidy-up'.

I notice that Both users now have access to each other's My Documents
folders (shortcuts present in the My Computer window). How can I delete the
unwanted shortcuts and return the level of privacy I had before copying the
profile?

 

[Malke]

I have copied a user profile recently using the facility under Control
Panel, System, Advanced, User profiles, Settings. Although it's a
good way to duplicate the environment to another user, there's
obviously a lot of stuff that gets copied that isn't wanted (Outlook
points to the PEST file of
the original user, for example). This hasn't been too much hassle to
sort out, but I only found it out when I went to start Outlook and I
was wondering if there's a guide or checklist to run through that
would help in the 'tidy-up'.

I notice that Both users now have access to each other's My Documents
folders (shortcuts present in the My Computer window). How can I
delete the unwanted shortcuts and return the level of privacy I had
before copying the profile?

I'm really not sure how you did the copying. Here's the right way:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=811151

Notes:

1. You need to log into the new account once before you can copy
anything to it.

2. You must import your e-mail messages and addresses to the new user
profile before you delete the old profile.

Malke

 

[Jonathan Finney]

Thanks Malke.

I copied the profile using the 'Copy To' facility under Control

Panel, System, Advanced, User profiles, Settings. Using the Browse button
to locate the new user's folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\New User

 

[Malke]

Thanks Malke.

I copied the profile using the 'Copy To' facility under Control

C:\Documents and Settings\New User

Then start over and try it the other way. Make sure you have backed up
data, including exporting .pst files if using Outlook.

Malke

 

[Jonathan Finney]

I was hoping I'd not have to do that. It's a much more complicated
procedure and last time I tried it I got some real problems and had to
restore a backup image to recover.

Given that manipulating user profiles and accounts is so complex, I think I
may be better off deleting my user account and just using the administrator
account. This is a pity since there's so much criticism of this practice
which is blamed as the single biggest reason for the majority of security
breaches.

Any idea why there's a 'Copy To' facility if the 'correct' way requires a
much more involved approach?

If I delete my user account (after copying the profile the long way), will
this remove the 'Jonathan's Documents' link from the My Computer view when
logged on as Administrator?

 

[Malke]

I was hoping I'd not have to do that. It's a much more complicated
procedure and last time I tried it I got some real problems and had to
restore a backup image to recover.

Given that manipulating user profiles and accounts is so complex, I
think I may be better off deleting my user account and just using the
administrator
account. This is a pity since there's so much criticism of this
practice which is blamed as the single biggest reason for the majority
of security breaches.

Any idea why there's a 'Copy To' facility if the 'correct' way
requires a much more involved approach?

If I delete my user account (after copying the profile the long way),
will this remove the 'Jonathan's Documents' link from the My Computer
view when logged on as Administrator?

I'm sorry, but I don't think copying user accounts is complicated at
all. It normally takes just a little over 5 minutes to do one. I would
not recommend running as the built-in Administrator account.

If you find this too complicated, then take the machine to a
professional computer repair shop (not your local version of
BigStoreUSA). I'm sorry that isn't what you want to hear, but really it
might be the most efficient course of action for you.

Malke