Consolidating all users into one account?

[Bill in Co.]

Since I'm the only user of my computer, so I was wondering if it would be
possible to eliminate all this extra user and administrator account stuff,
and just have ONE account.

This would also eliminate the near redundancy found in the Start Menu (such
as Open, AND Open All Users, - this seems completely unnecessary for a
single user).

Ditto for what you see in Windows Explorer under Documents and Settings:
I have folders for "All Users", "Bill" (that's me), and "Default User",
which seems completely unnecessary, and somewhat confusing (as to which one
is being used and when, such as for program installs).

It just gets a bit confusing keeping track of where everything is stored
this way.

Can this be done?

 

[Jim]

Since I'm the only user of my computer, so I was wondering if it would be
possible to eliminate all this extra user and administrator account stuff,
and just have ONE account.

This would also eliminate the near redundancy found in the Start Menu
(such
as Open, AND Open All Users, - this seems completely unnecessary for a
single user).

Ditto for what you see in Windows Explorer under Documents and Settings:
I have folders for "All Users", "Bill" (that's me), and "Default User",
which seems completely unnecessary, and somewhat confusing (as to which
one
is being used and when, such as for program installs).

It just gets a bit confusing keeping track of where everything is stored
this way.

Can this be done?

The "All Users" folders contain things that are common to all users.
The "Bill" folders contain things that only Bill users
The "Default User" is a template used during the construction of a new user.

Thus, when you login as "Bill" the appearance of your desktop combines the
desktops of All Users and Bill. If there are items in both desktops, remove
the item from the desktop for Bill.
It isn't reall hard to manage all of this.

Jim

 

[Bill in Co.]

The "All Users" folders contain things that are common to all users.
The "Bill" folders contain things that only Bill users
The "Default User" is a template used during the construction of a new user.

Thus, when you login as "Bill" the appearance of your desktop combines the
desktops of All Users and Bill. If there are items in both desktops, remove
the item from the desktop for Bill.
It isn't reall hard to manage all of this.

Jim

I don't explicitly "log in", per se (but apparently that was set up by
default, however), (because in the Start Menu I do see an option for Log Off
Bill).

Both desktops?? I only see the one desktop (I guess because I was
automatically logged in as Bill? - don't know).

Anyways, I am used to spending a lot of time in Windows Explorer dealing
with directories and files (from being with Win 95, Win98, and DOS, so
long), and the fact that there are *3*, somewhat redundant folders down
there under Documents and Settings ("All Users", "Bill", and "Default
User"), IS indeed a bit confusing (as to which one to use to transfer files
to, or program installations, etc, etc, etc). You don't get that?

 

[Malke]

I don't explicitly "log in", per se (but apparently that was set up by
default, however), (because in the Start Menu I do see an option for Log Off
Bill).

Both desktops?? I only see the one desktop (I guess because I was
automatically logged in as Bill? - don't know).

Anyways, I am used to spending a lot of time in Windows Explorer dealing
with directories and files (from being with Win 95, Win98, and DOS, so
long), and the fact that there are *3*, somewhat redundant folders down
there under Documents and Settings ("All Users", "Bill", and "Default
User"), IS indeed a bit confusing (as to which one to use to transfer files
to, or program installations, etc, etc, etc). You don't get that?

You are misunderstanding the file structure of modern operating systems
(XP, Vista, Linux, Unix, OS X). "Modern operating systems" do not
include Win95, Win98, and DOS. You do not have "redundant folders".
Please read the following information about XP's file hierarchy to
understand what you are seeing:

Explanation of user account structure in XP:

XP is a multi-user operating system, no matter if only one person is
using it. In all multi-user operating systems - NT, Win2k, XP, Unix,
Linux, Mac OS X - there is the one built-in account that is "god" on the
system. In Windows terminology, that is "Administrator". In the *nix
world, it is "root". This is a necessary account and is not normally
used in everyday work. You cannot delete the built-in Administrator
account nor would you ever want to.

Here is the explanation of what you really have:

My Computer - represents your entire computer, showing drives and shared
folders. Shared Folders are folders where you can put files you wish to
share with other users on the system. You don't need to use these
folders if you don't want to, but leave them alone!

[some name] C:\ - your first hard drive, usually the system drive.

Document and Settings - The "container" for all user settings. Each user
will have [username] Documents, Music, Videos, My Pictures.

Administrator - Built-in account - Leave alone! Do not use! Do not worry
about it!

All Users - Section where items common to all users go. In a multi-user
operating system, users have separate accounts. This is the place where
if you want to share files with all the other users on the system you
would put those files. You don't ever have to use those folders but they
need to be there. This is where programs you install that are meant to
be installed for all users put settings. All the "Shared Documents" type
of folders you see at the root of C:\ are shortcuts to the shared
folders in here. Leave them alone!

Default Users - This is the template from which new user accounts are
made. You will never put anything in any of those folders but they are
needed to create new users. In Linux we use "skel" ("skeleton" - get
it?). In Windows, the less-colorful term "Default User" is used. Leave
it alone!

[OEM] Administrator or Owner - This is the generic user created by the
OEM when installing the operating system. After all, the OEM doesn't
know who is going to buy the computer. If you aren't using this OEM user
account, you can delete it from the User Accounts applet in Control
Panel. It is not the same account as "Administrator".

I hope this makes things clearer for you. As for logging on, yes you
are. If you go directly to your Desktop, you are logging on
automatically to that particular user account. That's the default
behavior for Windows with one user account. Go to Control Panel>User
Accounts and see what is there. If you have XP Home, you probably will
only see "Bill" because the built-in Administrator account is hidden in
XP Home.

In this case (and assuming user "Bill"), your user files are
C:\Documents and Settings\Bill\[various directories such as Desktop and
My Documents].

HTH,


Malke

 

[Bill in Co.]

You are misunderstanding the file structure of modern operating systems
(XP, Vista, Linux, Unix, OS X). "Modern operating systems" do not
include Win95, Win98, and DOS. You do not have "redundant folders".

OK, I didn't mean it quite that literally (I did say, "somewhat redundant",
meaning: if there is only ONE user, what's the point?)

I know the answer probably is.... because it's just more universal and
flexible, this way. More below...

Please read the following information about XP's file hierarchy to
understand what you are seeing:

Explanation of user account structure in XP:

XP is a multi-user operating system, no matter if only one person is
using it. In all multi-user operating systems - NT, Win2k, XP, Unix,
Linux, Mac OS X - there is the one built-in account that is "god" on the
system. In Windows terminology, that is "Administrator". In the *nix
world, it is "root". This is a necessary account and is not normally
used in everyday work. You cannot delete the built-in Administrator
account nor would you ever want to.

Here is the explanation of what you really have:

My Computer - represents your entire computer, showing drives and shared
folders. Shared Folders are folders where you can put files you wish to
share with other users on the system. You don't need to use these
folders if you don't want to, but leave them alone!

Actually I'm using the Windows Explorer interface, not My Computer, but I
know they're quite related.

[some name] C:\ - your first hard drive, usually the system drive.

In my case, Local Disk (C. OK, got that.

Document and Settings - The "container" for all user settings. Each user
will have [username] Documents, Music, Videos, My Pictures.

Administrator - Built-in account - Leave alone! Do not use! Do not worry
about it!

That one (if it's supposed to be a directory) does not show up as a
directory in Windows Explorer (and yes, I have show all hidden and system
folders enabled).
I guess that's strange? But I know I am the Administrator (or at least
I'm pretty sure).

Wait a minute - you said below it's hidden (in XP Home). OK, although
that, too, is bit more of the smoke and mirrors thing..

All Users - Section where items common to all users go. In a multi-user
operating system, users have separate accounts. This is the place where
if you want to share files with all the other users on the system you
would put those files. You don't ever have to use those folders but they
need to be there. This is where programs you install that are meant to
be installed for all users put settings.

Now here is the critical question:
WHICH programs will install THERE, and which will install in the "Bill"
directory?

As I recall, some will automatically install in one or the other, depending
on the program - which is very annoying (when trying to keep track of
everything together in the same place - using Windows Explorer).

All the "Shared Documents" type
of folders you see at the root of C:\ are shortcuts to the shared
folders in here. Leave them alone!

Default Users - This is the template from which new user accounts are
made. You will never put anything in any of those folders but they are
needed to create new users. In Linux we use "skel" ("skeleton" - get
it?). In Windows, the less-colorful term "Default User" is used. Leave
it alone!

[OEM] Administrator or Owner - This is the generic user created by the
OEM when installing the operating system. After all, the OEM doesn't
know who is going to buy the computer. If you aren't using this OEM user
account, you can delete it from the User Accounts applet in Control
Panel. It is not the same account as "Administrator".

I hope this makes things clearer for you. As for logging on, yes you
are. If you go directly to your Desktop, you are logging on
automatically to that particular user account. That's the default
behavior for Windows with one user account. Go to Control Panel>User
Accounts and see what is there. If you have XP Home, you probably will
only see "Bill" because the built-in Administrator account is hidden in
XP Home.
Right.

In this case (and assuming user "Bill"), your user files are
C:\Documents and Settings\Bill\[various directories such as Desktop and
My Documents].

Indeed, that seems to be the case.

HTH,

Thanks, and it's a good start for me, although I still had some questions,
as per above.

 

[Jim]

I don't explicitly "log in", per se (but apparently that was set up by
default, however), (because in the Start Menu I do see an option for Log
Off
Bill).

Yes you do log in. You just don't need to enter a password.

Both desktops?? I only see the one desktop (I guess because I was
automatically logged in as Bill? - don't know).

There is only one desktop at a time. When you log in as Bill, you see
Bill's desktop.
When you log in as Administrator, you see the Administrator's desktop.
And so forth.

Anyways, I am used to spending a lot of time in Windows Explorer dealing
with directories and files (from being with Win 95, Win98, and DOS, so
long), and the fact that there are *3*, somewhat redundant folders down
there under Documents and Settings ("All Users", "Bill", and "Default
User"), IS indeed a bit confusing (as to which one to use to transfer
files
to, or program installations, etc, etc, etc). You don't get that?

You need to quite regarding XP as just another version of the same old
thing.
By the way, you cannot login as "All Users" nor can you login as "Default
User" because there are no accounts
by those names.
Jim

 

[Malke]

Bill in Co. wrote:

OK, you still have some misunderstandings. See my comments inline (with
snippage).

(re: "redundant folders")

OK, I didn't mean it quite that literally (I did say, "somewhat redundant",
meaning: if there is only ONE user, what's the point?)

Because that is the way that multiuser operating systems are written.
The point is that there is *never* "only ONE user". Reread the
information I already gave you about this.

Actually I'm using the Windows Explorer interface, not My Computer, but I
know they're quite related.

The "Windows Explorer interface" is provided by explorer.exe and is the
XP operating system's graphical user interface (gui). "My Computer" is
part of the gui. So yes, whenever you are using the gui (and not logged
into Safe Mode with Command Prompt or in the command line Recovery
Console), you are using explorer.exe.

Wait a minute - you said below it's hidden (in XP Home). OK, although
that, too, is bit more of the smoke and mirrors thing..

There is no "smoke and mirrors". Reread what I already wrote you. Again,
all modern operating systems have got a root user, "Administrator" in
Windows. Some operating systems disable root by default (Vista, OS X,
some Linux distros). XP Home hides the root user (built-in
Administrator) in Regular Mode. XP Pro does not. This is by design.
Whether you like the way MS wrote the operating system is irrelevant. If
you don't like it, don't use it. However, unless you go back to
Win9x/ME/some flavor of DOS (not recommended), you will not find an
operating system that is *not* multiuser.

Now here is the critical question:
WHICH programs will install THERE, and which will install in the "Bill"
directory?

In XP, the default for program installation is (assuming C:\ is the
system drive) C:\Program Files\ProgramName. Some programs will store
per-user data in C:\Documents and Settings\[some user account]\My
Documents. During the installation routine, you can point the program's
Program Folder to be installed elsewhere, perhaps onto a larger second
hard drive or partition, although some files will always go in the
system files on C:\. It is not normally done to have programs install in
C:\Documents and Settings\Bill at all so if you've got some there you
are the one who pointed the program's installer to that directory.

As I recall, some will automatically install in one or the other, depending
on the program - which is very annoying (when trying to keep track of
everything together in the same place - using Windows Explorer).

Wrong. Programs install where you tell them to during the installation
routine. For ease of backup, it is good to have all your data in one
place. For home users with a simple setup, My Documents is a good place.
You do not ever back up installed programs since that is not useful.


Malke

 

[Bill in Co.]

Bill in Co. wrote:

OK, you still have some misunderstandings. See my comments inline (with
snippage).

Thanks for you patience. More below...

(re: "redundant folders")


Because that is the way that multiuser operating systems are written.
The point is that there is *never* "only ONE user". Reread the
information I already gave you about this.


The "Windows Explorer interface" is provided by explorer.exe and is the
XP operating system's graphical user interface (gui). "My Computer" is
part of the gui. So yes, whenever you are using the gui (and not logged
into Safe Mode with Command Prompt or in the command line Recovery
Console), you are using explorer.exe.


There is no "smoke and mirrors". Reread what I already wrote you. Again,
all modern operating systems have got a root user, "Administrator"

OK, all "modern" operating systems. (Again, I'm coming at this from old
school - old operating systems going back to the VIC-20 and Apple IIe era).

in Windows. Some operating systems disable root by default (Vista, OS X,
some Linux distros). XP Home hides the root user (built-in
Administrator) in Regular Mode. XP Pro does not. This is by design.
Whether you like the way MS wrote the operating system is irrelevant. If
you don't like it, don't use it.

OK. But I just don't like the fact that there are often two subdirectories
of the same name, with each sometimes only containing a susbset of the whole
(of what is on my system). That part is very confusing to me (I mean, IF
you spend a lot of your time using Windows Explorer to transfer files, etc -
but more on that below).

However, unless you go back to
Win9x/ME/some flavor of DOS (not recommended), you will not find an
operating system that is *not* multiuser.

Now here is the critical question:
WHICH programs will install THERE, and which will install in the "Bill"
directory?

In XP, the default for program installation is (assuming C:\ is the
system drive) C:\Program Files\ProgramName. Some programs will store
per-user data in C:\Documents and Settings\[some user account]\My
Documents. During the installation routine, you can point the program's
Program Folder to be installed elsewhere, perhaps onto a larger second
hard drive or partition, although some files will always go in the
system files on C:\. It is not normally done to have programs install in
C:\Documents and Settings\Bill at all so if you've got some there you
are the one who pointed the program's installer to that directory.

As I recall, some will automatically install in one or the other, depending
on the program - which is very annoying (when trying to keep track of
everything together in the same place - using Windows Explorer).

Wrong. Programs install where you tell them to during the installation

routine.

But as I understand it, this is not always true. If you have some older
programs, such as those written for use in Win9x systems, they may not know
about the "All Users directory", and will sometimes install in the local
user directory with no questions asked. I read another article
discussing this, and it suggested that one copy all the Desktop and Programs
shortcuts in the Bill (i.e. username) directory over to the All Users ones.

Let's see: Start Menu, Programs directory, appears under both All Users
AND Bill, and there is often some overlap between the two as to what is seen
in each. Still, when you want to go in and add a shortcut to a program,
if you click on Start, do you select Open, or Open All Users, to properly
add the shortcut?