How do I copy the Windows XP owner profile?

[Guest]

My fiance and I use teh same computer and, currently, the same profile. I'd
like to made 2 instances of the main (owner) profile so we can have seperate
options and such, but the same program base. I tried setting up a new user
but it would take many hours to reinstall all the programs and settings that
we have currently to the new user profile. Is there a way to copy all the
settings and files from the owner profile to a new profile (it doesn't have
to have *all* of the owner's rights, but I want to make as close a copy as
possible).

Thanks,

Z (myspace/zhespelt)

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Yes, the following articles will guide you.

Here is the Microsoft Reference for transferring programs and settings to a new user profile.

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151

 

[Guest]

I've been to that article before, the article cuts off at "1. Log on as the
Administrator or as a user with administrator credentials." I can create a
new user profile, but I can't copy the owner settings to it.

Yes, the following articles will guide you.

Here is the Microsoft Reference for transferring programs and settings to a new user profile.

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151

--

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Z (myspace/zhespelt)

 

[Guest]

Ok, first problem solved: the microsoft help page you directed me to only
loads in explorer, not firefox.

On to the next issue: I can only access the owner folder when logged in as
the owner, but when logged in as the owner I can't copy the files to the new
profile.

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Read that article carefully. You cannot be logged on to either one of the user accounts that you are copying files and settings between. You need to create a third user account, with administrator privileges, and log on with that account while transferring the files and settings. You may need to take ownership of the files and folders before being able to access them.

If you are using Windows XP Home version, you will need to perform the taking ownership work in Safe Mode.

Here is the Microsoft reference for taking ownership.

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

And this article in case you are using XP Home.

A Description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222