User Accounts and Disappearing Desktop Icons

[bonehead]

Well, since I got no responses in ms.winxp.configuration_manage, I
guess I'll try here:

A coworker posted this message to an internal listserv regarding
configuration of Windows XP Pro. I thought I would see if anyone here
might know a resolution:

-----------

I set "Username" to be an administrator so that I can make custom settings.

I then create desktop icons for disk drives and some programs. I also
set a custom desktop picture and a custom location for Office to save files.

After I do this, I set "Username" as a Restricted User. The next time
the computer boots, ALL of the desktop icons except the waste bin,
Netscape, and Internet Explorer disappear and one of those little dialog
clouds pops up saying that there are unused icons on your desktop. Also,
the custom picture disappears and the custom file locations for Office
revert to the default locations. The Start Menu which had been set to
"Classic" reverts to the XP configuration. The only work-around that I
have found so far is to leave the user as an administrator, something I
don't want to do.

 

[Guest]

WHen I want to make custom changes for all users this is what I do

Create a user named setup or anything you want. Give it local admin rights.
Make the changes you want on the desktop, in the control panel etc. Log off to save the changes
Log back in as local or domain admin. Make sure you have all folders unhidden
Go into System Properties, Advanced, User Profiles
Highlight the new user you created, then click Copy To
Click Browse, then navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\Default User. Click O
Then Click on Permitted To Use. In the Text Box type Everyone. Click O
It will give you a warning about overwriting the file, click OK

Now when a new user logs in the tweaks you made will show up for them (unless some security setting overrides the settings)

Hope this helps

 

[bonehead]

Hmmm...good one, thanks I'll give this a try.