Update .default user profile on machines

[semaja2.net]

Hi Guys,

We use the default profile to setup a environment for our students so that they all get the same settings without using mandatory profiles, however i would like to update the profile because i left some settings out.

My idea on how to update them would be to :

• delprof the system
  
• robocopy a .default folder from the server to the computer on startup
  

How do others do such a task? do people still use mandatory profiles in situations like these?

[Guest]

If your wanting to distribute a default profile Windows automatically looks in the NETLOGON folder.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/168475

[fault]

Yes, use the NETLOGON folder. Whether you use a mandatory profile or not depends on what you want to achieve.

Typically, mandatory profiles are offered in scenarios where performance/efficiency is required (e.g., Terminal Services, public environments, ...) and you don't want users to retain any settings upon log off. If you're wanting users to retain settings (either in a local profile or a roaming profile) and offer the convenience of a common/optimised initial profile (Default Profile), then you probably don't want a mandatory profile.

Note that the Default Profile is exactly that only -- an initial starting profile. If users already have profiles in use within the environment, then creating a new Default Profile isn't going to change their existing ones. I guess you'd have to use a script to iterate through all your workstations and delete outdated profiles in C:\Documents and Settings (and the remote server copy too if you're using roaming profiles) and get them to start fresh.

[p858snake]

You could also place it on a server share somewhere and have a folder redirect.

But why arn't you having a single "student" profile that is delivered to all the students on login?