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After SysPrep: How to use a custom "Default User" profile?

We are using Sysprep to prepare our computers for our computer labs for students. We use dynamic profiles from Netware/Zenworks so that every time a person logs in, a profile is created based on "Default User", and then the profile is automatically deleted when the person logs out. Prior to sysprep, we would configure a profile as we wanted it, then copy it to default user. It was time consuming but at least all bookmarks and browser settings worked. However, the problem we are having is that after imaging with Sysprep, the Default User profile resets to the Microsoft created one and users have to answer all of the Internet Explorer questions when they start the browser.

Is there any way we can make sure our custom Default User stays? We do use Zenworks for multicasting.

Brian Pierce

The default user profile should be copied to the users own profile on first use. If you have put a regime in place to delete the users profile on log off then its going to have to copy it again each time resulting in log logon times and the issues having to enter information each time.

The suggested way of creating a user default user profile is prior to sysprep:

You shouldn't copy profiles like this they will not have the correct permissions. You can copy profiles by right clicking 'My Computer' and selecting Advanced and click on SETTINGS under User profiles.
Select the profile and then COPY TO another user not forgetting to change the 'Permitted to use' option to 'Everyone' so that the permissions are OK.

If you log in as a user and then create a profile that you want to use, you can then log out, log back in as administrator and then COPY TO c:\Documents and Settings\Default User and set the permissions as described above. This profile will automatically be copied to all new users when they log on.

Alternativly on a domain copy to the sysvol\default user folder on the DC.

Jason Watkins

The way KCTS laid out his explanation is exactly the way I do it at work. I just wait until after the imaged computer is joined to the domain before copying the profile. The domain will specify the another default user profile after joining.

/F

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PiezoSapphire

ASKER

We are using Netware rather than AD for our network. I am trying to avoid as much post-imaging setup as possible because that is where the mistakes occur and that is our most time consuming part. I will see if a zipped file helps us out on Tuesday as I hadn't thought to try that.

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