Multiple users on Windows XP

esuhl

I've just re-installed Windows XP and I'm finding it a real pain as I've installed all the software and patches as Administrator, but when I log in as other users, not all of the settings I applied to the Administrator's account have been inherited by the other users. For example:

- SpywareBlaster has not enabled its protection for other users.
- SpyBot S&D hasn't imminised other users.
- Mozilla preferences haven't been copied.
- Some Mozilla plug-ins try to run, but crash (requiring them to be re-installed for that particular user)

I know I could just log in to each user in turn to change their individual settings, and copy the Mozilla preferences folder to other user accounts every time I make a change, but is there a more logical way to do things?

How do proper systems administrators in large companies manage the task?

Thanks in advance - any ideas would be most gratefully received!!! :-)

gizmoleeds

I have always done it by setting everything up on the Administrator logon before creating any other logons. That way a lot of the settings get transferred.

Is it XP Professional or Home?

CIS

Some software only installs in the current user or gives any option to install in a user of choice.

Not all software installs to every account by default, it would be an immediate security risk, allowing access to administrator software to normal users.

Large networks use group policy settings on the servers O/S to roll out only selected products depending on their need to have them and their user type.

esuhl

Thanks everyone - I installed everything as Administrator and selected the options to install for all users whenever I was given the option (though I think this just added links to the All Users start menu, rather than just the Administrator one).

I'll do a bit of research on Group Policy settings and see what I can find...

tigermatt

Whenever I setup a computer, I create an account for myself and an account called "Def". (Don't worry - All will be revealed!) I use my account to setup programs etc. as it has Administrative privileges. Once my account is fully configured and all programs are installed, I log off and log on as Def (stands for Default). Setup everything how you would like it for all new users on Def, (including Wallpaper, Printers, Internet, Start Menu, in fact, everything within the profile) then log off and back onto my account.

Then, Hidden Files and Folders must be displayed, so I enable them in My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View. Then, go to the System box (Control Panel > System or Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System) Click the Advanced tab, then click Settings under User Profiles. Click the Def account name, then click Copy To. In the Copy Profile To box, browse to C:\Documents and Settings\Default User and click OK, then in Permitted to use, click Change, type Everyone, click OK a few times.

Now, create your other user accounts. When they log on, they will take the settings that you setup in Def. This is because all new user accounts are based on the Default User account that we just copied Def's profile to. (You can now delete Def)

Note however that once a new user logs on, changing the Def account and then copying to \Default User won't affect their account.

Sorry for length, but I hope it helps someone - I use this a lot and if done correctly, it works very well and it is easier to maintain the system as all user accounts have the correct programs and start menu setup.

tigermatt