Configuring Windows so all profiles are the same

[ccie2b2004]

Good day to you all and thank you for taking your timein reading my post

I managed a small network with Windows 2003 servers and all PCs are windowsXP2 Pro. My client wants all PC's to look the same to start with (obviously if you install a specific program in one of the computers you do not want to delete the icon). Everyone logs into a network, and so every time a person logs in a different computer all Windows original configurations and icons reset. I would like to keep the standard windows start menu, classic windows appearance, do not remember each windows settings, IE icon not in the desktop or program menu.... Could you help?

Many thanks

Luis

 

[Helenp1983]

you can set the classic view using group policies

 

[ccie2b2004]

Thanks for your response... I was hoping for more detail since I am not familiar with group policies... All users are logging in into the network, so do I have to set up the Group policies for each user? and if that is the case... Could you tell me how? I also need to keep the other configurations set like the do not remember each folders setting, desktop icons, like not having IE in the desktop or program folder or keep the Windows classic option for the folders.....

Many thanks,

Luis

 

[Davetoo]

You need to be posting in the 2003 Server forum, not here:

http://www.tek-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=931

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[bracadar]

If you've managed a 2003 network with XP workstations and are not familiar with GPOs then you have a lot of reading to do:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/management/grouppolicy/default.mspx

 

[linney]

HOW TO: Create a Custom Default User Profile (Q305709)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q305/7/09.asp

The Desktop.ini File Does Not Work Correctly When You Create a Custom Default Profile

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q321281

Q310516 HOW TO: Distribute Registry Changes to Computers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q310/5/16.asp

Q310514 HOW TO: Distribute a Custom Desktop Theme to Users in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q310/5/14.asp

Force all XP users to use the Default User profile
thread779-334751