Home Directory versus Roaming Profile Directory

[AbeMeister]

Is there really a difference??

In my research, I am reading that the "Home Directory" is used for users to store their files into. Now, Isn't that literally what a "Profile Directory" is??

Or am I totally weirded out here...

Would it be a safe assumption to figure that the "Home Directory" is defaultly located inside the "Profile Directory". For example, by default:

Profile Directory = %SystemDrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%
Home Directory = %SystemDrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\My Documents\

 

[danomac]

The difference is that a home directory is mapped to a share on a server, while the profile directory copies everything to the client machine and allows the user to work with all files locally. When the user logs off, the profile directory on the server is updated with all of the changes.

The major thing is: if the server connection goes down during their session, the home directory is not available while their profile is available as it is locally cached on the client machine.

Therefore you can't assume that the home directory is under the profile directory.

Daniel.

 

[koquito]

What you say about HOme directory is right.NOw Profile Directory is diferent, the profile stores personalized user settings like icons on desktop, wallpaper, settigns on IE, Start Menu ,etc.Thios could be stored locally or on the network. If you use it on the network (in this case you use profile directory), it can be loaded to any workstation on the network when the user logs in.It can be mandatory or not, if mandatory, the user can not change it's settings , once the profile is configured and set as mandatory.
I hope this helps you.. A+, MCP, CCNA
marbinpr@hotmail.com

Keep fighting for your knowledge!