how can I edit default user profile?

[ftechguy]

Is there anyway to edit individual settings of a profile through the registry? I already know about creating a profile from this MSKB article

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/q305/7/09.asp&NoWebContent=1

But I just want to edit a few settings, specifically removing the default background and screensaver. I don't want to overwrite the existing profiles.

 

[bcastner]

Once you create a new user, and they logon, the role of the default user profile is done.

Are you asking how to make changes to existing profiles?

 

[ftechguy]

Actually I just learned that I can retire this particular computer, so no pressing need for an answer.
But for something for future reference: yes, specifically I would like to change the existing default "blank" profile that a user sees upon logging in for the first time. Using the instructions in the linked KB article, I can accomplish this, but I wipe out all the settings for the existing profiles in the process. (this resulting from copying over the "all users" folder seems reasonable, but not the "default user" folder.)

So I would like a way to edit the default profile or copy just certain settings over.

 

[bcastner]

Neither existing user profiles, nor the All Users profile is touched in the MS KB article you linked.

The notion is that you create a temporary new user, logon as that user, make the changes, and copy to the Default User profile the changes.

This will not effect existing users, nor the All Users profile.

 

[ftechguy]

I followed the instructions, but the changes I made did end up applying to all users and not just new users. Maybe I did copy over the all users profile by mistake, but in either case, since I get to put in a new machine instead, it's no problem. Thanks for your help, bcastner!

 

[bcastner]

ftechguy,

Believe me, I have done much worse things. But the MS KB article should, if done right, not change any existing or new user profiles.

So please do not be reluctant to use the MS KB for changing the default profile.

It is a very good tool to have handy.