How can I setup a single user profile for multiple user of XP Pro?

[Wanabe]

I have a shared XP Pro machine that is on a network. This machine is used throughout the day by users who already have a computer of their own. It's just that we only have a single user license for a particual piece of software and so they have to use this single shared computer when they need to use the software.

What I would like to do is setup a single user profile that is used on this shared computer no matter who logs into it (same desktop, mapped drives, printers, etc.). The network security guru says that simply using a single login for all shared users is not an option. Also, roaming profiles are out of the question since we're on a mixed network.

Is there a way to set up a single user profile on this shared XP box without logging in as every person who may ever use it and setting up each profile manually?

Thanks!
Wanabe

[Confused]

I'm not sure I follow but you can set up users in Contol Panel/User Accounts,
Chas

[Wanabe]

Well, this machine was just recently upgraded from Win98. As you know, Win98 doesn't track user profiles everytime you log into a network. You get the same desktop no matter who logs into it.

With the new XP upgrade, everytime someone logs into it, they receive their own user profile (desktop, etc.). I then have to go to the computer and modify it(map drives, change desktop, printers, etc.). This is a pain.

What I would like to do is configure a single profile for the computer that is used no matter who logs onto it. This way I don't have to manually go to the computer and configure the users profile if they haven't logged onto the new XP computer before. I would be setting up a single user profile for all users instead of modifying everyones profile when they log onto it.

Thanks,
Wanabe

[doctorgonzo]

It would appear that your best option is to set up one account for all users to share. Did your security guru tell you why this isn't an option?

[Wanabe]

I just think that he doesn't like the idea of a single password for one computer floating around the office.

[Confused]

But still cain't you set each user up with his own account and profile under Uaer Accounts?
Chas

[Wanabe]

Yes, you're correct.

Below is a response that I received from the minasi forum.

Create a user profile and configure it with all the mappings, shortcuts, etc. Then copy this profile to the Default User profile (C:\Documents and Settings\Default User). Using moveuser.exe from the resource kit is a quick way to copy the profile. When a new user logs on, their profile is created based on the Default User.

[Tuf]

If the single user software is accessed by more than one user account won't that mean it's not single user anymore?

It's more of a question than an answer because I have some software that will only allow one account to use it unless I purchase additional licenses.

[Wanabe]

This software is based on concurrent users. Only one user can use it at any one time so a single lisence works OK.