Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 manual Technical Notes, Computer

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Windows 95

from any computer. A user who has a roaming profile can log on to any computer for which that profile is valid and access the profile. (Note that a profile is only valid on the platform for which it was cre- ated— for example, a Windows NT 4.0 profile cannot be used on a

computer.)

Roaming User

A roaming user is a user who logs on to the network from different computers at different times. This type of user may use a kiosk or may share a bank of computers with other users. A roaming user stores his or her user profile on a network share, and can log on to any net- worked computer and access that profile.

System Policy

A System Policy is a set of registry settings that together define the computer resources available to a group of users or an individual. You create system policies with the System Policy Editor. System policies allow an administrator to control user work environments and actions, and to enforce system configurations.

%systemroot%

An environment variable that expands to become the root directory containing Windows NT files. The directory name is specified when Windows NT is installed (normally, this directory name is c:\winnt).

%systemroot%\profiles

A folder in the root directory that contains the user profiles for each user of the computer.

%username%

An environment variable that expands to become the user account ID for the current logged on user. This identifies the user account to Windows NT.

Technical Notes

Several portions of this guide refer to registry locations that allow you to change certain behaviors of Windows NT and modify settings. For this reason, we include the following warning.

Caution:

Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be resolved.

In addition, portions of this guide refer to a registry hive called NTuser.xxx. In instances where this is used, .xxx can be replaced with either .dat or .man.

4 Microsoft Windows NT Server White Paper

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Contents Server Operating System Page Abstract User environment than they have ever had beforeWindows NT 4.0 documentation and Resource Kits Page Contents System Policy An Introduction System Policy EditorPage For More Information Appendix a -Flowcharts User Profile Flowcharts System Policy FlowchartAutorun Start Banner Appendix C Usage NotesProfiles, Policies, and the Zero Administration Kit IntroductionTCO and the User What are User Profiles and System Policies? Before You Begin32-bit version of the Registry Editor Key TerminologyTechnical Notes ComputerCreating and Administering User Profiles Establishing User Profiles AN OverviewUser Profile Structure Configuration Preferences Stored in the Registry Hive Configuration Preferences Stored in Profile DirectoriesWindows NT 4.0 and Windows User Profile Differences Windows NT 4.0 fileList, is checked for an existing entry for that user Equivalent Windows 95 fileSetting Permissions for User Profiles User Profile Planning and ImplementationEncoding Permissions in the User Profile Selecting a Location to Save User ProfilesSetting Persistent Connections Delete the network connection and reconnect Working Around Slow Network LinksCreating and Maintaining User Profiles Creating a New Roaming User Profile for Windows NTTo create a new roaming user profile Microsoft Windows NT Server White Paper Copy the profile appropriate to your implementation ∙ To copy an existing user’s profile to another user∙ To copy a template profile manually to a number of users Creating a New Mandatory User Profile for Windows NT To create a new mandatory User ProfileCalled TemplateUser Making a Roaming Profile Mandatory Windows NT Changing the User’s Ability to Modify a ProfileEnforcing the Use of the Server-based Profile Creating a New Roaming User Profile for a Windows 95 User To create a roaming user profile for a Windows 95 userCreating a New Mandatory User Profile for Windows To create a mandatory user profile for a Windows 95 userDeleting Profiles \\computername DdaysDetermining Which Profile Is Displayed Copying Profiles Microsoft Windows NT Server White Paper Log Files Used by Profiles All Users Shared ProfileDefault User Template Profiles Profile Names and Storage in the RegistryManually Administering a User Profile through the Registry To manually customize a User ProfileModifying the Default User Profile Microsoft Windows NT Server White Paper To create a mandatory profile from the old profile To create the profile from an existing template profileCreating Profiles Without User-Specific Connections To change the profileTroubleshooting User Profiles with the UserEnv.log File To enable loggingStart REGEDT32 and locate the following path Sample Log =========================================================System Policy AN Introduction System Policy FilesPolicy Replication How Policies Are AppliedThis change must be made individually to each workstation Additional Implementation Considerations Microsoft Windows NT Server White Paper Installing the System Policy Editor on a Windows 95 Computer System Policy EditorUpdating the Registry with the System Policy Editor System Policy Editor Template .Adm FilesConfiguring Policy Settings Your Own Custom .Adm File,later in this documentSetting Folder Paths Back to Defaults To restore the defaultsCreating a System Policy To create a new System PolicyTem Policy Editor Setting Up Shortcuts for Server-based Profiles Creating Alternate Folder PathsTo create shared folders and alternate folder paths To resolve links correctlyDeploying Policies for Windows NT 4.0 Machines To retrieve the policy file from a specific locationUpdate mode box, select Manual use specific path Deploying Policies for Windows 95 MachinesTo deploy policies for a Windows 95-based computer Modifying Policy Settings on Stand-Alone Workstations To change policy settings remotelyTo create a policy file for stand-alone workstations To change policy settings locally Creating a Custom .Adm FileTo create a custom .adm file Would use These can be nested to create sub-categories as followsRemember that the Valuename needs to be within a Part if END Part Type REGEXPANDSZ, for example ∙ MAXLEN- Specifies the maximum length of text, for exampleSave and test your file Configuring System Policies Based on Geographic Location Building Fault Tolerance for Custom Shared FoldersClearing the Documents Available List Each time the System Policy Editor startsMicrosoft Windows NT Server White Paper Default User Settings Selection Remove Run command from Start menu Description Selection Color scheme KeySelection Remove Find command from Start menu Description Selection Hide drives in My Computer Description Selection Hide Network Neighborhood DescriptionSelection No Entire Network in Network Neighborhood Key Selection No workgroup contents in Network Neighborhood Key Selection Hide all items on desktop DescriptionSelection Disable Shut Down command Description Selection Dont save settings at Exit DescriptionSelectionDisable registry editing tools Category SystemSelection Run only allowed Windows applications Description Selection Custom Program folder Description Selection Custom desktop icons DescriptionSelection Hide Start menu subfolders Description Selection Custom Startup folder DescriptionSelection Custom Network Neighborhood Description \CurrentVersion \Explorer \User Shell Folders Selection Custom Start menu DescriptionAs part of the Start menu Selection Only use approved shell extensions KeySelection Disable context menus for the Taskbar Description Selection Remove File menu from Explorer DescriptionSelection Work Drive options Selection Disable link file tracking Description Selection Run logon scripts synchronously DescriptionSelection Disable Task Manager Description Selection Show welcome tips at logon DescriptionDefault Computer Settings Selection Remote update Description\Explorer \TipsSelection Permitted managers Key Selection Run Description Selection Create hidden drive shares server Description Selection Scheduler priority KeySelection Beep for error enabled Description Error occurs on a print serverCategoryWindows NT Remote Access SelectionMax number of unsuccessful authentication retriesSelectionWait interval for callback SelectionAuto disconnectRAS Call-back Interval RAS Auto-disconnectCustom shared folders Selection Custom shared Programs folder DescriptionStart menu Selection Custom shared desktop icons DescriptionSelection Custom shared Start menu Description Selection Custom shared Startup folder DescriptionSelection Logon banner Enables or disables display of the last logged on user With textDialog window Logon dialog is displayedTion, this value takes precedence File system\System \CurrentControlSet \Control \FileSystem Selection Allow extended characters in 8.3 file namesLast access time. This increases the file system’s PerformanceCategoryWindows NT User Profiles SelectionDelete cached copies of roaming profilesSelectionSlow network connection timeout SelectionTimeout for dialog boxesSelectionAutomatically detect slow network connections Registry Value Registry Data Description Registry Entries not Included in the System Policy Editor Registry Value Registry Data Description NoStartBanner For More Information Appendix a Flowcharts User Profile FlowchartsWill the user be mandated to receive the profile for logon? Available? See Apply System Policy Save settings to Registry Call made to check Check for .man extension Server profile System Policy Flowchart Do Group PoliciesAppendix B Implementing User Profiles Existing Windows NT 3.5x Roaming ProfileCreating a New Windows NT 4.0 Roaming Profile Creating a New Windows NT 4.0 Mandatory ProfileChanging a Roaming Profile to a Mandatory Profile Recent Updates to Profiles Since Retail Release Appendix C Usage NotesRecent Updates to Policies Since Retail Release Appendix D Related Knowledge Base Articles ProfilesPolicies Q156432

Windows NT 4.0 specifications

Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, released on July 29, 1996, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Microsoft's operating systems. As the successor to Windows NT 3.51, this version brought a range of enhancements and features that appealed to both enterprise users and consumers.

One of the standout characteristics of Windows NT 4.0 was its introduction of the Windows 95 user interface, which significantly improved user experience and accessibility. This graphical interface made it easier for users to navigate the operating system, transitioning from the more complex interfaces of previous NT versions. The integration of familiar elements such as the Start menu and taskbar helped bridge the gap between professional and personal computing environments.

Windows NT 4.0 was built on a robust and secure architecture. It utilized the NT kernel, which provided improved multitasking and stability compared to its predecessors. This operating system was designed to handle multiple user sessions simultaneously, making it suitable for servers as well as workstations. The inherent stability of NT 4.0 made it a favorite in enterprise environments, particularly for critical applications and systems.

Another defining feature of NT 4.0 was its support for a wide range of hardware, making it versatile across various machine configurations. It included compatibility with numerous devices and peripherals, which facilitated its adoption in diverse settings.

In addition to user interface enhancements and hardware compatibility, Windows NT 4.0 introduced powerful networking capabilities. The operating system supported TCP/IP natively, alongside NetBEUI and IPX/SPX protocols. This meant that it could seamlessly integrate into existing network environments, providing essential services for file and printer sharing, domain management, and remote access through features like Remote Access Service (RAS).

Security was another key focus area for Windows NT 4.0. Built around security principles, it employed a discretionary access control system, allowing administrators to define user permissions and manage access to resources effectively. This was particularly appealing to businesses that needed to enforce strict security policies.

Windows NT 4.0 also included improved support for backup and recovery, through the inclusion of the NT Backup utility. The operating system allowed for the creation of scheduled backups and simplified data recovery processes, enhancing data integrity and reliability.

As NT 4.0 entered its later years, it laid the groundwork for future Windows operating systems, influencing the design of later versions, particularly Windows 2000. It combined user-friendly features with enterprise-level robustness, ultimately shaping expectations for modern operating systems across various industries.
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