Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 manual Microsoft Windows NT Server White Paper

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∙What type of restrictions do you want to impose on users?

∙Will users be allowed to access locally installed common group applica- tions, or will these be overridden by administrator-defined program groups, desktop icons, Start menu programs, and so forth?

∙What other options are available if you simply want to restrict access to a specific icon or file? Would modifying NTFS permissions be more effective?

∙Will you be controlling computer-specific settings only, and not user set-

tings?

If after considering these issues, you conclude that System Policies will sim- plify administration of your system, use the System Policy Editor to create the appropriate individual and/or group policies, as explained in the next section.

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Contents Server Operating System Page User environment than they have ever had before AbstractWindows NT 4.0 documentation and Resource Kits Page Contents System Policy An Introduction System Policy EditorPage Autorun Start Banner For More Information Appendix a -FlowchartsUser Profile Flowcharts System Policy Flowchart Appendix C Usage NotesIntroduction Profiles, Policies, and the Zero Administration KitTCO and the User What are User Profiles and System Policies? Before You Begin32-bit version of the Registry Editor Key TerminologyTechnical Notes ComputerEstablishing User Profiles AN Overview Creating and Administering User ProfilesUser Profile Structure Configuration Preferences Stored in the Registry Hive Configuration Preferences Stored in Profile DirectoriesList, is checked for an existing entry for that user Windows NT 4.0 and Windows User Profile DifferencesWindows NT 4.0 file 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 a New Roaming User Profile for Windows NT Creating and Maintaining User ProfilesTo create a new roaming user profile Microsoft Windows NT Server White Paper ∙ To copy an existing user’s profile to another user Copy the profile appropriate to your implementation∙ 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 profileTo enable logging Troubleshooting User Profiles with the UserEnv.log FileStart REGEDT32 and locate the following path Sample Log =========================================================System Policy AN Introduction System Policy FilesHow Policies Are Applied Policy ReplicationThis 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 documentCreating a System Policy Setting Folder Paths Back to DefaultsTo restore the defaults To create a new System PolicyTem Policy Editor To create shared folders and alternate folder paths Setting Up Shortcuts for Server-based ProfilesCreating Alternate Folder Paths To resolve links correctlyDeploying Policies for Windows NT 4.0 Machines To retrieve the policy file from a specific locationDeploying Policies for Windows 95 Machines Update mode box, select Manual use specific pathTo deploy policies for a Windows 95-based computer To change policy settings remotely Modifying Policy Settings on Stand-Alone WorkstationsTo create a policy file for stand-alone workstations Creating a Custom .Adm File To change policy settings locallyTo create a custom .adm file These can be nested to create sub-categories as follows Would useRemember that the Valuename needs to be within a Part if END Part ∙ MAXLEN- Specifies the maximum length of text, for example Type REGEXPANDSZ, for exampleSave and test your file Clearing the Documents Available List Configuring System Policies Based on Geographic LocationBuilding Fault Tolerance for Custom Shared Folders 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 Network Neighborhood Description Selection Hide drives in My Computer DescriptionSelection No Entire Network in Network Neighborhood Key Selection No workgroup contents in Network Neighborhood Key Selection Hide all items on desktop DescriptionSelectionDisable registry editing tools Selection Disable Shut Down command DescriptionSelection Dont save settings at Exit Description Category SystemSelection Run only allowed Windows applications Description Selection Custom Program folder Description Selection Custom desktop icons DescriptionSelection Custom Startup folder Description Selection Hide Start menu subfolders DescriptionSelection Custom Network Neighborhood Description As part of the Start menu \CurrentVersion \Explorer \User Shell FoldersSelection Custom Start menu Description Selection Only use approved shell extensions KeySelection Remove File menu from Explorer Description Selection Disable context menus for the Taskbar 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 Description\Explorer Default Computer SettingsSelection Remote update Description \TipsSelection Permitted managers Key Selection Run Description Selection Create hidden drive shares server Description Selection Scheduler priority KeyCategoryWindows NT Remote Access Selection Beep for error enabled DescriptionError occurs on a print server SelectionMax number of unsuccessful authentication retriesRAS Call-back Interval SelectionWait interval for callbackSelectionAuto disconnect RAS Auto-disconnectStart menu Custom shared foldersSelection Custom shared Programs folder Description Selection Custom shared desktop icons DescriptionSelection Custom shared Startup folder Description Selection Custom shared Start menu DescriptionSelection Logon banner Dialog window Enables or disables display of the last logged on userWith text Logon dialog is displayed\System \CurrentControlSet \Control \FileSystem Tion, this value takes precedenceFile system Selection Allow extended characters in 8.3 file namesCategoryWindows NT User Profiles Last access time. This increases the file system’sPerformance SelectionDelete cached copies of roaming profilesSelectionTimeout for dialog boxes SelectionSlow network connection timeoutSelectionAutomatically 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 Profiles Appendix D Related Knowledge Base ArticlesPolicies 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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