settings, and portions of the registry can be saved as files, called hives. These hives can then be reloaded for use as necessary. User Profiles take advantage of the hive feature to provide roaming profile functionality.

The User Profile registry hive is the NTuser.dat in file form, and is mapped to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER portion of the registry when the user logs on.The NTuser.dat hive maintains the user’s environment preferences when the user is logged on. It stores those settings that maintain network connec- tions, Control Panel configurations unique to the user (such as the desktop color and mouse), and application-specific settings. The series of profile di- rectories store shortcut links, desktop icons, startup applications, and so forth. Together, these two components record all user-configurable settings that can migrate from computer to computer. Details are provided below.

Configuration Preferences Stored in the Registry Hive

The NTuser.dat file contains the following configuration settings.

∙Windows NT Explorer settings. All user-definable settings for Windows NT Explorer, as well as persistent network connections.

∙Taskbar. All personal program groups and their properties, all program items and their properties, and all taskbar settings.

∙Printer settings. All network printer connections.

∙Control Panel. All user-defined settings made in the Control Panel.

∙Accessories. All user-specific application settings affecting the Windows NT environment, including: Calculator, Clock, Notepad, Paint, and HyperTerminal, among others.

∙Help bookmarks. Any bookmarks placed in the Windows NT Help system.

Configuration Preferences Stored in Profile Directories

The profile directories are designed to contain the following configuration settings.

∙Application data. Application-specific data, such as a custom dictionary for a word processing program. Application vendors decide what data to store in this directory.

∙Desktop. Desktop items, including files and shortcuts.

∙Favorites. Shortcuts to program items and favorite locations.

∙NetHood.* Shortcuts to Network Neighborhood items.

∙Personal. Shortcuts to program items. Also a central store for any docu- ments that the user creates. Applications should be written to save files here by default.

∙PrintHood.* Shortcuts to printer folder items.

∙Recent. Shortcuts to the most recently used items.

∙SendTo. Shortcuts to document storage locations and applications.

∙Start Menu. Shortcuts to program items.

∙Templates.* Shortcuts to template items.

*These directories are hidden by default. To see these directories, change the View Options.

6 Microsoft Windows NT Server White Paper

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Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 manual Configuration Preferences Stored in the Registry Hive
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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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