Profiles and Local Settings
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[edit section] Profiles and Local Settings
One of the major advantages of Windows XP as an NT-based operating system when compared to its predecessors (DOS-based systems such as Windows 98) is its ability to maintain multiple password-protected users with multiple local desktops and profiles. In this lesson, we will explore the idea of profiles in Windows XP and how they are implemented. Later in the lesson we will take a brief look at application management in Windows XP and Regional Settings.
[edit section] Profiles
In Windows XP, a profile is the aggregate of a user’s Windows settings and documents. Each user, by default, is given a profile where all the files are stored in the C:\Documents and Settings\User Name folder.Information contained in the Profile includes the My Documents folder, UNC mappings, Desktop, Start Menu items, Printers, Favorites, Cookies, and Local Settings. So, if you get an exam question asking you if a user’s programs would be stored in his profile, you would answer that they would not, as programs are not specific to a single user.
[edit section] Profile Management
User Profiles are managed in XP through the User Profiles applet, which is accessed via the System applet on the Control Panel in the Advanced tab. Through this small applet, you can change the type of a profile, delete a profile, or copy a profile to a new location.
[edit section] Profile Types
Windows XP makes the distinction between local and roaming profiles, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Local profiles are strictly stored on the local machine and therefore are only available to a local user. A home with a single computer, for example, would use local profiles as users would never login from another PC.
Roaming profiles, however, allow a user to login from any networked PC and use the same desktop, have access to the same files, and so forth. Roaming profiles make administration easier as people do not have to copy their files when moving from PC to PC; in addition, many functions of administration can be simplified and centralized since all of the Documents and Settings are on one folder. To create a roaming profile, first use the Copy To button to copy the desired profile to a shared folder that is accessible to the users who wish to use the profile. Next, change the profile type to “Roaming.” Finally, make sure that the user’s profile path points to the UNC path of the network share.
A special type of roaming profile is the mandatory roaming profile, which is actually a roaming profile that cannot be changed by the user. This does not mean that the user cannot change his desktop while logged on, but rather, that the same old desktop will be re-applied every time he logs on, making none of his changes permanent. To accomplish this, create a roaming profile but change the filename from NTuser.dat to NTuser.man (*.man implies a mandatory profile).
[edit section] Strictly Local Settings
Local Settings are strictly local, meaning that even in a roaming profile (or a mandatory profile), these settings are unique and individual to each logged-on computer. The local settings include:
- History: The websites you’ve visited
- Temp: The files that applications use temporarily while running
- Temporary Internet Files: Local copies of web pages
- Application Data: A special folder in which applications save profile-specific settings
[edit section] Application Management
Windows XP includes the ability to easily manage the programs installed through the Add/Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. Here you can install new programs, change existing installations, or remove old programs. You can also manage updates and patches from this applet.
One of the features of XP is the MSI installer package. MSI files are like databases of all of the files, folders, and registry entries an application needs to run. They are truly “installer packages.” However, an MSI file cannot be run on its own; to execute an installer package you must use the MSI executive program called MSIEXEC.EXE. MSIEXEC can be run from the command-line and the GUI; remember that command-line utilities are not archaic tools but rather the best way to run scheduled tasks and scripts. Here are some command line usages:
- MSIEXEC /i Package.MSI – Installs the package
- MSIEXEC /f+(Option) Package.MSI – Repairs the package using one of several switches:
- /fp – Reinstalls if product not found
- /fo – Reinstalls if product is older
- /fa – Forces reinstall
- /fm – Rewrites only registry entries
- MSIEXEC /a Package.MSI – Network install
- MSIEXEC /p Package.MSI – Updates or patches an install
MST files are “transformed” packages that amend an existing MSI file or installation. Examples of MST files include patches and version updates.
[edit section] Regional Options
Windows XP allows you to configure input languages and keyboard layouts via the Regional Options applet in the Control Panel. Some settings to remember include:
- Input Language: Changes or adds a language that can be inputted into the OS via keyboard or other device
- Language Support: Refers to ability to parse or output languages
- Present Location: Streamlines language and regional settings to country
[edit section] Moving Forward
In our next lesson we will take a look at TCP/IP networking settings, ICF, and the Windows Firewall. These are, of course, important exam topics. However, focus on Local Settings and Profiles for now and take the quick review test.
[edit section] Quick Review
1. Which of the following is not saved to a roaming profile?
a. Local Settings
b. Start Menu Items
c. Printers
d. UNC Mappings
e. Cookies
2. Which command would you run if you wished to reinstall all files in a packagewithout regard to current installation status?
a. MSIREINST /r Package.MSI
b. MSIEXEC /r Package.MSI
c. MSIEXEC /f Package.MSI
d. MSIEXEC /fp Package.MSI
e. MSIEXEC /fa Package.MSI
3. Which of the following is a difference between mandatory and discretionary (non-mandatory) roaming profiles?
a. Roaming profiles do not save Local Settings while Mandatory profiles do
b. Roaming profiles are generally occupy much less disk space than Mandatory profiles occupy
c. Roaming profiles are specific to an individual user while Mandatory profiles are applied to Groups
d. Roaming profiles can be modified by a user while Mandatory profiles cannot
e. Roaming profiles reside on a local machine while Mandatory profiles are accessed via the network
[edit section] Answers
1. Local Settings, by definition, are those settings that are not saved to a roaming profile. The answer is A.
2. The /fa switch “forces all” to reinstall. The answer is E.
3. Mandatory profiles are said to be mandatory because they cannot be modified. Roaming profiles, in general, can be modified and will be modified by the users who utilize them. The answer is D.
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