how do I move the default "my documents" to server

[aspenjim]

I know this is elementary.... but I'd like to make a domain I support have their doc's on the server, rather than on local PC. I use a logon script that maps drives to apps, shared and user's directories, but some users still save documents locally. I'd like it so that when they open my doc's, they are really looking to the server unknowingly. Ideally, their "my documents" would be their user dir on the server.

[Hamins]

Hi aspenjim,

According to me there're 2 ways of doing this. One is FOLDER RE-DIRECTION via GPO. This way, the user will be able to save their files in their My Documents folder, but when they log-off their My Documents folder will get synched with the one on the server.

The other method is to create a shared folder on the server, and sub-folder for each user, with approprite security rights. Then, change the TARGET folder of each user's My Documents folder to point to the shared folder on the server.

[aspenjim]

what's an easy way to change the target?

[Hamins]

The easiest way to do this is with the start menu as the Windows XP style. Right-click on My Documents - > Properties - > Change Target folder. That's all !

[os2fan2]

In Win2k, you create the structure that you want, and then change the settings in the present boot. Copy the files to the new structure, and reboot.

[aspenjim]

That is easy enough. What is this option for (Profile Path and Local Path).... see attached pic? would that method work for users that use several different PC's? (Would their doc's always be available on any PC)? I guess that is roaming profiles, right? Last question is how come it takes so long when one user logs off and another logs on to get to the desktop? The server is a under utilized P4 3.0 and there is a $2000 nortel switch and the 10 client PC's are P4's, so it's not hardware. I assume it is copying (or updating) their profile somewhere (either locally or on the server)

Edited October 1, 2006 by aspenjim

[fizban2]

this can be done in group policy.

[aspenjim]

So what are the Profile path and Local path for in the above screenie? And another noob question, I'm almost embarrassed to ask... Is the profile everything in the Documents and Settings directory for a particular user? I also know there are profiles for outlook also.

I'm learning Domain Administration the hard way and have 5 domains with a county entity account that I picked up with 90 clients. So far I've sold 2 sbs 2003 servers and have had mixed luck,

Edited October 1, 2006 by aspenjim

[Ctrl-X]

Once again: Profile and Folder Redirection In Windows Server 2003. Everything you need to know about roaming profiles and folder redirection.