How to Set the Path for the Local Default User Profile (214636)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

This article was previously published under Q214636
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SUMMARY

In Windows NT 4.0, the local Default User profile was stored in the %SytemRoot%\Profiles\Default User path. There was no way to change this path in Windows NT 4.0. In Windows 2000, you can change the name and the path of the local Default User profile.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

The path for the local Default User profile path is determined by two registry entries. The following registry entry sets the name of the directory in which the Default User profile is stored:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList \DefaultUserProfile Reg_Sz Default value = "Default User"

The following registry entry sets the path in which the Default User folder is stored:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList \ProfilesDirectory Reg_Sz Default value = "%SystemDrive%\Documents and Settings"


Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/4/2003
Keywords:kbhowto KB214636