documents and settings user (windows XP home)

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I had to reinstall WindowsXP on a disk that had most of my files backed up. When WindowsXP finished installation, I ended up with another user in the Documents and Settings; UserName as well as UserName:000. This is annoying as I am used to customizing where folders reside so that my backups can locate folders easily. But now I find that some of the programs use Application Data folders related to the original UserName, while most refer to the new UserName.000. I can copy folders and make sure that things point right, using Change of Address, program. But how do I just make the original UserName, be the only one so I don’t have to remember all the changes. This has happened several times and it is most annoying. I assume it is in the Registry somewhere but don’t want to have to experiment with all the changes possible. I don’t mind editing the Registry as I have good backups, but can someone help me to know exactly where to make the changes?

Charles Simkins

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Since you install Windows the second time, it made these strange folders and users. You should have done a “Repair” instead.

I think the BEST thing to do is back up ALL data to a external device such as a CD, DVD or a large USB drive. Then format and do a CLEAN install of Windows and all of your programs.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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DaveA:
I understand but I hadn’t backedup the Windows directory so I could not repair the drive, and had just switched to the backup drive as I was not certain of the integrity of the original drive. I don’t want to have to reinstall all the programs if possible.

Cbsimkins

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One does NOT use a “Back up copy” to do a repair. With the Windows CD in and in the installer there is a option to do a “Repair” from there. That is what you needed to do.

But if one uses a imaging program, which will image the complete drive then you can restore that image. Check out the Acronis True Image 9.0

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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I know I should have used an imaging program, but as this drive had been working well for a long time, didn’t think it necessary to image all the changes. I particularly want to daily backup critical data. So while you are correct, it still doesn’t tell me how to make the thing work like I want it to. It usually takes me over al day to get all the programs installed and working right. I have used Drive Image with some success in the past but haven’t tried others.
CBS

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Rebuild the system with a clean install of the OS, do a Windows update, install a imaging program and make a image. This will be your “Clean Windows” fall back. Then install your other programs and do another image, this is you OS and program fall back. Now on a daily/weekly/monthly plane back up you “Data” in any manner that works for you.

If you need to rebuild again, then you can start with the Clean OS or the OS and Programs image, run all update methods for your installed OS and programs. At this time you may want to do a New image of the OS and programs and then restore your data from your back ups.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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DaveA:
I know you are right, but I will fiddle with this D*** OS until I get it right. I got everything backed up OK, and will use a clean install if I have to, but I really want to understand enough to clean out the Registry and make it work without going through the trouble of reinstalling everything. I can always use my other computers to work with while I mess with this one. I will continue looking for someone who knows how to do what I want. Thanks anyway but I already know how to do what you suggest and have a good slipstreamed CD to use in installing again. Again, thanks for your time.

Charles Simkins

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The registry is an incredibly complicated database. You could spend any amount of time you desire and still not be able to get it all straightened out. One or more mistakes could easily cascade into some mess to make the PC unusable. You’ll find out that after a brief period of time you’re much better off installing from scratch than trying to clean it up manually.

Joe

--Joe

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You may be able to resolve this issue by following these steps…

• Back up any user data that you want to have available when we finish
• Log in as administrator
• Delete the user accounts for all users except for administrator
  • To do this you can
  • right-lick My Computer
  • choose manage from the menu
  • in the left pane expand local users and groups
  • in the left pane select users
  • in the right pane right-click each user in turn and choose delete
    [/list]
  • Delete the user profiles for all deleted accounts
    • To do this you can
    • Control-panel – System
    • Advanced > User Profiles > Settings
    • select each user profile in turn and click the delete button
      [/list]
    • Create new user accounts for your users, these will now get the default folder and profile names
    • Restore all the user data
      [/list]I have successfully followed these steps to put a system back to its default folder names. It really does work. I take no responsibility for your data if you don’t do the backups correctly.

      StuartR

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Hi Stuart,
[indent]

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choose manage from the menu
in the left pane expand local users and groups

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[/indent]

I think he is using XP Home edition, thus no “Local Users and Groups” in Computer Management.

Regards,
Argus

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Woops,

Does
Start > Run > control userpasswords2
work, or how about
Control Panel > User Accounts

or how do you manage user accounts on XP Home?

StuartR

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Stuart,
Both works very well.
Control Panel > User Accounts. For normal use.
Start > Run > control userpasswords2. The “Windows 2000 style” has some extra features, as you know; change user name (not change “full name”), configure automatic logon, enable/disable Ctrl+Alt+Delete to log on.

Argus

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