Problem Windows XP SP3 VLK default profile

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Hey guys,

maybe a bit tricky, but cient of mine has an XP build with no local policies. No GPO's either, no logical and tidy 2003 AD structure.

They want a standardised desktop background, standardised windows theme (basic), this is to be available to all users. Went to petri, other MVP's etc, got all the fluff about copying data to All users, but get nothing to work etc. any ideas

Thanks

 

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You probably want a Mandatory Profile

 

Hi Zebulebu,

Mate problem is we're deploying this image on sales peoples laptops etc.
Now with a mandatory profile, the major obstacle is that all local data will
have to be in my docs and not on there desktops. as your prob aware the man prof is a big toilet that
Flushes every time you log on or off. sales staff and others will cry if they loose the desktop where they file all
their stuff.

If i could change everything and standardise it i would, but they dont want to change anything.

Regards,

Zaine

 

Then you need to provide them with a business case for why they should, the equation for this one is fairly simple you just need to fill in the necessary numbers

Standardisation = Easier maintenance + eaiser DR + better more stable systems = cost savings and increased efficiency

 

josiahb,

Lol it's not even an option.

They'd kill me.

 

For proposing another (more sensible) way of working? Seems like a fairly messed up place to work if you ask me!

 

lol................

 

So they want a standard desktop profile, but you cant change or standardise anything?

Good luck with that one mate

 

Hang on, shouldn't you be messing with the "Default User" and not the "All Users" Profile

 

If I was configuring an image for new machines (or reimaging existing) then yep that's what I'd do, configure the desktop as required then copy the profile to Default User and lock down display settings via GPO

 

Vicky pollard says "yeah but"... no GPO's allowed and no standardisation , considering a hack and slash job at moment - like copying the image of said logo and renaming it to bliss, removing all themes and what ever else i can do - the themes one is gonna be a bit hard though

 

Why are they so anti GPOs and standardisation?

 

Ask Vicky what her answer is to logon scripts? Also say you do all this, whats stopping the user from changing it all back.

 

Do they not realise that all a GPO is is a series of registry changes? I suspect someone there doesn't have the first clue what they're talking about.

 

If scripts are an option then something like AutoIT would be your best bet but you would need to fire it somehow

Code:

Dim $var1 = '"' & @WindowsDir & '\'
Run(@ComSpec & " /c " & 'rundll32.exe Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl desk,@Themes /Action:OpenTheme /File:' & $var1 & 'resources\themes\<INSERT THEME NAME>.theme"', "", @SW_HIDE)
Send("{ENTER}")
Exit

 

I think the main thing to take away here is the idea that running a Windows network without using GPO's is like working with one arm tied behind your back, an interesting challenge but a bloody stupid thing to do every day

If you have the tools, use them.

I'm still interested to hear the justification behind this bizarre company policy.

 

I'd take that analogy further. Running a windows network where you're expected to make everything look the same for every user and stay that way without using GPOs is like working with both arms tied behind your back, under water, with your feet encased in cement and your keyboard in a locked cage, behind a wall, 200 yards away.

 

"I'd like to travel from New York to London."

"Take a plane."

"Sorry, that's against my company's regulations."

"How about going by boat?"

"Sorry, I can't. I'd get seasick."

"Umm... you could hitch a ride on a rocket and parachute down..."

"No - I'm afraid of heights. Besides, that's not very practical."

"Well... you could dig a hole straight through the earth until you come out the other side at your destination. If you don't like ANY of those suggestions... you simply can't get there from here."

 

wow you hit the nail right on the head.
Yeah it's no win really.

 

Unless you can attack the route cause of the problem (a fear of best practice) your going to be onto a loser more or less every time with this lot, unless someone can manage to make them change their minds you could find it damaging your knowledge progression as you find your self getting more comfortable with cack handed workarounds than standard tool sets.

Either provide the business case and see what response you get or find something new and get out fast!

We even make use of GPOs here and we work with a support company who run everytime Microsoft is mentioned!