Modifying Ntuser.dat Hive So New Users Get Defined Settings

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows NT Server and Workstation version 4.0

SUMMARY

Under Windows NT 4.0 you can modify the Ntuser.dat hive so that all newly created users inherit certain settings. Anything that can be defined or modified in HKEY_CURRENT_USER can also be set in the Ntuser.dat hive (for example, international settings, colors, screen savers, sounds, and cursors).

MORE INFORMATION

The default user profile is created when Windows NT is installed. The first time a user logs on to a workstation (or domain), the default user profile is copied to the user profile.

The default language in this profile is set to U.S. English. Every new user that logs on will have U.S. English selected even if the administrator has set the system default locale to a different language.

In order to change the default language or any other settings for NEW users, you can use the registry editor to change the default user profile.

This profile is stored on the local workstation at:

   %SystemRoot%\Profiles\Default User

If you want to create a default profile for new user in a Windows NT domain, then you need to copy the default user profile to the Netlogon share on the domain controller. The easiest way to do this is to create a customized profile and copy that profile using Control Panel - System - User Profiles.

The Netlogon share is normally located at C:\WINNT\System32\Repl\Export\Scripts on the primary domain controller (PDC).

To view or modify the Ntuser.dat hive, do the following:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Start Registry Editor by choosing Run from the File menu of Program Manager, typing "regedt32" (without the quotation marks), and pressing ENTER.

2. Select the "HKEY_USERS on Local Machine" window.

3. From the Registry menu, choose Load Hive.

4. From the C:\WINNT\Profiles\Default User (or equivalent) directory, select the Ntuser.dat file.

5. In the Key Name field, type "NTUSER" (without the quotation marks).

6. Modify the Default User subkeys as desired.

   NOTE: If you add new keys, make sure that everyone has at least read access to the new key. If not, it won't be copied to the user profile when a new user logs on.

   To change the access right of the key, highlight the key, then select Permissions from the Security menu. If not already included, add the Everyone group with at least read access.

7. From the Registry menu, choose Unload Hive, and choose the Yes button.

8. Quit Registry Editor.