Shared User Folders

[tim55]

In any of the individual user folders, once it has been added to the users profile as a home folder, you will find some files added.

There is a file called SMax.log and a WINDOWS folder containing an empty system folder and 3 files inifile.upd, win.ctx and win.ini.

What are they for and why are they not hidden? I assume they are configuration files, but a user could easily delete them.

 

[ShackDaddy]

Those files in the Windows\system folder get added once a user has logged onto another system via terminal server client or citrix client. Certain things have to be in play for them to be generated, but they describe the connection environment for the client and keep track of configurations. I believe that if they are deleted, they will be recreated, but any customizations of the environment would be lost.

The smax.log file has to do with installation/configuration of your audio/video settings. Not sure why it's in each of the folders unless there is some applet that runs when a user logs onto a workstation and the applet checks their monitor size and resolution and creates some custom reg entries in the HKCU, and creates a log file for those changes. Nothing to worry about.

ShackDaddy
Shackelford Consulting

 

[tim55]

Thanks. I assumed they probably recreated themselves if removed, but it just seemed odd that they were not considered system files and were hidden by default.

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

Why are you adding a folder to the user's profile as a home folder? If you have SBS2003, this is done automatically when you have configured My Documents Folder redirection (by running the wizard with that title) and then adding a user with the Add-User wizard.

It sounds like you are somehow using a default profile and/or roaming profiles which are misconfigured because the win.ctx file is a Citrix config file. Do you have a Citrix Server on your SBS network???


Jeffrey B. Kane
TechSoEasy

http://www.techsoeasy.com

 

[tim55]

Hi Jeffrey.

After using the Add-User wizard, I go to the Profile tab and set the Home folder to connect U: to \\server\users\%username%. This is probably a legacy from NT days, but everyone was used to their U: drive being on the server and backed up, and their My Documents being private, local and not backed up.

And to be honest, I had never been aware of the redirection you mention until now.

What we do have is a W2003 server (no AD) which is only used as a terminal server for remote users, and their rdp clients log them into the SBS domain. Thinking about it, the files I mentioned probably only appear once they have connected via ts.

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

I really think you need to consider using todays technology in the way it was designed to be used rather than holding onto old habits that are probably hindering your ability to advance.

Sorry if that's a bit direct, but perhaps it needs to be said.

SBS is an incredibly powerful platform when used correctly... and it's a lousy one when it's not. Take the time to bone up a bit on SBS and I think you'll be surprised what can be done.

Check out these on-line labs that will show you a bit of what I'm talking about:

http://techsoeasy.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!AB2725BC5698FCB8!157.entry

Jeffrey B. Kane
TechSoEasy

http://www.techsoeasy.com

 

[tim55]

Thanks Jeffery. No offense taken I assure you and you are right, I need to bone up on SBS, something that will no doubt happen in time. I tried the Microsoft Virtual Lab but it didn't seem to work properly, so I will leave it for a few days then try again.

Tim

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

The first entry into the Virtual Lab can be a bit confusing... it looks like it's taking you back into the registration process... but if you just click "Continue" it sets up the lab.



Jeffrey B. Kane
TechSoEasy

http://www.techsoeasy.com