[AFS16554]

Hello Everyone,

Happy 2007 everyone and thank you for taking the time to look at this thread. I would like to create a new user account but with the exact same settings, programs, and files of an existing one. I am using XP; thank you in advance for you help.

-afs16554-

 

[Dan O]

A new user should have all the same settings and programs. You can copy the data files to the new user or to the share files folder. Open My Computer and look for your name, the new user, and the share folder.

If that does not work let us know and we will provide other options.

 

[johndoeson]

Settings will not be the same if a new user is created. The programs will remain, because they are in the Program Files directory, but files and settings are specific to a single profile.

Files will be easy to copy, but settings depend on many different things. There are desktop settings, appearance settings, settings for individual applications, Explorer settings, etc. Basically everything that would be covered in HKEY_CURRENT_USER.

 

[DoubleHelix]

There may be a neat and efficient way to accomplish what you want. I don't have time right now to investigate. I do understand what you're asking. Dan O, it sounds like the poster wants to duplicate a profile with a new ID. Your post doesn't accomplish that.

DO NOT just copy registry keys from HKEY_CURRENT_USER.

 

[AFS16554]

Hi Dan O, Johndoeson, and Doublehelix,

Thank you all for responding. Doublehelix is correct; I would like to dupicate a profile with different ID. All I've been able to do is create a new account with no options to "copy" another account, I'm not given many options other than to select either "computer admin" or "limited access" account, change the name, create password, etc. This may be the same thing, but can I move pst from one account to another? Thanks again.

 

[bonk]

Can you not make groups and make that new user a member of that group.

However that will still have to be tweaked.

 

[DoubleHelix]

You can copy or move a PST file from one profile to another. You'd then have to connect it in Outlook.

Here's what I would try in order to accomplish what you're asking. First, create the new user account in the User Accounts section of the Control Panel. Log off and log in with the new account. This will create the profile.

Then log off and log back in with another account (not the one you want to copy the settings from). Right-click on My Computer and click Properties. Click the Advanced tab, and then click the Settings button under User Profiles. Highlight the account that you want to copy and click the Copy To button. In the Copy profile to box, you need to enter the path of the new account's profile. You can also click the Browse button and locate it that way. It's usually C:\Documents and Settings\<accountname>.

 

[AFS16554]

Hi Bonk and Doublehelix,

Yes, I could do that but like you said it'd still have to be tweaked. I will try it Doublehelix and I will let you know how it goes. Thanks guys.

 

[AFS16554]

DoubleHelix,

IT WORKED BEAUTIFULLY! I'm on the "cloned" account now and it looks exactly like the original. Thanks for your help and everyone else's it is greatly appreciated!!!

-AFS16554-

 

[Dan O]

Doublehelix,

Nice job assisting the user!