How to automatically create a new Outlook 2000 profile on login

PROBLEM
When a new user signs in for the first time, his/her Outlook profile must be manually configured. This can be especially problematic on a public system (e.g. boardroom, Citrix server, or other public terminal).

SOLUTION
Using the NEWPROF.EXE utility, included with Outlook 2000, and a pre-generated .PRF "profile settings" file, a new profile can be created on the user's first login. See this TechByte for an example .PRF file for use with NEWPROF.EXE.

Copy NEWPROF.EXE and the pre-generated .PRF file to a commonly available location on the PC's local hard drive (as network paths may not be available).

- Login as a user with Administrator rights and run REGEDT32 on Windows 2000 or regedit on Windows XP or Windows 2003.
- Load C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\NTUSER.DAT
- In the loaded hive, browse to Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Runonce
- Create a new String Value (the name is not important, though you might consider the Exchange server for consistency). Give it the value {path}\NEWPROF.EXE -p "{path and filename to .PRF}"
- Unload the hive and close Regedit.

When a new user logs in for the first time, a new Outlook profile with default settings will now be created.

Outlook 2003 has the ability to create profiles from .PRF files built-in and does not require the NEWPROF.EXE utility. Please see this Techbyte for more information.

Author: ASAK
Created: Sep 19 2005 (last modified May 12 2008)
Categories: Outlook
TechByte #12

Warning: By visiting this site and/or by using any information contained herein, you agree to the Techbytes.ca terms of use.