How to run a logon script one time when a new user logs on (284193)

SUMMARY

This article describes how to configure a logon script, or program to run one time. These steps apply only to new users who have never logged on to the computer. If a user already has a local user profile, or a roaming profile, the script will not run.

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Configure a Script to Run Once When a New User Logs On

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

The Default User profile is created when Windows is installed. The first time a user logs on to a workstation (or domain), the Default User profile is copied to the user's profile.

To configure a script to run one time when a new user logs on, follow these steps:

1. At a command prompt, type regedt32.exe.
2. Click HKEY_USERS on the Windows menu.
3. Click HKEY_USERS in the left panel, and then click Load Hive on the Registry menu.
4. Locate the Profilepath\Default User\Ntuser.dat file, and then click Open. Give the hive a name such as "Test" when you are prompted.
   
   NOTE: The Ntuser.dat file is hidden. If you are unable to locate, or load the Ntuser.dat file, in Windows Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Folder Options, and on the View tab, make sure that Hide file extensions for known file types is not selected, and that Show hidden files and folders is selected.For additional information about Windows 2000 User Profile storage, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   228445 User Profile Storage in Windows 2000

5. Locate the following registry key where "test" is the name given to the loaded Ntuser.dat hive:

   HKEY_USERS\Test\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Runonce

6. Click the Runonce key in the left pane, and then click Add Value on the Edit menu.
7. Enter the following information for the new value:

   Value name: test.bat (you can name this anything)
   Data Type: REG_SZ
   String: c:\test.bat (this is the path to the file, and the file name)

8. Click the "Test" hive, and then click Unload Hive on the Registry menu.

As mentioned above, this will run for a user who does not already have a user profile. Any local User Profiles will be listed on the User Profile tab in System properties.

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