Directories in Roaming Profiles Reappear (814923)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP6a
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0 SP6a
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP6a

SYMPTOMS

If you use a user account configured for a server-based profile and log on to more than one computer at the same time, when you delete folders that you have created on your desktop or other folders that roam as part of your profile, these folders may re-appear after you log off and log on again.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because you are logging on to more than one computer at the same time. These may be terminal server logons or console logons. To avoid data loss, the profile engine does not delete the folders on the server copy of the profile that you have created on other computers.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, delete the profile on all the computers except one, and then delete both the folder on the last computer and the server copy of the profile.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, enable the Delete cached copies of roaming profiles policy in the Ntconfig.pol file.

STATUS

This behavior is by design. Microsoft considers the current behavior in Windows NT 4.0 to be safer and does not plan to change it.

MORE INFORMATION

The profile engine in later versions of Windows is more powerful and does not have this issue.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/20/2003
Keywords:kbnofix kbprb KB814923
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.