WinMe, keep multiple users settings seperate

[Arctic Fox]

So, after screwing things up on my computer, I've decided to ask here. :D

I need to have multiple users on my computer, each one having different settings, shortcuts, etc on the desktop. Also, if a user doesn't type a name and/or password, I'd like the system not to deviate from the logon alert. IE; it will keep asking for name/password until one of the correct ones is entered.

At the moment, there are three options on what I have so far;

1) No name/password - goes to a stripped down version of the desktop with no program files and boring colours.

2) Name1 & Password - goes to basic destop, customized background/colours, some program files/shortcuts.

3) Me & my PW - nothing held back! ;)


My main problem is if I add shortcuts on Me&my section, they also appear in the other options. If I delete them in the other options, they get deleted from Me&my section. :mad:

And as said above, I'd like the user to have to enter the correct name/PW without clicking "cancel" and still ending up on a desktop...

Can anyone help me with this? :D

[Roy Sinclair]

It sounds like you need to upgrade to XP which has real security and not the semblance of security found in the 9x/ME versions.

[Arctic Fox]

LOL!

What I really need is a real computer! This 334MHz is not worth putting too much money into at this time... :D Just trying to get by with what I have on hand.

[Skyzyx]

I copied this from the help file at WinGuides.com. I really hope I'm not violating any laws or anything. Here's the registry tweak to force users to logon (cannot skip logon by clicking Cancel).

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Force Users to Logon to Windows
(Windows 95/98/Me)

Usually users can simply press 'Cancel' at the Windows logon box to bypass the login process and gain access to the local computer. This tweak will logout the user if the authentication fails or the user clicks Cancel.

Like all registry tweaks, this is for advanced users, please do not attempt to try this if you are not confident with the Windows registry and recovering from any subsequent problems.

Firstly, setup your computer for multiple users by using the 'Users' wizard in the Control Panel. Create a new user in addition to any existing users, then restart Windows and login as the new user (this will become your new default account).

While you are logged in open your registry and expand the [HKEY_USERS] key, there should be several sub-folders including ".DEFAULT", "Software" and a folder corresponding to the new username you created above.

Open the key listed below (if the 'Run' key does not already exist then create it), and create a new string value named "NoLogon", and set the value to equal "RUNDLL32 shell32,SHExitWindowsEx 0".

Log-off and now when you login using the new username you should gain access to the desktop, but when you press Cancel or enter the wrong password the desktop should partially load, and then the computer should return to the login screen.

Note: If you have problems with this tweak, press F8 while the "Starting Windows 98..." boot-up message is showing, and select Safe Mode. Then open your registry and delete the "NoLogon" key created above.

Note: Once this tweak has been implemented any subsequent users accounts that are created will inherit the 'NoLogon' value and therefore reboot when they login. To avoid this; when you first create a new user, open the key below for the newly created account name (e.g. [HKEY_USERS\jdoe]) and remove the 'NoLogon' value.


Settings:
User Key: [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
Name: NoLogon
Type: REG_SZ (String Value)


Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.
Last Modified: September 11, 2000
Copyright © 1998-2002 WinGuides.com. All Rights Reserved.
****************************

As for other users, you'll have to set those up manually. WinXP has a "Guest" option, but for WinMe, you've got no choice but to set up other users manually.

Also, don't store your desktop stuff in c:\windows\desktop, as this is the "everyone" desktop. Store them in your profile, which I believe is c:\windows\profiles\yourname\desktop

[Arctic Fox]

Darn(!). Already tried that, but it gave WinMe problems - locks up at the login...

Anything else? I think maybe there is no solution for WinME...