Question : What is "Home Folder" under the user profile tab mean?

When editting a users properties in Active Directory, what does the "Home Folder" mean under the profile tab?

Answer : What is "Home Folder" under the user profile tab mean?

The home folder is a useful tool for helping users manage files. It is mapped automatically when a user logs on and can also be used as a redirect for the users "My Documents" folder. This way all of their documents are stored on the server instead of the local pc which means they will be more likely to be backed up.

You configure them by creating a directory on the server then sharing that folder and setting permissions for that folder. Then under the profile tab in AD users and computers you set a drive letter and point to the created share.

There are a few different ways to set up but the method I prefer is to create hidden shares for the individual user. Here's an example to explain:

This is based on using the D: drive on the server.
I create a directory on the D: drive called users. Then under users create the individual user directory named the same as their network username. I assign NTFS permissions for backup operators and domain admins and Owner. I set the user as the owner of the folder. I then create the share and as the sharename I use username$ . Any sharename ending in a $ is hidden from the browse list. Then on the profile tab in ad users and computers I put in H: for the drive then \\server\%username%$ for the path.

You can redirect the My Documents folder on the individual machines in very small offices or thru Group Policy Object. At the machine right click the "My Documents" folder and put in the path to the share.

To use a group policy I highly recommend you download Group Policy Manager from Microsoft. It can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0a6d4c24-8cbd-4b35-9272-dd3cbfc81887&DisplayLang=en . This very useful for managing a large number of policies and viewing the results of those policies.
Open Group Policy Manager and browse down to the OU that contains your user accounts and right click and select "Create and Link a GPO here"  and name it My Documents Redirection. When the editor opens go to User Configuration > Window Settings > Folder Redirection > My Documents. Double click on My Document and by settings select Basic: use the same location for all users then under target select "redirect to the users home directory". Under the settings tab you have a few options that will let you move the current contents to the new location and control their My Pictures directory.

I hope this helps.

B