Local Group Policy Folder Redirection (HKCU User Shell)

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In Brief

Enable folder redirection through local group policy.

Vitals

Posted:	8 Apr 2004
File Size:	2KB
License:	Free
Download:	/coolsolutions/tools/downloads/hkcu_user_shell.zip
Publisher:	David Brightman

Disclaimer

Please read the note from our friends in legal before using this file.

Details

If you'd like to redirect folders like "My Documents" through local Windows Group Policies, you undoubtedly know that you can't do it. As it says in TID #10078467 "Microsoft has moved "Custom Folders" from Extensible Policies (in Windows 9x and NT 4.0) to "Folder Redirection" in AD Domain Group Policies. ZENworks for Desktops manages local Windows Group Policies, not Active Directory Group Policies."

Here's what Microsoft says about it: "Local Group Policy objects do not support Folder Redirection or Software Installation"

Solution

I have created an ADM template which can be used to enable folder redirection through local Group Policy, as used by ZfD. I have tested this with a customer running ZfD3.2, who uses it to re-direct 'My Documents' (Personal) and Templates.

Here is a quick why and how, and a zip containing the ADM template as well as a REG file that can be used to reset the 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders' to the default (i.e. %USERPROFILE%\....) - useful for administrators who inadvertently change their own settings whilst using the group policy editor!

This policy template allows folder redirection through a local Group Policy, using an administrative template.This can be added to the Group Policy by selecting User Configuration->Administrative Templates; Action->Add/Remove Templates.Add, then specify the path to the HKCUUserShellFolders.adm file (in zip file below).

Important: You need to uncheck "Show Policies Only" (MMC with GP->Local Computer Policy->User Configuration->Administrative Templates->View) to get the options to display N.B. AS THESE DO NOT EXIST UNDER EITHER THE Software\Policies OR Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies REGISTRY SUBKEYS. THEY ARE NOT "True policies" and hence are persistent - take care, especially when editing!!

I have attached a registry file that contains the defaultsettings, so this can be merged once you have edited the settings to getyour own profile back in shape!

The author of this tool takes no responsibility whatsoever for the performance or effects of this tool. Proceed at your own risk.

hkcu_user_shell_folders_default.reg included within the ZIP file.

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Reader Comments

• Absolute Life saver!
• This was more useful to me than all of the evil empire's folder redirection documentation combined.
• Thank you, thank you!!! Just what I needed. Works great.
• This was a lifesaver, again! And top ranked result in google too, impressive.
• Works great in ZEN 4 environment also!
• Extremly useful and easy, just the way I like it.
• May want to consider using %Homeshare% instead of %UserProfile% for some of these. I use the former for anything that i expect the user to want to get at directly e.g. %Homeshare%\MyDocuments