How to enable Windows 9x client to use home directory in Windows 2000/2003 domain environment

Author: Yuval Sinay MVP

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SYMPTOMS

After migration from NT4 domain to Windows 2000/2003 domain, Windows 9x clients cant use regular home directory mapping. For example, if you configured home directory in "Active Directory Users and Computers" \\server\%username% - the drive wouldnt be map as used to be.

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CAUSE

There few common problems that limit the use of regular settings of home directory in Windows 2000/2003 domain:

1. Windows 95/98/Me Users Cannot Process a Logon Script

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;274442

2. %UserName% Variable Is Not Supported in Windows 95/98/Me

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q193808

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RESOLUTION

There few ways to workaround Windows 9x limitations:

1. a. Configure home directory for the user in "Active Direcotory Users and Computers".
    b. Use "net use X: /home" in the logon script.

     X = The drive that was configured in step 1a as the logical drive for home directory mapping.

2. How to Set Up KiXtart Logon Scripts for a Windows 95 Client

   http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;162793

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MORE INFORMATION

How to enable Windows 98/ME/NT clients to logon to Windows 2003 based Domains

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;%5bLN%5d;555038

%UserName% Variable Is Not Supported in Windows 95/98/Me
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q193808

How to Set Up KiXtart Logon Scripts for a Windows 95 Client

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;162793

HOW TO: Assign a Home Folder to a User
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=816313

Windows 95/98/Me Users Cannot Process a Logon Script
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;274442

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APPLIES TO

Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 Standard Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition

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kbpubtypecca kbpubmvp kbhowto KB555051

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