User profile is a set of data that keeps information about the software settings specific to a particular user. User profile contains, for example, the information about the colors used to display various elements of the Windows user interface, the wallpaper and screensaver the user has selected, the customized settings of the programs the user used, etc.

Initially, after you have installed Windows, user profiles are not enabled, and all users of the computer share the same settings. If you want each user of your computer to be able to customize the settings of the programs separately and independently on each other, you need to enable the user profiles, and then create a separate user profile for each user.

This section describes how to enable user profiles on a stand-alone computer, not connected to a network. For complete information please refer to the Windows Resource Kit.

• Step 1. Backup the Registry, in case of emergency. Also, if you use any security tools (such as Folder Guard), disable them, since they may interfere with the creation of the user profiles.

• Step 2. Prepare the Desktop: arrange folders and shortcuts on the Desktop as you want them to appear for each user when the user first logs on to Windows under his or her own name. Move those items which you don’t want to be used by other users into a separate folder somewhere on your hard disk; later, you will be able to return them to your personal Desktop, when you log on under your own name. Do the same with the Start Menu; its contents is maintained by Windows in the C:\Windows\Start Menu folder).

• Step 3. Enable user profiles: Open Control Panel - Passwords, select the User Profiles page and check the Users can customize their preferences and desktop settings option. Also check both options in the User Profile settings group, on the same page. Press OK and restart Windows.

• Step 4. Create user profiles: When Windows reboots, enter your name and password at the logon prompt and let Windows save your personalized settings for future use. Log off and repeat this procedure for all other users of your computer. You may also wish to create a profile for a Guest user, just in case.

• Step 5. Restore your Desktop and Start Menu: log on under your own name and move all items you’ve saved while performing Step 2 back to your Desktop and Start Menu. Also, if you use security tools, don't forget to re-enable them.

Note: If you use Windows 98, or Windows 95 with Internet Explorer 4.0 or later, you may also wish to use the Control Panel - Users command to manipulate the user profiles.