Windows 2000 Config and Domain Problem

[barmstrong]

We configure laptops at our office and then send them out to end users, the laptops we are having problems with have Windows 2000 and Office 2000. We initially configure the laptops with a generic local account called "user." Problems start when the computer is then connected to the domain. I assume they are creating a new account on the server with user rights. After they do that, the user loses all of their settings, apps dont seem to work, Office prompts for the CD. If i have them login locally to their machine then everything still works fine. Can someone explain why this is happening and the best way around it? I would rather not have to send cds to the users. Thanks!

 

[Saltin]

The apps need to be installed under the context of the Admin account obviously.
The first time you try to run it as a user, it will need to do a small install based on that user's settings. The problem is that the user has no rights to install.

Two solutions

1) Put the domain user account for each user into the local admin or power user group on the laptop ( this gives them rights to install)
2) Run the apps once before you hand out the laptops. Log in as the user, and use the runas command. Enter your admin account credentials. You can get the runas by shift-rightclicking the icon or start menu item.

This is a common problem with office configuration in 2k.