First off... just wanted to say thanks for ALL the help i've received from those who reply to some of my insanely odd,perhaps not so sounding tech savy questions!!!! On my laptop where i had installed ALL the software i use on a day to day basis on a local profile is still there but i have now setup my Windows 2003 Server and added an account using my same name but now the profile is roaming and resides on the DC. When i logon now with my laptop i choose to connect to my Domain and not Local. I copied over my local profile to the Domain Controller so i'll have now have the same programs and what not listed in my start menu as i did once before when i just had the local logon. I have folder redirection setup and it seems to take a bit longer to load, as it loading my larger profile from the DC. I solved my first issue with the DNS not being properly configured which SLOOOOOOWED down the logon. That has now been fixed. My question(s): 1) Is there a way to NOT DO the folder redirection for my 'start/programs' settings and have the pulled locally from my laptop instead of from the DC? 2) Will copying the settings from my roaming profile to the "Local/All Users/" folder on my laptop allow me to see those now that they're on the local box or is it still being pulled from the DC? Essentially i'm trying to be able to see my local "start menu/programs and settings" i once had before i setup my account as roaming on the DC.

On the laptop, you could change the type of profile to Local rather than Roaming. Soylent Green is PEOPLE!!!

"1) Is there a way to NOT DO the folder redirection for my 'start/programs' settings and have the pulled locally from my laptop instead of from the DC?" Once you are at home on your laptop, I assume the DC controls everything once you log on (and being a laptop I assume a wireless connection that picks up your DNS from your local access point)you should get the roaming profile, The roaming profile is used so you have the same settings no matter where you are once you log onto your domain. You could be in a motel in Timbukfuk and if you have a VPN set up correctly dial up your Domain and have the exact same settings as you do locally just turning the computer on. Sounds to me like you have roaming profile issues. Say if you were in Timbukfuk and just used a local dial up number for internet access,, do you have the same progtams in your start and what not? Mark Stevens B.S. Information Security Systems

Essentially whats happening is when i log on using my laptop, it seem to be pulling the start menu/program from the 'All Users' in Documents and settings. However, pardon the "dumb question", but if i were log on to another computer, would i not need the software installed as shown on my start menu in order for the to run?