Implementing the %SERVERNAME% Environment Variable In Profiles

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When you have configured a user's profile path in User Manager, the entry looks similar to this:

The %SERVERNAME% variable provides load balancing and performance improvements. As Administrator, you can spread the load of processing user profiles to another server by setting the SERVERNAME environment variable to the name that is located close to the workstation. When a user logs into the domain, they are directed to \\%SERVERNAME%, where %SERVERNAME% has been set to the name of a server, for example, "Server1".

The profile server should be close to the client's computer (not located across a slow link) to expedite log on. For example, on all workstations in Phoenix, set the variable to a Server name that is located in Phoenix. On workstations in Seattle, set the variable to a Server name that is located in Seattle. That way, when a user is in Phoenix, his or her logon script is executed on a controller in Phoenix. When that user visits Seattle, his or her logon script is executed on a controller in Seattle.

Setting the Environment Variable On Workstation Using A Server

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Log on to a to the domain as "Administrator".
2. Run the Registry Editor (REGEDIT32.EXE) and select the workstation's computer name from the list.
3. Be sure to select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE of the workstation you have connected to, not your computers' HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
4. From the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, go to the following key:
   
   \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Mgr\Environment
5. From the Edit menu, select Add Value.
6. Enter the following:
   
   Value Name: SERVERNAME
   Data Type: REG_SZ
   String: <Server1>
7. Click OK and quit the Registry Editor.
8. Shut down and restart Windows NT.
9. Open User Manager on a domain controller.
10. Edit one of the user accounts. For example:"user1". In the Profile, set the User's Profile Path to:
    \\%SERVERNAME%\share\user1.usr
    Make sure that there is a shared directory on Server1.
11. Exit User Manager.
12. Enter the User Profile Editor.
13. Select the user that you want to access this profile, "user1".
14. Make the appropriate changes.
15. Save this to a file and place it on \\<Server1>\<share>.
16. Have the user log on to the domain.

NOTE: The directory where the profiles reside must be shared. In this example, the directory PROFILES was given a share name of "share". This must be done on every Server that participates. In this case, there is only one Server (Server1) involved.