CEE Domain Network Storage 

Computer laboratories maintained by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department are controlled by domain servers.  The following information is intended to assist the user in understanding what happens during the logon procedure and how they can help themselves and others by properly managing where personal network accessed data and files are stored.

User accounts are created and maintained on domain controllers. The accounts established consist of a 'roaming' profile folder and a stationary users folder. These secured folders are owned by the user and are accessed during the logon process. 

When a user logs on to any domain computer, the contents of the roaming profile folder is downloaded to the workstation and copied to the 'C:\Document and Settings' folder. The purpose of the roaming profile is to ensure that the user sees the same desktop and settings on all domain computers.  Additionally, the user is connected to the shared drive (Z:) where their personal users folder resides. Both folders have the same name as the users login name. For instance: for a login name of rfrank, the users folder is Z:\rfrank and the profile folder is C:\Document and Settings\rfrank

When the user logs off, the contents of the user's profile folder is copied back to the file server and the folder erased from the workstation. This is done to conserve valuable disk space on the workstation. The amount of time it takes for a user to logon (and to logoff), therefore, depends upon the size of the users profile folder.  It's size should be kept to a minimum.

General rules to be considered are:

1. Do not store data in your profile folder. This includes data on your Desktop and in My Documents.  Data and files should be stored in your Z: drive users folder. The contents of this directory is secure, universally available, and above all, not downloaded during the logon process.    
2. There is a limit restriction of 200MB of stored data for all undergraduate accounts. This limit is the combined total of the user's profile and Z: drive folders.  When this limit is reached, your profile will no longer be saved on the server but will be left on the workstation.  Your data may well be lost should the workstation be rebuilt or the folder deleted.
3. Keep your profile size to a minimum.  Instructions for reducing the size of your profile are available at the following:  Why does it take so long to log on.

Your cooperation in the above matters will result in:

1. reduced network traffic,
2. faster logon and logoff times, and
3. continuation of universally accessed personal files and data over the network.

If you need assistance in transferring files from your profile to your users directory see Tom Weber in Sloan 132.