In part I of this tip, I introduced you to user account templates and provided you with the steps to create a template. Further on this topic, there are a few best practices you should keep in mind when creating a user template.

• When naming the user template, place a zero or an underscore at the beginning of the user name so it will be at the top of the list when you open the Users container.
• For simplicity purposes, use the same password for all user templates.
• Configure the password so it does not expire.
• Disable all user templates. This can be done by right clicking the account and selecting the Disable option.

Once you have your user template created and have configured all the necessary account properties, you are ready to use the template to create user accounts.

Right click the template you want to use and click Copy. Type in the name of the user as well as the logon name that will be used. Click Next and type in a password for the account that adheres to your company’s password policy. Clear the Password never expires option and the Account is disabled option. Select the User must change password at next logon option. Click next and click Finish.

You will not have to configure any of the account properties because they are copied from the template.

Tags: windows server 2003, user account template, diana huggins, microsoft