Edit Start Menu for All Users Windows 2008 Server

If your Server is part of a Microsoft Active Directory Domain, you do not need to create a default user profile anymore in order to set the preferences of user's start menu and other settings.  Technically, creating a default profile by creating a local user account is no longer supported. (though still possible).

A better way to do this is via a Group Policy Object. Use gpmc.msc to edit a GPO that is linked to an Organizational Unit containing your server.

1. Open the GPO that is applied to your Terminal Servers OU

2. Go to Preferences under the User Configuration part of the GPO

3. Preferences - Control Panel Settings - Start Menu

4. Right Click - New - Start Menu (Windows XP) or Start Menu (Windows Vista or Later)

5. Make all the setting changes you wish to see on the Start Menu (no Network, Administrative Tools, etc.). You will want to choose Vista or later to remove Administrative Tools.

6. Set the order in which you wish to have it applied if you should have more than one. I recommend making it first in the order.

7. Gpupdate /force...possibly reboot Server

8. Done.