not advisable but u can take some of the settings (registry keys) and make a merge file so u can add your settings
for that to work u must have the same user name
thats what i do
 
2nd question
hkey_local_machine
hkey_current _user

I under the same user name. I assume I would do that first.
What registry files and how do you do a merge?

this is the way i do it but im sure there is an easier way which im sure our other fine forum contributers will point out.
 
in regedit open the key u want to keep and right click on it
export it to a file.
i always keep my explorer root and explorer advanced settings
the file will be a .reg
right click and EDIT... dont doubleclick or merge
then remove the settings u dont want on the new system
 
then after u install the new system doubleclick the saved file and it will transfer all the settings.
 
please be careful and practice if u arent very familier with these things because i am not aware of any way to undo a registry merge other than to restore a backup... so make backups

I personally set up one account as I want it, then copy that profile (System>User Profiles) to the "Default User" folder under Documents & Settings - making sure to back it up first "just in case" of course
 
Works for me....

Quote:I personally set up one account as I want it, then copy that profile (System>User Profiles) to the "Default User" folder under Documents & Settings - making sure to back it up first "just in case" of course

Works for me....That would be ok to create another user on the same computer without re-installing the O/S, but how could that work on a new install on another computer or even the same computer from scratch.

I'm talking about re-installing 2k on the same box without spending a hour or so doing all the tweaking on Window size, color, font, position, and the other dozens and dozens of settings that make a customized Windows install.

Videobruce, this is slightly OT, but here's a recommendation I have to add to your custom .reg settings:
 
-Start cmd.reg-
 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
 
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor]
"CompletionChar"=dword:00000009
 
-End cmd.reg-
 
This will enable autocomplete at the command prompt, by pressing 'TAB'. Give it a shot, it's really useful for long pathnames.

adamvjackson: two things;
what does OT mean?
and I really don't understand your post regarding my problem since it doesn't have anything to do with long pathnames!

OT means off-topic..

Yep..off topic, but thanks anyway!