Folder redirection is a feature in Windows operating system that allows you to redirect the location of certain user-specific folders from their default location to a different location. Common folder redirection refers to the practice of redirecting shared folders, such as those found on a network or shared between multiple users on a computer, to a centralized location. This allows multiple users to access and share files stored in these folders, without the need to copy manually or move files between different locations. The new location can be a folder on the local computer or a directory on a file share.
Common folder redirection can be used in organizations where multiple users need to access the same files, such as in a business setting where employees need to access and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations. By redirecting these shared folders to a centralized location, users can easily access and collaborate on these files, improving productivity and efficiency.
The Common Folder Redirection Configuration helps to change the location of the All User Shell folders that are shared by all the users. The All User Shell folders contain common Start Menu, Programs Group, Startup Group, Desktop and application data shared by all the users. For the redirection of the user-specific folders in the computer, refer Redirecting User-Specific Folders.
Provide a name and description for the Common Folder Redirection Configuration.
Select the values for the following fields that require change in settings. For each of the fields in the following table, click the Browse button next to the corresponding field to launch Network Browser window. Select the folder location and click OK button. If this field is left blank, the corresponding folder settings is left unchanged.
The following table provides a brief description about the common folders that can be redirected using Endpoint Central.
|
Field |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Common Start Menu* |
Contains the shortcuts that appear in the start menu that are common for all the users of the computer. |
|
Common Programs Group* |
Contains the shortcuts that appear in the Programs group of the start menu that are common for all the users of the computer. |
|
Common Startup Group* |
Contains the shortcuts that appear in Start --> Programs --> Startup menu. This specifies the applications that should be started during the startup of the system. |
|
Common Desktop* |
Contains the shortcuts and files that appear in the desktop that are common for all the users of the computer. |
|
Common Application Data* |
Contains the application data that are shared by all the users (C:/Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data). |
* - Click the 
icon to select and assign a dynamic variable to this parameter.
Using the Defining Targets procedure, define the targets for deploying the Common Folder Redirection Configuration.
Click the Deploy button to deploy the defined Common Folder Redirection Configuration in the defined targets. The configuration will take effect during the next user logon.
To save the configuration as draft, click Save as Draft.
