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Folder redirection is a useful feature in Windows Server 2012 R2 that allows you to redirect the user’s folders to a network location. This can be beneficial in an enterprise environment as it helps centralize user data and improve data security. However, there may be situations where you want to stop folder redirection for certain users or groups. This blog post will guide you through the process of stopping folder redirection on Windows Server 2012 R2.
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What’s Needed
To stop folder redirection on Windows Server 2012 R2, you will need administrative access to the server. You should also have a good understanding of the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC). Additionally, it is recommended to have a backup of the user’s redirected folders before making any changes.
What Requires Your Focus?
Stopping folder redirection requires your focus as it involves modifying Group Policy settings. You should carefully review the Group Policy objects (GPOs) that are being applied to the users or groups you want to stop folder redirection for. Making changes to the wrong GPOs or settings can have unintended consequences.
Method 1: How to Stop Folder Redirection via Group Policy
Before we begin, it’s important to note that this method will stop folder redirection for all users or groups affected by the specified GPO. If you want to stop folder redirection for specific users or groups, you will need to create a new GPO and apply it selectively.
1. Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) on your Windows Server 2012 R2.
2. Navigate to the GPO that is currently applying folder redirection.
3. Right-click on the GPO and select "Edit".
4. In the Group Policy Management Editor, go to "User Configuration" > "Policies" > "Windows Settings" > "Folder Redirection".
5. Right-click on the folder that is being redirected and select "Properties".
6. In the Properties dialog, select the "Target folder location" tab.
7. Select the option "Redirect the folder back to the local userprofile location" and click "Apply" and then "OK".
8. Close the Group Policy Management Editor.
9. Run "gpupdate /force" on the affected client computers or wait for the policy to be refreshed automatically.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to stop folder redirection for all affected users or groups. | 1. May require creating a separate GPO to selectively stop folder redirection. |
| 2. Provides a centralized method to manage folder redirection settings. | 2. Changes will affect all users or groups affected by the specified GPO. |
| 3. Can be easily reverted by modifying the GPO settings again. | 3. Requires administrative access and knowledge of GPMC. |
Method 2: How to Stop Folder Redirection via Registry
This method allows you to stop folder redirection by modifying the registry on the affected client computers. It is useful when you want to stop folder redirection for specific users or groups without creating separate GPOs.
1. Log in to the affected client computer with administrative privileges.
2. Press "Windows + R" to open the Run dialog, type "regedit", and press Enter.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
4. Look for the registry value that corresponds to the folder being redirected (e.g., "Desktop", "Documents", "Pictures").
5. Right-click on the registry value and select "Modify".
6. Change the value data to the local userprofile location (e.g., "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop", "%USERPROFILE%\Documents", "%USERPROFILE%\Pictures").
7. Click "OK" to save the changes.
8. Repeat the steps for each affected client computer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to stop folder redirection for specific users or groups on individual client computers. | 1. Requires manual modification of the registry on each affected client computer. |
| 2. Provides flexibility to selectively stop folder redirection without affecting other users or groups. | 2. Changes may be overwritten if the GPO that applies folder redirection is refreshed. |
| 3. Can be easily reverted by restoring the original registry values. | 3. Requires administrative access and knowledge of registry editing. |
Method 3: How to Stop Folder Redirection via PowerShell
If you prefer using PowerShell to stop folder redirection, you can utilize the Set-GPRegistryValue cmdlet to modify the registry on the affected client computers. This method is similar to Method 2 but allows for automation and remote management.
1. Open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
2. Run the following command to stop folder redirection for a specific registry value:
Set-GPRegistryValue -Name "GPOName" -Key "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders" -ValueName "RegistryValue" -Type String -Value "LocalUserProfileLocation"
Replace "GPOName" with the name of the GPO that applies folder redirection.
3. Repeat the command for each affected registry value and client computer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to stop folder redirection for specific users or groups on multiple client computers. | 1. Requires knowledge of PowerShell and the Set-GPRegistryValue cmdlet. |
| 2. Provides automation capabilities for bulk management of folder redirection settings. | 2. Changes may be overwritten if the GPO that applies folder redirection is refreshed. |
| 3. Can be easily reverted by running the appropriate Set-GPRegistryValue command. | 3. Requires administrative access and PowerShell execution policy configuration. |
Method 4: How to Stop Folder Redirection via Folder Properties
If you need to stop folder redirection for a single user or group without making changes to Group Policy or the registry, you can manually modify the folder properties.
1. Log in to the affected client computer with administrative privileges.
2. Navigate to the redirected folder (e.g., "Desktop", "Documents", "Pictures").
3. Right-click on the folder and select "Properties".
4. In the Properties dialog, go to the "Location" tab.
5. Select the option "Restore default" or "Restore original location".
6. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
7. Repeat the steps for each redirected folder and affected client computer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to stop folder redirection for a single user or group without affecting others. | 1. Requires manual modification on each affected client computer. |
| 2. Provides a quick and easy method to revert folder redirection for specific cases. | 2. Changes may be overwritten if the GPO that applies folder redirection is refreshed. |
| 3. Does not require administrative access or advanced technical knowledge. | 3. May not be suitable for large-scale deployment or automation. |
Why Can’t I Stop Folder Redirection?
There can be several reasons why you may encounter difficulties stopping folder redirection. Here are a few common reasons and their potential fixes:
1. Folder redirection is applied by multiple GPOs: If multiple GPOs apply folder redirection settings, it can be challenging to stop folder redirection. To fix this, review the order in which GPOs are applied and ensure you modify the correct GPO or create a new GPO that takes precedence.
2. Folder redirection is enforced: Enforced GPOs take precedence and cannot be overridden by other GPOs. If folder redirection is enforced, you will need to modify the enforced GPO or remove the enforcement to stop folder redirection.
3. Folder redirection is applied to organizational units (OUs) or security groups: If folder redirection is applied at the OU or security group level, you will need to modify the GPOs or security group membership to stop folder redirection. Ensure you have the appropriate permissions and consult with system administrators or IT personnel if necessary.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides potential fixes for common issues encountered while stopping folder redirection. | 1. Fixes may require advanced technical knowledge or administrative access. |
| 2. Helps troubleshoot and resolve issues preventing the successful stopping of folder redirection. | 2. Fixes may vary depending on the specific environment and configurations. |
| 3. Allows for a better understanding of potential obstacles and their solutions. | 3. Requires careful consideration and testing before implementing fixes. |
Implications and Recommendations
Stopping folder redirection can have various implications, depending on the specific environment and workflows. Here are three recommendations to consider before stopping folder redirection:
1. Assess the impact: Before stopping folder redirection, assess the impact on users and the organization. Consider the potential loss of centralized data management and security benefits. Ensure you have a plan in place to handle the transition and communicate changes to affected users.
2. Backup user data: Before making any changes to folder redirection, ensure you have a backup of user data. This includes the redirected folders and any data stored within them. This precautionary measure helps minimize the risk of data loss or accidental removal of important files.
3. Test changes: It is recommended to test any changes or modifications to folder redirection in a controlled environment before implementing them in a production environment. This allows you to identify and resolve any potential issues or conflicts before they impact users.
5 FAQs about Stopping Folder Redirection
Q1: Will stopping folder redirection delete the existing redirected folders and their contents?
A: No, stopping folder redirection will not automatically delete the existing redirected folders or their contents. However, it is recommended to make a backup of the redirected folders before making any changes or modifications.
Q2: Can I selectively stop folder redirection for certain users or groups?
A: Yes, you can selectively stop folder redirection for certain users or groups by creating separate GPOs or modifying the registry on individual client computers. This allows for fine-grained control over which users or groups are affected by folder redirection.
Q3: Can I revert folder redirection after stopping it?
A: Yes, you can revert folder redirection by reapplying the appropriate GPO settings or restoring the original registry values. However, it is important to note that any changes made to the redirected folders during the redirection period may not be automatically restored.
Q4: What happens to the files stored in the redirected folders after stopping folder redirection?
A: The files stored in the redirected folders will remain intact after stopping folder redirection. However, their storage location will be changed back to the local user profile location. It is recommended to educate users about the changes and ensure they are aware of the new storage location.
Q5: Can I stop folder redirection temporarily and then resume it?
A: Yes, you can temporarily stop folder redirection by modifying the GPO settings or registry values. To resume folder redirection, simply revert the changes by applying the appropriate GPO settings or restoring the original registry values.
Final Words
Stopping folder redirection on Windows Server 2012 R2 requires careful planning and consideration. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can effectively stop folder redirection for specific users or groups. Remember to assess the impact, backup user data, and test changes before implementing them in a production environment.