Windows Vista domains and user accounts

Question

My computer was set up as part of my work domain. Since then, we've stopped using a VPN, and actually taken the domain server offline. I continued to use my computer as normal, logging in as DOMAIN/Username.

Recently, while trying to set up a home network, I switched my computer from the domain to a local workgroup, since I no longer needed to access my work VPN. Predictable to apparently anyone but me, this caused my user account to essentially vanish upon my next reboot. Many of my programs are unavailable, all of my settings and many of my files are inaccessible.

At this point, I can't even undo the change, since the domain server is no longer active. Is there any way that I can access my old user account through different means, or at least clone all of the programs and settings to a new user account? This is kind of like starting with a fresh install, and not in a good way.

Answer 1

If you just want the files you need to go to C:\users\username.domain

Right click on that folder > Properties > Security > Advanced > Owner > Edit

From there change the owner to your new account and check the box that says apply to all subcontainers.

This will give you full access to your old profile folder to move the files to your new profile (Documents, pictures, etc).

If you installed some applications as "this user only" instead of for "all users" there's not a whole lot you can do. You're better off just reinstalling them

Answer 2

You will have to login again under that domain and export the settings you want to export once logged in... It won't be easy to get to your settings otherwise.