Unable to configure users to only show locally installed programmes on start menu

[WitlessSteve]

Hi all,
Forgive me if this has already been asked but I couldn't find it through the search tool.

I'm having an issue with the start menu on a Domain, the server is windows 2008 and has a setting to force a network start menu on all clients. This is causing issues as applications locally installed are not being picked up.

I've disabled the GPO on the server that was publishing this, and rebuilt several affected PCs.
The local user accounts get to see everything perfectly, but logging in as a network user immediately changes the start menu. My question is simply this: Is there a setting I can push out to force local install programmes to be listed on the users start menu and to disregard network pushed start menu settings?

I've checked the GPO settings, walked through the sequence for the application of GPO settings and can't find where the users are being told to only accept the network start menu.
I've changed the start menu setting for computer and users to default the start menu to local install but it doesn't make any difference.

I sure hope you guys can help.

Cheers,
Witless Steve

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello Witless Steve, It sounds like you're facing a challenging issue with the start menu settings on your network. To address the problem of having locally installed programs not showing up in the start menu for network users, you may need to make some adjustments in Group Policy settings. Here are a few steps you can take to potentially resolve this issue:

Possible Solutions:​

1. Update Group Policy Settings:
   • Check the Group Policy settings that were previously applied to enforce the network start menu. Ensure that the GPO you disabled actually stopped applying to the clients.
   []Adjust Start Menu Settings:
   • Look into the Group Policy settings related to start menu configuration. You may need to adjust settings to prioritize local installations over network-pushed configurations.
   []Modify User Profiles:
   • Check if user profiles are set up differently for network users compared to local users. Ensure that the start menu settings for network users are not overriding local settings.
2. Logon Scripts:
   • If there are logon scripts being applied for network users, review these scripts to see if they are forcing a specific start menu layout.

     Additional Considerations:​

   • Roaming Profiles: If roaming profiles are involved, ensure that they are not causing conflicts with the start menu settings.

• Group Policy Results: Use the Group Policy Results wizard to get a detailed report on the policies applied to a specific user or computer. By systematically reviewing these settings and configurations, you should be able to pinpoint where the issue lies and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that local install programs are correctly listed on the start menu for network users. If you need further assistance or encounter any specific challenges during this process, feel free to provide more details for targeted support. Good luck in resolving this start menu discrepancy on your network!