When creating new Active Directory users, all administrators want and need flexible options. The Microsoft method of “copying” existing users to create new user accounts is far from effective, efficient, or optimum. What is needed for creating new users is the ability to import from CSV files, use templates for complete user property configuration, and utilize existing user configurations to create the user creation templates. This might be a tall order; but with the right tool, it is a breeze.
To get the full details on using CSV files to import bulk users into Active Directory using ADManager Plus, view this article.
To get the full details on using user creation templates to configure the full array of user properties, view this article.
Now, I will walk you through the final aspect of efficient and effective user creation, which is to utilize an existing user to populate your user creation templates. This is a key function, as many organizations’ existing user accounts can, and should, be used as a template for future user accounts. However, being able to populate a user creation template, then verify the settings are appropriate for future user accounts, is essential.
To create a user creation template based on an existing user account using ADManager Plus you will use the User Creation Template option, shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. User Creation Templates option in ADManager Plus.
Once in the User Creation Template screen, you select the Create New Template option, then you will see the Copy User Attributes option, shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Copy User Attributes allows the creation of a user creation template based on an existing user.
Once you select the existing user, that user’s attributes will be shown in the template so you can alter any of the attributes that you want. Most likely, you will want to ensure that the group membership is accurate, as mature user accounts in Active Directory might have more group membership than most new user accounts need.
Now, with the ability to use an existing user account as the foundation for new user creation templates, you have yet another method to make the creation of new users efficient and effective. If you want to try this technique in your environment, you can download ADManager Plus here.
