Accessing profiles/directories of network accounts after domain removal

:!: This should only be done by graduating students!  If you will be a returning student and are away from campus, the IT department is unable to remotely add your machine back to the domain.

After removing your computer from the Olin domain, you will find that your Desktop and My Documents folders have seemingly disappeared – they have not, you are using a different user profile when you log onto your computer.  

All of your old files will be located under various folders found in the location: C:\Users\jstudent or C:\Users\jstudent.MILKYWAY.

Some of these folders are protected system folders and will not show unless you enable them. To enable them:

  • In Windows Explorer, click on Organize.  
  • Click on Folder and Search Options.
  • Click on the View tab.
  • Uncheck Hide protected operating system files and turn on Show hidden files and folders.