Working with .admx templates within legacy Windows 2000/2003 Domains

As many of you know, Vista/W7/2008 all use .admx files, and while server 2008 already has the correct group policy templates, what if you have a client which is still running on just Windows 2000/2003 domain controllers and you need access to the .admx templates for IE8 or Vista/W7 policy changes.

All you need in that environment is an Vista/W7/2008 system (does not need to be a DC) and you can install the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) – which is part of the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT). From there, you can load the new ADMX files, such as inetres.admx for IE8, and manage those policies even on a legacy domain.

One more note of caution. You’ll want/need to use that system for all future GP changes since the GPMC in 2003 will not know how to read/change the newer policy templates.

Enjoy