How can I enable the old NTCONFIG.POL to be used by Windows 2000 clients?

John Savill

January 8, 2000

1 Min Read
ITPro Today logo in a gray background | ITPro Today

A. By default Windows 2000 based clients don't use NTCONFIG.POLbut instead use Group Policy Objects (GPO) as defined in the Active Directory.NT 4.0 clients still use NTCONFIG.POL even in a 2000 domain.

It used to be possible (pre RC2, build 2128) to enable the 2000 clients to use NTCONFIG.POL however youshould have a good reason as GPOs are superior to the old system policies. Thishas been removed due to complications in implementation. 

To enable system policies (NTCONFIG.POL) perform the following pre build 2128are as follows:

  1. Start the Active Directory Users and Computers MMC snap-in (Start - Programs - Administrative Tools - Active Directory Users and Computers)

  2. Right click on the root domain name, for example savilltech.com and select Properties

  3. Select the 'Group Policy' tab

  4. Select the 'Default Domain Policy' GPO and click Edit

  5. The Group Policy MMC snap-in will be started with the domain GPO at the root

  6. Move to Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesSystemGroup Policy

  7. Double click 'Disable system policy' and set to Disabled. Click OK
    Click here to view image
    Disabling disable system policy means enable the system policy, two minus's make a plus :-)

  8. Close the Group Policy MMC

The updated GPO will take effect on the client the next time you logon (itwill actually take effect max 90 minutes after you make the change but this onlyaffects logon).

This update actually changes registry value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystemDisableNT4Policyto 0.

About the Author

John Savill

John Savill

https://savilltech.net

See more from John Savill
Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.
Newsletter Sign-Up

You May Also Like

Editor's Choice

a stressed employee at their laptop and collaboration icons gone amok
Unified Communications
Microsoft Teams Is Acting Up. What Can We Do?Microsoft Teams Is Acting Up. What Can We Do?
byBrien Posey
Sep 12, 2024
4 Min Read
person placing a block between two columns of blocks
IT Management
Data Skills Gap Is Hampering Productivity; Is Upskilling the Answer?Data Skills Gap Is Hampering Productivity; Is Upskilling the Answer?
byNathan Eddy
Sep 7, 2024
7 Min Read
data privacy quiz sample question above a desk
Data Privacy
Data Privacy Quiz: 20 Questions To Test Your KnowledgeData Privacy Quiz: 20 Questions To Test Your Knowledge
byIan Horowitz
Aug 30, 2024
1 Min Read
Exclusive ITPro Resources
See all ITPro Resources

Featured How Tos

tablet with "cloud computing" on the screen on top of financial documents and calculator
Cloud Computing
Guide to Cloud Computing ETFsGuide to Cloud Computing ETFs
A cartoon of a person sitting at a computer, with speech bubbles—one from the person saying Hello and one from the computer responding with Hello
PowerShell
PowerShell Speech Recognition: How To Set up Voice Commands and ResponsesPowerShell Speech Recognition: Set up Voice Commands and Responses
Migrating From VMware Guide cover
VMWare
Migrating From VMware: Guide to a Successful TransitionMigrating From VMware: Guide to a Successful Transition
Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.
Newsletter Sign-Up
Trending

Recent What Is

list of domains within the umbrella category of IT security
IT Security
What Is IT Security? Essentials of IT Security ExplainedWhat Is IT Security? Essentials of IT Security Explained
ITPro Today's tech careers quick reference guide cover
Career Management
Tech Careers: Quick Reference Guide to IT Job TitlesTech Careers: Quick Reference Guide to IT Job Titles