KB ID 0001339 

Problem

We have had ADMX files for group policies for ages now, they are the successor to the older ADM files. They only really trip you up if you have something unusual to do, (like roll out LAPS, or Forefront, or Customising Office Deployments.)

In most cases you will want to have a central store in your Windows domain, so the clients can see the ADMX files, (and ultimately enforce the policies within them). 

Solution

You probably already have ADMX files on your windows clients/servers,  look in C:\Windows\PolicyDefinisions. So if you have installed any new ADMX files, they will get put in this folder on your local machine, (or domain controller).

Do you already have a central PolicyDefinitions store? It’s easy  to find out, from any domain joined machine, run the following command;

If theres a PolicyDefinitions folder already there, half your work has been done for you!

Copying Files to the Central PolicyDefinitions Store

ADMX Files are usually accompanied by an ADML file, while the ADMX files live in the PolicyDefinitions folder, the ADML files are ‘location specific’, if you look in your PolicyDefinitions folder you will see another sub folder for your ‘locale’. Below you can see mine is en-US (English US) your ADML files will live in here.

IMPORTANT: As you can see, (below). I’ve navigated to the PolicyDefinitions folder ON A DOMAIN CONTROLLER, at the following path;

DON’T Try and copy the folder, (or ADMX and ADML) files to the network path of SYSVOL, or you ‘may’ get permission errors, (see error below).

You can simply copy the entire PolicyDefitions folder across if it does not already exist, or copy individual ADMX/ADML files (to the folder locations outlined above).

Now on your domain controller, Administrative tools > Group Policy Management console, create (or edit and existing policy). If you are setup correctly you should see this;

If something is wrong you will see this;

Copying PolicyDefinisions and ADMX/ADML Files: Access Denied

If this happens, you need to ensure you are NOT trying to copy folders or files to the network path of the SYSVOL folder, Open the LOCAL path to the SYSVOL folder directly on a domain controller.

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

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