Windows server 2008 group policies

I am new to the windows server 2008 and Windows server 2008 group polices and i have to implement group policies in my office.

I have windows server 2008 as DC , and works also as DNS and DHCP server

On client side operating systems are Windows Vista and Windows Xp Sp2?

Hi,

without using anytime before GPOs, i suggest you built yourself a test system to learn how to handle them. Or at least use a Test OU with test computer and test user account.

As a starting point, do not modify the Default domain policy or Default Domain controller policy. Leave them always at the default settings and configure and link additional GPOs when you will change something on that level. In case something fails you can delete the new GPOs and are back.

See here for a starting point:
Windows Server Group Policy Home

Also DNS has to be configured and must run correct that GPOs are applied correct. DNS is the most important role within AD. Make sure that all servers/clients use only the domain DNS server on the NIC and not your ISPs.

Also see this White paper:
White Paper: Administering Group Policy by Using the Group Policy Management Console

Here some additional about Group p[olicy preferences and starter GPOs (check also the included links):
Group Policy related changes in Windows Server 2008 - Part 1: What are Starter GPOs?

__________________
A.Rajesh Khanna

Hi,
I do apply the group polices by creating the test ou and test user. But, the strange thing which i come to that when i logged in with the test user (gpo applied) on Vista machines the group policies get applied and works fine but when i logged on to the Windows Xp Sp2 machines any of the group polies doesnt work.

I dont no why it is happening may be becouse of architectural difference between windows Xp and Windows vista; 2008 server.

OR

Do I have yo install any patches on server side or client side?

HI all,

on the client run rsop or gpresult /v to see if the GPO is applied correct. Also you should not use the same OU/GPO for XP and Vista. Create different ones, either configured fgrom a Vista machine or XP with GPMC installed.
Download details: Group Policy Management Console with Service Pack 1

If you use some of the new features coming within 2008/vista like Group policy preferences you have to install the Client side extensions.
CSE XP 32bit:
Download details: Group Policy Preference Client Side Extensions for Windows XP (KB943729)

CSE XP 64bit:
Download details: Group Policy Preference Client Side Extensions for Windows XP x64 Edition (KB943729)

CSE 2003 32 bit:
Download details: Group Policy Preference Client Side Extensions for Windows Server 2003 (KB943729)

CSE 2003 64bit:
Download details: Group Policy Preference Client Side Extensions for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition (KB943729)

CSE Vista 32bit:
Download details: Group Policy Preference Client Side Extensions for Windows Vista (KB943729)

CSE Vista 64bit:
Download details: Group Policy Preference Client Side Extensions for Windows Vista x64 Edition (KB943729)

__________________
Shaalini.S
Be the Best of Whatever you are...