The Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) is a dramatic step forward in the way Group Policy is administered. This book provides all the instruction and insight you need to take full control of your Active Directory with GPMC and other Group Policy tools. You'll also learn techniques for implementing IntelliMirror, making it possible for users to work securely from any location; and you'll find intensive troubleshooting advice, insider tips on keeping your network secure, and hundreds of clear examples that will help you accomplish all your administration goals. You will learn to:
  • Create and manage all Group Policy functions within Active Directory
  • Understand Group Policy differences in Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 2003 systems
  • Troubleshoot Group Policy using Support tools, Resource Kit utilities, log files, registry hacks, and third-party tools
  • Create and deploy custom settings for managing client systems
  • Manage, secure, and audit client and server systems
  • Script complex operations, including linking, back-up, restore, permissions changes, and migrating
  • Set up Local, Roaming, and Mandatory profiles
  • Set up and manage IntelliMirror components with Group Policy
  • Use Group Policy Software Installation to perform hands-off installations
  • Use Remote Installation Services to automate the installation of new Windows systems
  • Ensure the safety of your users' data with Redirected Folders and Shadow Copies

About the Series
The Mark Minasi Windows Administrator Library is designed to equip system administrators with in-depth technical solutions to the many challenges associated with administering Windows in an enterprise setting. The series editor is leading Windows NT/2003 expert Mark Minasi, who selects the topics and authors and develops and reviews each book to ensure that every entry in the series meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals.


The Group Policy infrastructure in the Windows Server products enable IT administrators to automate one-to-many management of users and computers - simplifying administrative tasks and reducing IT costs. With the debut of Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) with Server 2003, policy-based management is even easier. Administrators can efficiently implement security settings, enforce IT policies, and distribute software consistently across a given site, domain, or range of organizational units.