Resetting GPOs to factory default

You ever work so tediously to customize the local GPOs on a Windows Operating system and something just goes array? Then you lose track of what changes need to be made to fix the issue? You can't revert to a 'known good configuration' when it comes to GPO customization...or can you?

I found a solution where you can just remove the GPO you set completely so you can start over from scratch...sometimes you need to do this regardless of the reason/situation. This technique works for Windows Vista/7 and Windows 2008. I did not test on previous operating systems...

Here are the steps:


*Step 1 removes the password restrictions along with other security policies that may prevent you from running steps 2-3.

1) 'Run as' administrator and open up command prompt. Type the command below
and press enter:

Secedit /configure /cfg c:\windows\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb
/verbose

2) In the command prompt, type the command below and press Enter. (see
screenshot below step 7)
NOTE: Substitute D in the command below with your drive letter from step 4
instead.

    RD /S /Q "D:\Windows\System32\

GroupPolicy"

3) In the command prompt, type the command below and press Enter. (see
screenshot below)
NOTE: Substitute D in the command below with your drive letter from step 4
instead.

    RD /S /Q "D:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicyUsers"

First Post

I'm relatively new to this blogging thing. I figure it would be a good way to keep some valuable technical information out there for my own personal reference as well as those in and around the field of Information Technology to include but not limited to system administration, basic programming, and the latest hot trend 'cyber-security.'

YES...this field is evolving by the nanosecond and most techies would consider sharing and/or translating the secrets of their trade into layman's terms somewhat taboo...although information sharing has gotten better over the years.

I enjoy being in this field from a professional and personal standpoint. It's always challenging and the reward of getting the result you desire is priceless.

Take the information from this blog and use it to improve in all facets of this field. Just remember to keep working to perfect your craft...you can't fool the experts forever.

-R