Killing the myths: Group Policy Preferences for everyone!
There is a very common misconception out there that Group Policy Preferences can only be created, managed and applied to your Windows machines if you are running your domain controllers with Windows Server 2008 or later. This is so NOT true.
What you have to do if you are stuck on domain controllers running Windows Server 2003 is to install the Remote Server Administration Tools on a Windows 7 (or Vista) client machine, add the feature Group Policy Management and then create a GPO in the domain and edit it, configuring the Group Policy Preferences of your choice. Voilà!
I do not know where this myth is coming from actually but the fact that GPO Preferences were introduced in Windows Server 2008 is the major reason I would assume.
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About Author
Andreas Stenhall
I'm Andreas Stenhall and my work passion is the Windows client in combination with Microsoft 365 security and management services. I do consulting, I produce and teach my own courses, I lecture and I present and my formal work title is prinicipal workplace advisor and architect at Coligo in Stockholm, Sweden. I'm also proud to be an Microsoft MVP since 2009. I have presented at BUILD, TechEd in the US and Europe and regional TechDays. Follow me on twitter @AndreasStenhall.