Windows 7 on a Server 2003/2003R2 network

[garethEds]

Evening everyone,

 

I've been trying to research the use of Windows 7 and Server 2003. Can it be done? Is there a set of .adm files for Server 2003 that I would be able to use to control Windows 7?

 

Or does it have to go with Windows 2008 Server.

 

Many thanks

 

GJE

[EduTech]

I am pretty sure that Windows 7 can only be properly managed by Server 2008 and above. unless someone else knows otherwise.

 

James.

[ZeroHour]

I was pretty sure that admx (aka vista/7 gp's) can be deployed by 2003 so you can edit/make the policies on a 7 machine and deploy them using a 2003 dc.

[Theblacksheep]

Don't think you can join an NT4 domain.

 

Think you only get full 7 features with 2008r2 server in the domain.

[powdarrmonkey]

I have it running at work in a 2003 domain. All the old group policy functionality is fine, but you won't be able to use any of the new features or templates - only those that you normally apply to XP. It works fine though as a machine.

[ZeroHour]

I have it running at work in a 2003 domain. All the old group policy functionality is fine, but you won't be able to use any of the new features or templates - only those that you normally apply to XP. It works fine though as a machine.

 

Not according to what they imply here:

Creating a Group Policy Central Store for Windows Vista and Server 2008

This suggests you can make the admx central store on 2003 and manage it using a newer client either 7 or vista.

[powdarrmonkey]

oops, that's why I should have been in bed I meant to say that 2003 can't manage the new features directly.

[gshaw]

So just to confirm... if I put a Windows 7 machine on the network as long as I use the GPMC on the Win7 machine a Server 2003 DC can distribute the GPOs and apply the new settings?

 

If so Windows 7 is going in this IT Office very soon