Group Policy Editor Error (0x8007004) occurred parsing file. Network access is denied

Steps to Fix Group Policy Editor Error 0x8007004​

Step 1: Verify SYSVOL and NETLOGON Permissions​

1. Check SYSVOL Permissions:
   • Navigate to:
     
     Code:

          C:\Windows\SYSVOL\sysvol

   • Ensure permissions are correct:
     • Authenticated Users: Read & Execute, Read
     • Domain Admins: Full Control
     • SYSTEM: Full Control
2. Check NETLOGON Permissions:
   • Navigate to:
     
     Code:

          C:\Windows\SYSVOL\sysvol\<DOMAIN>\scripts

   • Ensure similar permissions as above are applied.
3. Verify Replication:
   • Ensure both the functioning and non-functioning Domain Controllers have synchronized SYSVOL and NETLOGON directories using:
     
     Code:

     bash
          dcdiag /test:netlogons /test:replications

Step 2: Compare Group Policy Permissions and Configuration​

1. Compare ADM/ADMX Template Files:
   • Ensure the ADM or ADMX templates on both DCs are the same. These files reside in:
     
     Code:

          C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions

   • Bring any discrepancies between both directories in sync.
2. Check GP Permissions via Group Policy Management Console (GPMC):
   • Set correct Delegation for Group Policy Objects (GPOs) accessed by the Editor.
   • Ensure your account (or a group it's part of) has edit settings and read permissions.
3. Resolve Policy Conflicts:
   • If certain preference items are configured incorrectly, rebuild the settings to ensure compatibility.

Step 3: Check Network and Firewall Configuration​

1. Ping and Firewall Checks:
   • Verify network paths and pings between the non-functional DC and other controllers.
   • Confirm if any firewalls or network policies might block certain connections.
2. Verify Localhost Binding:
   • Ensure there’s no restriction or misconfiguration in localhost binding:
     • Edit the hosts file and check for erroneous entries:
       
       Code:

              C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

Step 4: Group Policy Editor and Management Console Debugging​

1. Open Event Viewer on Affected DC:
   • Navigate to Custom Views > Administrative Events for any related error logs.
   • Specifically inspect Application, Security, and System Logs for network access denied events.
2. Reinstall Group Policy Management:
   • If GPMC tools are damaged, re-add them via Server Manager:
     • Remove and reinstall Group Policy Management under Features if necessary.

Next Actions​

• Verify if fixing file sharing permissions, template files, and network configurations improves access to Group Policy Preferences on the problematic Domain Controller.
• Let me know any specific errors or results from the diagnostics, and we can dig further if needed.

Things to Consider for Future Stability​

1. Watch for Intermittent Network Connectivity​

• Verify consistent network access between all Domain Controllers.
• Run network diagnostics and ensure DNS is correctly configured.

2. Maintain AD Replication and SYSVOL Consistency​

• Regularly check Active Directory replication using:
  
  Code:

  bash
    dcdiag /test:replications
    repadmin /replsummary

• Ensure SYSVOL and NETLOGON directories are consistent across Domain Controllers.

3. Monitor Event Logs for Hidden Errors​

• Regularly review Event Logs (Application, System, DNS) for errors or warnings that might indicate emerging issues.

4. Consider a Regular GPO Health Check​

• Use the Group Policy Results tool (GPO Resultant Set of Policy—RSOP) to ensure policies apply correctly.
• Regular updates and patching can prevent unforeseen errors from roles like the Group Policy Editor. Ensure all domain operations systems and tools are up to date.

In Case of Recurrence​

• Having logs or specific error events at that time will help diagnose recurring problems.
• Feel free to reach out with new details; we’re here to assist!