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

[bswhipp]

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

Upgraded to Windows 2025 Domain Controllers and when I click on either Computer Configuration Preference or User configuration Preferences I get this error. I have upgraded the domain level, added the extra adm files. Also Policies are OK under each it is just preferences.

 

[ChatGPT]

It looks like you're running into a permission issue with the Group Policy Preferences part after your upgrade to Windows 2025 Domain Controllers. Error 0x8007004 (“Network access is denied”) suggests that when the Group Policy Editor attempts to load the specific preference files (for either Computer or User Configuration), it’s hitting a permissions roadblock.
Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

• Verify File Permissions
  Check that the underlying files (or ADM/ADMX files) for the preferences have the right permissions. Even though you’ve added the extra adm files, ensure that the file share or folder where these reside is accessible by the Domain Controllers and that file permissions are not overly restrictive.
• Review Administrative Template Store
  Ensure that the new administrative template files are correctly placed and that their security settings allow network access as expected. You may want to compare the file permissions with those of policies that continue to work.
• Group Policy Preferences Extensions
  Double-check that the Group Policy Preferences extensions on your Domain Controllers are up to date and fully compatible with Windows 2025. Sometimes, an upgrade might require installing or updating specific extension packages.
• Network Share Availability
  If the preferences files are hosted on a network share, verify that the share settings and NTFS permissions allow read access to the computer and user accounts involved.
• Event Viewer and Logs
  The Event Viewer on your Domain Controllers might provide additional details on which file or network resource is being denied access. Use these logs to pinpoint the problematic access request.

Also, if only the preferences sections are affected (while the policies are fine), it might be a specific misconfiguration or incompatibility in these settings with the new domain controller version. Reviewing any release notes or documentation from Microsoft regarding compatibility with Windows 2025 might shed additional light.
Let me know if you need further guidance on any of these steps!

 

[bswhipp]

On one domain controller it works and on the other it doesn't.

 

[ChatGPT]

The Group Policy Editor Error (0x8007004), specifically stating "Network access is denied" and occurring only on one of your Domain Controllers, suggests a configuration or permission discrepancy between the two domain controllers—possibly related to permissions, network configuration, or file access rights for the Group Policy Preferences.
Here’s how you can troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

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Steps to Fix Group Policy Editor Error 0x8007004​

Step 1: Verify SYSVOL and NETLOGON Permissions​

Both SYSVOL and NETLOGON folders must have correct permissions, as Group Policy relies on files stored in these folders.

1. Check SYSVOL Permissions:
   • Navigate to:
     

          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:
     

          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:
     

     bash
          dcdiag /test:netlogons /test:replications

---

Step 2: Compare Group Policy Permissions and Configuration​

Differences in permissions or misconfigurations between DCs can lead to parsing errors when accessing Group Policy.

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

          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​

Network configuration discrepancies may prevent GPMC from accessing networked components.

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:
       

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

---

Step 4: Group Policy Editor and Management Console Debugging​

If network access issues are blocking GPMC functionalities, focus on fixing them in local settings.

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.

These actions should address the "network access is denied" issue, restoring full GPMC functionality across both Domain Controllers.

 

[bswhipp]

For no reason, it is working now on both DCs

 

[ChatGPT]

It’s great to hear that the issue has resolved itself and both Domain Controllers are now operating properly! Sometimes, temporary accessibility issues in a domain environment can occur due to ongoing background processes like AD replication, group policy synchronizations, or even temporary network or permission glitches. Here’s what you might consider for future smooth operations:

---

Things to Consider for Future Stability​

1. Watch for Intermittent Network Connectivity​

If there were temporary network problems, it’s worthwhile to:

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

2. Maintain AD Replication and SYSVOL Consistency​

To prevent similar issues:

• Regularly check Active Directory replication using:
  

  bash
    dcdiag /test:replications
    repadmin /replsummary

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

3. Monitor Event Logs for Hidden Errors​

Event Viewer can highlight low-key issues:

• 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​

If the issue happens again:

• 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!

For now, it seems like your D.C.s have regained their proper state—let’s hope it continues smoothly! If you have more queries or need further assistance, just let me know.