SMS: How to Use System Policies with Program Group Control
ID: Q173793
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The information in this article applies to:
-
Microsoft Systems Management Server version 1.2
SYMPTOMS
When using system policies with client computers running Windows 95 or
Windows NT 4.0, defining a "Custom Programs Folder" may keep Program Group
Control (PGC) from successfully configuring a user's desktop with the
program group(s) and shared application(s) that they would normally
receive.
The information in this article may also be useful to anyone that is
implementing features associated with the Zero Administration for Windows
(ZAW) Initiative.
CAUSE
When the System Policy Editor is used to define a common Programs folder
for multiple users, those users will often not have the necessary
permissions to modify this directory structure.
Because PGC runs under the context of the user, it may fail to configure
the program groups. Given the proper permissions, PGC will successfully
configure the Programs folder even if it is located on a server.
WORKAROUND
To deliver a custom desktop through system policies and also use PGC, use
the Custom Start Menu option instead of the Custom Programs Folder.
NOTE: When using the Custom Start Menu, the Hide Start Menu Subfolders
option must be disabled. Otherwise, the custom group under the Start button
will not appear.
To use the Custom Start Menu option, perform the following steps:
- Create a custom Start menu at a server location and create an
Applications folder directly beneath the Start menu. It is best to use a
structure similar to the following:
\\<server_name>\<share>\Start Menu\Applications
You can then add other folders and shortcuts underneath the Applications
folder.
- From the System Policy Editor, click to select the Custom Start Menu
option and define the common location for the custom Start menu. To
continue the previous example, this would be:
\\<server_name>\<share>\Start Menu
When the user's desktop is configured as a result of the system policy, he
or she will have an Applications group above the Programs group in the
Start menu.
This configuration allows an administrator to use system policies to
deliver custom desktop applications to their users while maintaining a
local Programs folder that PGC can modify successfully.
Additional query words:
prodsms appctl32 appctl95 win95 winnt zak
Keywords : kbusage smspgc
Version : winnt:1.2
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb