how to restore "PolicyDefinitions" directory in AD server

Question

I'm planning to put Administrative Template files (ADMX/ADML) in ”PolicyDefinitions" directory (listed below) for GPO setting of Office2016.

-"%systemroot%\sysvol\domain\policies\PolicyDefinitions"

This is on business purpose, and we need to have a restoration procedure beforehand in case of trouble.

I'd like to make sure if steps below would work, and if it is safe.

Step 1. Getting backup: Copy & paste all the files in the ”PolicyDefinitions" directory on other location (eg. SAN storage).

Step 2. Update template: Put the Administrative Template files (ADMX/ADML) in the ”PolicyDefinitions" directory.

Step 3. Restoration: If there a trouble or an unexpected result in Step 2., delete all the files in ”PolicyDefinitions." And next put all the files taken at the Step 1. again in the ”PolicyDefinitions" directory.

Answer 1

Hello,

Based on Microsoft article regarding PolicyDefinitions folder you should :

1. Create a new folder with the intended purpose for example PolicyDefinitions-Office2016
2. Copy your old admx/adml files in this folder
3. Copy your new admx/adml file for office in this folder
4. When it's done rename the old PolicyDefinition folder to PolicyDefinitions-WithoutOffice2016
5. Rename the new PolicyDefinitions (PolicyDefinitions-Office2016) folder to PolicyDefinitions
6. Check if you have any issue
7. If not the case move the folder PolicyDefinitions-WithoutOffice2016 out of sysvol and backup it
8. Delete the folder PolicyDefinitions-WithoutOffice2016

Regards,