Missing Policy File

I recently started getting this error message when I boot:

This computer is in manual policy mode, but the policy file cannot be found. Windows is logging you on without applying any policy. Return value (The system cannot find the file specified. ).

Windows help was useless.

Can anyone tell me how to fix this?

Thank you for any help.

Ed

 

Is this a stand-alone PC with XP, or is it a member of an NT or Win2k Domain?

If in a Domain, the usual advice is to use Poledit. This is typical:

 

Policy

Bill,

This is a home networked, XP Pro, SP-2. No domain.

Does any of your answer still apply?

Thanks very much for your help.

Ed

 

If you are comfortable with Regedit:

Start, Run, Regedit
Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update

Right click on this key and select Modify
UpdateMode

The possible values are all REG_DWORD:
0ff=0, Auto=1, manual=2 && You want 0

If the registry value is set to 2, you need another key or it will generate your event. The new key is:

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update
NetworkPath
Type: REG_SZ
And it should point to a location containing a WinNT or Win2k .pol policy file.

This registry change is for Event: 1507 with Source: Userenv for those doing a web search.

 

Changed the UpdateMode to "0 ", and all is well. Thanks, Bill, for a correct and complete answer.

Ed

 

You are very welcome.

Regards.