diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'docs/docbook/projdoc/PolicyMgmt.xml')
| -rw-r--r-- | docs/docbook/projdoc/PolicyMgmt.xml | 504 |
1 files changed, 504 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/docs/docbook/projdoc/PolicyMgmt.xml b/docs/docbook/projdoc/PolicyMgmt.xml new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..74d35a0555 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/docbook/projdoc/PolicyMgmt.xml @@ -0,0 +1,504 @@ +<chapter id="PolicyMgmt"> +<chapterinfo> + &author.jht; + <pubdate>April 3 2003</pubdate> +</chapterinfo> + +<title>System and Account Policies</title> + +<para> +This chapter summarizes the current state of knowledge derived from personal +practice and knowledge from Samba mailing list subscribers. Before reproduction +of posted information, every effort has been made to validate the information given. +Where additional information was uncovered through this validation it is provided +also. +</para> + +<sect1> +<title>Features and Benefits</title> + +<para> +When MS Windows NT 3.5 was introduced, the hot new topic was the ability to implement +Group Policies for users and groups. Then along came MS Windows NT4 and a few sites +started to adopt this capability. How do we know that? By the number of <quote>booboos</quote> +(or mistakes) administrators made and then requested help to resolve. +</para> + +<para> +<indexterm><primary>group policies</primary></indexterm> +<indexterm><primary>GPOs</primary></indexterm> +<indexterm><primary>group policy objects</primary><see>GPOs</see></indexterm> +By the time that MS Windows 2000 and Active Directory was released, administrators +got the message: Group Policies are a good thing! They can help reduce administrative +costs and actually make happier users. But adoption of the true +potential of MS Windows 200x Active Directory and Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for users +and machines were picked up on rather slowly. This was obvious from the Samba +mailing list as in 2000 and 2001 when there were few postings regarding GPOs and +how to replicate them in a Samba environment. +</para> + +<para> +Judging by the traffic volume since mid 2002, GPOs have become a standard part of +the deployment in many sites. This chapter reviews techniques and methods that can +be used to exploit opportunities for automation of control over user desktops and +network client workstations. +</para> + +<para> +A tool new to Samba &smbmdash; the <command>editreg</command> tool +&smbmdash; may become an important part of the future Samba administrators' +arsenal is described in this document. +</para> + +</sect1> + +<sect1> +<title>Creating and Managing System Policies</title> + +<para> +Under MS Windows platforms, particularly those following the release of MS Windows +NT4 and MS Windows 95, it is possible to create a type of file that would be placed +in the NETLOGON share of a Domain Controller. As the client logs onto the network, +this file is read and the contents initiate changes to the registry of the client +machine. This file allows changes to be made to those parts of the registry that +affect users, groups of users, or machines. +</para> + +<para> +<indexterm><primary>Config.POL</primary></indexterm> +For MS Windows 9x/ME, this file must be called <filename>Config.POL</filename> and may +be generated using a tool called <filename>poledit.exe</filename>, better known as the +Policy Editor. The policy editor was provided on the Windows 98 installation CD, but +disappeared again with the introduction of MS Windows Me (Millennium Edition). From +comments of MS Windows network administrators, it would appear that this tool became +a part of the MS Windows Me Resource Kit. +</para> + +<para> +<indexterm><primary>System Policy Editor</primary></indexterm> +MS Windows NT4 Server products include the <emphasis>System Policy Editor</emphasis> +under <guimenu>Start -> Programs -> Administrative Tools</guimenu>. +For MS Windows NT4 and later clients, this file must be called <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename>. +</para> + +<para> +New with the introduction of MS Windows 2000 was the Microsoft Management Console +or MMC. This tool is the new wave in the ever-changing landscape of Microsoft +methods for management of network access and security. Every new Microsoft product +or technology seems to make the old rules obsolete and introduces newer and more +complex tools and methods. To Microsoft's credit, the MMC does appear to +be a step forward, but improved functionality comes at a great price. +</para> + +<para> +Before embarking on the configuration of network and system policies, it is highly +advisable to read the documentation available from Microsoft's Web site regarding +<ulink url="http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/management/deployment/planguide/prof_policies.asp"> +Implementing Profiles and Policies in Windows NT 4.0</ulink> available from Microsoft. +There are a large number of documents in addition to this old one that should also +be read and understood. Try searching on the Microsoft Web site for <quote>Group Policies</quote>. +</para> + +<para> +What follows is a brief discussion with some helpful notes. The information provided +here is incomplete &smbmdash; you are warned. +</para> + + <sect2> + <title>Windows 9x/ME Policies</title> + + <para> + You need the Windows 98 Group Policy Editor to set up Group Profiles under Windows 9x/ME. + It can be found on the original full product Windows 98 installation CD under + <filename>tools/reskit/netadmin/poledit</filename>. Install this using the + Add/Remove Programs facility and then click on <guiicon>Have Disk</guiicon>. + </para> + + + <para> +<indexterm><primary>NTConfig.POL</primary></indexterm> + Use the Group Policy Editor to create a policy file that specifies the location of + user profiles and/or <filename>My Documents</filename>, and so on. Then save these + settings in a file called <filename>Config.POL</filename> that needs to be placed in the + root of the <smbconfsection>[NETLOGON]</smbconfsection> share. If Windows 98 is configured to log onto + the Samba Domain, it will automatically read this file and update the Windows 9x/Me registry + of the machine as it logs on. + </para> + + <para> + Further details are covered in the Windows 98 Resource Kit documentation. + </para> + + <para> + If you do not take the correct steps, then every so often Windows 9x/ME will check the + integrity of the registry and restore its settings from the back-up + copy of the registry it stores on each Windows 9x/ME machine. So, you will + occasionally notice things changing back to the original settings. + </para> + + <para> + Install the group policy handler for Windows 9x/Me to pick up Group Policies. Look on the + Windows 98 CDROM in <filename>\tools\reskit\netadmin\poledit</filename>. + Install group policies on a Windows 9x/Me client by double-clicking on + <filename>grouppol.inf</filename>. Log off and on again a couple of times and see + if Windows 98 picks up Group Policies. Unfortunately, this needs to be done on every + Windows 9x/Me machine that uses Group Policies. + </para> + + </sect2> + <sect2> + <title>Windows NT4-Style Policy Files</title> + + <para> + To create or edit <filename>ntconfig.pol</filename> you must use the NT Server + Policy Editor, <command>poledit.exe</command>, which is included with NT4 Server + but not with NT Workstation. There is a Policy Editor on an NT4 + Workstation but it is not suitable for creating domain policies. + Furthermore, although the Windows 95 Policy Editor can be installed on an NT4 + Workstation/Server, it will not work with NT clients. However, the files from + the NT Server will run happily enough on an NT4 Workstation. + </para> + + <para> + You need <filename>poledit.exe</filename>, <filename>common.adm</filename> and <filename>winnt.adm</filename>. + It is convenient to put the two <filename>*.adm</filename> files in the <filename>c:\winnt\inf</filename> + directory, which is where the binary will look for them unless told otherwise. This + directory is normally <quote>hidden.</quote> + </para> + + <para> + The Windows NT policy editor is also included with the Service Pack 3 (and + later) for Windows NT 4.0. Extract the files using <command>servicepackname /x</command>, + that's <command>Nt4sp6ai.exe /x</command> for service pack 6a. The Policy Editor, + <command>poledit.exe</command>, and the associated template files (*.adm) should + be extracted as well. It is also possible to downloaded the policy template + files for Office97 and get a copy of the Policy Editor. Another possible + location is with the Zero Administration Kit available for download from Microsoft. + </para> + + <sect3> + <title>Registry Spoiling</title> + + <para> + With NT4-style registry-based policy changes, a large number of settings are not + automatically reversed as the user logs off. The settings that were in the + <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename> file were applied to the client machine registry and apply to the + hive key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE are permanent until explicitly reversed. This is known + as tattooing. It can have serious consequences downstream and the administrator must + be extremely careful not to lock out the ability to manage the machine at a later date. + </para> + + </sect3> + </sect2> + <sect2> + <title>MS Windows 200x/XP Professional Policies</title> + + <para> + Windows NT4 system policies allow the setting of registry parameters specific to + users, groups and computers (client workstations) that are members of the NT4-style + domain. Such policy files will work with MS Windows 200x/XP clients also. + </para> + + <para> + New to MS Windows 2000, Microsoft recently introduced a style of group policy that confers + a superset of capabilities compared with NT4-style policies. Obviously, the tool used + to create them is different, and the mechanism for implementing them is much improved. + </para> + + <para> +<indexterm><primary>GPOs</primary></indexterm> + The older NT4-style registry-based policies are known as <emphasis>Administrative Templates</emphasis> + in MS Windows 2000/XP Group Policy Objects (GPOs). The later includes the ability to set various security + configurations, enforce Internet Explorer browser settings, change and redirect aspects of the + users desktop (including the location of <filename>My Documents</filename> files (directory), as + well as intrinsics of where menu items will appear in the Start menu). An additional new + feature is the ability to make available particular software Windows applications to particular + users and/or groups. + </para> + + <para> + Remember, NT4 policy files are named <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename> and are stored in the root + of the NETLOGON share on the Domain Controllers. A Windows NT4 user enters a username, password + and selects the domain name to which the logon will attempt to take place. During the logon process, + the client machine reads the <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename> file from the NETLOGON share on + the authenticating server and modifies the local registry values according to the settings in this file. + </para> + + <para> + Windows 200x GPOs are feature-rich. They are not stored in the NETLOGON share, but rather part of + a Windows 200x policy file is stored in the Active Directory itself and the other part is stored + in a shared (and replicated) volume called the SYSVOL folder. This folder is present on all Active + Directory Domain Controllers. The part that is stored in the Active Directory itself is called the + Group Policy Container (GPC), and the part that is stored in the replicated share called SYSVOL is + known as the Group Policy Template (GPT). + </para> + + <para> + With NT4 clients, the policy file is read and executed only as each user logs onto the network. + MS Windows 200x policies are much more complex &smbmdash; GPOs are processed and applied at client machine + startup (machine specific part) and when the user logs onto the network, the user-specific part + is applied. In MS Windows 200x-style policy management, each machine and/or user may be subject + to any number of concurrently applicable (and applied) policy sets (GPOs). Active Directory allows + the administrator to also set filters over the policy settings. No such equivalent capability + exists with NT4-style policy files. + </para> + + <sect3> + <title>Administration of Windows 200x/XP Policies</title> + + <para> +<indexterm><primary>GPOs</primary></indexterm> +<indexterm><primary>System Policy Editor</primary></indexterm> + Instead of using the tool called <application>The System Policy Editor</application>, commonly called Poledit (from the + executable name <command>poledit.exe</command>), <acronym>GPOs</acronym> are created and managed using a + <application>Microsoft Management Console</application> <acronym>(MMC)</acronym> snap-in as follows:</para> + <procedure> + <step><para> + Go to the Windows 200x/XP menu <guimenu>Start->Programs->Administrative Tools</guimenu> + and select the MMC snap-in called <guimenuitem>Active Directory Users and Computers</guimenuitem> + </para></step> + + <step><para> + Select the domain or organizational unit (OU) that you wish to manage, then right-click + to open the context menu for that object, and select the <guibutton>Properties</guibutton>. + </para></step> + + <step><para> + Left-click on the <guilabel>Group Policy</guilabel> tab, then + left-click on the New tab. Type a name + for the new policy you will create. + </para></step> + + <step><para> + Left-click on the <guilabel>Edit</guilabel> tab to commence the steps needed to create the GPO. + </para></step> + </procedure> + + <para> + All policy configuration options are controlled through the use of policy administrative + templates. These files have an .adm extension, both in NT4 as well as in Windows 200x/XP. + Beware, however, the .adm files are not interchangeable across NT4 and Windows 200x. + The latter introduces many new features as well as extended definition capabilities. It is + well beyond the scope of this documentation to explain how to program .adm files; for that + the administrator is referred to the Microsoft Windows Resource Kit for your particular + version of MS Windows. + </para> + + <note> + <para> + The MS Windows 2000 Resource Kit contains a tool called gpolmig.exe. This tool can be used + to migrate an NT4 NTConfig.POL file into a Windows 200x style GPO. Be VERY careful how you + use this powerful tool. Please refer to the resource kit manuals for specific usage information. + </para> + </note> + + </sect3> + </sect2> +</sect1> + +<sect1> +<title>Managing Account/User Policies</title> + +<para> +Policies can define a specific user's settings or the settings for a group of users. The resulting +policy file contains the registry settings for all users, groups, and computers that will be using +the policy file. Separate policy files for each user, group, or computer are not necessary. +</para> + +<para> +<indexterm><primary>NTConfig.POL</primary></indexterm> +If you create a policy that will be automatically downloaded from validating Domain Controllers, +you should name the file <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename>. As system administrator, you have the option of renaming the +policy file and, by modifying the Windows NT-based workstation, directing the computer to update +the policy from a manual path. You can do this by either manually changing the registry or by using +the System Policy Editor. This can even be a local path such that each machine has its own policy file, +but if a change is necessary to all machines, it must be made individually to each workstation. +</para> + +<para> +When a Windows NT4/200x/XP machine logs onto the network, the client looks in the NETLOGON share on +the authenticating domain controller for the presence of the NTConfig.POL file. If one exists it is +downloaded, parsed and then applied to the user's part of the registry. +</para> + +<para> +<indexterm><primary>GPOs</primary></indexterm> +MS Windows 200x/XP clients that log onto an MS Windows Active Directory security domain may additionally +acquire policy settings through Group Policy Objects (GPOs) that are defined and stored in Active Directory +itself. The key benefit of using AS GPOs is that they impose no registry <emphasis>spoiling</emphasis> effect. +This has considerable advantage compared with the use of <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename> (NT4) style policy updates. +</para> + +<para> +In addition to user access controls that may be imposed or applied via system and/or group policies +in a manner that works in conjunction with user profiles, the user management environment under +MS Windows NT4/200x/XP allows per domain as well as per user account restrictions to be applied. +Common restrictions that are frequently used include: +</para> + +<para> +<indexterm><primary>Account Controls</primary></indexterm> +<itemizedlist> + <listitem><para>Logon hours</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Password aging</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Permitted logon from certain machines only</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Account type (local or global)</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>User rights</para></listitem> +</itemizedlist> +</para> + +<para> +Samba-3.0.0 doe not yet implement all account controls that are common to MS Windows NT4/200x/XP. +While it is possible to set many controls using the Domain User Manager for MS Windows NT4, only password +expirey is functional today. Most of the remaining controls at this time have only stub routines +that may eventually be completed to provide actual control. Do not be misled by the fact that a +parameter can be set using the NT4 Domain User Manager or in the <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename>. +</para> + +</sect1> +<sect1> +<title>Management Tools</title> + +<para> +Anyone who wishes to create or manage Group Policies will need to be familiar with a number of tools. +The following sections describe a few key tools that will help you to create a low maintenance user +environment. +</para> + + <sect2> + <title>Samba Editreg Toolset</title> + + <para> +<indexterm><primary>editreg</primary></indexterm> +<indexterm><primary>NTUser.DAT</primary></indexterm> +<indexterm><primary>NTConfig.POL</primary></indexterm> + A new tool called <command>editreg</command> is under development. This tool can be used + to edit registry files (called <filename>NTUser.DAT</filename>) that are stored in user + and group profiles. <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename> files have the same structure as the + <filename>NTUser.DAT</filename> file and can be edited using this tool. <command>editreg</command> + is being built with the intent to enable <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename> files to be saved in text format and to + permit the building of new <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename> files with extended capabilities. It is proving difficult + to realize this capability, so do not be surprised if this feature does not materialize. Formal + capabilities will be announced at the time that this tool is released for production use. + </para> + + </sect2> + + <sect2> + <title>Windows NT4/200x</title> + + <para> + The tools that may be used to configure these types of controls from the MS Windows environment are: + the NT4 User Manager for Domains, the NT4 System and Group Policy Editor, and the Registry Editor (regedt32.exe). + Under MS Windows 200x/XP, this is done using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) with appropriate + <quote>snap-ins,</quote> the registry editor, and potentially also the NT4 System and Group Policy Editor. + </para> + </sect2> + + <sect2> + <title>Samba PDC</title> + + <para> + With a Samba Domain Controller, the new tools for managing user account and policy information include: + <command>smbpasswd</command>, <command>pdbedit</command>, <command>net</command>, <command>rpcclient</command>. + The administrator should read the man pages for these tools and become familiar with their use. + </para> + + </sect2> +</sect1> + +<sect1> +<title>System Startup and Logon Processing Overview</title> + +<para> +The following attempts to document the order of processing the system and user policies following a system +reboot and as part of the user logon: +</para> + +<orderedlist> + <listitem><para> + Network starts, then Remote Procedure Call System Service (RPCSS) and Multiple Universal Naming + Convention Provider (MUP) start. + </para></listitem> + + <listitem><para> + Where Active Directory is involved, an ordered list of Group Policy Objects (GPOs) is downloaded + and applied. The list may include GPOs that: +<itemizedlist> + <listitem><para>Apply to the location of machines in a Directory.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Apply only when settings have changed.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Depend on configuration of the scope of applicability: local, + site, domain, organizational unit, and so on.</para></listitem> +</itemizedlist> + No desktop user interface is presented until the above have been processed. + </para></listitem> + + <listitem><para> + Execution of start-up scripts (hidden and synchronous by default). + </para></listitem> + + <listitem><para> + A keyboard action to effect start of logon (Ctrl-Alt-Del). + </para></listitem> + + <listitem><para> + User credentials are validated, user profile is loaded (depends on policy settings). + </para></listitem> + + <listitem><para> + An ordered list of user GPOs is obtained. The list contents depends on what is configured in respect of: + +<itemizedlist> + <listitem><para>Is the user a Domain Member, thus subject to particular policies?</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Loopback enablement, and the state of the loopback policy (Merge or Replace).</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Location of the Active Directory itself.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Has the list of GPOs changed? No processing is needed if not changed.</para></listitem> +</itemizedlist> + </para></listitem> + + <listitem><para> + User Policies are applied from Active Directory. Note: There are several types. + </para></listitem> + + <listitem><para> + Logon scripts are run. New to Windows 200x and Active Directory, logon scripts may be obtained based on Group + Policy objects (hidden and executed synchronously). NT4-style logon scripts are then run in a normal + window. + </para></listitem> + + <listitem><para> + The User Interface as determined from the GPOs is presented. Note: In a Samba domain (like an NT4 + Domain), machine (system) policies are applied at start-up; user policies are applied at logon. + </para></listitem> +</orderedlist> + +</sect1> + +<sect1> +<title>Common Errors</title> + +<para> +Policy-related problems can be quite difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to rectify. The following +collection demonstrates only basic issues. +</para> + +<sect2> +<title>Policy Does Not Work</title> + +<para> +<quote>We have created the <filename>Config.POL</filename> file and put it in the <emphasis>NETLOGON</emphasis> share. +It has made no difference to our Win XP Pro machines, they just do not see it. It worked fine with Win 98 but does not +work any longer since we upgraded to Win XP Pro. Any hints?</quote> +</para> + +<para> +Policy files are not portable between Windows 9x/Me and MS Windows NT4/200x/XP-based platforms. You need to +use the NT4 Group Policy Editor to create a file called <filename>NTConfig.POL</filename> so it is in the +correct format for your MS Windows XP Pro clients. +</para> + +</sect2> + +</sect1> + +</chapter> |