RSoP planning mode options

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

RSoP planning mode options

Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) provides several planning mode options. You can configure the Resultant Set of Policy Wizard to run each option separately or in conjunction with other options. For more information about running RSoP in planning mode, see RSoP planning mode and Simulate RSoP data for a computer and user (planning mode).

Slow network connection

This option simulates a slow network connection in the reporting of Group Policy settings. If the rate at which data is transferred (that is, from the domain controller that provides a policy update to the computers in this group) is slower than the rate that is specified by this policy, the system considers the connection to be slow. The system's response to a slow network connection varies among policy settings. During slow connections, some policy settings might not be applied. RSoP simulates a slow network connection and displays the expected results.

Loopback processing

Loopback processing simulates the application of alternate user policy settings when a user logs on to a computer that is affected by the alternate user policy settings. The loopback processing simulation directs the system to apply the set of Group Policy objects (GPOs) for the computer to any user who logs on to a computer that is affected by the alternate user policy settings. It is intended for special-use computers, such as those in public places, laboratories, and classrooms, where you must modify the user policy based on the computer that is being used.

By default, the user's Group Policy objects determine which user policy settings apply. When you apply loopback processing, you need to select one of the following options:

  • Replace--Indicates that the user policies that are defined in the computer's Group Policy objects replace the user policies that are normally applied to the user.

  • Merge--Indicates that the user policies that are defined in the computer's Group Policy objects and the user policy settings that are normally applied to the user are combined. If the policy settings conflict, the user policy settings in the computer's Group Policy objects take precedence over the user's existing policy settings.

When you run the query, the computer's Group Policy objects determine which set of Group Policy objects applies.

Site name

This option specifies which site and physical location of the subnet that RSoP will use. A site is required. A domain controller, is not required. Use a site to test policy settings that are based on startup or logon being on a subnet other than the one on which the query is currently being run. Use a domain controller to test policy for computers and users that could be operating in location other than the one in which the query is being run, such as a field office.

Alternate security groups

This option simulates the application of alternate security groups to both computer and user configurations. With this option you can run a query that simulates what happens when a user or computer belongs to alternate security groups and how this affects the application of the Group Policy object. Administrators can use security groups to further refine which computers and users a Group Policy object influences. For any Group Policy object, administrators can filter the Group Policy object's effect on computers or users that are members of specified security groups. You can set this filtering by using the standard access control list (ACL) editor. To use the ACL editor, click the Security tab in a Group Policy object's properties dialog box. Administrators can also use the ACL editor to delegate who can modify the Group Policy object.

WMI filters

This option enables RSoP to include configured Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) filters. With a WMI filter, an administrator can specify a WMI-based query to filter the effect of a Group Policy object based on certain information, such as installed hardware and software. You can find WMI filters in the properties dialog box for a Group Policy object. In addition, RSoP also displays existing WMI filters that are currently enabled.