How Do I Reset All Group Policies?

Resetting group policies on a computer will vary depending on the version of Windows that is installed on the computer. For both Windows Vista and Windows XP machines you are able to reset the security settings from a command prompt. However, you will first need to be logged onto the computer as the owner or an Administrator before you are able to make any changes.

Instructions

Security Policy in Vista

1. Click the Start button and then type "cmd" into the Start Search box. Right click the "cmd.exe" file and select the "Run as Administrator" option.

2. Enter your Administrator password, if needed, and click the "Continue" button. You will then be taken to the command prompt.

3. Type "cd.." and press the Enter key. Repeat this step to go to the root of the C drive.

4. Type "secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\repair\secsetup.inf /db secsetup.sdb /verbose" and press the Enter key. You will then see a "Task Completed" message on the screen.

Security Policy in XP

1. Click the "Start" button and select the option for "Run." Type "cmd" into the text box and then press the Enter key.

2. Type "cd.." and press the Enter key. Repeat this step to go to the root of the C drive.

3. Type "secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\repair\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose" and press the Enter key. You will then see a "Task Completed" message on the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• Computers that were on a corporate network will be subject to group security polices.

References

• Microsoft: How do I restore security settings to the default settings?
• Help Desk Geek: How to reset local security policy settings to default in Windows XP and Vista