Hi all, I have the following error in the registry: source userenv id 1096 Windows cannot access the registry policy file, C:\WINDOWS\System32\GroupPolicy\Machine\registry.pol. (The data is invalid. ). For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp. I found the following post that seems to be helpful but the registry.pol. file is in use and I cannot modify it. How can I unlock it without having trouble? I thought to try safe mode but I would like to find a solution that doesn't stop the server... http://www.tech-archive.net/Archive/Windows/microsoft.public.windows.group_policy/2008-08/msg00228.html Thanks in advance Alberto

Hello Alberto, Thank you, These kind of errors generally generates when a file is missing or corrupted in GPO. Please refer the below KB article i hope it might helpful in resolving this issue, Please reply back with your findinds. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/ee/transform.aspx?ProdName=Windows%20Operating%20System&ProdVer=5.2&EvtID=1096&EvtSrc=Userenv&LCID=1033 Regards, Prakash Nimmala Skype : Prakash.Nimmala Email ID : prakash.nimmala@hotmail.com Whenever you see a helpful reply, click on Vote As Helpful & click on As Answer if a post answers your question. Regards, Prakash Nimmala Skype : Prakash.Nimmala Email ID : prakash.nimmala@hotmail.com Whenever you see a helpful reply, click on Vote As Helpful & click on Mark As Answer if a post answers your question.

Hi, What's the OS of the machine? Please also read this: Some registry-based policy settings are lost and error messages are logged in the Application log on a Windows XP-based computer or on a Windows Vista-based computer http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930597 Regards, Cicely

Hello, if the already given answers didn't help please describe in detail the environment, amount of DCs and how they are connected. Also the used OS version, incl.SP/patch level. Was there a crash and/or restore from a not supported way of backup from a DC like images/snapshots/ VM file copies?Best regards Meinolf Weber MVP, MCP, MCTS Microsoft MVP - Directory Services My Blog: http://msmvps.com/blogs/mweber/ Disclaimer: This posting is provided AS IS with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights.

Hi, I would like to confirm what is the current situation? If there is anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to let me know, and I will be happy to help. Regards, Cicely Feng --------------------------------------------------- TechNet Subscriber Support If you are TechNet Subscription user and have any feedback on our support quality, please send your feedback here .

Hi, I did as said in the beginning: - safe mode - copy registry.pol from the other dc - restart I just wanted to know wheteher I could do it without stopping services .. Anyway problem solved. Thanks

Hi, I did as said in the beginning: - safe mode - copy registry.pol from the other dc - restart I just wanted to know wheteher I could do it without stopping services .. Anyway problem solved. Thanks

Hi, >>I just wanted to know wheteher I could do it without stopping services .. No. Regards, Cicely