I created a new template on server 2008 machine use 'security templates' mmc snapin... did the same on a server 2003 machine just to see if the format looked the same... because I would like to use the same template file for 2003/2008/2008R2. I noticed the following template section was the same for 2003 and 2008 (didn't check 2008 R2 yet) [Version] signature="$CHICAGO$" Revision=1 I also noticed that without this section, the template cannot be used (error initializing or something like that) 1. curious as to why that section is required? and why the $CHICAGO$? 2. I should be able to use the same template file for 2003/2008/2008R2 right? Provided of course I'm not trying to set a particular setting that only exists on one of the later OS versions on an earlier verion. I believe all my settings exist across all these OS versions, so I'm more asking about format changes, differences between secedit versions, etc..

Hello 1. curious as to why that section is required? and why the $CHICAGO$? Is your domain Chicago?, that is the signature which is required to link your domains and yes you must include it to use the templateIsaac Oben MCITP:EA, MCSE

Hi Isaac, no, my domain is not chicago. I'm applying a security template as a part of a base image install before the machines are joined to any domain... and in my case, most machines will not become a part of any domain. That section was put there like that in a template generated on both a stand-alone 2003 and a stand-alone 2008 server... I guess it's just a default, not sure why it would be required considering it's meaningless, at least in my case it is, I realize it may have some purpose for other scenarios though. Basically, I was given a template to use and couldn't figure out why it wasn't working until I generated my own and compared... only difference I saw was that [Version] section. what exactly do you mean by it's required to link your domains? and thanks for the response! I appreciate it.

> Is your domain Chicago? LOOOOOOOL :))))) > I guess it's just a default, not sure why it would be required considering it's meaningless, at least in my case it is, I realize it may have some purpose for other scenarios though CHICAGO is the target OS type reference. In most INF files two signatures are used: $CHICAGO$ — usually is used for pre-Windows 2000 systems and is still used for compatibility purposes $Windows NT$ — usually used for native NT configuration files. don't worry about this signature. p.s. AFAIK, Chicago was Windows 95 code name. Here is a little more info: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd346763.aspx http://www.sysadmins.lv

Thanks Vadims, I appreciate the info.