Directory Replication Is Erratic With Ntconfig.pol, Config.pol

If an export server exports a Ntconfig.pol file to its own import directory, and if the file is changed (by adding or removing a privilege), the file is not replicated. No errors appear in the event log, and the status reads OK, but the date/time stamp on the export directory file is changed, although the previous time remains on the import directory file.

A small text file placed in the export folder will replicate along with the Ntconfig.pol file. If that text file is edited, replication will occur for the whole directory. If you modify the Ntconfig.pol file only, it will not replicate. No errors appear, and replication status reads OK.

Rename the Ntconfig.pol, keeping the .pol extension. Allow replication to occur, and then rename the file, giving it the original file name (Ntconfig.pol or Config.pol). Replication should occur normally. After this, you can change the file as needed; replication continues unless a file is open.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. We are researching this problem and posts new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.