Applying Settings to Client Machines

The most common technical support question we get is "Why aren't Group Policy Preferences settings applying to my client machines using PolicyPak Exporter MSIs?" Before calling or emailing PolicyPak technical support, check the following items:

Step 1 – Did you go through the Quickstart section and follow the example from start to finish? Most people will see what needs to be altered to solve the problem when they work through the Quickstart.

Step 2 – Did you install the PolicyPak CSE on your client machines?

Step 3 – If you're trying to deploy a PolicyPak Exporter MSI file using Microsoft Endpoint Manager (SCCM and Intune), or a similar program, did you first manually test the installation of the MSI?

Step 4 – Is your computer licensed? All computers must be licensed in order for PolicyPak Preferences Manager to work properly (see the Introduction and Basic Concepts for more information). Alternatively, try renaming the computer to "Computer1" (or a similar name) such that "computer" is in the name. When you do this, the PolicyPak Preferences Manager CSE will act as if it's fully licensed. If PolicyPak Preferences Manager starts to work, you have a licensing issue.

Step 5 – Does the Group Policy Preference item you created have some Item-Level Targeting that prevents its use? For instance, did you specify "Only when the Operating System is Windows 7," when you're actually trying to apply the file to a Windows 8 system?

Step 6 – Even though this might take some time, we suggest setting up a totally new computer (Windows 7 or greater) and naming it "Computer01." Then, install the PolicyPak CSE and reboot. See if your settings apply now. If so, try to determine why the settings worked when the computer was in Trial mode (i.e., when it had the word "computer" in the computer name) and not in Licensed mode.