Understanding ADMX Template Files

In previous versions of Windows, ADM (.adm) files are used to surface the registry-based policy settings found under Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates and User Configuration\Administrative Templates in the Group Policy Management Editor. These ADM template files use a complex, text-based syntax that makes it difficult to provide a localized view of ADM settings. Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 come with five default ADM template files: Conf.adm, Inetres.adm, System.adm, Wmplayer.adm, and Wuau.adm. Most ADM settings are described in Inetres.adm and System.adm. These default ADM template files are located in the %WinDir%\inf folder, and when a GPO is created, the ADM template files on the administrative workstation are copied to the GPO in the SYSVOL share and replicated to other domain controllers in the domain.

Beginning with Windows Vista, however, ADMX template files replace ADM template files. ADMX template files use an XML-based syntax instead of the proprietary syntax used by ADM template files. ADMX template files provide the following benefits over ADM template files:

• SYSVOL bloat is avoided because ADMX template files are not stored within GPO folders on SYSVOL.
• You can now store ADMX template files in a single, central store for the whole domain, making them easier to maintain.
• With ADMX template files, Local Group Policy Editor can display policy settings in the local language for the user without affecting any other user's view of the policy settings.
• ADMX template files support strong versioning, which simplifies their creation and management.