What does 'Loopback Processing' mean when performing RSoP analysis? (NETIQKB843)

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What does 'Loopback Processing' mean when performing RSoP analysis?

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NetIQ Group Policy Administrator 2.0

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NetIQ Group Policy Administrator 3.0

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NetIQ Group Policy Administrator 4.x

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NetIQ Group Policy Administrator 5.0

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Loopback Processing mode allows alternate User policies to be applied based on the computer in use.

Example:  In a public environment (Classroom, Internet Cafe, Information Kiosk, Library, etc.), it is desirable to tightly control the policy given to all users, regardless of their rights throughout the rest of the domain.  Loopback Processing allows you to do this.

Loopback has two modes:

1. Merge
   • Merge processing applies the user policies from the user object, and then merges the user policies from the computer object. In the event of a conflict, the computer object policies take precedence.
   
   
2. Replace
   • Replace processing applies the user policies from the computer object only.

Note:  This process requires that the user and computer reside in separate OUs.

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For additional information, please refer to the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

• Q231287:  "Loopback Processing of Group Policy"

Formerly known as NETIQKB843