As I mentioned earlier, you can also use this tool to configure a system. For example, if you right-click the Security Configuration and Analysis icon as shown below, you have the option to Configure Computer Now. However, the settings that are exported to a template file can also be imported into the Security Settings section of Computer Configuration section of Group Policy, which would allow you to distribute a common configuration to client systems in a centralized manner. Templates can also be imported into the Local Security Configuration. In both cases, the tools refer to importing a template file as Import Policy Security Templates Another MMC snap-in, Security Templates, allows you to view and configure template settings, as well create new templates.
Templates files are in an .inf format, readable in any text editor.
Windows 2000 provides a number of templates by default. You should have an understanding on the provided template files and why you would use them. For example, the hisecws.inf identifies the template as applying highly secure settings to a workstation. These templates apply the default security configuration to a system. These would be useful if you set too high a level of security on a system and wanted to return settings back to the default.