To access the Active Directory Users and Computers or Group Policy Management Console snap-ins with Windows XP or Server 2003, you had to install the adminpak.msi. With Windows 7, the approach is a little different.
To install these components on your Windows 7 SP1 computer, you’ll need to download and install the 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) version of the Remote Server Administration Tools. Once it’s installed, you’ll be able to enable the new Windows features you’re looking for.
After the install, head into the Control Panel -> Programs -> Turn Windows Features On or Off.
There, you’ll now find a tree for Remote Server Administration Tools. Expand the Role Administration Tools, AD DS and AD LDS Tools, and AD DS Tools sets to check the box in front of AD DS Snap-ins and Command-line Tools for the Active Directory Users and Computers window that you’re familiar with. This tools can work with Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003.
You’ll similarly find the Group Policy Management Console under Remote Server Administration Tools, Feature Administration Tools, and then Group Policy Management Tools.
Once the boxes for the tools you want are checked, you can hit the Ok button and the features will be added.
After it completes, you’ll be able to find the tools on the Start Menu under Programs, Administrative Tools.
