New
#1
Possible fix here:
Group policy error: Failed to open group policy object on this computer.
Another approach (last post):
Failed to open the group policy object. - Spiceworks
Post 2:
Failed to open the group policy object on the computer
Note: I have no idea if an in-place upgrade repair install which keeps all progs, data and most settings would fix this.
SOLVED: Deleted the Registry.pol
Good: make sure you use disk imaging regularly so you've a fall-back when things go badly wrong.