Problem description: Windows cannot access the file gpt.ini

In a Microsoft Virtual Machine, following error is logged in the Event Viewer:

Windows cannot access the file gpt.ini for GPO CN={31B2F340-016D-11D2-945F-00C04FB984F9},CN=Policies,CN=System,DC=<domaincontroller>,DC=local. The file must be present at the location <\\<some name>\sysvol\<some name>\Policies\{31B2F340-016D-11D2-945F-00C04FB984F9}\gpt.ini>. (The network location cannot be reached. For information about network troubleshooting, see Windows Help. ). Group Policy processing aborted.