A system and method for the automated capture, editing, replication, and deployment of server configurations. The system includes a set of tools for creating system configurations; for editing configurations that are actively used on a server or stored but not in active use; for replicating configurations and allowing customization of one or more aspects of such configurations; and for deploying the same or modified configurations to various servers. The techniques used relate to lists indicating the location of configuration data, search mechanisms for finding configuration data, file editing methods, file send and retrieve methods, and user interface display methods for facilitating viewing, modification, archiving, and deployment of configuration by system administrators, as well as an online service used for the storage, search, retrieval, and discussion of configurations.