Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Microsoft Active Directory

• Use the Group Policy settings reference guide to avoid disruptions

  With Windows Server's updates to Group Policy settings and templates comes a danger for administrators: users flooding the help desk with tickets.  Continue Reading

• What's new with Group Policy administration in Windows Server 2016?

  Windows Server 2016 includes a suite of new Group Policy settings. These settings allow admins to manage mobile app access and set numerous security policies.  Continue Reading

• How does the Group Policy Object Editor manage .admx templates?

  Newer versions of Windows Server use an .admx template that has changed from a proprietary format to give administrators more flexibility with user and computer management.  Continue Reading

• What tools can manage Active Directory in Azure?

  There are several Azure Active Directory management tools to help administrators create or modify services, and manage and organize users.  Continue Reading

• How does Active Directory in the cloud work?

  Administrators responsible for cloud management can use Active Directory in Azure to set limits on the amount of resources and app availability.  Continue Reading

• What are the guidelines for a better Active Directory backup?

  Administrators should have a regular Active Directory backup schedule and be sure to remove outdated backups to avoid storage issues.  Continue Reading

• Can I restore Active Directory to different hardware?

  I need to restore Active Directory to a different hardware platform. Which backup method should I use to avoid problems?  Continue Reading

• Can I use third-party tools to back up Active Directory?

  Although Windows Server has a built-in backup tool, third-party tools offer useful capabilities, such as reporting and alerting features, to help admins back up Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• How to plan an Active Directory backup and restoration

  I need to back up Active Directory, but I'm not sure which method to use. What are my options for a painless backup and restoration effort?  Continue Reading

• Solving data consistency problems from Active Directory tombstones

  Active Directory tombstones can cause problems with data consistency. Domain controllers need to be backed up as often as tombstones, if not more.  Continue Reading

• Using imaging tools to restore domain controllers, avoid problems

  There can be catastrophic consequences to rolling back to a previous Active Directory state. Software can help you avoid serious rollback missteps  Continue Reading

• How USNs and Invocation IDs ensure the latest Active Directory state

  Active Directory sync is a delicate game -- any change could throw things off. USNs and Invocation IDs can help keep track of Active Directory state.  Continue Reading

• Taking the primary domain controller offline to rebuild it

  Need to take an in-place upgraded PDC offline to rebuild it and use the second and third freshly-built 2003 DCs to handle services? Our expert explains.  Continue Reading

• Unable to check webmail after migration

  After migrating from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003, users may have trouble checking common products like webmail. Here's how to address it.  Continue Reading

• Why don't I have proper Windows Server 2003 rights to open a GPO?

  Learn what could be causing the error message 'Fail to open Group Policy Object. You may not have appropriate rights' in Windows Server 2003.  Continue Reading