Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Windows systems and network management

• How does Microsoft BitLocker secure local, cloud resources?

  The BitLocker encryption technology continues to evolve from its roots as a Windows Vista feature to protect resources both in the local data center and in the Azure cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI hardware and support costs?

  Organizations can cap their hyper-converged infrastructure costs when they deploy the Azure Stack HCI platform, but once they plug into the cloud, it's a different story.  Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI deployment, management options?

  While the Windows Admin Center is one way to manage the Azure Stack HCI platform, you can also use traditional, battle-tested tools.  Continue Reading

• Do you know the difference in the Microsoft HCI programs?

  Hyper-converged infrastructure that runs on Windows Server is not a new concept, but Microsoft's Azure Stack HCI program has one big difference from earlier HCI incarnations.  Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI features?

  An Azure Stack HCI system relies on Windows Server 2019 to deliver the software-defined compute, storage and networking technologies that integrate with the OEM hardware.  Continue Reading

• How should you handle Exchange Server updates?

  Microsoft changed its release model after Exchange 2010, which has caused some confusion for administrators who work on newer versions of the messaging platform.  Continue Reading

• What service does the Microsoft WSSD program provide?

  A do-it-yourself approach with hyper-converged infrastructure can lead to trouble when software-defined features just won't work. See how the WSSD program can prevent issues.  Continue Reading

• What are some potential Windows Server cluster set snags?

  Windows Server 2019 cluster sets bring some Azure-like capabilities into the data center, but new features also bring new challenges for administrators.  Continue Reading

• What are some Microsoft SDDC integration challenges?

  Microsoft added a number of new software-defined features in Windows Server 2019, but deploying a fully virtualized data center remains a challenge for several reasons.  Continue Reading

• How is the Microsoft SDDC concept becoming a reality?

  The promise of a software-defined infrastructure and its ability to pool resources require the right administrative tool to keep the virtualized fabric from fraying.  Continue Reading

• How do you build Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?

  Microsoft debuted cluster sets in its Windows Server 2019 release. Here's a rundown on how to deploy this high availability feature in your organization.  Continue Reading

• What Windows Server 2019 SDN features should I know about?

  Administrators in highly virtualized environments can tap into enhanced Windows Server 2019 SDN functionality to run Hyper-V VMs more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• What features make up Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?

  Windows Server 2019 takes clustering to a new level with the cluster sets feature that wraps another layer of high availability around critical VMs.  Continue Reading

• What advantages do Windows Server cluster sets offer?

  Administrators don't need to stress about workload uptime with a new Windows Server 2019 clustering feature, which makes sharing resources and moving VMs easier.  Continue Reading

• What are some common Windows Server 2019 SDN errors?

  The complexity of setting up and managing Microsoft SDN can increase the risk of administrators facing common networking errors that are difficult to troubleshoot.  Continue Reading

• What key SDN features are in Windows Server 2019?

  Microsoft SDN capabilities got a boost in Windows Server 2019 to wrap more security around VMs and make networking tasks less painful to execute.  Continue Reading

• How much does Azure Update Management cost?

  The Azure Update Management cost is free, but organizations that require the tool's advanced features might have to contend with additional fees.  Continue Reading

• What are some Microsoft SDN features in Windows Server?

  SDN functionality helps administrators shape network traffic to reduce congestion and boost security. Discover what other SDN features Microsoft added to its Windows Server offerings.  Continue Reading

• How does Azure Update Management handle integration?

  Azure Update Management works with other Microsoft administrative tools to give IT pros a more complete offering to patch operating systems.  Continue Reading

• What OSes does Azure Update Management handle?

  Azure Update Management supports a large number of Windows and Linux systems on premises and in the cloud, but there are certain requirements to meet to utilize the service.  Continue Reading

• How does Azure Update Management handle patching?

  Microsoft built Azure Update Management for administrators who require a centralized tool to automate patches for systems both on premises and in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Why do admins need both powershell.exe and pwsh.exe?

  While the PowerShell development team wants IT to move on to the newer PowerShell version, the powershell.exe executable will remain to avoid breaking changes.  Continue Reading

• How to deploy a Windows Server 2016 domain controller

  Follow these tips to create a domain controller in Windows Server 2016 with these instructions, from server setup to adding users.  Continue Reading

• How does AD DS differ from Microsoft Azure Active Directory?

  On-premises Active Directory or Azure AD? It doesn't have to be an either/or situation, as more cloud services are making their way into traditional data center environments.  Continue Reading

• Understand Active Directory basics for enterprise success

  You can't get the most out of a tool unless you understand its features. This tip explains the basics of Active Directory and how it controls access and maintains order.  Continue Reading

• 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 improved in Service Management Automation, Orchestrator 2016?

  Migrating to Service Center 2016 requires a good deal of preparation and work. Are the features in Orchestration and Service Management Automation better in Service Center 2016?  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 can administrators improve WSUS performance?

  The Windows Server Update Services utility helps to update numerous systems, but it can require significant bandwidth. What are good ways to reduce the demands?  Continue Reading

• Which Microsoft OMS license is best for my IT deployment?

  What do you get for your money -- and for free -- when using the Microsoft Operations Management Suite to handle workloads running in different environments?  Continue Reading

• What kind of log analytics does Microsoft OMS perform?

  Microsoft OMS features 'solution packs' that track resource usage, which can help administrators plan for future capacity needs.  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 is the easiest way to bring Microsoft OMS into my organization?

  My organization wants to use Microsoft Operations Management Suite. What's the best way to establish a connection to our existing environment?  Continue Reading

• How does Microsoft OMS affect IT management?

  Our organization uses System Center and its components for management, but we want to reduce the number of tools we use. Can Microsoft Operations Management Suite help us?  Continue Reading

• How is Windows Nano Server managed?

  Microsoft Nano Server sheds the traditional Windows Server GUI which means some administrators will need to adapt to adopt this deployment model.  Continue Reading

• Is there a System Center evaluation period?

  Planning to test a System Center technical preview? Check the release notes before investing too much time.  Continue Reading

• How will System Center licensing change?

  The price of your System Center license is due to change when Microsoft implements a per-core pricing model with the release of System Center 2016.  Continue Reading

• What changes are coming to System Center components?

  While new features coming in Microsoft System Center 2016 may sway an organization to consider upgrading, the loss of functionality may put off some from making a switch.  Continue Reading

• What are the most notable features in System Center 2016?

  System Center 2016 can manage a mix of environments, but administrators should evaluate new features before upgrading from an older version.  Continue Reading

• How does privileged identity management work in Azure Active Directory?

  Organizations that assign privileged access to certain users can lose track of who has access to what. Privileged user monitoring ensures users comply with corporate policies.  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

• How should we use SCOM 2012 for Azure management?

  Our organization uses Azure for cloud services, but we need a way to monitor health and performance. Can we use SCOM 2012 for Azure management?  Continue Reading

• Should in-house staff or consultants handle Windows Server 2016 upgrades?

  Is it better to approach a potential Windows Server 2016 upgrade using in-house staff, or should we seek the help of consultants?  Continue Reading

• What SCCM collections should I use for Linux?

  SCCM 2012 collections allow admins to organize Linux systems as well as Windows systems. How should admins approach it?  Continue Reading

• Can I include Linux systems in SCCM maintenance windows?

  SCCM maintenance windows allow for patching, upgrading and reconfiguring servers. Here's how to include Linux in the mix.  Continue Reading

• How do you use SCCM 2012 to see Linux systems?

  System Center Configuration manager can monitor and manage systems. Learn which Linux distros it supports.  Continue Reading

• What are SR-IOV pros and cons with Hyper-V?

  SR-IOV in Windows Server 2012 R2 supports Hyper-V Live Migration, but system requirements hampered adoption for some cases. Should everyone put PCIe SR-IOV to use?  Continue Reading

• How single-root I/O virtualization changes Windows Server performance

  Single root I/O virtualization is designed to improve computing efficiency by lessening the hypervisors overhead.  Continue Reading

• What are the limitations and drawbacks of an IPAM server?

  Windows Server IPAM can only handle one Active Directory forest. Learn about other limitations.  Continue Reading

• What are IPAM requirements in Windows Server 2012 R2?

  A standalone server is necessary to install an IPAM server on Windows Server 2012 R2.  Continue Reading

• What can Windows Server IPAM do for enterprises?

  As the BYOD trend means an increasing number of devices -- and therefore IP addresses -- Windows Server 2012 R2 is capable of managing the complexity.  Continue Reading

• What Windows Server monitoring tools are right for my budget?

  Windows Server monitoring tools range in cost from less than a hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Here are some options to consider.  Continue Reading

• What happened to Windows MultiPoint Server?

  As of the next version of Windows Server, MultiPoint Server is now a role within Windows Server instead of a standalone product.  Continue Reading

• What are some free Windows Server monitoring tools?

  Our admins can't get everything they need from native monitoring tools. What free tools can we use to monitor the overall health of Windows Server?  Continue Reading

• How can I receive and respond to server alerts?

  System Health in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials can trigger alerts via email. Here's how to enable them.  Continue Reading

• How do I find health reports in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials?

  Administrators can use health reporting capabilities in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials to pinpoint missing patches or incomplete backups.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows Server 2012 R2 disk optimization

  When it comes to the vital task of disk optimization, proper use of RAID and awareness of workloads can make the difference.  Continue Reading

• When to use CPU affinity with Windows Server 2012 R2

  There are several issues to consider before you decide to use CPU affinity in Windows Server 2012 R2.  Continue Reading

• Making the right Windows Server 2012 R2 hardware decision

  Server hardware selection can have a profound impact on operating system and workload performance.  Continue Reading

• Use Task Scheduler to run a PowerShell script during every startup

  With some simple configuration, admins can run a PowerShell script each time a computer starts with the help of the Task Scheduler GUI and cmdlets.  Continue Reading

• Steps to read XML files with PowerShell

  Wondering how to get PowerShell to read XML files? Our expert explains a few methods you could use.  Continue Reading

• How can I make my PowerShell output look better?

  One of the most common PowerShell questions is how to format the output so it's more presentable. Our expert offers some insight.  Continue Reading

• Logging your every move with a PowerShell transcript

  There are a few methods for creating a PowerShell transcript that logs everything. We highlight a few of these and what to know about each.  Continue Reading

• How do I use a PowerShell filter to identify files by date?

  Our expert answers one of the most common questions he hears from admins about using a PowerShell filter to find a file's accurate date.  Continue Reading

• How can I make and run a PowerShell script prompt for input?

  When it comes to running a PowerShell script prompt for input, admins can get the best results by letting PowerShell do most of the work. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• How can I use Powershell remoting to pass info to remote computers?

  When you have to locally execute something and share it with one or more remote machines, PowerShell remoting has a specific way to do it. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Troubleshooting common errors in Microsoft PowerShell

  In this FAQ, we have our resident PowerShell expert answer some common questions to help admins troubleshoot errors in this scripting language.  Continue Reading

• Why does a PowerShell command run fine locally, but not remotely?

  Admins starting to use PowerShell's Remoting features may run into some growing pains with remote commands. Combat these with a few simple tricks.  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

• Why can't I compare the contents of PowerShell variables?

  Even though it's a common problem that can frustrate administrators, it's possible to compare PowerShell variables by learning some simple commands.  Continue Reading

• How to run WSUS in a Hyper-V virtual machine

  What do you need to consider when virtualizing WSUS? Our expert answers some common questions.  Continue Reading

• What is a JAD session?

  What is a JAD session? This term is referred to often in job postings and seems like some kind of brainstorm you carry out with a client to define IT specification/requirements. What does it stand for? And what does it mean?  Continue Reading

• Can I modify the CN attribute of the users of an organization unit?

  Active Directory expert Laura E. Hunter explains to a reader what must be done to change the default display specifiers for new users in Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• How to reset a BIOS password

  Our systems management expert explains how to reset a BIOS password.  Continue Reading

• Why do remote users find that all printers have disappeared from their sessions?

  Expert Christa Anderson offers advice for dealing with a crashing spooler service.  Continue Reading

• Getting 'access denied' error with wireless router

  I have a PC running XP Pro connected by cable to a router and a laptop running XP Pro connected by WiFi to the router. Both the PC and the laptop can see each other and they both have permissions set for File & Printer Sharing. The PC can access ...  Continue Reading

• How do I change the time zone of a user's session and not the local machine?

  Expert Christa Anderson offers a reader a helpul tool for changing the time zone of a user's session.  Continue Reading

• How do I change IP addresses within Active Directory?

  Expert Laura E. Hunter explains to a reader how easy it can be to change IP addresses in Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• How can I restrict rights for a group of users on a specific OU of computers, but not on any compute

  Expert Jeremy Moskowitz shows a reader how to use loopback policy processing to restrict rights for a group of users on a specific OU of computers.  Continue Reading

• Why are users being automatically logged off?

  Expert Christa Anderson suggests why users in a network are being logged out and how to solve the problem with Windows 2003 Terminal Services.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between the Global Catalog and the Infrastructure Master?

  Expert Laura E. Hunter explains the different functions of the Infrastructure Master and Global Catalog in Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• Adding a USB port without Printer Wizard

  How can I add a USB port if it does not show up in the list of available ports when trying to add a printer using the Add Printer Wizard?  Continue Reading

• Can I find the date and time a user account was locked out?

  Expert Laura E. Hunter helps a reader find the best tool to find the date and time a user account was locked out.  Continue Reading

• How do I install a DNS server and an Active Directory domain?

  Expert Laura E. Hunter helps a reader get started on installing an Active Directory domain with a DNS Server.  Continue Reading

• Why can't Windows 98 SE access shared folders?

  An admin has four servers that all have shared folders, and are authenticated through Active Domain Controller. Three of the servers have no problem being accessed through 98 or XP, but one server allows only Windows XP clients to access its shared ...  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between Win98 & Win98SE?

  Expert Serdar Yegulalp responds to a reader question about the differences between Win98 & Win98SE.  Continue Reading

• How do I prevent users in an Active Directory domain from logging on to multiple clients at once?

  Expert Laura E. Hunter explains how to use of the "LimitLogon" utility in Active Directory to prevent it from logging on to multiple clients at once.  Continue Reading

• Can SQL queries access and update Active Directory?

  Is possible to run SQL queries to gather information and update Active Directory?  Continue Reading

• How to change the date format in a regional setting

  I'm trying to a create a policy to be able control the date format in a regional setting. I haven't seen anything in AD about this. Is this possible without creating some complex script?  Continue Reading

• Active Directory doesn't work after a system state restore

  I have a Windows 2000 server as the main DC. I did a manual removal of Exchange, but my IIS Web page didn't work after that, so system state was restored. However, I have had trouble ever since: Users are not able to access some of their file shares...  Continue Reading

• Step-by-Step on creating a trust between two AD domains' two-way trust

  Our expert provides the steps to set up an Active Directory (AD) domain trust when DNS records need to be created before the trust.  Continue Reading

• How can I use a GPO or script to remove VNC software?

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• Network firewall profile uses Standard profile

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• Purpose of child domains and additional controllers

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• AD problems after 2000 to 2003 migration

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• Child domains not finding global catalog

  Last year I created a Windows 2000 forest containing a root domain and three child domains. Everything worked fine until about five months ago when none of the child domains could find the Global Catalog.  Continue Reading

• Is it necessary to rename the default first site?

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