Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Should I snapshot Exchange 2010?

  An admin wants to know if it's smart to snapshot Exchange Server 2010. Our expert weighs in.  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

• What’s the difference between MX records and smart hosts?

  A new Exchange administrator is confused as to the difference between MX records and smart hosts. Discover what each does and their role in email delivery.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Making sense of Windows Server 2012

  Windows Server 2012 is out. Haven't had the time to read up on new features? Catch up and have your questions answered.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 setup error: Could not find domain controller

  Did you receive an error message describing difficulty finding a domain controller during Exchange 2010 setup? Read the steps necessary to get around it.  Continue Reading

• Restoring Exchange 2010 administrative permissions after a migration

  One admin lost permissions after an Exchange 2010 upgrade. See why it happened, and get two fixes as we revisit our popular Ask the Expert program.  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

• Steering job interviews toward one's area of interest

  In an interview situation, it might be hard to steer the conversation to what goals you have in mind. Our expert explains how to get your answer across.  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

• Examining AD RMS and Exchange 2010 IRM's cryptographic modes

  Does IRM and AD RMS’s relationship confuse you? What about their different cryptographic modes? It’s definitely a perplexing topic; our expert aims to demystify it.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Preparing for the upgrade to Windows Server 2012

  Mulling over an upgrade to Windows Server 2012? You're bound to have some questions. Our expert answers the most common ones.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Hardening Windows servers

  Here's why you should treat your server like a workstation -- and not a server -- when it comes to security.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: System Center Configuration Manager 2012

  Microsoft's new configuration management product offers some important new features. But only you know if it's the right fit for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Mailbag: Examining Outlook connectivity issues

  Outlook connectivity can prove troublesome, but don’t worry, help is on the way. This mailbag touches on common problems, as well as the tools you’ll need to get them fixed.  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