Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• 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

• FAQ: Clustering in Windows Server 2012

  Clustering in Windows went through major change with the Windows Server 2012 release. Here's what's new and how to take advantage of the improvements.  Continue Reading

• Configuring Exchange 2010 out of office messages

  If a user forgets to turn on his Exchange 2010 out of office message, he may rely on you to do that for him. Fortunately, you have a couple options.  Continue Reading

• Why do I get a PowerShell error when trying to access a file?

  One common PowerShell error occurs because of the way PowerShell is told how to access a file. Here's how to fix it and avoid it in the future.  Continue Reading

• How to update an Exchange 2010 database availability group

  Updating database availability groups is an important part of the Exchange service pack installation process. Learn the steps necessary to update your DAG.  Continue Reading

• 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