Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• How to recover email in a specific date range from a .PST file

  Get step-by-step instructions on how to recover email that falls within a specific data range from a Microsoft Outlook 2003 .PST file.  Continue Reading

• SMS installer won't work with 64-bit Vista's HKLM Registry key

  Learn what admins should do if the SMS installer wont work with 64-bit Windows Vista HKLM Registry key.  Continue Reading

• How FAT and NFTS differ

  Learn how FAT and NFTS differ and uncover how these systems could have potential forensic implications on data recovery.  Continue Reading

• Use RoboCopy to copy files from crashed hard disk drives

  By using the RoboCopy admins can avoid having to manually determine which files need to be copied over from crashed hard disk drives, says Desktop Management expert Serdar Yegulalp.  Continue Reading

• How can I restore a disabled Administrator account?

  Accidentally disabling the Administrator account on your PC will keep you from changing your settings. But restoring a disable Administrator account is easy.  Continue Reading

• How to run a batch file at system shutdown

  Learn two ways admins can run a batch file at system shutdown in this desktop management Ask the Expert Q&A.  Continue Reading

• How to strip email attachments from Exchange NDR failure notifications

  If Exchange non-delivery reports are delivered with the original emails attachments, user mailboxes will fill up quickly and performance problems will ensue. Learn how you can strip email attachments from Exchange NDR failure notifications to ...  Continue Reading

• Sending email to an Exchange distribution list containing SMTP and EX addresses

  Is it possible to set up an Exchange distribution list that contains both SMTP and EX email addresses? SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta weighs in.  Continue Reading

• How to enable Exchange Server public folder logging

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta explains how to enable Exchange 2000 Server public folder logging so an administrator can track which users are deleting items from public folders.  Continue Reading

• Personal folders not showing up on Microsoft Outlook

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta explains how to configure Microsoft Outlook so personal folders show up properly.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server email not being sent externally through the SMTP server

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta helps an administrator track down why email sent to the local Active Directory domain is not being sent externally via the SMTP server.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server error message: 'A non-delivery report with a status code of 5.4.0 was generated for

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta explains why non-delivery reports from an Exchange 2000 server are not being sent to the email sender because of a name resolution issue, and points to a Microsoft Knowledge Base article to help troubleshoot ...  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server user unable to send email to a specific domain

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta provides a list of troubleshooting steps to try if an Exchange Server user is unable to send email to a specific domain.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server backup error: 'Mailbox cannot be found'

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta explains how to troubleshoot a "Mailbox cannot be found" error that occurs on Exchange 2000 Server during backup.  Continue Reading

• Sharing free/busy calendar information between disparate Exchange 5.5 and Exchange 2003 organization

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta suggests a tool that will allow users to replicate free and busy calendar information between two disparate Exchange 5.5 and Exchange 2003 organizations.  Continue Reading

• How to add the 'Create Mailbox' menu option to Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)

  If you're Recipient Update Server (RUS) has not stamped your Exchange Server accounts, you may not see the "Create Mailbox" menu option in Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC). SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta explains how to remedy ...  Continue Reading

• Extracting data from an Exchange Server public folder

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta offers suggestions about how to extract data from an Exchange Server public folder without having to resort to a time-consuming manual approach.  Continue Reading

• Can we install another instance of Exchange Server on a second domain controller?

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta explains why setting up a second domain controller is a great idea for Exchange Server redundancy, but won't give you the ability to replicate mailbox content.  Continue Reading

• Restoring an NTBACKUP file from one Exchange server to another

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta shares the best method for restoring an NTBACKUP file from one Exchange server to another Exchange server on a separate domain controller and in a different geographic location.  Continue Reading

• Can I recover lost data from an Exchange Server public folder?

  A user lost all the information stored in an Exchange Server public folder after an end date for a recurring appointment was extended. SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta offers several suggestions on how to pinpoint the cause of this issue.  Continue Reading

• User cannot view Microsoft Outlook archive folder remotely

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman points out a potential reason why a user can access a Microsoft Outlook archive folder from the office, but not remotely.  Continue Reading

• Auto-generating Microsoft Outlook profiles

  Learn how you can create and deploy PRF files that will auto-generate Microsoft Outlook profiles on newly deployed computers.  Continue Reading

• Does running forestprep and domain prep twice hurt?

  An admin upgrading Active Directory from Windows 2000 to Windows Server 2003 doesn't know if the previous admin has run adprep/forestprep and adprep/domainprep. He wants to know if it's okay to run forestprep and domainprep a second time.  Continue Reading

• Can I have multiple Exchange server accounts in a Microsoft Outlook profile?

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains how many Exchange Server accounts you can have in a single Microsoft Outlook profile.  Continue Reading

• Password authentication works for OWA but fails for Microsoft Outlook

  You can access your mailbox via Outlook Web Access, but not through Microsoft Outlook. SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains how to determine whether this is a user account, desktop profile or workstation issue.  Continue Reading

• Outlook Web Access users cannot access Exchange Server public folders

  There are various possible reasons for the failure of an OWA user to access Exchange Server public folders from the Internet. SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman supplies some clue-gathering tips.  Continue Reading

• Create a rule to forward internal Exchange Server email to a BlackBerry address

  Here are some server- and client-side tips for creating a rule to forward Exchange Server email to a BlackBerry address.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook error: 'One or more rules could not be uploaded to Exchange Server'

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman helps troubleshoot the Microsoft Outlook error "One or more rules could not be uploaded to Exchange Server."  Continue Reading

• Missing Active Directory profiles messing up printer management

  An admin discovers that because the previous IT person did not set up the profiles in AD to load the default network printer to all users when they log in, he now has install the default network printer every time a new person logs in.  Continue Reading

• Shared calendar discrepancies between Microsoft Outlook and OWA

  Learn what to do when OWA shows different appointments in the shared calendar than you see with Microsoft Outlook 2003.  Continue Reading

• Forwarding email from Exchange Server to an external email address

  Get step-by-step instructions for forwarding all Exchange Server email to an external email address.  Continue Reading

• How to create desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Outlook 2003 subfolders

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains how to create desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Outlook 2003 subfolders.  Continue Reading

• Setting up OWA in Exchange Server 2003

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman provides instruction on how to set up and access Outlook Web Access via the Web in Exchange Server 2003.  Continue Reading

• .PST file error: 'The operation failed. An object could not be found'

  Learn how to troubleshoot the Microsoft Outlook .PST file error "The operation failed. An object could not be found," which can occur when Microsoft Outlook can no longer "find" the .PST file.  Continue Reading

• Cannot reply or forward in Outlook Web Access

  If you can't reply or forward in Outlook Web Access (OWA), you may need to add your Exchange Server URL to Internet Explorer's Trusted Sites list.  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

• Can a remote thin client access a memory card reader?

  Expert Christa Anderson advises how to map images on a network share for user on a terminal server.  Continue Reading

• How can I track which users have connected to a terminal server?

  Expert Christa Anderson offers some ideas for monitoring who is connecting to a terminal server, and when they are connecting.  Continue Reading

• What are options for using a scanner with Terminal Services?

  Expert Christa Anderson suggests some third-party software producst that can help in using a scanner with Terminal Services.  Continue Reading

• How do I change permissions to allow drive mapping with Windows 2000 Terminal Services?

  Expert Christa Anderson explains why it isn't possible to allow drive mapping with Windows 2000 Terminal Services.  Continue Reading

• Eliminate username and password prompt when opening Microsoft Outlook

  Learn how to configure Exchange Server to avoid receiving username and password prompts each time Microsoft Outlook is opened.  Continue Reading

• Contacting the domain controller

  Windows network security expert explains how to make sure users can contact your domain controller  Continue Reading

• Name resolution in DNS

  In domain environment DNS, what mechanism is responsible for resolving host names when they communicate with each other?  Continue Reading

• What is the best device for Windows server backup?

  An administrator wants to know what the best device is for Windows server backup.  Continue Reading

• I lost my Windows XP product key

  A reader no longer has the product key or the PC that his copy of Windows XP was installed on.  Continue Reading

• Undocked laptop takes forever to boot

  A reader writes looking for help regarding a laptop that works fine when it's docked. But when it's undocked, it takes forever to boot and occasionally hangs with a blue screen.  Continue Reading

• Rename multiple computers programmatically

  Following your Rename multiple computers advice, is there a way to rename mulitple computers and accounts programmatically without attending the PCs? Or, are you...  Continue Reading

• Importing an Exchange 5.5 Global Address List into Exchange 2003 Active Directory

  Learn how to import an Exchange 5.5 Global Address List into an Exchange 2003 Active Directory system.  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 free up space on my hard drive?

  I am trying to print a multiple image document in Adobe PhotoDeluxe Home Edition but I keep getting an error message saying "Not enough free space on the hard drive which contains your system folder to print the current multiple image document." ...  Continue Reading

• Setting up Exchange Server to communicate with Lotus Domino 6.5

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta offers advice on how to set up an Exchange server to communicate with a Lotus Domino 6.5 server.  Continue Reading

• Moving an Exchange Server public folder replica to another server

  Find out the steps necessary to move one Exchange public folder replica to another server.  Continue Reading

• How to search multiple Microsoft Outlook subfolders simultaneously

  Learn how to search multiple Microsoft Outlook subfolders simultaneously using the Advanced Find feature.  Continue Reading

• Where can I find the Exchange Server Pubmerge utility?

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta explains where to find the utility Pubmerge and offers advice about using an easier alternative.  Continue Reading

• Suppressing the patch reboot in WSUS

  An admin is having problems with his WSUS patch system. The restart pop-up message in WSUS keeps showing up to users. Even after the admin delayed the message, it still shows up once a day. He wants to know if there's a way to suppress the patch ...  Continue Reading

• Why does PC freeze when converting Microsoft Word document to a PDF?

  When a user on the domain tries to convert a Word document to a PDF file using Adobe Professional 7.0, their PC freezes. This admin wonders if there's another way to grant the user access other than giving them power user rights?  Continue Reading

• Move user accounts to a new domain controller

  I have an existing 2003 SP1 domain, with three other servers attached to it, as well as 80 users. The domain controller/DNS/Active Directory machine is dying and I have ordered a new one that will be arriving soon. Is there a seamless way of moving ...  Continue Reading

• Can MCTS be considered a substitute for MCSD?

  Expert Ed Tittel explains to a reader why he would recommend going for MCTS over MCSD.  Continue Reading

• Outlook 2003 client error: 'Task Microsoft Exchange Server reported error (0x8004010F)'

  Offline Address Lists issues can cause the following Exchange Server error when running Outlook 2003 clients on Exchange 5.5: "Task Microsoft Exchange Server reported error (0x8004010F). The operation failed an object could not be found." ...  Continue Reading

• How to create an Exchange server-side forwarding rule to send email to a BlackBerry

  SearchExchange.com expert Patricia Guerrero provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a server-side forwarding rule to enable email to be sent to a BlackBerry mobile device address.  Continue Reading

• How to re-enable the Task Manager

  My Task Manager has somehow been disabled. I am the administrator and I did not disable it. How did this happen and how do I re-enable it?  Continue Reading

• OWA error: 'Page cannot be displayed. Internal server error.'

  SearchExchange.com expert Patricia Guerrero offers four methods for troubleshooting the Outlook Web Access error: 'Page cannot be displayed. Internal server error.'  Continue Reading

• Marking calendar appointments 'private' in Outlook Web Access

  Learn how to add Microsoft Outlook-like features and functionality to Outlook Web Access, including the ability to designate appointments as private.  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

• Outlook Web Access won't let user reply to messages

  If users can't reply to email in Outlook Web Access, SearchExchange.com expert Patricia Guerrero offers some troubleshooting tips.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook contacts disappearing from contacts folder

  SearchExchange expert Bradley Dinerman helps to troubleshoot disappearing user contacts in Microsoft Outlook.  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

• Upgrade from Exchange 2003 Standard Edition to Enterprise Edition on SBS

  SearchExchange.com expert Bradley Dinerman offers advice on upgrading from Exchange Standard Edition 2003 Server to Enterprise Edition on Small Business Server.  Continue Reading

• How would Active Directory work in conjunction with LDAP without third-party vendor software?

  Expert Laura E. Hunter offers a reader some resources for using Active Directory as an LDAP repository for interoperability.  Continue Reading

• Migrating users, mailboxes and folders to Exchange Server 2003

  SearchExchange.com expert Peter terSteeg explains how to migrate users, mailboxes and folders to Exchange Server 2003.  Continue Reading

• Creating a customized welcome email in Outlook Web Access

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains how admins can create a welcome email for first-time Outlook Web Access users, despite the inability to customize welcome messages in Outlook.  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

• How do I apply proxy settings automatically on all the workstations?

  Expert Jeremy Moskowitz explains how to use Group Policy for a Windows 2000 Server to apply proxy settings automatically on all the workstations in a network.  Continue Reading

• How I can modify the Registry Key in Windows XP using Group Policy management?

  Expert Jeremy Moskowitz explains to a reader what is required when making changes to a registry key in Group Policy.  Continue Reading

• Access public folder calendars published on the Internet without prompting for login

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta explains how an admin can publish public folder calendars on the Internet for users to access, without prompting for a login.  Continue Reading

• Fix the user interface failure error

  Our Windows 2000 server (Service Pack 3) gives the error "User Interface Failure. The logon user interface DLL Msgina.dll failed to load" when booting. We ran a Windows 2000 server setup, went to repair, selected Console, and replaced the msgina.dll...  Continue Reading

• DNS on workgroup servers vs DNS on domain servers

  What are the similarities and differences between DNS settings installed on workgroup servers and DNS settings installed on domain servers?  Continue Reading

• How to forward all email to another account using OWA

  Learn how to forward all email messages to another email account using Outlook Web Access.  Continue Reading

• Forcing Microsoft Outlook options using Active Directory Group Policy

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains how to force Microsoft Outlook options using Active Directory Group Policy.  Continue Reading

• Establishing a direct Microsoft Outlook connection using RPC over HTTP

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains alternate ways for remote users to access Microsoft Outlook from outside of their network, including Remote Procedure Call (RCP) over HTTP.  Continue Reading

• Can I find the Windows XP CD key on the CD-ROM?

  A reader wants to know is there is a way to find the CD key for Windows XP Pro within the actual Windows XP CD-ROM.  Continue Reading

• Setting up an SSL certificate for OWA without a public IP address

  Learn how to set up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate for Outlook Web Access (OWA) without having a public IP address.  Continue Reading

• Error: 'The HTTP service used by public folders is not available'

  SearchExchange expert David Sengupta explains the cause behind the Exchange System Manager error: "The HTTP service used by public folders is not available, possible causes are that public stores are not mounted and the information store service is ...  Continue Reading

• User cannot access Exchange public folder subfolders

  Get advice on how to eradicate Exchange public folder subfolder accessibility issues in Exchange 2000 Server.  Continue Reading

• Installing RIS on Windows XP

  I am a hardware and networking engineer working with a service provider. I want to configure RIS on Windows XP Pro and install XP on another machine from RIS. Is this possible? If so, how can I do this?  Continue Reading

• Creating Send As permissions for a shared Exchange Server mailbox

  Learn how setting up Send As permissions on a shared Exchange Server mailbox will resolve the error: 'You do not have permission to send to this recipient.'  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 utilities allow remote users to print from their home PCs?

  Expert Christa Anderson suggests tools and other third-party utilities that can help in allowing remote users to print at home using Windows XP drivers.  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

• Is there a command in Windows to assign UNIX attributes to AD users?

  Expert Laura E. Hunter points a reader toward solutions to assigning UNIX attributes to Active Directory users with Windows Server 2003.  Continue Reading

• Assigning Exchange public folder permissions to custom groups

  Find out how to assign Exchange public folder permissions to specified individuals or groups by configuring custom roles in Exchange System Manager.  Continue Reading

• Allow users to access shared folders in Windows 2000

  I have a Windows 2000 domain controller. I created an additional domain controller and created shared folders for users, but the users are not able to access those folders using Windows XP. Even after accessing and giving a username and password, ...  Continue Reading

• Find out if your Windows CD-key is legitimate

  I recently formatted the hard drive on my computer running Windows XP Home Edition. I entered the Windows XP Home CD-key that originally came with the computer. Everything was working until it asked me to activate Windows. When I tried, I got an ...  Continue Reading

• Manipulating BGInfo.exe

  I am an administrator at a small firm that has inherited a group of servers running Windows 2003 that have a desktop wallpaper using BGInfo.exe. When logging on it always shows an error about its services. I can't stop the service because it always...  Continue Reading

• Should Exchange Server utilize the SMTP connector for internal email?

  SearchExchange.com expert Richard Luckett describes the circumstance in which an Exchange server may not recognize internal mail messages.  Continue Reading

• Changing the Product ID on Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition

  How do I change the Microsoft Product ID on Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition? I have legal licenses for all the boxes but I am doing syspreps/ghost to build new servers. I want the legal code on the boxes.  Continue Reading

• Disabling Microsoft Outlook's AutoArchive feature

  Exchange Server expert David Sengupta explains how to disable the AutoArchive function in Microsoft Outlook and offers tips on how to reduce mailbox bloat.  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

• What happens when email is sent to a non-existent user?

  Exchange Server expert David Sengupta explains what happens to email that is sent to a non-existent user.  Continue Reading

• Configuring OWA and OMA on ISA Server in a DMZ

  Find out how to enable Outlook Web Access and Outlook Mobile Access from ISA Server 2004 with a third-party firewall.  Continue Reading