Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Strategies for SharePoint document management
SharePoint document management is a process -- not a feature. Continue Reading
Easier DirectAccess setup means a plausible VPN alternative for admins
DirectAccess used to be a complicated feature, but not anymore. In Windows Server 2012, simpler DirectAccess setup helps admins connect mobile users. Continue Reading
ExBPA (Exchange Best Practices Analyzer)
The Exchange Best Practices Analyzer (ExBPA) is a tool that helps administrators to gauge the health of their Exchange Server environment. Continue Reading
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Enabling multi-server management in Windows Server 2012
By enabling remote management in Windows Server 2012, Microsoft opened the door for multi-server management remotely or locally. Continue Reading
Windows Server Failover Clustering gets boost from PowerShell cmdlets
In Windows Server 2012, there are 81 new and improved failover clustering PowerShell cmdlets. Here's how to make the most of their capabilities. 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
Exploring the Exchange Administration Center in Exchange Server 2013
As Exchange evolves, so does its management interface. Get a close look at the new Exchange Administration Center and see why it's an improvement.Continue Reading
Admin quiz: Test your Microsoft Group Policy knowledge
Think you're an expert in Microsoft Group Policy? Test your knowledge with our quiz.Continue Reading
Chkdsk improvements in Windows Server 2012 increase data availability
Data availability has been an issue for admins running chkdsk, but that's no longer the case in Windows Server 2012. Here's a look at what's changed.Continue Reading
Updating Microsoft IT certifications with new MCSA exam
The 70-417 exam draws on topics from all base-level tests for MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification.Continue Reading
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How to customize Outlook 2010, important settings
Not all Outlook deployments are created equal. Learn how to customize Outlook 2010 using a free tool, as well as which settings you can tweak.Continue Reading
Ensuring hardware compatibility with a Windows Server 2012 upgrade
With Windows Server 2012 available, admins have a lot to consider when it comes to hardware. Here's what you need to know before you make the move.Continue Reading
How to set up scale-out file servers in Windows Server 2012
In Windows Server 2012, failover clustering is configured to work with scale-out file servers for continuous availability. Here's how it works.Continue Reading
Five best practices for virtualizing Exchange Server 2010 with Hyper-V
Virtualizing Exchange 2010 with Hyper-V isn’t as popular as VMware vSphere, but it’s gaining traction. These five best practices may prove helpful before you start configuring your environment.Continue Reading
How to repair the Outlook 2010 search index
Every Outlook 2010 user relies on search to some extent. When search goes down, you need to know how to diagnose the problem and quickly fix it.Continue Reading
BYOD considerations for Exchange admins
Having a tough time saying "no" to BYOD? Good news, you don’t have to. Get up-to-date on key BYOD concerns and discover PowerShell cmdlets you can use to manage and gather ActiveSync info.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
Office 365 archive mailbox and retention policy setup
Excessively large mailboxes are bad news for Office 365 deployments. Instead, create and configure archive mailboxes and corresponding retention policies.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
Windows Server 2012 review: Should I upgrade?
With the upcoming release of Windows Server 2012, our expert explains why you should, or why you should not, take advantage of the latest version.Continue Reading
Follow these 10 experts to keep up with Window Server updates
Ten experts to follow for Windows Server updates on Twitter
On social media? Follow this list of the best bloggers, consultants and authors for Windows Server updates and tips on Twitter.Continue Reading
An Exchange Online administration primer for Office 365 newbies
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Become familiar with the basics of Microsoft’s Exchange Online administration prior to making the move to Office 365.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
Our top five Exchange Server 2010 administration tips
Exchange 2013 is fast approaching, but Exchange 2010 is far from a distant memory. Take a few moments to see which Exchange 2010 tips kept readers clicking the last two years.Continue Reading
Exchange Administration Center (EAC)
The Exchange Administration Center (EAC) is a Web-based management console for managing Exchange Server 2013 environments.Continue Reading
How to write reusable PowerShell scripts for Exchange Server
We’ve all heard about the virtues of PowerShell. Reusable scripts may not change your life, but they'll certainly change your job and save you lots of time.Continue Reading
How to rebuild an Exchange edge transport server
Since the edge transport server’s configuration info isn’t stored in Active Directory, you can’t rebuild it as you would other server roles. We’ve got the instructions you’ll need.Continue Reading
How to repair a corrupt Outlook 2010 deployment
When Outlook goes down, don’t automatically download a third-party tool. Instead, try one of these approaches suggested by our expert.Continue Reading
How to enable PowerShell remoting
You've heard how PowerShell remoting is changing in v3 of the product; now, learn how to use it -- and avoid traps.Continue Reading
How to send Outlook 2010 items via SMS text message
No smart phone, no problem! You can still configure Outlook 2010 to send mail, calendar items and more to users who have cell phones that aren’t ActiveSync-enabled. Here’s how.Continue Reading
How to troubleshoot Exchange Autodiscover service issues
The Exchange Autodiscover service doesn’t typically need a lot of maintenance. But when issues crop up, make sure you’re ready.Continue Reading
How to change Office 365 user passwords via PowerShell
Sorry if you’re a bit weary of hearing reasons why PowerShell is so important. Here’s one more: you’ll need it for password management in Office 365.Continue Reading
Install WSUS updates immediately with Windows PowerShell
One little script can change your life. Use Greg Shields' 'Big Red Button' to automate patching and reclaim some hours in your day.Continue Reading
Revamped Windows Performance Toolkit improves performance monitoring
Performance monitoring gets a graphical boost with the release of several new event tracing tools.Continue Reading
Q&A: Taking a closer look at System Center Operations Manager 2012
Microsoft's Adam Hall runs down the significant changes made to the Operations Manager component in System Center 2012 and the thinking behind them.Continue Reading
How to fix Exchange 2010 virtual directory re-creation problems
Re-creating virtual directories in Exchange 2010 is a straightforward process, but that doesn't mean problems won't occur. First, check these trouble spots.Continue Reading
How to create custom driver databases with Windows Deployment Services
Plug and Play isn't just for USB devices. Here's how to put it to work in your installation environment.Continue Reading
Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012
Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 (SCVMM 2012) is Microsoft's virtualization management product. It is part of the System Center 2012 systems management suite.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
How to manually uninstall Exchange Server 2010
Severe damage to Exchange Server 2010 may require you to uninstall the program. Follow these tips to prevent harm to Active Directory.Continue Reading
Top five Group Policy improvements in Windows Server 2012
What's changed with Active Directory Group Policy in Windows Server 2012? Get an idea of some of the improvements in this tip.Continue Reading
How to connect to Office 365's PowerShell in the cloud
Admins can get more granular control of Office 365 resources after connecting to PowerShell. Unfortunately, determining how to make that initial connection isn't immediately clear.Continue Reading
Top five features in PowerShell v3
PowerShell has become pretty hard to ignore. Here are the latest reasons to get up to speed with the scripting tool.Continue Reading
PowerShell v3
PowerShell v3 is a task-automation framework found in client and server versions of WindowsContinue Reading
Complete your Exchange 2010 migration: Move data using PowerShell
You’ve taken the necessary precautions and followed all the right steps. Complete your Exchange 2010 migration by moving public folders, PST files and mailboxes with PowerShell.Continue Reading
10 best Hyper-V tools: vtCommander/5nine Manager
Group Policy Management Console
The Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) is an interface that enables Active Directory administrators to manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) from one console. Continue Reading
Managing access control with Windows Rights Management Services
Active Directory's Rights Management Services is a good way of managing access to data, but there are caveats.Continue Reading
Top five tips for optimizing Active Directory Group Policy performance
As your number of managed GPOs increases, so does the performance hit to your machines. Get in front of the problem by taking these simple steps.Continue Reading
Lessons learned from an Office 365 migration
Office 365 migrations take time and careful research, but even then, some mistakes are inevitable. Find out what one expert learned during his company’s move to Office 365.Continue Reading
Best Practices for Active Directory forest trusts
The more domains you manage, the more you rely on forest trusts. Follow these tips to manage your AD infrastructure – and maintain your sanity.Continue Reading
Protecting Outlook 2010 with group policy security settings
Your Exchange servers may be secure, but neglecting to protect Outlook 2010 puts your company at risk. Learn some group policy security settings that prevent security disasters.Continue Reading
How DirectAccess can improve your organization’s security
There's more to this VPN alternative than meets the eye; deploying DirectAccess can be a positive step for any business with remote workers.Continue Reading
How to build a virtual Exchange test lab
Virtual test labs provide a way to learn about new versions of Exchange Server without incurring the cost of physical labs. Here's how to create your own virtual Exchange lab.Continue Reading
Best practices for securing Exchange ActiveSync
Sure, ActiveSync is easy to set up and administer, but how comfortable are you with its security? These best practices will go a long way toward protecting your CAS.Continue Reading
Top five security tips for domain controllers
Domain controllers are key to company security, so you need to keep them protected. Read on for advice on hardening virtual and physical environments.Continue Reading
How to configure SharePoint 2010 to scan Outlook 2010 for colleagues
Most users think social networking involves updating their Facebook status. Configure SharePoint and Outlook 2010 to help them connect with colleagues for work purposes instead.Continue Reading
How to create custom MailTips in Exchange Server 2010
Built-in MailTips prevent users from making common email gaffes, but you can also create custom MailTips to provide other helpful information. Here's how.Continue Reading
Upgrading Server 2008 R2 Active Directory forest functional levels
Some Active Directory deployments have been around for over a decade, so it's time for some streamlining. Find out how to best upgrade functional levels in Windows Server R2.Continue Reading
How to use the Best Practices Analyzer to test server roles
The Best Practices Analyzer integrated into Windows Server 2008 R2 can be instrumental in exposing potential trouble spots in your server deployment.Continue Reading
Config iSCSI for Windows Server: Seven tips you forgot to remember
Dealing with iSCSI remains a challenge for some IT pros. Find out tips you forgot to remember when configuring the system.Continue Reading
How to size an Active Directory domain controller in Windows
Although sizing a domain controller comes with its share of challenges, it is possible. Learn the ins and outs of the process and what to watch for.Continue Reading
Using PowerShell to manage Microsoft Hyper-V
Windows admins aren't limited when it comes to managing Hyper-V from the command line. Here are two (free) options for supporting virtual machines in Windows.Continue Reading
How to remove persistent Exchange 2003 servers
Have you upgraded from Exchange 2003 to a newer version, but can’t get rid of the server? Find out what to delete to completely uninstall Exchange 2003.Continue Reading
EMS commands to modify ActiveSync throttling policies
Throttling Exchange ActiveSync policies takes a certain amount of command-line savvy. Get the command-specific info you need.Continue Reading
Applying regular expressions (regex) to Windows PowerShell
It may seem daunting at first, but the combination of regular expressions (regex) with PowerShell can be an admin’s best friend when it comes to certain complex tasks.Continue Reading
Microsoft Hyper-V R2 Management Tutorial
A lot has changed since the release of Microsoft’s first-generation hypervisor technology. See what’s new and what you may have missed with this comprehensive guide to all things Hyper-V.Continue Reading
The Windows Server toolbox: A utility guide for admins
Glimpse inside the Windows Server toolbox and find the best server utilities for everything from performance and monitoring to security and troubleshooting.Continue Reading
Windows PowerShell and the .NET Framework: Connecting the dots
You don’t have to be a developer to understand how .NET integrates with Windows PowerShell. By learning just a few basic concepts, admins can help put .NET within reach.Continue Reading
How to use managed folders for Exchange 2010 message retention
Managed folders are most often used to control message retention. Before you use them, you need to become familiar with the cmdlets and parameters to configure managed folders.Continue Reading
What admins need to know about Windows Azure services
Much has been said about what Microsoft's cloud platform means for developers. As for admins? It could be a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same.Continue Reading
Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2: Four features you wish it supported
While Microsoft has made strides with its current virtualization management software, some still find it lacking in certain areas.Continue Reading
Top three Windows server crashes (and how to avoid them)
Why wait until a server crashes to start the troubleshooting process? Admins can squash potential outages ahead of time by zeroing on the most likely culprits.Continue Reading
How to use WMI with Windows PowerShell scripts
With PowerShell, admins can harness the power of WMI to find all sorts of system and network information. The best part? It’s probably a lot easier than you think.Continue Reading
Checklist for new Exchange Server administrators
Are you a new Exchange admin who walked into an oddly configured server infrastructure? This checklist can help you make sense of the mess.Continue Reading
Time management strategies for the IT pro
How effective are you at managing your time? IT expert Kevin Beaver offers up some time-management best practices to help you get the most out of your workday.Continue Reading
Best practice for Dynamic Memory allocation with Hyper-V R2 SP1
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 will finally add the ability to over-allocate memory with Hyper-V. The next step? Learning to optimize the feature for peak performance.Continue Reading
Managed service accounts boost server security in R2
Microsoft introduced the managed service accounts feature with Windows Server 2008 R2 to help make the management of apps like Exchange more secure. So how does it work?Continue Reading
The Windows admin’s guide to all things VMware
The title says it all. This overview provides resources and analysis on VMware’s most important virtualization technologies for the server, desktop and cloud.Continue Reading
Setting PowerShell execution policies in Exchange 2010
Exchange 2010 doesn’t inherently trust PowerShell scripts. Admins can set different execution policies to control when scripts run. Determine which policy is best for your organization.Continue Reading
Controlling the output of Windows PowerShell commands
Windows PowerShell features several cmdlets for writing data. Knowing which commands do what can help control the output of your functions and keep your pipelines clean.Continue Reading
Potential coexistence troubles during Exchange 2010 migrations
Coexistence issues are a natural part of Exchange 2010 migrations, so keep an eye on client access servers and mailbox databases during the entire upgrade.Continue Reading
Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: AD HelpDesk
While the AD HelpDesk application doesn't cover all things Active Directory, it does give admins extensive password management functionality straight from their iPhones.Continue Reading
Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: Rove Virtual Machine Manager
Rove Virtual Machine Manager aims to give admins virtual machine management functionality from outside the office – but is it worth the hefty price tag?Continue Reading
Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: Nice Trace
Tracking network connections on-the-go could get easier for Windows admins with Nice Trace, a remote traceroute application with real-time monitoring capabilities.Continue Reading
Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: iPowerShell
This free Windows app gives admins PowerShell 2.0 knowledge straight from their iPhones. It includes advanced search capabilities and detailed cmdlet information.Continue Reading
Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: iCacti Server Monitor
Admins can keep track of Windows servers and devices with iCacti Server Monitor, an iPhone app designed to graphically provide detailed information about a network.Continue Reading
Ten cool iPhone apps for Windows admins
Are you an admin on the go? Check out some of the best iPhone apps available for Windows server and network management.Continue Reading
PowerShell basics for the Exchange admin
Creating PowerShell scripts in Exchange can help you avoid typing out long EMS commands for daily administrative actions. Here are the basics.Continue Reading
Error handling with Windows PowerShell
The ability to deal with errors is critical to writing quality PowerShell functions. Here you'll find basic tips for detecting errors and figuring out what went wrong.Continue Reading
How to separate primary and archive mailboxes in Exchange 2010 SP1
If you've already deployed personal archive mailboxes in your Exchange organization, our expert explains how to move them to a separate database in Exchange 2010 SP1.Continue Reading
What is System Center Configuration Manager?
Check out this brief overview of Microsoft's Configuration Manager product, with details on the latest features for R2, R3 and the upcoming v.Next.Continue Reading
What is System Center Operations Manager?
Microsoft's System Center Operations Manager is an IT monitoring device designed to keep administrators in tune with the health of their environments.Continue Reading
What is System Center Virtual Machine Manager?
Flexibility and consolidation are two of the focuses of System Center Virtual Machine Manager, Microsoft's virtualization management solution.Continue Reading
What is System Center Service Manager?
Microsoft's knowledge-based System Center Service Manager is the company's premiere help desk product that hit the market earlier this year – despite a few bumps in the road.Continue Reading
What is System Center Data Protection Manager?
System Center Data Protection Manager aims to improve the way Windows admins do backup and recovery with enhanced virtualization capabilities and cloud backup support.Continue Reading
Why throttling PowerShell in Exchange 2010 is a good idea
Did you know that you can restrict PowerShell use in Exchange 2010 to improve server performance? Get the details on setting PowerShell limits in your environment.Continue Reading
Building an automated permissions management solution with Icacls
Using basic Icacls syntax, admins can create an automated solution to ensure correct network file permissions at all times.Continue Reading
Q&A: What's new with Microsoft identity and access management?
Microsoft's Brjann Brekkan discusses what to expect from identity and access management releases like Forefront Identity Manager 2010 and AD Federation Services 2.0.Continue Reading