Problem solve

Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• Tests for securing the internal Windows network

  While hardening your network against hackers is important, it's also critical to look out for internal threats. Protect your environment from the inside with these security tests. Continue Reading

• Disaster prevention strategies for Active Directory forests

  While the need to restore an entire AD forest is rare, having a solid forest recovery plan in place can ensure that smaller components like objects and DCs are recovered quickly. Continue Reading

• Tool recovers deleted Exchange Server 2007 public folder data

  Did a user delete a public folder? You can use the PFDAVAdmin tool and these steps to recover Exchange Server 2007 public folder data. Continue Reading

• What makes Windows PowerShell unique?

  Find out why you should learn and use Windows PowerShell -- even if you are already familiar and comfortable with another scripting language. Continue Reading

• Web server security practices for Windows environments

  Web server security is critical to overall network protection. Learn how to harden a Web server and test the security of your deployment. Continue Reading

• Taking the time out of backups with DPM 2007

  Dealing with backups is another time-consuming task for admins – especially in large organizations. Learn how a properly configured DPM server can help speed up the process.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a priv1.edb and a pub1.edb file?

  Find out how to discern between priv1.edb and pub1.edb files on Exchange Server and the type of backup solution you should be using.Continue Reading

• Fixing lingering object problems in complex Active Directory forests

  Lingering objects can provide an inconsistent view of the Active Directory and confuse administrators. Learn how to find and remove them in complex forests.Continue Reading

• How Windows servers get hacked

  Server hacking usually isn't as complex as it sounds. Knowing how easily an attacker can hack into your system can provide you with the tools to protect your servers ahead of time.Continue Reading

• Improved storage handling with Microsoft Hyper-V R2

  Storage improvements in Hyper-V R2, including the elimination of clustering limitations and the addition of dynamic storage, may increase the hypervisor's popularity.Continue Reading

• How to use Group Policy to centralize system configurations

  When it comes to deploying computers that use a standardized configuration, Group Policy can help. See the benefits of using these settings to implement configuration changes.Continue Reading

• Message date and send times showing incorrectly in Outlook and OWA

  After an IMAP migration, users' mailboxes are showing messages with the wrong date and time. Find out why this may be happening and how to remedy it.Continue Reading

• Getting familiar with IPv6 for Windows environments

  IPv6 might not be the dominant network protocol yet, but the latest versions of Windows indicate that it could just be a matter of time.Continue Reading

• Small changes go a long way with IIS 7.5

  Minor improvements could make a big splash with the latest version of Internet Information Services. Find out what's new for IIS 7.5 with Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Avoid the big mistakes when backing up virtual servers

  The benefits of Windows server virtualization can quickly turn to nightmares if you choose the wrong backup strategy. Learn to avoid the most common missteps.Continue Reading

• How Windows Server 2008 R2 stands up to security checks

  Every Windows release is described as "the most secure OS yet". So how does Windows Server 2008 R2 measure up to normal security standards?Continue Reading

• How to find and remove lingering objects in Active Directory

  Don't you hate when deleted objects continue to pop up in Active Directory? Learn to troubleshoot the issue with a little AD housecleaning.Continue Reading

• Successful SharePoint training strategies

  User adoption is the key to a successful SharePoint implementation, and the correct training strategy can make all the difference.Continue Reading

• Outlook 2007 shut-down problems and fixes

  Several issues can cause errors when Microsoft Outlook 2007 shuts down. Finding and diagnosing the root cause should be your first line of defense in preventing future problems. Check the add-in applications that use Outlook's data files to see if ...Continue Reading

• BitLocker in R2 provides data protection for semi-protected servers

  While more commonly associated with desktop security, Microsoft's BitLocker To Go technology in Windows Server 2008 R2 is also ideal for protecting branch office servers.Continue Reading

• Is full email encryption the solution to Exchange security?

  Many security officers would suggest that encrypting every email that goes through Exchange is the best way to protect your organization. A better approach is to focus on security basics first and then and think about encrypting email.Continue Reading

• Perfmon made easy with PAL utility

  Performance Monitor in Windows is a great troubleshooting tool, but analyzing logs can be tedious. Learn to use the free PAL utility to take the time out of troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• Working with Active Directory snapshots in Windows Server 2008

  Taking snapshots of your Active Directory is a good idea if you plan on making any major changes. This tip walks you through the process of creating and managing snapshots in AD.Continue Reading

• Networking with the bigwigs to gain support for IT

  Smart networking can do more for your career in IT than anything else. Learn how rubbing elbows with managers and executives can help you achieve both your short and long-term IT goals.Continue Reading

• Availability in the virtualized Windows server

  Resource shortages are a major threat to virtual server reliability, so IT pros should make sure their hardware is up to task before deploying virtual machines.Continue Reading

• Windows licensing demystified

  Don't be overwhelmed by Microsoft Windows volume licensing. Here is an overview of the key options as well as some tools that can help you make the right licensing choice for your enterprise.Continue Reading

• DNS troubleshooting best practices

  There are several methods to troubleshooting DNS in Windows. In this screencast, Directory Services MVP Gary Olsen demonstrates a few different techniques.Continue Reading

• Converting Citrix XenServer source machines to Hyper-V format

  Migrating from Citrix XenServer to Microsoft Hyper-V is easier than you think. Check out these two different methods for converting your virtual machines.Continue Reading

• Five things you need to know about politics in IT

  No one is immune to corporate politics. Learning how to deal with the politics of IT is the key to advancing your career and keeping your job.Continue Reading

• Balancing Windows security with reasonable password policies

  Active Directory is an invaluable tool for strengthening passwords. So why do so many Windows shops have such weak password policies?Continue Reading

• Oops! I didn't do any capacity planning for SharePoint

  How do you handle capacity planning for SharePoint? What? You're not doing any at all? Well, you need to fix that. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows application crashes or hangs

  A hanging or failed application can be one of the most challenging problems for admins to resolve. Fortunately, several free tools and techniques can be used to help sort things out.Continue Reading

• Understanding the politics of information security

  The technical aspect of information security is complex enough. When you add politics to the mix, securing your data becomes even more difficult.Continue Reading

• Windows AppLocker in R2: Turning conventional security wisdom on its head

  While most IT security software goes to work after an infection has been identified, new technology in Windows Server 2008 R2 allows for a more proactive approach.Continue Reading

• Big SharePoint governance mistakes

  Steer clear of these common problems by taking some simple steps in your governance process.Continue Reading

• Top 10 things you don't know about Windows Server 2008 R2

  Often times it's the little things that count. While improvements to Hyper-V have gotten most of the press, other changes to R2 have fallen under radar.Continue Reading

• Creating Windows taskpad views for Active Directory management

  Large enterprises can't get by with just one Active Directory admin. Learn to use taskpads in Windows to help delegate responsibilities in AD.Continue Reading

• Hardware considerations for Windows server virtualization

  When implementing virtualization, there are certain hardware components that your servers simply must have. Learn to make sure your hardware is up to snuff ahead of time.Continue Reading

• Big Brother or lowly minion? Defining your role in IT

  Today's network admins are loved one day and hated the next. Despite this up and down nature of working in IT, you actually have more power than you think to make positive changes in your job.Continue Reading

• Fix Outlook 2007 and SharePoint synchronization breaks

  The .pst file that is created when synchronizing Outlook and SharePoint is linked to a user's profile. However, synchronization can break if roaming profiles are being used. There are a couple of settings you can enable to work around this ...Continue Reading

• Converting VMware ESX machines to Hyper-V format

  There are two different ways to migrate VMware virtual machines to a Microsoft Hyper-V resource pool – and both are easier than you think. Check out the step-by-step process for each option.Continue Reading

• Preventing duplicate SMTP addresses on Exchange

  See our expert's advice for dealing with and removing duplicate SMTP addresses.Continue Reading

• Ten sure-fire ways to derail your career in IT

  Want some lessons on how to ruin a perfectly good career in IT? Here's one expert's guide to alienating co-workers and ticking off your boss.Continue Reading

• Avoid Outlook 2007 performance issues during repairs

  Premature shut downs of Microsoft Outlook 2007 can lead to performance problems. Educating your users and downloading patches can help smooth out the reconciliation process.Continue Reading

• Rethinking capacity planning with Windows Server 2008 R2

  With the RTM of Windows Server 2008 R2, IT managers need to reconsider capacity planning. The server's 64-bit capability will call for new hardware.Continue Reading

• Connecting Hyper-V hosts to iSCSI targets in Windows

  Creating failover clusters is key to ensuring high availability of your virtual machines. Learn to use iSCSI targets for single-site host clusters.Continue Reading

• Using DFSR for SYSVOL replication in Windows Server 2008

  With the release of Windows Server 2008, admins can now use DFSR for SYSVOL replication (instead of FRS). The catch? A tricky migration process when upgrading from Windows Server 2003.Continue Reading

• Using jQuery to extend SharePoint

  Need more than SharePoint's out-of-the-box Web parts have to offer? Here are ways you can extend the SharePoint UI with only a browser and jQuery.Continue Reading

• When to use a self-signed certificate with Exchange Server 2007

  Microsoft's self-signed certificates allow Exchange Server 2007 organizations to secure communications out of the box. But is this the right certificate for you? This tip will help you weigh the options between using a self-signed certificate or a ...Continue Reading

• BranchCache makes branch offices feel like home

  Better remote office performance could make Windows 2008 R2's BranchCache feature just another reason to speed up your Windows 7 migration plans.Continue Reading

• Scaling Windows server resources for virtualization

  Before implementing virtualization, it's important to understand the affect it will have on server resources. Learn about the computing needs of virtualization and how to determine the needs of virtual workloads.Continue Reading

• The importance of lifecycle planning for Exchange email archives

  A successful Exchange Server email-archiving strategy requires planning, including backup and storage methods as well as how long to retain email messages.Continue Reading

• When to use VM backups versus snapshots in Hyper-V

  How you go about protecting your virtual machines depends on the hypervisor you run. Learn the nuances of backing up VMs when using Microsoft Hyper-V.Continue Reading

• How to monitor your SharePoint environment

  SharePoint's services are tightly integrated, so creating a multidimensional monitoring strategy is a must to ensure the entire system's availability.Continue Reading

• To advance your IT career, do the right thing

  Office politics can stifle innovation and business success, cause you to lose respect for peers and can even lead to you losing your job. However, with the right approach you can use office politics to your advantage.Continue Reading

• When to add new domains to your Windows environment

  Is one domain enough? How many domains are too many? Learn the factors to consider when designing your network's domain structure.Continue Reading

• The most useful SharePoint Web Parts

  Applying MOSS 2007 Web Parts can add functions to SharePoint and increase user adoption. And best of all, they don't require administrator intervention to install, maintain and upgrade.Continue Reading

• Myth busting for SharePoint novices

  New to SharePoint? With all the misinformation regarding this popular technology, the tip gives you the facts about its ease of use, what it's good for -- and its limitations.Continue Reading

• Custom error message redirects OWA users

  If SSL encryption is required and your Outlook Web Access users forget to type the HTTPS:// prefix, they may receive an error message. Set up a custom error message to redirect OWA users to the correct site using this HTML code.Continue Reading

• Installing Server Core for Windows 2008 the easy way

  Attention GUI haters! Server Core for Windows Server 2008 is quicker and easier to install then you think. This tip takes you through the process, step-by-step.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook error message: 'Mailbox Size Limit exceeded'

  An Exchange administrator keeps receiving an error message stating 'Mailbox Size Limit exceeded.' See what to check before taking action.Continue Reading

• Key DFS improvements in Windows Server 2008 R2

  With Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft has addressed certain scalability problems in DFS that have remained constant through the years, including issues with file replication.Continue Reading

• Free Windows security tools every admin must have

  Believe it or not, there's more to life than Sysinternals. Check out some of the best free security tools from third-parties for Windows server administration.Continue Reading

• Restoring user accounts and mailbox links in Active Directory

  Find out the best way to restore user accounts and mailbox links in Active Directory in Windows Server 2003.Continue Reading

• Obtaining and verifying SSL certificates in Exchange Server

  Many security features in Exchange Server rely on SSL. Obtaining trusted certificates can tighten security and boost performance for SSL-based applications, including OWA and Exchange mobile devices.Continue Reading

• Group Policy makes strides in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Windows 2008 R2 builds on many of the Group Policy improvements that were found in Microsoft's previous server OS. Get the details on PowerShell cmdlets and other new features.Continue Reading

• How SQL Server recovery models impact your SharePoint databases

  SharePoint administrators can minimize data loss by selecting the appropriate SQL Server recovery model. But which model is right for your enterprise?Continue Reading

• Document version control goes deeper in SharePoint 2007

  MOSS 2007 has the ability to differentiate between major and minor versions, but that adds to its complexity.Continue Reading

• Migrating virtual machines from Microsoft Virtual Server to Hyper-V

  Upgrading from Virtual Server 2005 to a Hyper-V environment? This tip breaks down the steps to converting your old virtual machines to the Microsoft Hyper-V format.Continue Reading

• Debugging Windows client logon delays: Narrowing the scope

  There are several potential causes of slow client logons. The question is, once you find the source, how do you fix it?Continue Reading

• Powerful (free!) performance monitoring tools you should be using

  Reduce IT support costs by using these free computer performance monitoring tools.Continue Reading

• Digging deeper into Exchange Server 2010

  The release of Exchange Server 2010 brings a plethora of new features. In this preview from Microsoft Exchange Server expert Brien Posey, you'll read how Database Availability Groups have changed high availability and site resilience, get details on...Continue Reading

• Quick tips for troubleshooting NTFS permissions

  Windows offers a handy tool for determining NTFS permissions – it's just not always as accurate. Learn why the Effective Permissions tool can sometimes yield unexpected results.Continue Reading

• Testing Unified Messaging connectivity in Exchange 2007

  There are several things to consider and test when configuring a Unified Messaging server in Exchange. But if you want to be sure that your UM server is fully functional, you should test the UM connectivity.Continue Reading

• Exchange admins: Is it time to rethink your email address policy?

  How can an email address policy setting affect your Exchange Server organization's overall security? And is it time to change that policy? Let's find out.Continue Reading

• Common causes of Windows server security vulnerabilities

  When it comes to Windows security most organizations are making the same mistakes, but there are ways to avoid these slipups.Continue Reading

• Prevent duplicate appointments in Microsoft Outlook 2003 calendar

  Are you having trouble with duplicate appointments in your Microsoft Outlook 2003 calendar? Learn what may cause this to happen.Continue Reading

• DirectAccess means 'always on' in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Microsoft's new DirectAccess feature has the potential to change the way admins manage remote computers. But is it really secure?Continue Reading

• Save time typing Outlook 2007 messages with Quick Parts

  Quick Parts is a new feature in the Microsoft Office 2007 suite that can save you some time. Discover how you can leverage it when composing Microsoft Outlook 2007 email messages in this tip.Continue Reading

• Effective site provisioning for SharePoint

  Site provisioning in SharePoint is easy, but it's often uncontrolled. By following a few of these recommendations, you can keep your SharePoint environment in check.Continue Reading

• Should you remove .STM files from Exchange Server 2003?

  Find out whether it is safe to remove .STM files from your Exchange Server 2003 and best practices to save storage space.Continue Reading

• Fixing DPM 2007 inconsistent replica errors in Exchange Server

  You can use Data Protection Manager (DPM) 2007 to protect Exchange Server, but you may run into inconsistency error messages. Learn why this error occurs and why it's important to use the correct versions of ESEUTIL.EXE and EXE.DLL files.Continue Reading

• Networking to enhance your IT career

  Whether you have a job or not you must continue to network if you want to grow your career. These tips can help you get where you want to be.Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot Microsoft Outlook Web Access problems

  When logging on to Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA), unexpected problems can occur. This tutorial explains how to diagnose some tricky OWA problems and login issues, gives tips on how to fix IIS metabase corruption and more.Continue Reading

• Simple tools and techniques for finding Windows memory leaks

  Symptoms of a memory leak can show up long before a server fails. Check out these tips for catching a leak early and plugging it up.Continue Reading

• Balancing SharePoint governance

  Service models work hand in hand with governance to shape each SharePoint deployment into a unique installation that meets business needs.Continue Reading

• Configuring the default recipient policy in an Exchange 2003 environment

  Learn the best way to configure the default recipient policy in an Exchange 2003 test environment.Continue Reading

• Using NTFS on a non-Windows OS with NTFS-3G

  NTFS-3G is a free third-party tool that can be used to read/write to Windows NTFS volumes when running Linux or Mac OS X. Learn to implement NTFS-3G in your network.Continue Reading

• New high availability features in Exchange Server 2010

  With the release of the Exchange Server 2010 beta comes many new product features. In this tip, Microsoft Exchange Server expert Brien Posey explains some high availability improvements in Exchange 2010. He also details changes to clustered and ...Continue Reading

• File classification the automated way with Windows Server 2008 R2

  Windows Server 2008 R2 offers the new File Classification Infrastructure, simplifying the content administration of network files in Windows environments.Continue Reading

• How file-level antivirus software can harm your Exchange Server

  Exchange administrators take necessary steps to ensure that Exchange Servers are protected from numerous viruses. But have you configured your antivirus software properly? If not, you can be inflicting more damage on Exchange than a virus. Learn how...Continue Reading

• Using Active Directory to manage Macs in a Windows environment

  He's a Mac, she's a PC, and you're a Windows admin. Learn to integrate Mac OS X clients into your Windows environment without causing AD headaches.Continue Reading

• Restore contacts from an Exchange public folder

  Learn the best methods to restore contacts that were stored in an Exchange public folder.Continue Reading

• Dumb things IT consultants do

  When you set yourself up as an IT consultant, your career is in your hands. Learn what kinds of strategies to avoid and how to professionally handle customers and situations.Continue Reading

• What Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 can do for your business

  Some killer enterprise features in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will solve some of your problems. Here's one expert's take on the best of what's coming in these two new operating systems.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting poor Windows logon performance in Active Directory environments

  Battling slow client logon times is a common (and frustrating) problem for Windows admins. Find the steps to quickly diagnose and resolve these issues when they crop up.Continue Reading

• Sending poll questions through Exchange to non-Outlook users

  Learn if you can send out polling questions through Exchange Server to recipients who don't use Microsoft Outlook.Continue Reading

• Top Windows server hardening standards and guidelines

  Take a look beyond the basics of server hardening and learn about the most common policies and standards for ensuring Windows server security.Continue Reading

• Keys to finding your IT consulting niche

  Finding a niche is crucial for IT consultants, but the process involves more than just deciding what you're good at. Learn how to narrow your choices and pick the right direction for your IT consulting career.Continue Reading

• Using DFS to create file system virtualization in Windows Server 2008

  Learn how features such as Access-based Enumeration in Windows 2008 can help alleviate user confusion when accessing virtualized file systems.Continue Reading