Problem solve

Problem solve

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

• Checking access permissions with Server Share Check

  Windows Server security permissions can get confusing. Contributor Brien M. Posey explains why NTFS permissions are better than share level permission and how to check permissions with Server Share Check. Continue Reading

• Quick Tips: Removing thumbs.db files

  When viewing a folder with the Thumbnail view, WindowsXP creates a thumbs.db file. Find out how to turn this feature off. Continue Reading

• Creating an administrator password reset disk

  As an administrator, it's a good idea to create a password reset disk in case you forget your password. This tip explains how to do this. Continue Reading

• How to recover data from corrupt NTFS boot sectors

  If the NTFS boot sector is corrupt, it can not only cause boot problems, it can also make the data on the volume inaccessible. So it's good to know techniques for repairing a corrupt NTFS boot sector. Continue Reading

• How to move Exchange Server transaction logs and databases to a new hard drive

  SearchExchange expert Brad Dinerman explains how to free up C drive space by moving transaction logs and Exchange databases to another drive. Continue Reading

• How to automatically clear the forms cache in Microsoft Outlook

  If you use custom forms in Outlook 2003, you may experience the error message: "Outlook cannot open this form." This issue is typically caused by a polluted Microsoft Outlook forms cache. In this tip, SearchExchange.com contributor explains how to ...Continue Reading

• Rebuild TCP/IP stack in Windows XP when all else fails

  Find out how to rebuild the TCP/IP stack to the pristine condition that it was in on a clean install using the NetShell utiltiy.Continue Reading

• Domain controller penetration testing

  Domain controllers are the backbone of your Active Directory network. They require special care when testing their security. Contributor and penetration testing expert Kevin Beaver recommends some tactics and tools for testing DC security.Continue Reading

• Mastering the LDAP search filter, Part 2

  LDIFDE is a powerful command line tool that with a little practice, can easily extract specific information about AD objects. Expert Gary Olsen explains how to limit your search by way of an object class LDAP filter.Continue Reading

• Moving SBS and Exchange to new hardware using the 'swing migration' technique

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains how to move a Small Business Server 2003 installation to new hardware -- including all the Exchange Server and Active Directory data -- using the simple "swing migration" technique.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Rights Management Services: An introduction

  Don't be confused or apprehensive about RMS. Contributor Serdar Yegulalp explains the technology, what you'll need, how to use it and its limitations.Continue Reading

• Open the command prompt from right-click menu

  Save time and add an option to your right-click context menu that will open a command prompt at your current folder.Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot Microsoft Outlook offline address books (.OAB files) with the OABInteg tool

  If you have problems generating or synchronizing offline address books (.OAB files) when using Microsoft Outlook in cached mode, you can use the free command-line utility, OABInteg, to troubleshoot.Continue Reading

• How disk cluster size affects data recovery processes

  In this tip, you'll learn how to calculate a cluster size, and how disk cluster size affects data recovery processes.Continue Reading

• Automatically moving Microsoft Outlook sent items to a specified folder

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman offers a workaround for those looking for a built-in Microsoft Outlook rule to move sent messages rather than copy them.Continue Reading

• How to create a boot disk to run Norton Disk Editor

  Running Norton's Disk Editor can help recover data on a Windows system. However you'll need to create a boot disk before running the utility. This tip explains how to complete this process.Continue Reading

• How to recover deleted files on FAT via Disk Editor

  Recovering deleted files via Norton's Disk Editor on a FAT system is a four-step process. Learn them here.Continue Reading

• hMailServer: Free open-source SMTP/POP3 email for Windows

  SearchExchange.com contributor Serdar Yegulalp discusses a free open-source SMTP/POP3 email server for Small Business Server 2003 shops that don't necessarily need a full Exchange Server installation.Continue Reading

• How do you automatically delete sent email in the Sent Items folder?

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains two options for automatically deleting email in a Microsoft Outlook Sent Items folder that is older than a specified date.Continue Reading

• Mastering the LDAP search filter

  Expert Gary Olsen breaks down the principles of the LDAP search filter, making it easy for an admin to formulate whatever search he or she wants in Active Directory.Continue Reading

• Problems receiving and sending email in Outlook

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman helps an Exchange administrator troubleshoot a user's inability to send or receive email messages in Microsoft Outlook, and explains why the likely culprit is an antivirus scanner or other egregious software ...Continue Reading

• Can you create a .PST file in Outlook Web Access?

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman offers an alternative to creating .PST files in Outlook Web Access, since it is unsupported if users are not connected to the Exchange server through Microsoft Outlook.Continue Reading

• AccessChk utility audits user access to files and directories

  To maintain security, administrators often need to know what kind of accesses specific users or groups have to resources, including files, directories and registry keys. A tool called AccessChk can help answer those questions.Continue Reading

• Four ways to secure SMTP servers and improve performance

  Weaknesses in your SMTP configuration can pave the way for DoS attacks and spammers. Discover four ways to secure SMTP services and limit spam.Continue Reading

• Leave spread spectrum clocking disabled

  Many PC devices, most notably motherboards, hard drives and controllers, have spread spectrum clocking (SSC) functions to control how much electromagnetic interference (EMI) they put out. It's best to leave this feature disabled. Turning on SSC may ...Continue Reading

• Active Directory LDAP scripting made simple

  It is important for every admin to have an understanding of LDAP when searching for information in Active Directory. Expert Laura E. Hunter breaks down the syntax into its component pieces and provides some essential tips for Active Directory ...Continue Reading

• Does XP support multiple processor cores?

  Does Windows XP Home support multiple processor cores in a single physical processor? A look at Intel's Hyper-Threading technology and AMD's X2 dual core series may resolve the question.Continue Reading

• Use Terminal Services Manager to manage users, sessions, processes

  If users are accessing servers using the Remote Desktop connection, the utility Terminal Services Manager can help you check which user is connected to a particular server and which processes he has started.Continue Reading

• Certifications: The benefits of Microsoft and CompTIA certs

  In this series, expert Ed Tittel helps readers prepare for MCP exams and discusses what being certified with CompTIA and Microsoft can do for their careers.Continue Reading

• Windows security update may cause shell extensions to fail

  Shell extensions in Windows can cause problems. Microsoft's MS06-015 security update includes a system component, VERCLSID.EXE, that validates shell extensions before they are installed. Unfortunately some shell extensions cause VERCLSID.EXE to ...Continue Reading

• Best practices for running ForestPrep and DomainPrep

  ForestPrep and DomainPrep can be run either manually before Exchange Server is installed, or automatically during the Setup.exe process. Which option is right for you depends on the size and administrative security parameters of your organization.Continue Reading

• How to change the Windows XP Product Activation Key Code

  Find out how to check if your Windows XP systems are using a leaked key, and how to change the product activation key if they are.Continue Reading

• Optimize Exchange Server 2003 database maintenance

  Exchange Server 2003 automatically performs regular database maintenance by default, but you may need to manually adjust a few settings to achieve optimal results.Continue Reading

• Terminal Services: Multiple time zones and only one terminal server

  In this series, Expert Christa Anderson helps readers solve USB printer issues with Terminal Services, as well as configuring Remote Desktop Web for access through ISA.Continue Reading

• Disabling guest accounts

  Intended for temporary users, guest accounts are an easy point of entry for hackers. Find out how to permanently disable them.Continue Reading

• Free tool review: AccessChk permissions checker

  Administrators typically go to great lengths to make sure that network servers are secure. Mistakes do happen though. It is not uncommon for security groups to have overlapping or even contradictory permissions. Contributor Brien Posey reviews a ...Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook without Exchange Server -- an option for small businesses

  Using Microsoft Outlook with a POP3/SMTP Internet Service Provider (ISP) service is a cost-effective approach for small shops, but you do sacrifice helpful Exchange Server features like shared mail folders, contacts and calendars. Learn how you can ...Continue Reading

• Allow outsiders to send to an Exchange public folder email address

  Find out how you can allow external accounts -- such as Yahoo and Hotmail addresses -- to send email to a domain's Exchange public folder email address.Continue Reading

• Extracting Active Directory info quickly and easily with LDIFDE

  Gathering data in Active Directory can be a simple task if you know the right commands. Expert Gary Olsen offers a few helpful scripting tips for LDIFDE.Continue Reading

• How to manually (and safely) purge Exchange Server transaction logs

  Learn how you can reclaim disk space by selectively -- and safely -- deleting Exchange Server transaction logs that are no longer needed for restore operations.Continue Reading

• Using the new DFS in Windows Server 2003 R2

  The R2 release of Windows Server 2003 now features a new replication engine for the Distributed File System (DFS). Expert Gary Olsen offers a few helpful pointers and outlines the key feature that make the upgrade worth your while.Continue Reading

• Recover from failed quorum disk in WinServer 2003 cluster

  If the quorum disk fails in a Windows Server 2003 cluster, and a server fails, you're in trouble -- unless you know some of the ways to deal with the problem.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook folder deletion and synchronization problems

  Users who run Exchange Server offline mode (i.e., using an .OST file) can sometimes experience a strange problem where certain Microsoft Outlook folders cannot be deleted. In this tip, SearchExchange.com contributor Serdar Yegulalp explains why and...Continue Reading

• Protecting servers with Data Protection Manager

  You've learned how to perform the initial configuration of Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager and how to deploy the agents to the servers that you want to protect, now learn how to protect those servers.Continue Reading

• Is it possible to implement a shared Outlook calendar without Exchange?

  Explore your options for creating a shared calendar for Outlook 2003 users who receive outsourced POP3 email, and have no Exchange Server running.Continue Reading

• Best practices for backing up Windows server clusters

  When it comes to backup, a Windows server cluster environment is very different from standalone systems.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of 'catch-all' Exchange Server mailboxes

  SearchExchange.com contributor Serdar Yegulalp explains what a catch-all Exchange Server mailbox is and the pros and cons of using one. He also shares a script that can automate the catch-all process for a given domain.Continue Reading

• How to view when a mailbox or public folder was last accessed

  When was an Exchange Server mailbox or Exchange Server public folder last accessed? Learn how to display this information using Exchange System Manager in Exchange Server 2003.Continue Reading

• Verifying Data Protection Manager status

  The first step in troubleshooting most problems related to Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager is to verify that it is actually operating.Continue Reading

• How do I remove a single icon from the system tray?

  How do I remove a single icon from the system tray? Also, I'd like to know how to stop an icon from reappearing on my desktop. When I delete it and log off, the icon does not return when I log back on, but returns when I restart the system.Continue Reading

• As far as Windows XP is concerned, not all floppy drives are created equal

  Only three floppy disk drives will be recognized when you try to install mass storage devices during XP installation.Continue Reading

• Copying long file names or directory paths to CDs

  Administrators routinely use CDs and DVDs to back up files and folders from systems. But any administrator who does this with directory structures that have long file names or extremely deep paths that exceed 180 characters may run into problems. ...Continue Reading

• The effects of GPO version numbers on Group Policy replication

  The relationship of the version numbers for the Group Policy Template and Group Policy Console of each GPO are important for proper Group Policy replication. Expert Derek Melber discusses this relationship and explains why the numbers don't always ...Continue Reading

• Set up read-only access for all Exchange Server calendars with the SetPerm utility

  How to set up centrally shared Exchange Server calendars for all Active Directory users.Continue Reading

• Mass-enabling or disabling Outlook Mobile Access permissions

  In Exchange Server 2003, Outlook Mobile Access is enabled by default for all users. If you're in a large organization, you probably want to be more selective about who is allowed to use OMA, but making mass changes to AD user accounts can be ...Continue Reading

• Installing and configuring Data Protection Manager

  Although Microsoft has automated much of the DPM installation process, there are things you need to know to prepare for installation, not to mention the post-installation configuration.Continue Reading

• Project management capability now available in freeware

  Gantt-charting software has traditionally been expensive, but now there's a freeware tool that can perform project management.Continue Reading

• How to determine if you're the target of a 'reverse NDR attack'

  SearchExchange.com expert Bharat Suneja outlines the symptoms of a 'reverse NDR attack' and provides instructions on how to clean up your Exchange queues if your server's been targeted.Continue Reading

• Fine-tuning the deployment process for apps published via Group Policy

  These tips will help you fine-tune the deployment process for applications that have been assigned or published via Group Policy.Continue Reading

• Why Data Protection Manager is replacing disk-to-tape backups

  Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) disk-to-disk-to-tape backup product is replacing traditional disk-to-tape backup in many companies. Here's why.Continue Reading

• Active Directory: Trouble starting AD Users and Computers

  In this series, Expert Laura E. Hunter helps readers with such Active Directory issues as authorizing the DHCP, resetting the AD Restore Mode password and starting AD Users and Computers.Continue Reading

• How to create your own MSI file to deploy applications

  Using Group Policy settings to deploy applications throughout your organization works well if the app you're deploying includes an installation package in MSI format. But it if doesn't, try creating your own MSI file.Continue Reading

• Recovering files from a corrupted cache for offline files

  With the number of users who are using offline file synchronization to take work on the road with them, the offline files cache often becomes corrupted.Continue Reading

• Demote Exchange from domain controller to member server

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta offers advice on demoting an Exchange server from being a domain controller to simply a member server.Continue Reading

• Should you turn off your network's outbound SMTP (port 25)?

  If you have an Exchange server that's allowed to open outbound SMTP connections in your network, should you block port 25 everywhere else in your network, since it's not really needed? The short answer is yes, and here are some good justifications:Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Data Protection Manager warning message

  The "disk threshold exceeded" warning message in Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager examine it's parameters to figure out why it is gobbling up storage space in the first place.Continue Reading

• Step 3: Domain controller communications

  Domain controllers control the keys to your Windows kingdom. They need to be even more secure than your other servers. Ensure their security by following these steps from Active Directory expert Derek Melber.Continue Reading

• Quick fix for a non-replicating DC

  While it doesn't come up every day, one of the most frustrating experiences for an AD administrator is to try to fix a non-replicating DC. Expert Gary Olsen breaks down the process step-by-step to make troubleshooting your next non-replicating DC a ...Continue Reading

• Running ESEUTIL to compact an information store without installing Exchange Server

  SearchExchange.com expert Bharat Suneja explains how you to run ESEUTIL to reclaim disk space for an offline defragmentation.Continue Reading

• Viewing mailbox size and setting mailbox notifications/quotas in Exchange 5.5

  How to view mailbox size and set mailbox notifications and quotas in Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5.Continue Reading

• Allocate disk space properly for Microsoft Data Protection Manager

  Data Protection Manager (DPM), Microsoft's answer to the need for fast recovery of deleted or damaged files, requires two kinds of storage space for the data entities that it uses. If the disk space is not properly allocated, DPM won't work properly.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Exchange Server error messages

  When Exchange Server returns a cryptic numerical error message, do you know what to do? This tip explains a three-tier approach to deciphering and troubleshooting Exchange error codes.Continue Reading

• Exporting Exchange public folder contacts to Microsoft Excel

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta gives step-by-step instructions on how to export Exchange Server public folder contacts to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.Continue Reading

• Can a MCSA get you an IT job without experience?

  Expert Ed Tittel helps shows a reader how he can make the most out of a MCSA certifiaction.Continue Reading

• Error: An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host

  Find out what to do if you receive an error that an existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host.Continue Reading

• Preventing DNS registration of certain SRV records

  If you have performance issues or bandwidth restrictions, you can force authentication requests to only go to certain domain controllers by preventing DNS registration of certain Service Locator (SRV) records.Continue Reading

• Deploying apps via Group Policy -- cost-effective, but risky

  You can deploy applications using Group Policy. But without the proper planning, this is a good way to shoot yourself in the foot.Continue Reading

• How to display IMF's Spam Confidence Level (SCL) rankings in Microsoft Outlook

  Learn how to create a custom Microsoft Outlook form that exposes Exchange Server Intelligent Message Filter's Spam Confidence Level (SCL) rankings for all incoming e-mail.Continue Reading

• Simultaneously add telephone numbers to Active Directory

  You don't have to add a large group of numbers to Active Directory one by one. SearchEchange.com expert David Sengupta shows you the tool you need to get the job done in one sweep.Continue Reading

• Limiting user and admin access

  In this set of questions and answers, Windows network security expert Wes Noonan shares with you how to selectively limit server access from users and admins alike.

  You can view ...Continue Reading

• Clearing the confusion around Exchange Server circular logging

  Circular logging recommendations have changed over the years based on Exchange version changes, so there's a lot of contradictory information out there.Continue Reading

• Avoid system freeze-ups when installing Windows XP

  When installing Windows XP with SP1, your system may freeze with 34 minutes of the installation process remaining. At this point, the USB drivers are being installed.Continue Reading

• Increase Exchange Server disk performance with aligned partitions

  What if there was a way to increase your hard disk's performance (and therefore Exchange Server performance) by 20% just by making a disk configuration change? Thanks to a utility in the Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 Support Tools, you can.Continue Reading

• Problems viewing attachments in OWA

  A user cannot view attachments in Outlook Web Access when reading e-mail. SearchExchange.com expert Patricia Guerrero explains how to troubleshoot this issue.Continue Reading

• SMTP error 554: Message blocked because it contains a banned word

  Exchange SMTP error 554 (This message has been blocked because it contains a banned word) can be caused by your spam filter. Learn how to fix SMTP error 554.Continue Reading

• IE toolbar displays HTTP headers of received pages

  Sometimes an admin needs to see the HTTP header information. A toolbar for Internet Explorer is now available that lets admins view the exact HTTP headers for all documents downloaded by IE. It also shows SSL traffic.Continue Reading

• Active Directory user rights for Windows domain controllers and servers

  Some Active Directory user rights are more critical than others because they control key aspects of the server that an attacker could exploit. This tip reviews the differences between some critical user rights settings for domain controllers versus ...Continue Reading

• Restricting a user from sending e-mail to external mail IDs

  SearchExchange.com expert David Sengupta shows you how to restrict a user from sending e-mail to external mail IDs.Continue Reading

• Performance Monitor: What to do when it yields unexpected results

  When the Performance Monitor built into Windows behaves in an unexpected manner, admins may have to look closely to find a logical explanation to the problem.Continue Reading

• Step-by-Step Guide: How to repair Exchange-related IIS virtual directories

  Exchange Server depends on Internet Information Server (IIS) virtual directories for a number of functions related to Outlook Web Access, Outlook Mobile Access and ActiveSync. IIS virtual directories are generally stable, but can become corrupted by...Continue Reading

• Limit delivery of messages to one distribution group

  See how extreme permission restrictions or obscurity can aid you in limiting the delivery of messages in Exchange 2003 to only one (or more) distribution group.Continue Reading

• Can I find the date and time a user account was locked out?

  Expert Laura E. Hunter helps a reader find the best tool to find the date and time a user account was locked out.Continue Reading

• Use command line tools to monitor Active Directory

  Monitoring Replication is critical to maintaining Active Directory health. Repadmin is a powerful, but often overlooked, Windows Support Tool that can make AD monitoring a much easier process.Continue Reading

• When Windows PE fails to set up disk partitions

  Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE) works with Remote Installation Server to help admins who must configure large numbers of XP and WinServer 2003 systems across a network. But sometimes the process goes awry.Continue Reading

• How to find the MAC address of a remote computer

  GetMAC provides a quick method for obtaining the MAC layer address and binding order for a computer running Windows 2000, locally or across a network.Continue Reading

• Storage pool savvy helps admins optimize Data Protection Manager

  How well Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager performs disk-to-disk backup in a company depends on how well the storage administrator works with the storage pool.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting the red X in email messages in OWA

  SearchExchange.com expert Patricia Guerrero helps an Exchange Server administrator troubleshoot why a red X might appear in the message field when trying to compose an e-mail in Outlook Web Access.Continue Reading

• How to enforce Microsoft Outlook cached mode via group policy

  Users can easily disable Exchange cached mode, since Outlook does not require any special permissions to do so. However, you can enforce cached mode at the group policy level.Continue Reading

• Feature in XP and Windows Server 2003 stores passwords for servers

  The Stored User Names and Passwords feature in Windows XP and the Windows Server 2003 family stores user names and passwords for servers.Continue Reading

• Make or burn ISO images easily with ISO Recorder

  Creating an ISO image in Windows requires a third-party application. However, ISO Recorder is a free Windows shell extension application that lets you burn CDs of ISO images without any other third-party applications.Continue Reading