Problem solve

Problem solve

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

• The inevitable Office 365 outage and your recovery plan

  An IT outage is an unfortunate occurrence that can wreak havoc on an enterprise. Before an outage happens, take steps to minimize interruptions to daily operations. Continue Reading

• Avoid downtime with rolling upgrades in Windows Server 2016

  Microsoft attempts to make switching to a new operating system less painful and reduce downtime by implementing a rolling upgrade feature in Windows Server 2016. Continue Reading

• Can 16-bit apps survive Windows Server 2008 end of life?

  When support ends for Windows Server 2008 in 2020, what are your options to keep critical 16-bit applications running? Continue Reading

• Why is there an Outlook folder missing from Outlook Web App?

  Some folders in a mailbox on Exchange Server 2013 are not showing up on the folder list in the OWA virtual directory but do appear in other views. Continue Reading

• Why won't the Exchange 2013 Edge Transport Server install?

  We have a Client Access Server and Mailbox Server on Exchange 2013 and we want to install an Edge Transport role on another machine. I joined the Edge Server to the domain and installed Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services, but still ... Continue Reading

• How to stick to your IT security plan

  Completing an IT security plan to protect the Windows Server environment requires setting deadlines to stay accountable.Continue Reading

• Start using PowerShell for Office 365, Exchange Online

  PowerShell allows Office 365 and Exchange Online administrators to manage the service and complete tasks quickly and efficiently through the command line.Continue Reading

• How do I configure Outlook Anywhere for specific external use?

  How can I enable Outlook Anywhere to allow internal use for all users and external use for only some users in Exchange 2013?Continue Reading

• Four tools to back up Office 365 that aren't from Microsoft

  Availability and security are essential for cloud services. Use third-party tools that encrypt data and offer backup support to secure Office 365 backup and recovery efforts.Continue Reading

• Must-know Exchange Server info from 2015

  We've rounded up the top Exchange Server info of the past year, including a look at deploying Exchange 2016, and troubleshooting common Outlook error messages.Continue Reading

• Azure AD Connect Health performs infrastructure checkups

  Administrators use Azure AD Connect Health to keep tabs on ADFS infrastructure performance in various levels of detail.Continue Reading

• How can I recover Exchange transaction logs space?

  Exchange Server transaction logs have filled up my hard drive. How do I free up space taken by these logs? And can I prevent it from happening again?Continue Reading

• Outlook Web App vies to become Microsoft Outlook replacement

  Although Outlook is the foremost application for business email, Outlook Web App is becoming a viable replacement. Should you make the switch?Continue Reading

• How can I share Outlook calendars from the EMC?

  Is there a way to gain access to multiple users' calendars from the Exchange Management Console in Exchange 2010?Continue Reading

• Why is my Exchange mailbox migration causing error messages?

  When moving mailboxes from Exchange 2010 to 2013 on premises, I keep receiving error messages. What could be causing this problem and how do I fix it?Continue Reading

• Exchange Online Protection adds tools to fight spammers

  Secure your email with EOP tools like DKIM and DMARC that verify incoming messages aren't spam or spoofs. Avoid unauthorized email with digital signatures and authenticated domains.Continue Reading

• Azure AD PowerShell supports MFA to protect authentication

  The preview of the Azure AD PowerShell module flexes its muscles by supporting MFA and device management.Continue Reading

• How do I avoid a hard-disk failure?

  When you're depending on a JBOD array to keep the business running, there are several ways to further the longevity of its drives.Continue Reading

• Google Apps vs. Office 365 for business email systems

  With comparable cloud-based productivity suites, Google and Microsoft compete for enterprise users. In the Google Apps vs. Office 365 for business debate, which side are you on?Continue Reading

• Office 365 issues that torment email admins

  Tricky Office 365 problems are no treat to the IT admin. Fix the nuisances that corrupt your email with these troubleshooting treats.Continue Reading

• Email alternatives signal the end for traditional messaging

  With email alternatives permeating the workplace, the onus is on IT to allow employees to communicate and collaborate effectively from anywhere.Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell DSC to construct a Hyper-V host

  Administrators versed in PowerShell can streamline the process of using a server as a Hyper-V host.Continue Reading

• Better email collaboration with Exchange 2016

  The new versions of Office and Exchange make it easier to collaborate on documents in email. Use new features in Exchange Server 2016 and Outlook 2016 to work quicker and smarter.Continue Reading

• Small business security needs big strategies to keep Exchange safe

  To protect your small business's messaging environment, ensure that staff is properly trained and resolve all risks associated with your network.Continue Reading

• What are the guidelines for a better Active Directory backup?

  Administrators should have a regular Active Directory backup schedule and be sure to remove outdated backups to avoid storage issues.Continue Reading

• Can I restore Active Directory to different hardware?

  I need to restore Active Directory to a different hardware platform. Which backup method should I use to avoid problems?Continue Reading

• How to plan an Active Directory backup and restoration

  I need to back up Active Directory, but I'm not sure which method to use. What are my options for a painless backup and restoration effort?Continue Reading

• Can I thwart Exchange mailbox recovery by generating logs?

  I have limited drive space on my Exchange Server but need to restore large mailboxes. Can I prevent mailbox restores from a recovery database by circular logging?Continue Reading

• How do I move up from an Exchange 2013 single-server setup?

  I want to move from a single Exchange 2013 server to multiple servers, including multiple database and client access servers, for HA. What's the best way to do this?Continue Reading

• Check your hybrid Outlook Autodiscover performance

  IT shops with hybrid Office 365 and on-premises Exchange mailboxes need to know how Outlook Autodiscover works when mailboxes haven't migrated.Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot Windows Server file copy errors

  Copying large files to a Windows Server file share can sometimes fail. Performance Monitor or PowerShell commands can help find and fix file copy errors.Continue Reading

• Active Directory management tool clears the clutter

  ADSI Edit is a free tool that can repair Active Directory corruption or remove unwanted clutter. But use it incorrectly and it can spell disaster.Continue Reading

• Exchange email security best practices sanction self-assessments

  Do you have the guts and technology know-how to undertake a self-assessment of your organization's Exchange-related risks? If so, start here.Continue Reading

• Conversational Geeks explicate migrating to Office 365

  What's the best way to understand confusing technology concepts? Chat about it. The Conversational Geeks explain how to migrate to Office 365.Continue Reading

• Use a PowerShell script to force logoff an RDP session

  When end users remain logged in to an RDP session, it consumes valuable resources. Use this PowerShell script to force users to log off.Continue Reading

• Why is my Exchange 2013 mailbox migration moving slowly?

  My mailbox migration from Exchange 2010 to Exchange 2013 is moving very slowly. What might be causing this and how can I speed up the process?Continue Reading

• Availability requires monitoring mailboxes in Exchange 2013

  For a better understanding of Exchange Managed Availability, learn how to create and manage monitoring mailboxes, and how to fix a corrupted mailbox.Continue Reading

• What third-party Azure management tools should I use?

  SCOM 2012 is Azure's native monitoring platform, but these third-party cloud management tools give IT shops more control over their Azure environments.Continue Reading

• Do I need to migrate public folders to Exchange 2010?

  I'm finishing up an Exchange 2007 to 2010 migration. Do I need to switch over the public folders? If so, what is the best method to do it?Continue Reading

• Protect classified emails, thwart shadow IT

  Use Exchange and Office 365 to restrict and secure data that leaves an organization, and share documents more easily thanks to new features.Continue Reading

• How should we use SCOM 2012 for Azure management?

  Our organization uses Azure for cloud services, but we need a way to monitor health and performance. Can we use SCOM 2012 for Azure management?Continue Reading

• How do I restore my Exchange 2010 database after a hack?

  Hackers corrupted my Exchange 2010 files, so now I can't open them. How can I restore my server and prevent this from happening again?Continue Reading

• Should in-house staff or consultants handle Windows Server 2016 upgrades?

  Is it better to approach a potential Windows Server 2016 upgrade using in-house staff, or should we seek the help of consultants?Continue Reading

• What's the best way to handle Exchange mailbox limits?

  Exchange was running low on space, and Outlook asked if I wanted to archive my email messages. What will happen if I do that?Continue Reading

• Is RAID 5 or RAID 10 a better Exchange 2013 storage choice?

  Choosing the right RAID level for your Exchange 2013 setup can prevent disk failures and improve overall storage performance.Continue Reading

• Understanding common PowerShell automatic variables

  PowerShell automatic variables are read-only, which can cause issues in the scripting language. Prep yourself to deal with these common variables.Continue Reading

• Secure an Office 365 and Exchange hybrid setup

  Keep these six factors in mind if your organization plans to keep some services on-premises and move others to the cloud.Continue Reading

• How secure are Hyper-V containers in Windows Server 2016?

  Container engines like Docker can compromise an entire root OS because of a lack of isolation. What steps can admins take to secure Hyper-V containers in Windows Server 2016?Continue Reading

• What's the best way to migrate public folders to Exchange 2013?

  We need to move more than 20,000 Exchange 2010 public folders to Exchange 2013. What's the best way to do this?Continue Reading

• How do Outlook clients know mailbox moves are done?

  I'm migrating Exchange 2010 mailboxes to Exchange 2013. How will Outlook clients know the mailboxes moved after the migration?Continue Reading

• What are SR-IOV pros and cons with Hyper-V?

  SR-IOV in Windows Server 2012 R2 supports Hyper-V Live Migration, but system requirements hampered adoption for some cases. Should everyone put PCIe SR-IOV to use?Continue Reading

• Should my small business move to Office 365?

  We're a small company with 200 mailboxes in on-premises Exchange 2013. What could Office 365 do that on-premises Exchange can't?Continue Reading

• What are the limitations and drawbacks of an IPAM server?

  Windows Server IPAM can only handle one Active Directory forest. Learn about other limitations.Continue Reading

• Addressing SSL/TLS flaws on Windows Server

  If you're running a known vulnerable version of SSL or TLS, you may be at risk for attacks. These factors will help you determine the threat level to your servers.Continue Reading

• Stop attackers from catching you in a phishing hack

  Exchange admins can use the recent State Department hack as a lesson in the importance of consistent security protocols.Continue Reading

• Switch authentication modes during a disaster recovery

  Converting authentication modes is a rare thing admins need to address, but it must be fixed right away when it happens -- and Microsoft's documentation on it is incorrect.Continue Reading

• How do I control the growth of Exchange 2010 database logs?

  I just upgraded to Exchange 2010, but Exchange is generating an immense amount of logs. How can I change this so they grow at a more reasonable rate?Continue Reading

• How to fix the five most common Outlook errors

  Do your users sound like broken records when it comes to Outlook error messages? Our expert has compiled his five most often seen error messages and their quick fixes.Continue Reading

• Three Windows Server SSL/TLS security flaws and how to fix them

  Recent vulnerabilities in SSL and TLS, like Heartbleed and FREAK, have exposed flaws in Windows Server. Even patching may not be enough.Continue Reading

• Set up Office 365 message encryption

  OME is a handy feature for Office 365 users who want to protect any information they send outside their organizations.Continue Reading

• Exchange load balancing prevents workload strain

  Exchange 2013 supports roles across multiple server nodes, but it's still important to balance workloads to prevent strain.Continue Reading

• Control Exchange Online access for a more secure organization

  Exchange Online's conditional access features gives organizations tighter control over how they keep end users' devices and information safe.Continue Reading

• IIS exploits in Windows Server and how you can fix them

  There are several flaws in IIS that can jeopardize the security of Windows servers. Here are some of the top threats and how to solve them.Continue Reading

• Simple steps to strengthen Exchange 2013 security

  Email is a treasure trove of sensitive information. Exchange administrators must frequently check five areas to ensure email security.Continue Reading

• Optimize Outlook to boost Exchange performance

  There's a simple explanation for why high-performance, highly resilient Exchange Server hardware can't service some Outlook end users.Continue Reading

• Three ways to handle a disabled mailbox in Exchange

  Admins have some options if they want to create messages for disabled email accounts to let senders know the address is no longer in use.Continue Reading

• How to complete a multi-forest hybrid Exchange setup

  Once you know how multi-forest hybrid environments work, finish the setup process for custom domains and Azure AD Sync Services.Continue Reading

• Why is my mailbox quota warning not working?

  The quota warning messages in Exchange 2013 aren't showing for end users in our company. Is there a way to get them working again?Continue Reading

• How do I grant users outside the LAN access to OWA?

  Our company has users who reside outside the local area network. What's the best way to grant those users access to Outlook Web App?Continue Reading

• Choose the right Office 365 migration tool

  Even the hardiest Exchange admin can be overwhelmed during an Office 365 migration, but having the right tools in your belt can help.Continue Reading

• What are write back cache's requirements?

  Deploying larger, SSD-based write-back caches might require more than one disk. The benefits can lead to better performance.Continue Reading

• How does write back cache improve performance?

  With Windows Server 2012 R2 and earlier, admins have access to write-back caching, leading to reasonable improvements for mission-critical workloads.Continue Reading

• How generic routing encapsulation works in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Generic routing encapsulation can help Windows Server 2012 R2 admins with performance enhancements.Continue Reading

• The biggest obstacle to securing Windows Server 2012

  Microsoft's most secure server is a sitting duck for attacks on most networks, and the reason why may surprise you.Continue Reading

• Prevent problems with NUMA architecture on Hyper-V

  It's possible that non-uniform access memory can affect how your Linux VMs run on Hyper-V, so learn about the conditions that could cause problems and what to do to fix them.Continue Reading

• Why SUSE VMs have UEFI and secure boot issues

  You won't be able to secure boot or use UEFI with SUSE VMs under Hyper-V because of certain support issues, so it's important to learn if your enterprise will be affected.Continue Reading

• Problems to prep for when running Linux VMs in Hyper-V

  Learn how to prepare for some of the problems you may have to work around if you run dynamic memory in a Red Hat Linux VM under Hyper-V.Continue Reading

• Choose the best way to include signatures in Office 365

  When you move to Office 365, you lose some of the signature management capabilities you've become accustomed to with on-premises Exchange Server. Here are two options for getting signatures back.Continue Reading

• Secure OWA to minimize your risks

  There are a number of actions to take to implement OWA security, including obvious ones like creating strong password policies. Admins should also consider using other popular countermeasures to lessen risks.Continue Reading

• Why did my migrated mailbox disappear?

  If a mailbox doesn't show up in the Exchange Control Panel after a migration, some simple factors could make it look like it went missing.Continue Reading

• Azure RMS offers a simpler data protection alternative

  The hosted version of Microsoft's on-premises Rights Management Services offers data protection features without the complexity.Continue Reading

• Four new WSUS features and capabilities all admins should know

  These four new features and capabilities in WSUS can simplify how admins roll out OS updates in their enterprises.Continue Reading

• The best ways to use a WSUS server in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Admins can use Microsoft's native tool to manage OS updates across an enterprise network with the help of PowerShell.Continue Reading

• Important considerations for setting up Work Folders

  This tip could be the answer your enterprise is looking for to bridge the gap between personal and corporate devices.Continue Reading

• Critical namespace configurations in Exchange Server 2013

  It's important to get namespace planning right the first time. Otherwise, it's difficult -- or even impossible -- to change later.Continue Reading

• Have a simple Work Folders setup in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Follow these steps to have the easiest Work Folders setup possible and to make the feature an essential part of your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Quick tricks for migrating Exchange UM to Office 365

  If you plan to move UM-enabled mailboxes to Office 365 as part of a hybrid implementation, keep it simple to avoid complications.Continue Reading

• Patching and monitoring in a hybrid Exchange deployment

  Every task that admins handle in hybrid deployments can be split into three categories, but two deserve most of your attention.Continue Reading

• Is a single Office 365 tenant better than using multiple tenants?

  Companies looking to use more than one Office 365 tenant should be aware of the limitations and technical requirements.Continue Reading

• Five reasons to run Hyper-V in Windows Server 2012 R2

  There's plenty to like about Hyper-V in Microsoft's latest OS. Here are the five top features.Continue Reading

• Don't go into battle without these Exchange Server tools

  Whether you're new to Exchange or a seasoned Exchange MVP, these tools are non-negotiables for maintaining control.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting common Windows Server deduplication problems

  Learn how to fix an application having problems with deduplicated data, as well as when you should turn off dedupe.Continue Reading

• Best practices for managing Office 365 from Active Directory

  After moving to the cloud, you'll need to manage the parts of Exchange that don't show up in Active Directory.Continue Reading

• Proper care of your new ADFS server

  Once implemented, ADFS becomes a vital part of your enterprise. Managing it and keeping it highly available is essential.Continue Reading

• Why the Windows Server Essentials role could benefit larger organizations

  Organizations may look to use an Essentials server, which makes Windows Server 2012 R2 function like Microsoft's small business offerings.Continue Reading

• New Microsoft certs changes that IT pros need to know

  The Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1 and System Center 2012 R2 releases are responsible for the updated MCSA and MCSE cert exams.Continue Reading

• Set up an ADFS server to manage Office 365 identities

  As long as you know how to set it up and install it, ADFS can be a good identity management option for Office 365.Continue Reading

• Customize Exchange ActiveSync settings for virtual directories

  Knowing the settings for the mailbox server and the Client Access server role is the key to customizing ActiveSync virtual directories.Continue Reading

• How to share calendars in Exchange 2013

  The easiest way to share calendars in Exchange 2013 is to enable its built-in, standards-compliant features.Continue Reading

• Is Password Sync better than AD FS for Office 365 identity management?

  Can DirSync's Password Synchronization feature compete with AD FS for Office 365 identity management?Continue Reading