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Problem solve

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

• Microsoft certification path takes another turn

  It's a good move to reinvent and reinvigorate the most important lower and mid-tier credentials on the Microsoft certification path. Continue Reading

• Examining multisite database availability groups in Exchange 2010

  Multisite database availability groups are a solid high availability choice, but can pose problems. Fortunately, options are available. Continue Reading

• 10 new PowerShell cmdlets you'll need to know for Exchange 2013

  Exchange 2013 includes almost 200 new Exchange-specific PowerShell cmdlets. Get started with the 10 most important. Continue Reading

• Public or private CA: PKI deployment options for Exchange

  Deciding which PKI deployment option to go with for digital certificates can be tough. Weigh the pros and cons of each before moving forward. Continue Reading

• Three ways to tighten OWA 2010 security

  As more users log onto corporate networks with smartphones and tablets, stout OWA 2010 security is vital. Three techniques limit potential risks. Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 storage considerations when virtualizing on Hyper-V

  Practice caution when it comes to Exchange 2013 storage on Hyper-V and always remember these five crucial facts.Continue Reading

• Deciding whether to run Server Core in Windows Server 2012

  Our expert breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of deploying Server Core in Windows Server 2012.Continue Reading

• An overview of the Exchange 2010 ActiveSync Quarantine feature

  Underused but important, the Exchange 2010 ActiveSync Quarantine feature helps restrict which devices connect to Exchange. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Configuring iSCSI Targets on Windows Server 2012 Failover Clusters

  In Windows Server 2012, admins can configure iSCSI Targets using the Server and Failover Cluster Managers and PowerShell cmdlets. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Step by step: Exchange 2010 virtualization on vSphere

  Any Exchange 2010 virtualization project requires a careful and methodical approach. Follow the steps outlined here to make your transition seamless.Continue Reading

• The year's top SharePoint administration tips

  The end of the year gives us a chance to review and compile the best SharePoint administration advice.Continue Reading

• Tracking OWA connections to client access servers

  One Exchange admin wants to know the best way to track OWA connections to his client access servers. Our expert has the answer.Continue Reading

• How to change an Office 365 password policy using PowerShell

  Though not obvious, you must use PowerShell to change an Office 365 password policy. Learn about the required connections steps and cmdlets you will need.Continue Reading

• Strategies for SharePoint document management

  SharePoint document management is a process -- not a feature.Continue Reading

• All about Exchange mailbox database white space

  In this expert Q&A, you'll learn what Exchange mailbox database white space is, ways to check how much you have in your deployment and other best practices.Continue Reading

• Explaining client access server role changes in Exchange 2013

  The client access server role has been reborn in Exchange Server 2013. While the changes may seem radical, they represent a change for the better.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

• Is it safe to delete Exchange 2010 log files?

  One admin wants to know if it's a smart idea to delete Exchange 2010 log files. To put it simply, it's not, and here's why.Continue Reading

• Examining your Exchange Server SSL configuration options

  Few organizations spend much time weighing their Exchange SSL options. Familiarize yourself with the different choices before making a decision.Continue Reading

• 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

• Exchange 2010 setup error: Cannot create IIS virtual directory

  One administrator encountered Exchange 2010 setup errors after uninstalling the platform. Find out what our expert recommends.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

• Identifying Exchange Server synchronization issues for Sent Items

  Users that access email on various devices may run into Exchange Server synchronization issues. The Sent Items folder is one area that can cause confusion.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

• Troubleshooting Exchange 2010 free/busy issues

  Users rely on Exchange 2010 free/busy to keep their Outlook calendars up to date. If it goes down, you should check these key areas first.Continue Reading

• Making effective use of SharePoint tags

  There are different philosophies regarding the best way to make sure SharePoint tags do an effective job of helping users.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

• 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

• Exchange Server 2013 preparation checklist

  Whether you're planning on early adoption or waiting for Exchange 2013 SP1, here are several ways to prepare your current environment before migrating.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

• 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

• Introducing Exchange Server 2013 modern public folders

  Responding to demands from the Exchange community, Microsoft is keeping public folders in Exchange 2013 and surprise, they're much improved.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

• Multiserver administration and more with RSAT in Windows Server 2012

  Microsoft's Remote Server Administration Tools received an update in time for Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8. What's new?Continue Reading

• Revisiting DCPromo in Active Directory: what's changed?

  Admins might have experience with the DCPromo tool in Windows Server's Server Manager. Learn about its history and where it's going.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

• Examining Exchange Server 2010 LUN architecture

  When it comes to storage, Exchange 2010 is more flexible than previous versions. The one and two LUNs per database architectures are two options worth investigating.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

• 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

• What’s the difference between MX records and smart hosts?

  A new Exchange administrator is confused as to the difference between MX records and smart hosts. Discover what each does and their role in email delivery.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

• Microsoft Online Backup Service in Windows Server 2012: Under the hood

  Weigh the pros and cons of Microsoft Online Backup Service in Windows Server 2012. Some features could benefit IT shops.Continue Reading

• Accessing Exchange message stores via programming languages

  Many companies rely on non-Microsoft programming languages to access Exchange email. Find out how three languages talk to Exchange, where they're headed and more.Continue Reading

• Locating unused Exchange Server mailboxes with PowerShell code

  Unused Exchange mailboxes are not only a licensing issue, but also a security vulnerability. Pinpoint empty and inactive mailboxes with PowerShell.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 setup error: Could not find domain controller

  Did you receive an error message describing difficulty finding a domain controller during Exchange 2010 setup? Read the steps necessary to get around it.Continue Reading

• Extracting data from memory dumps with Event Tracing for Windows

  Admins facing Windows Server frequent hangs and crashes can use a number of tools, like Event Tracing for Windows, to catch a badly behaving task.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

• Taking the primary domain controller offline to rebuild it

  Need to take an in-place upgraded PDC offline to rebuild it and use the second and third freshly-built 2003 DCs to handle services? Our expert explains.Continue Reading

• A lesson on Exchange Server 2010 resource mailbox management

  Resource mailbox management may seem tedious, but properly configured and customized mailboxes make life easier on admins and end users alike.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

• Built-in NIC teaming in Windows Server 2012 gives IT pros a break

  In Windows Server 2012, IT pros can prepare for failover scenarios using the newly built-in NIC teaming capability.Continue Reading

• Converting VMware virtual machines to Hyper-V with VMC

  If you need to consolidate into a Windows-based shop, Microsoft provides a free tool to convert VMware virtual machines to Hyper-V machines.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

• SMB 3.0 brings fault tolerant features, more speed

  SMB 3.0 ushers in the next generation of server messaging features and brings in speed improvements and tricks.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 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

• Five Group Policy Preferences that replace Windows logon scripts

  You don't need to deal with logon scripts any longer; these GPPs can solve the same problems without all the syntax hassle.Continue Reading

• Choosing iSCSI as a low-cost alternative to Hyper-V High Availability

  You don't have to break the bank for highly available virtualization. iSCSI storage offers plenty of benefits with the right implementation.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

• Microsoft certifications: How MCSE and MCSA have changed

  Microsoft's revamped certification program brings back familiar acronyms like MCSE and MCSA, but other important changes have occurred as well.Continue Reading

• The top five Group Policy PowerShell commands

  The GUI is great for some things, but these scripts will help make your Group Policy administration much more efficient.Continue Reading

• Smart sizing for Exchange Server 2010 mailbox databases

  There is no single size that fits the needs of all Exchange Server 2010 mailbox databases. But there are several aspects to consider when determining what’s best for your company.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Exchange 2010 public folder replication issues

  Public folders are here to stay. Therefore, you need to know how to fix them if anything -- like replication -- goes wrong.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

• What to know before repairing Exchange Server 2010 databases

  Repairing an Exchange 2010 database is a potentially destructive operation. Following these carefully laid out instructions can help you avoid disaster.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

• Protecting SharePoint 2010 document libraries with IRM

  Normally a Windows feature, Information Rights Management also lets admins limit access to SharePoint 2010 documents. Here’s how to set up IRM and handle its limitations.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

• 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

• Guide: Troubleshooting Microsoft Outlook

  Got a Microsoft Outlook problem? Whether you’ve run into a confusing error message, your users are experiencing password or calendar issues, or you simply can’t connect, we’ve got the answer here.Continue Reading

• New features in Microsoft IIS 8

  Admins will find plenty of new features to like in the new version of Microsoft's web server – especially if they're hosting large-scale operations.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

• Is NTLM a smart way to authenticate to Exchange Server 2010?

  Microsoft discontinued support for NTLM in Exchange 2010 RTM, then reinstated it in Exchange 2010 SP1. But is it a good way to authenticate to Exchange?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

• How can I monitor Hyper-V virtual machine traffic?

  The more information you want about Hyper-V traffic, the harder it will be to get. Our expert explains why things will get better in Windows Server 8.Continue Reading

• Step-by-step guide: Remote Desktop Gateway configuration

  The Remote Desktop Gateway role service extends the reach of Remote Desktop Services. Here's how to set it up, step by step.Continue Reading

• Three reasons behind Exchange 2010 Management Console failures

  It’s not uncommon for the Exchange 2010 management console to break down. Some failures may be attributed to changes made since Exchange 2007, but there are other causes as well.Continue Reading

• Centrally managing out-of-office messages in Exchange Server 2010

  Is out-of-office message management possible in Exchange 2010? Microsoft doesn’t officially support it, but our expert attempted a couple methods to find out.Continue 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

• Cost considerations: When blade servers meet virtualization

  When it comes to cost-effectiveness, do blade servers and virtualization combine to make CFOs happy?Continue Reading

• Examining blade server options for Windows Server 2008 R2

  It's a question asked with relative frequency: should I implement blade or rackmount hardware for Windows Server 2008 R2? The truth is there's no simple answer.Continue Reading

• Secure Windows Server in the cloud via Active Directory Group Policy

  When cloud technology invades, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 admins must ensure their environments remain secure. Group Policy to the rescue?Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Outlook Anywhere: Where to start

  Several factors can stop Outlook Anywhere from working correctly. Familiarize yourself with the most common pain points and learn their fixes here.Continue Reading

• All Outlook 2010 Trust Center settings are not created equal

  The Outlook 2010 Trust Center offers plenty of security settings to administrators. That doesn’t mean they’re all important though.Continue Reading

• Using Microsoft PerfView to profile process performance data

  Microsoft made its internal performance monitoring tool available to the public. Here's how it offers an advanced peek at application processes.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

• Bringing Windows RDS to the web: Designing the DMZ

  Remote Desktop Gateway secures Internet access for Remote Desktop Services applications – if you set it up properly.Continue Reading

• Deciding between blade and rack-mount gear for Windows Server 2008

  Are you looking for scalability or performance? It's important to understand your needs before choosing a Windows Server hardware solution.Continue Reading

• Distinguishing between mail contacts and mail users in Exchange 2010

  It’s easy to confuse mail users with mail contacts in Exchange 2010. Our expert sorts out the differences between these seemingly interchangeable terms.Continue Reading

• Kerberos platform interoperability connects Windows to the rest of the world

  The Kerberos authentication protocol ensures safe connections between multiple platforms. Find out just how it creates secure connections in this overview.Continue Reading

• Why you should consider SCOM for Exchange Server monitoring

  Are you relying on complicated performance monitor counters to track your Exchange servers’ health? If so, you may want to give SCOM a try.Continue Reading

• Using the Windows Application Compatibility Toolkit

  The Windows Application Compatibility Toolkit can help make Windows Server upgrades easier.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of Exchange vs. MDM for mobile management

  With so many users accessing Exchange mail remotely, IT pros have to make mobile device management a priority. Should you use Exchange Server or Mobile Device Manager?Continue Reading