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Problem solve

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

• Remote Management in Windows Server 8

  Windows Server 8 is set to improve on a solid remote management foundation, but there are changes, like the move to GUI-less deployments, to consider. Continue Reading

• Exchange Mailbag: Fixing common Outlook user issues

  In this edition of the Exchange Mailbag, our expert explains what to do if your users keep receiving duplicate messages, why spell check may not be working and more. Continue Reading

• Windows Server 8 and PowerShell v3 Runbook Automation

  With improved runbook automation coming in Windows Server 8, admins can simply script processes – and, do a lot more. Continue Reading

• Don’t neglect third-party add-ons during Exchange Server upgrades

  Upgrading to Exchange 2010? Neglect third-party apps at your own peril. Here’s what to check. Continue Reading

• SharePoint 2010: Much more than document sharing

  Is your company just using SharePoint 2010 for document sharing? Check out some of the features you may be missing out on and make the most of your investment. 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

• Five ways VMware vSphere 5 improves Exchange Server virtualization

  VMware vSphere 5 has so many new features, it's hard to keep track. These are the five you need to know about for Exchange Server virtualization.Continue Reading

• How Windows Server 8 can help with compliance

  Microsoft's new server OS brings risk management improvements – but look deeper, and the picture gets a little cloudy.Continue Reading

• Five areas a hosted Exchange service level agreement must address

  So you’ve decided that hosted Exchange is the right move for your company. Before moving email to the cloud, make sure your SLA properly addresses these five important topics.Continue Reading

• Using Xperf stack walking to pinpoint kernel performance issues

  The Xperf tool helps admins diagnose performance issues, but how do you granularly determine what function calls are eating up precious resources?Continue Reading

• Three methods to repair OWA

  Admins have several options to repair OWA. The trick is choosing the technique that has the least amount of impact on your OWA user base. Consider these three fixes.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 hardware selection tips

  Getting Windows Server 2008 R2 to run efficiently takes a little bit of luck and a lot of hardware knowledge.Continue Reading

• PowerShell v3 has some great GUI

  PowerShell v3, available in the forthcoming Windows Server 8, packs some serious GUI behind a barebones command-line interface.Continue Reading

• Getting more life out of Windows Server 2008 R2

  Just because Windows Server 8 is right around the corner, there is no need to toss Windows Server 2008 R2 out the door.Continue Reading

• Configuring and optimizing SharePoint 2010 search

  Search has been around since SharePoint’s inception but it isn’t enabled in SharePoint 2010. Here’s how to configure search while minimizing the impact on sites.Continue Reading

• Understanding the Windows Server 8 Cluster Aware Update Wizard

  Cluster-Aware Updating won't end Patch Tuesday – but it will make administration of server clusters much easier.Continue Reading

• Five ways to improve your Exchange Server 2010 backups

  Exchange Server backup is an everyday task that is easily optimized. Follow these five best practices to enhance Exchange 2010 backups and fast-track restorations.Continue Reading

• Optimizing application compatibility for Windows Server 8

  With Windows Server 8 comes a whole host of new app compatibility considerations. Here's how to be prepared for when the server OS ships.Continue Reading

• Using and managing BYOD in a Windows Server 2008 environment

  BYOD is the hot topic in the enterprise, but allowing it brings new types of security considerations on Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Fixes for faulty Outlook and hosted Exchange connections

  Some early Office 365 adopters have experienced Outlook connectivity problems. We've identified the culprits as well as the solutions.Continue Reading

• How System Center 2012 enables Hyper-V private clouds

  Microsoft is pushing private cloud with the latest releases of its systems management products. Find out if they can help you get a handle on your internal resources.Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2010 licensing considerations and requirements

  Microsoft licensing is tough to grasp. In this tip, we explain in plain English how Exchange 2010 licensing works to help you choose the best licensing model for your environment.Continue Reading

• Hidden gems in Windows Server 2008 R2's Resource Monitor tool

  You don't have to download a freeware tool to adequately monitor your system performance. Here's how to leverage the new features available to Windows Server admins.Continue Reading

• Preparing for your IT certification on the cheap

  Proper preparation for IT certification exams doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Get the lowdown on inexpensive options and where to find them.Continue Reading

• Leveraging Windows Server 2008 and the BYOD initiative

  "Bring Your Own Device" programs can be a logistical nightmare, but Windows Server offers an ideal platform for managing such environments and maintaining a happier workforce.Continue Reading

• Managing Exchange 2010 SP1 ActiveSync from the command line

  The number of mobile users grows by the day, so it helps to understand how to manage ActiveSync from the command line. Here are the four most important EMS commands in Exchange 2010 SP1.Continue Reading

• Top five tips for optimizing Active Directory Group Policy performance

  As your number of managed GPOs increases, so does the performance hit to your machines. Get in front of the problem by taking these simple steps.Continue Reading

• SharePoint security should not be an afterthought

  Although SharePoint's security controls are built in, they're not something you can just set and forget. Don’t overlook these four issues when safeguarding the collaboration platform.Continue Reading

• Lessons learned from an Office 365 migration

  Office 365 migrations take time and careful research, but even then, some mistakes are inevitable. Find out what one expert learned during his company’s move to Office 365.Continue Reading

• How Server Manager will impact workflow in Windows Server 8

  The Server Manager console has been completely redesigned in Windows Server 8. While this will have positive effects on productivity, it could also cause some headaches.Continue Reading

• Configure SharePoint 2010 to send notifications through Exchange 2010

  Email notifications are a great way to alert admins and users to SharePoint changes; you just need a mechanism to deliver them. That’s where Exchange 2010 comes in.Continue Reading

• What to do when DNS records disappear

  When working with DNS records in Active Directory, a small mistake can quickly become a big problem. Follow these steps to speed your recovery.Continue Reading

• All about Exchange 2010 distribution list management

  Do you dread having to manage distribution lists? The Exchange Management Console and Shell simplify the job, and you always have the option to offload the task to users.Continue Reading

• Free virtual appliance helps load balance Exchange 2010 deployments

  Looking for an effective -- and free -- tool to load-balance your Exchange 2010 deployment? If you’re Linux-savvy, you’re in luck. If not, you can still use it in your lab environment.Continue Reading

• Best Practices for Active Directory forest trusts

  The more domains you manage, the more you rely on forest trusts. Follow these tips to manage your AD infrastructure – and maintain your sanity.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 8's patch management upgrades may be too good to be true

  Microsoft promises high IT service uptime in Windows Server 8 thanks to patch management upgrades – but what will that really translate into?Continue Reading

• Checklist: Preparing for a move to hosted Exchange

  Is your company contemplating a move to hosted Exchange? Before researching providers, make sure you’ve completed everything on this checklist.Continue Reading

• Can you really run Exchange Server 2010 without backups?

  With database availability groups in Exchange 2010, do you really need backups? In some cases, you don’t -- but in many scenarios, going without a backup is too risky.Continue Reading

• Understanding System Center Service Manager 2010 and virtualization

  What Service Manager settings should you have set when virtualizing an environment?Continue Reading

• Preparing for Windows workstation security breaches

  Remember that your users’ Windows workstations are just as vulnerable to security breaches as the rest of your system. Here’s how to prepare for the worst.Continue Reading

• Diagnosing Exchange hub transport server failures

  When mail flow stops, so does business. Get things up and running by quickly and accurately identifying Exchange hub transport server failures with these troubleshooting tips.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Outlook 2010 calendar entry corruptions

  Outlook calendar quirks can drive any Exchange admin crazy. But don’t stress; here are some solutions to common issues with calendar entries and recurring appointments.Continue Reading

• Migrating a Linux file system to a Windows file system (or vice versa)

  In-place file system conversions are not only difficult – they're also downright dangerous. If you need to migrate data, you've got other options.Continue Reading

• How (and why) Microsoft is killing the GUI on Windows Server

  With improvements to PowerShell, the GUI on Windows Server 8 is rendered ineffective. How can IT pros deal with it?Continue Reading

• Five commonly overlooked aspects of Exchange 2010 migrations

  Are you planning an Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2010 migration? If so, make sure to remember these five items that aren’t covered in Microsoft documentation.Continue Reading

• How many virtual machines on a Hyper-V server?

  Virtualization has changed how admins think about data center capacity – but there are still limits, and consequences for hitting them.Continue Reading

• What the demise of Forefront TMG means for Windows Server

  Microsoft's highly rated edge-protection product is essentially dead – so where do Windows server security pros go from here?Continue Reading

• Speeding Windows into the cloud: Move your DMZ to EC2 in four steps

  The move to the cloud can be a scary leap, but some aspects of a datacenter, like the DMZ, are ready to move to Amazon's EC2 offering.Continue Reading

• Common virtualized Exchange breakdowns

  A virtual Exchange infrastructure is no different than a physical one -- problems occur. Check these four causes of failure to solve common virtualized Exchange problems quickly.Continue Reading

• Five steps to preparing for Exchange virtualization failures

  Virtualized Exchange infrastructure failures are inevitable. Take these five crucial preparation steps to make sure you’re ready for anything.Continue Reading

• Setting up Remote Desktop Services Web Access portals

  Remote Desktop allows access to hosted apps from anywhere – a win-win situation for your users and your network security.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Exchange 2007 clustered mailbox database mounts

  When your Exchange 2007 clustered mailbox database failover succeeds but your database fails to mount on the new cluster node, it’s likely one of two problems. Here’s what to do.Continue Reading

• Boosting Windows Server security with Security Compliance Manager

  If you’ve never hardened your Windows-based servers, or would like to bring some consistency to your configurations, SCM is certainly worth a look.Continue Reading

• Protecting Outlook 2010 with group policy security settings

  Your Exchange servers may be secure, but neglecting to protect Outlook 2010 puts your company at risk. Learn some group policy security settings that prevent security disasters.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 auditing tools to track admin, end-user behavior

  Compliance rules make tracking admin and email users a necessary evil. Thankfully, audit logging tools in Exchange 2010 can help.Continue Reading

• How DirectAccess can improve your organization’s security

  There's more to this VPN alternative than meets the eye; deploying DirectAccess can be a positive step for any business with remote workers.Continue Reading

• Five Windows environment security flaws you may be forgetting

  IT managers know all about the biggest Windows vulnerabilities. But did you remember to include these five potential flaws in your security checklist?Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 hub transport server load balancing -- what to watch for

  Providing load balancing and fault tolerance for Exchange 2010 hub transport servers is fairly simple, but there are two important caveats you should know.Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2007 SP3 Rollup 5 fixes 13 issues

  Many IT shops still rely on Exchange Server 2007. If that includes you, check out the 13 fixes in Exchange 2007 SP3 Update Rollup 5.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 8 brings changes, improvements

  Windows Server 8 brings a plethora of change to Microsoft’s plans for the cloud, storage and networking.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 migration: Preparing Active Directory using PowerShell

  Your Active Directory forest has to meet some prerequisites before migrating to Exchange Server 2010. These Powershell commands let you verify and prepare AD for the move.Continue Reading

• Top five new features in Windows Server 8

  Windows Server 8 will likely please many admins when it ships next year. Find out the five features, like Hyper-V replication, IT pros are craving.Continue Reading

• Write your way toward improved IT career prospects

  Many IT pros cower at the thought of writing anything for work. The truth is, improving your writing skills is one of the best ways to get ahead.Continue Reading

• How to build a virtual Exchange test lab

  Virtual test labs provide a way to learn about new versions of Exchange Server without incurring the cost of physical labs. Here's how to create your own virtual Exchange lab.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 federation trusts: Basics and requirements

  Exchange 2010 makes it easy to share calendar and contact info across organizations through federation trusts. Before creating those trusts, read these best practices.Continue Reading

• Four Server Core myths: Busted!

  Microsoft's Server Core installation option for Windows Server has many benefits, but persistent inaccuracies have limited its widespread adoption.Continue Reading

• Prerequisites for installing Exchange 2010 Management Tools in Windows

  Having trouble opening the Exchange 2010 Management Tools? There are several Windows settings you must enable and installs you may have missed.Continue Reading

• Using RamMap and VMMap Tools to Troubleshoot Windows Memory Issues

  Even a veteran system admin can be challenged when investigating Windows memory issues. The free RamMap and VMMap tools remove much of the guesswork.Continue Reading

• Not as crazy as it sounds: How to run Server 2008 on a notebook

  Whether it's for fun or a necessity of the job, here's how to get Windows Server running on a notebook.Continue Reading

• Windows server patching gaps you can't afford to miss

  Even if you think you're up to date on the latest software, you might not be. There are ways to ensure your software has the latest hotfixes.Continue Reading

• Command-line switches to troubleshoot Outlook 2010 problems

  Are your users experiencing Outlook problems? These five command-line switches will help identify and remedy the cause.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows Server 2008 R2 with MSinfo32

  With the ability to gather important configuration data, the MSinfo32 System Information Tool can help pinpoint potential Windows Server 2008 R2 problems.Continue Reading

• When to use server core deployments with Windows Server 2008

  Windows Server core deployments offer advantages to administrators in certain situations, but the minimalist approach is not for everyone.Continue Reading

• Best practices for securing Exchange ActiveSync

  Sure, ActiveSync is easy to set up and administer, but how comfortable are you with its security? These best practices will go a long way toward protecting your CAS.Continue Reading

• Four reasons why Outlook passwords are not being saved

  There are several potential reasons why your users’ Outlook passwords for Exchange are not being stored. Our expert examines the top four and their fixes.Continue Reading

• Enhancing SharePoint 2010 security through permissions management

  Get a handle on broad and granular permission management techniques to keep critical SharePoint 2010 data safe.Continue Reading

• Top five security tips for domain controllers

  Domain controllers are key to company security, so you need to keep them protected. Read on for advice on hardening virtual and physical environments.Continue Reading

• How to make Windows Server 2008 -- and your IT budget -- last longer

  During tough economic times, IT shops are still under the gun to make Windows Server last. Here are a few tips for keeping a system among the living.Continue Reading

• How to configure SharePoint 2010 to scan Outlook 2010 for colleagues

  Most users think social networking involves updating their Facebook status. Configure SharePoint and Outlook 2010 to help them connect with colleagues for work purposes instead.Continue Reading

• A look at Exchange 2010’s native-archiving limitations

  Exchange Server 2010 includes new built-in archiving features, but limitations with deduplication, archive message search and retrieval can cause problems for admins and end users.Continue Reading

• Are Exchange wildcard certificates worth the risk?

  Wildcard certificates offer Exchange shops flexibility and financial savings, but with those benefits come risks. Here are some wildcard certificate pros and cons to consider.Continue Reading

• Four ideas to better secure identity management in the cloud

  As corporations store increasingly large amounts of mission critical data in the clouds, identity management needs to be more secure. Here are four ideas that could help.Continue Reading

• Five Exchange Control Panel feature improvements in Exchange 2010 SP1

  If you aren’t using the Exchange Control Panel in Exchange Server 2010 SP1, take a look. It’s simple to use and supports mailbox auditing, MailTips, RBAC and more.Continue Reading

• How IT pros can boost their worth -- and their salaries

  IT pros grouse that their certifications and experience aren't earning them worthy salaries, but few realize what things they need to do to get those extra bucks.Continue Reading

• Use the Exchange dumpster for long-term data retention at your own risk

  The Exchange dumpster has the potential to be used as a long-term retention tool, but using it that way may cause more problems than it solves. Here's why.Continue Reading

• Server security auditing: knowledge vs. performance

  Security auditing can cause a real server performance hit, especially using Windows' native feature. Learn here how you can ease the pain.Continue Reading

• How to create custom MailTips in Exchange Server 2010

  Built-in MailTips prevent users from making common email gaffes, but you can also create custom MailTips to provide other helpful information. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Five layers of iSCSI storage connection security

  The iSCSI storage protocol is simple to set up, but requires work to protect. Follow these steps to ensure the security of iSCSI server connections.Continue Reading

• Being proactive with Active Directory health

  Active Directory is vital to Windows. These best practices will help engineers prevent mistakes and ensure a stable AD environment.Continue Reading

• Are you properly protecting your Windows servers against malware?

  Malware poses a threat to Windows servers as well as desktops. Here is a guide to help you build a malware protection plan before it's too late.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V Dynamic Memory v. VMware memory overcommit: fish meets bicycle

  With dynamic memory allocation, Microsoft addresses one of virtualization's perennial problems: how to assign memory to virtual machines that may not need it all the time.Continue Reading

• Building a strategy for a move from Exchange to cloud-based email

  Here’s how two firms weighed the pros and cons of moving their Exchange email to the cloud and built a solid strategy for the present and future.Continue Reading

• Microsoft iSCSI Software Target for Windows Server 2008 R2

  The Software Target sets up virtual hard disks as targets for remote servers. Learn more about how to use some of its management and system-protection functions.Continue Reading

• Upgrading Server 2008 R2 Active Directory forest functional levels

  Some Active Directory deployments have been around for over a decade, so it's time for some streamlining. Find out how to best upgrade functional levels in Windows Server R2.Continue Reading

• How to use the Best Practices Analyzer to test server roles

  The Best Practices Analyzer integrated into Windows Server 2008 R2 can be instrumental in exposing potential trouble spots in your server deployment.Continue Reading

• An overview of Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server

  Take a deep dive into Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server and see how it helps defend Exchange 2010 from spam and malware attacks in multiple types of environments.Continue Reading

• Seven free tools Windows managers shouldn’t be without

  Everyone can use a little help from time to time, especially IT and Windows managers. Stock up on these free tools and receive assistance without spending a dime.Continue Reading

• Preventing fragmentation issues on virtualized Exchange 2010 mail servers

  Keeping your virtualized Exchange 2010 mailbox server defragmented is easy, if you know where to look. Here’s where fragmentation occurs, and how to keep it from impacting I/O.Continue Reading

• Remotely connecting to Exchange 2010 with PowerShell, WinRM

  Learn how to establish a remote Exchange Management Shell connection with PowerShell 2.0 and WinRM to manage multiple Exchange 2010 servers and more.Continue Reading