Problem solve
Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.
Problem solve
Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.
Top Exchange Server performance monitoring and troubleshooting tools
Maintaining a healthy Exchange server is critical to achieving peak performance. Leveraging the monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities of tools such as the Performance Monitor, which prevents growth-related performance issues through capacity ... Continue Reading
Breaking down the Windows Server Backup tool for Windows 2008
A lot has changed with the NTBackup tool in Windows Server 2008 – including its name. Learn how loss of flexibility paved the way for enhanced functionality with Windows Server Backup. Continue Reading
Creating a SharePoint governance document
Learn which issues to include in your SharePoint governance document to avoid problems down the road. Continue Reading
-
Extracting Exchange ActiveSync data from IIS log files
Mobile messaging is one of the few Exchange Server features that can have a direct effect on a company's bottom line. Unfortunately, Microsoft Exchange Server lacks native reporting capabilities. Even so, it's possible to extract Exchange ActiveSync... Continue Reading
Executing an .MSP customization file in Microsoft Outlook 2007
The Office Customization Tool (OCT) from Microsoft doesn't save Outlook 2007 configuration changes automatically. You must save these changes as an .MSP file. Learn what to do with the .MSP file once it's created and how to install an .MSP file ... Continue Reading
OWA Light vs. Exchange ActiveSync on Windows Mobile devices
Are you wondering whether to use Outlook Web Access (OWA) Light or Exchange ActiveSync for email messages on your Windows Mobile devices? This tip details how each method affects mobile device battery life, security, ease of use and cost.Continue Reading
Understanding quorum in Windows Server 2008 clustering
In Windows Server 2008, quorum of server clusters can be determined in several ways. Find out which model to base your cluster on during configuration.Continue Reading
Create a secure Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA) redirect page
Incorrectly typing the URL for your Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA) page will result in an error message. Because users may mistakenly type HTTP instead of HTTPS to access OWA, you can easily create an OWA redirect page that doesn't sacrifice ...Continue Reading
Why can't I grant users permissions to an Exchange public folder?
Exchange Server public folder permissions can be complex. Get troubleshooting advice on delegating permissions to Exchange Server public folders here.Continue Reading
Configure SMTP relay restrictions in Exchange Server 2003 to stop spam
Find out how to configure SMTP relay restrictions in Exchange Server 2003 to stop your Exchange server from sending massive amounts of spam email.Continue Reading
-
Why does a security alert pop up when accessing Outlook Web Access?
Find out how to prevent security alerts when users access Outlook Web Access (OWA) from Internet Explorer.Continue Reading
Troubleshooting Active Directory database errors
While database errors in Active Directory can crop up occasionally, they are usually simple to fix. Check out these troubleshooting tips for when you think your AD database might be corrupted.Continue Reading
Why too much memory can hurt Exchange Server 2007 performance
Because Exchange Server 2007 runs on 64-bit hardware, it's tempting to add more memory to improve server performance; but don't. Find out why too much memory can actually hurt Exchange Server 2007 performance, and learn more about Microsoft's ...Continue Reading
Troubleshooting slow Outlook Web Access (OWA) performance
Do your Exchange mobile users struggle with slow Outlook Web Access (OWA) server performance? The initial cause may not be your OWA server, but instead a firewall or infrastructure issue. To pinpoint the root cause of slow OWA server performance, ...Continue Reading
Windows PowerShell: A backdoor to malware?
While Windows PowerShell is great for automating tasks, it can pose a serious security risk if you aren't careful. Learn to diffuse the situation in Windows Server 2008.Continue Reading
Moving dynamic disks to a new Windows server
It's a simple enough process to migrate dynamic disks into another Windows system as long as you take certain factors into account to avoid data loss.Continue Reading
Why can't POP3 clients receive Exchange Server email?
Get tips on how to download POP3 email to Microsoft Outlook mailboxes in a Microsoft Exchange Server setup.Continue Reading
Checklist for harnessing Microsoft SharePoint governance
Use these Microsoft SharePoint governance pointers to get your enterprise sites under control.Continue Reading
Active Directory database basics: Performing an offline defrag
A fundamental understanding of how the Active Directory database works is important for Windows admins. Learn how the database sits in the AD architecture, as well as how to properly defrag the database for peak performance.Continue Reading
A first look at Storage Explorer for Windows Server 2008
We've had Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer. Now say hello to Storage Explorer, a new Windows Server 2008 utility designed to help improve the management of SAN resources.Continue Reading
Branch office security: Pros and cons of read-only domain controllers
Windows administrators have long wondered whether or not to use domain controllers for authentication in remote branch offices. In this tip, learn about the pros and cons of domain controllers in Windows environments and how read-only domain ...Continue Reading
Revised Outlook out-of-office (OOF) messages don't update in OWA
If Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Web Access (OWA) display different out-of-office (OOF) messages, Cached Exchange Mode may be to blame.Continue Reading
How to export Global Address List data to Microsoft Office Access
Exporting an Exchange Server Global Address List into a Microsoft Office Access database can help administrators filter through GAL data easily.Continue Reading
When (and when not) to use Windows server failover clustering
Failover clustering offers several benefits to those running Windows Server 2008, including simpler patching processes and increased business continuity. Still, IT pros should also be aware of the potential disadvantages of clusters before ...Continue Reading
How Microsoft Operations Framework 4.0 enhances IT service management
The push to combine Microsoft Operations Framework 4.0 with a set of integrated tools that adhere to the IT service management lifecycle is just what the doctor ordered.Continue Reading
Troubleshoot Windows server clusters with ClusDiag
Learn how Microsoft's Cluster Diagnostics Tool (ClusDiag) simplifies the way admins investigate and report on problems with server clusters in Windows environments.Continue Reading
Tips for Windows domain controller optimization
Learn to use Performance Monitor counters in Windows to optimize domain controllers for maximum system and database performance.Continue Reading
Using ClusDiag for enhanced Windows server cluster reporting
Learn to use some of the reporting capabilities of ClusDiag, Microsoft's free tool for Windows server cluster management, with details on how to capture logs and view cluster reports.Continue Reading
Seven steps for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server disaster recovery
When developing a disaster recovery plan for a Windows environment, IT managers should make sure Microsoft Office SharePoint Server's unique needs are reviewed and included in the process.Continue Reading
Communicate your value to enhance your Windows IT career development
Learn three key ways Windows managers can communicate their value and ultimately affect their IT career development for the better.Continue Reading
How to access SharePoint sites through Microsoft Outlook
If you have both Microsoft Exchange Server and SharePoint, you can easily access SharePoint sites directly from Microsoft Outlook. Here's how.Continue Reading
Take control of server clusters with Microsoft's ClusDiag tool
Microsoft's Cluster Diagnostics tool is a great utility for managing Windows server clusters. Learn the basics of ClusDiag, as well as installation tips to get you started.Continue Reading
Exchange public folder calendar can't be opened in Microsoft Outlook
Get directions on how to open a shared Exchange Server public folder calendar in Microsoft Outlook via the 'open other user's calendar' option.Continue Reading
What makes Microsoft Outlook 2007's Search feature special?
Discover how Microsoft Outlook 2007's Search feature takes advantage of Windows Vista's Desktop Search functionality. Still using Windows XP? Don't despair. You can still benefit from Outlook Search.Continue Reading
How to verify Exchange Server email forwarding
Find out how to verify Exchange Server email forwarding to both internal and external email accounts.Continue Reading
Minimize remote and mobile Outlook Web Access (OWA) security risks
Get tips on securing Outlook Web Access (OWA) for mobile users such as setting up a dedicated virtual OS and creating strict group policies to lock down IE.Continue Reading
Cost Management Analysis Guide
When creating a cost management analysis, the first thing IT managers should do is create a common desktop environment to keep costs down in a well managed Windows environment.Continue Reading
Use the Exchange Management Shell Set command to block senders
Want to create a list of blocked mail senders and recipients in Exchange Server 2007? Use the Exchange Management Shell's Set verb to write this script.Continue Reading
How to install Windows Server 2003 patches when offline
In this thread from our IT Knowledge Exchange (ITKE), learn how you can keep your Windows Server 2003 system up to date with the latest security patches without even being connected to the Internet.Continue Reading
Free security tools that can improve IIS security
Get a glimpse at what security expert Kevin Beaver is calling his top 10 list of free security tools for Internet Information Services (IIS).Continue Reading
Cleaning up Active Directory
It's time to scrub your Active Directory. Cleaning AD now will prevent problems down the road.Continue Reading
How to reduce the risk from Windows automatic updates
Every change to a system represents a risk. To minimize crashes after a Windows update, administrators should standardize and test computers.Continue Reading
Grant or deny permissions to access a user's Exchange 2007 mailbox
Need to access another user's Exchange 2007 mailbox? Learn how to grant or deny permissions to access a user's mailbox using the Exchange Management Shell.Continue Reading
Mastering account lockout values in Group Policy
Tweaking account lockout values can save money for your company by eliminating help desk calls for users' account lockouts.Continue Reading
How Microsoft Office Communicator enhances Outlook 2007 functionality
Learn about how Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 works similarly to Exchange 2007 UM and integrates with Outlook for added functionality.Continue Reading
Case Study: Troubleshooting Windows service dependency failures
Debugging a dependency service that has failed to start is easier than you think. Check out this step-by-step approach to resolving problems with Windows services that do not start automatically during the boot process.Continue Reading
Determining the cause of Windows server hang
Using the Windows Kernel Debugger (Windbg), learn to fix Windows server hang by analyzing a forced crash dump to determine the cause of the hung server.Continue Reading
Managing user profile properties on SharePoint Server 2007
My Site functionality in SharePoint Server 2007 has added more clarity to the portal definition as a personalized and individually controlled way of managing content.Continue Reading
Why Exchange ActiveSync fails with NAT firewalls
Discover why Exchange ActiveSync fails when Exchange Server 2003 sits behind a network address translation (NAT) firewall.Continue Reading
Troubleshooting common Windows service failures
Fixing problems with services is a common challenge for Windows administrators. Microsoft MVP Gary Olsen offers some useful troubleshooting tips for services that misbehave.Continue Reading
Tracking a deleted Active Directory object's replication status
Learn how to track a deleted Active Directory object's replication status and how to determine if the object has been replicated throughout the DC forest.Continue Reading
Managing assets with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager
The Asset Intelligence component of Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager 2007 has tools to keep track of software and hardware as well as the ability to develop executive reports.Continue Reading
Preparing to troubleshoot a hung Windows server
Microsoft MVP Bruce Mackenzie-Low breaks down the preparation process for debugging Windows server hang and explains how to install Windbg, a useful troubleshooting tool from Microsoft.Continue Reading
Disaster recovery planning for Active Directory
In part one of this tutorial, learn how creating an Active Directory replication lag site minimizes the chances of an Active Directory disaster.Continue Reading
What is a JAD session?
What is a JAD session? This term is referred to often in job postings and seems like some kind of brainstorm you carry out with a client to define IT specification/requirements. What does it stand for? And what does it mean?Continue Reading
How to build redundancy in Active Directory replication
Building redundancy in Active Directory replication is one way an administrator can ensure AD replication continues even if critical domain controllers fail.Continue Reading
How a cost management analysis affects Windows Server 2008 migration
When creating a cost management analysis, IT managers should pay attention to the technologies they use now and plan to use, like Windows Server 2008.Continue Reading
Monitor network bandwidth with CyberGauge
While the burden of monitoring network bandwidth has eased over time, the emergence of unified communications technologies could once again make it a high priority. While there are several bandwidth monitoring tools to choose from, CyberGauge is a ...Continue Reading
Enable incoming and outgoing email in Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007
Enable incoming and outgoing email in Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS 2007) in Exchange and non-Microsoft Exchange Server environments.Continue Reading
Why do Windows servers hang?
Troubleshooting a hung server begins by understanding why the problem occurs in the first place. Windows expert Bruce Mackenzie-Low takes a look at the big picture to explain some common causes of Windows server hang.Continue Reading
Install an Exchange server for two domains with different domain names
Learn how to set up a single Exchange server for two domains while both domains maintain their individual names.Continue Reading
Fix mailbox and Outlook calendar issues during Exchange migration
To avoid Exchange mailbox and Outlook calendar permission issues during a migration, our expert provides an overview of data that cannot be migrated from Exchange 5.5.Continue Reading
How to create a user access management process for Windows
An effective user access management process makes it possible to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of IT services for Windows users.Continue Reading
Troubleshooting a cross-forest trust in Active Directory
When checking for errors in a cross-forest trust, the first place to look is DNS.Continue Reading
Create a global Safe Senders List in Exchange 2007 to filter spam
Find out how to create a global, aggregate Safe Senders List in Exchange Server 2007 and Microsoft Outlook 2007 to manage spam and junk email filtering.Continue Reading
An alternate strategy for DNS server backup
While Microsoft recommends performing a system state backup when backing up a DNS, it's an all-or-nothing proposition. Using alternative methods such as backing up Active Directory integrated zones is a better strategy for admins who want to back up...Continue Reading
Install the Outlook Connector to use Hotmail in Microsoft Outlook
Install and configure the Microsoft Outlook Connector to access and send MSN Hotmail email messages through Outlook in an Exchange Server environment.Continue Reading
How to create a cross-forest trust in Active Directory
Building a cross-forest trust in Active Directory allows a trust to be created between the root domain of two forests.Continue Reading
How to format NTFS: More tricks to improve file system performance
The best security features are the ones that protect a system without slowing down the NTFS. Microsoft MVP Brien Posey offers some suggestions for finding the right balance between NTFS performance and system security.Continue Reading
Manage Exchange 2007 public folders from Exchange Management Console
Find out how to add and use public folder management functionality in the Exchange Management Console after installing Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 SP1.Continue Reading
Remove Exchange 2007 public folder stores from a Mailbox Server role
You must delete and remove public folder stores from Exchange 2007 SP1 before you can uninstall the Mailbox Server role. This tip explains how to do it.Continue Reading
Validating Windows server clusters with ClusPrep
Microsoft designed the final steps in its server cluster configuration wizard to ensure that server clusters are set up correctly and functioning properly.Continue Reading
Deny access to Windows system properties with GPOs
Windows networking security expert Brad Dinerman tells you how to prevent your users from accessing and altering unwanted settings and properties using Group Policy Objects (GPOs).Continue Reading
Windows scripting secrets for disk quota management
Despite improvements made to disk quota management, Windows Server 2003 does not include any built-in reporting tools. Fortunately, admins can use a simple script to create reports on disk space usage.Continue Reading
Fix Exchange Server 2007 Setup failures using the registry
Find out how to fix Exchange Server 2007 Setup failures and freezes and troubleshoot server role installation problems by editing specific registry keys.Continue Reading
Export Exchange public folder calendar to Outlook .PST file
Move Exchange Server public folder data, including Exchange public folder calendars, to Microsoft Outlook .PST files with these step-by-step instructions.Continue Reading
Bad external time source stops Active Directory replication
Not all time sources are created equal. Here's a way to avoid problems when synching to an external time source.Continue Reading
Microsoft tool simplifies Windows server cluster configuration
Cluster configuration manager, commonly called ClusPrep, is a free Microsoft tool for determining if servers are properly configured to support clustering.Continue Reading
Security tools that limit user logon in Windows
Security expert Kevin Beaver describes the pros and cons of some free security tools -- and commercial ones -- for monitoring Windows network login activity. In addition, he outlines the steps for creating network security workarounds with a more ...Continue Reading
Optimizing NTFS file system performance
The hard disk can sometimes become a bottleneck in overall system performance. While not much can be done to overcome hardware-related limitations, admins can optimize the NTFS file system for better performance.Continue Reading
Control Microsoft Outlook .PST file size and usage via the registry
Learn how to control and prevent Microsoft Outlook .PST problems by implementing registry keys that manage ANSI- and Unicode-based .PST file size and usage.Continue Reading
Configure an Exchange mailbox to send email delivery notifications
Learn how to configure an Exchange mailbox to send email delivery notifications from the 'system administrator' rather than from a specific mailbox account.Continue Reading
Debugging Userenv issues using Windows new event viewer
The event viewer will be a powerful debugging tool in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista.Continue Reading
Preview PDF files from Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Windows Vista
Discover a free PDF preview handler for Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Windows Vista that allows PDF file previews without downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader.Continue Reading
How to solve common ActiveSync error messages
Discover how to fix common Exchange ActiveSync errors, including SSL Event ID errors 3029, 3030 and 30031, HTTP, SMTP and 0x80830003 synchronization errors.Continue Reading
How to set up Remote Desktop for Exchange Server administration
Learn how to use the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to manage and troubleshoot Microsoft Exchange Server from a distance via a terminal service session.Continue Reading
Time stamps change with daylight-saving time
Think DST glitches in Windows are gone? Think again. Time zone changes can modify the time stamp on files and events in the log.Continue Reading
The new Microsoft System Center: What happened to SMS and MOM?
Microsoft MVP Gary Olsen looks at Microsoft System Center and describes the things administrators should know about the new enterprise server product suite.Continue Reading
How to use RACI charts to define service desk roles and responsibilities
Using a management tool called RACI charting can help IT managers simplify the daunting task of clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the service desk.Continue Reading
How to configure ActiveSync and manage mobile devices in Exchange 2007
Find out how to configure ActiveSync in Exchange Server 2007, set up mailbox policies and partner with mobile devices to determine their status and health.Continue Reading
Best practices for using Outlook .PST files on portable USB drives
You can save Microsoft Outlook email data in a .PST file to a portable USB storage drive, but make sure you understand these best practices first.Continue Reading
How to configure DNS records for Exchange Server on Windows SBS 2003
Get instructions on how to configure DNS records for an Exchange Server and Windows Small Business Server 2003 implementation.Continue Reading
Configuring Edge Transport server redundancy and load balancing
Learn how to configure redundancy and load balancing on Edge Transport servers to ensure high availability of your Exchange 2007 email environment.Continue Reading
DNS troubleshooting tips for Active Directory
Take a look at some tools and tests that will keep DNS performing well.Continue Reading
Troubleshoot Outlook Web Access (OWA) login error: 'Access denied'
Learn how to troubleshoot Outlook Web Access (OWA) login errors that prevent OWA users from accessing their email.Continue Reading
Set Outlook calendar permissions for group to view private meetings
Learn how to grant Microsoft Outlook calendar permissions, including access to private Microsoft Outlook calendar meetings, to a select group of users.Continue Reading
Troubleshoot Microsoft Outlook email delivery problems
Microsoft Outlook email doesn't get delivered or ends up in the recipient junk/spam folder. Get tips on troubleshooting this Outlook email delivery problem.Continue Reading
Disaster recovery for Windows: Four critical success factors
Improve your confidence in the entire disaster recovery process, from planning to implementation, by following these valuable Windows tips.Continue Reading
Be careful when copying Outlook Web Access (OWA) hyperlinks
Find out why hyperlinks copied from an Outlook Web Access (OWA) message don't work for some email recipients and learn two workarounds for this problem.Continue Reading
How the DC locator works in Active Directory
The DC locator depends heavily on DNS to not only locate a domain controller with the right role but also to locate one that will be efficient.Continue Reading