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Problem solve

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

• 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

• Get Outlook meeting requests to show as 'tentative'

  Find out how to set up Microsoft Outlook so that meeting requests will show up on attendees' calendars as tentative until they respond to the meeting request.Continue Reading

• When and how to use worker process recycling with IIS

  Configuring Internet Information Services to automatically reset worker processes can solve a lot of Web application issues, but it should only be used in certain situations.Continue Reading

• Avoid DC restoration problems with authoritative restore

  Restoring a domain controller can be tricky business, but by performing an authoritative restore, administrators can sidestep most problems.Continue Reading

• LocalSystem account in the AD forest is risky business

  Beware of the Windows LocalSystem account. It has total control over the computer and cannot be locked out or denied of any privilege.Continue Reading

• How to manage and troubleshoot Microsoft Outlook rules

  Find out how to manage multiple Microsoft Outlook rules using the Outlook Rules Wizard to prevent potential email message processing conflicts.Continue Reading

• Kerberos authentication for network login on non-Windows networks

  Windows can be configured to use Kerberos authentication for network login on non-Windows networks. Find out how in this tip.Continue Reading

• Exploring the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit: Compress.exe and Expand.exe

  Have you ever had to make a compressed copy of a file via a script or the command line? We demystify the tools in the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit -- namely, Compress.exe and Expand.exe -- to make such tasks less tedious.Continue Reading

• Managing Microsoft Outlook search folder functionality

  Discover the pros and cons of using Microsoft Outlook search folders and learn how to configure group policies that control search folder usage.Continue Reading

• Exploring the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit: Clusterrecovery.exe

  The free Clusterrecovery.exe tool from Microsoft helps restore server cluster resources, replace failed disks, recover from disk signature changes and migrate data to a different disk on the shared bus.Continue Reading

• Windows Process Activation Service in IIS 7.0

  In this excerpt from Introducing Windows Server 2008, read about WPAS, which manages application pool configuration and worker processes.Continue Reading

• Using the Active Directory Migration Tool in a large environment

  Discover why using the Active Directory Migration Tool in a large Exchange Server environment may not be the best option for a successful migration.Continue Reading

• Configure Windows Mobile devices to local wipe after failed logons

  Learn how to configure security policies on a Windows Mobile device to local wipe Exchange Server data after several failed logon attempts have occurred.Continue Reading

• For Active Directory performance gains, delegate the _MSDCS DNS zone

  Directory services expert Gary Olsen explains how to delegate the _MSDCS zone, which contains the CName records and GC records, to ensure better Active Directory performance.Continue Reading

• How to use SMTP Diagnostics 1.0 to troubleshoot IIS issues

  Learn about the IIS Diagnostic Toolkit's SMTP Diagnostics 1.0 utility which admins can use to troubleshoot DNS or SMTP configuration issues .Continue Reading