Tips

Tips

• Legacy SCSI devices get an update

  You can use a converter that lets SCSI devices to connect to a PC via a Firewire/1394 interface. The results are generally positive with a few caveats.  Continue Reading

• Hardening Windows School: Group Policy design checklist for intermediate levels

  When it comes to Group Policy design, many administrators make simple configuration mistakes or they get stuck trying to match GPOs with an Active Directory layout. Get help here.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for Active Directory and share permissions

  In an Active Directory networking environment, there are two forms of permissions that are available for all Windows shared folders: share and NTFS (NT file system).  Continue Reading

• Two approaches to handling departed users in Exchange

  Here are two techniques for handling incoming e-mails intended for ex-employees.  Continue Reading

• Delegation of administrative authority in Exchange

  Need some help managing Exchange, but have reservations about giving someone else control? Learn how to use Exchange-specific permissions to limit the scope of an admin's power.  Continue Reading

• Google search app targets enterprises

  Google Desktop Search for Enterprise users has a broader array of search capabilities and also gives you the choice of restricting your users' searches.  Continue Reading

• Automate meeting request processing

  The Auto Accept Agent is a Microsoft-authored Exchange event sink that can automate the process of accepting and rejecting meeting requests for users.  Continue Reading

• Networked-attached storage has limits

  Network-attached storage technology scaled and priced for the Windows environment is an exploding market, but you still face some limitations with Exchange.  Continue Reading

• Setting up ISA Server 2004 for secure RPC communication

  Find out how ISA Server 2004 makes it relatively easy for Microsoft Outlook clients to establish secure RPC communications with their Exchange servers, and learn how to set it up.  Continue Reading

• MCP exams go for performance-based testing

  Microsoft is rolling out performance-based testing to make its MCP certifications more relevant to real-world job requirements. Find out what you can expect to see and learn.  Continue Reading

• Old and new FireWires don't always get along

  When multiple FireWire devices are plugged into a single system, malfunctions can occur. Find out how to avoid this and other unexpected conflicts.  Continue Reading

• A primer on server roles and Exchange hardware

  Learn about the various types of server roles that can exist within an Exchange organization and how they affect hardware requirements.  Continue Reading

• Help remote users run Windows Server 2003 SP1

  If you're having problems offering remote assistance to users running Windows Server 2003 SP1, follow these steps to change the Group Policy settings.  Continue Reading

• Make Office repairs using command line

  A simple command-line method of repair will become an important addition to your toolbelt if Office 2000 or Office XP installations become corrupted.  Continue Reading

• Modify registry to control AutoComplete

  Try these simple registry medications and you have three options available to you concerning AutoComplete.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit helps admins move files and folders

  The Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit automatically makes the changes needed to move files and folders when you perform a consolidation of storage or servers.  Continue Reading

• VB Script to create users including Exchange mailbox

  VB Script to create users including Exchange mailbox  Continue Reading

• Using an external hard drive to defragment Exchange

  If you don't have enough free space to perform a defragmentation, and you can't add hard drives to the server, using an external hard drive offers one possible workaround.  Continue Reading

• Script makes the right adjustments

  REG.EXE is an NT 4 Resource Kit utility. Use it, along with SMS Installer, to adjust software settings while multiple users are logged on to a system.  Continue Reading

• Using multiple mailbox stores effectively

  Here are a couple of examples of how to take advantage of multiple mailbox stores.  Continue Reading

• App prevents users from multiple log-ins in Windows

  The Microsoft tool lets you limit the number of concurrent user logins -- but it also has its drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Preserve file and folder rights

  Force Windows to preserve a file or folder with current permissions instead of inherited permissions.  Continue Reading

• Ten security attacks you can easily avoid with Group Policy

  You should always run Group Policy on your Active Directory-based systems. If you don't, plenty of attacks are just waiting to happen inside your network.  Continue Reading

• Mapping drives to computers unknown in DNS

  Mapping drives to computers unknown in DNS  Continue Reading

• Why you should create a 'crash reporting' policy

  Windows Error Reporting has been around for a while, but in some instances you may want to opt out of it.  Continue Reading

• Topology discovery errors in Exchange

  Learn what Exchange topology discovery errors are and why they happen.  Continue Reading

• Leverage registry tools with Resplendent Registrar

  Do you use regedit/regedt32 regularly with mediocre results? If you are not happy with the level of granularity offered by regedit/regedt32, try Resplendent Registrar.  Continue Reading

• Fix slow printing issues for PCs with WinXP and Service Pack 2

  Here's a fix for slow printing issues for PCs with Windows XP, Service Pack 2 and Samba Print Queues installed.  Continue Reading

• Prototyping and debugging Exchange event sinks

  While Exchange event sinks might work well during controlled testing, unexpected problems may arise once you deploy them in your live environment.  Continue Reading

• Freeware blacklist extension for Exchange

  Open Relay Filter, by Martijn Jongen, is a freeware blacklist extension application that extends the functionality of Exchange 2003's built-in blacklist support.  Continue Reading

• Firewall policies and SMTP line lengths

  Many firewalls and proxies will terminate an SMTP session if someone attempts to send an e-mail message with an unterminated line longer than 1,000 characters.  Continue Reading

• Checklist: What to do when your server crashes

  If your server crashes you need to get it back online as quickly as possible. This checklist will help you do just that.  Continue Reading

• Free log reporting tool for HTTP and Exchange

  AWSTATS is a free tool that analyzes many different kinds of logs -- including POP3 and SMTP statistics generated by Exchange Server.  Continue Reading

• Is an offline defragmentation really worth it?

  This article explores when it's worth it to perform an offline defragmentation and when to leave well enough alone.  Continue Reading

• Hardware considerations for full text indexing

  Hardware issues you need to consider before implementing full text indexing in your Exchange environment.  Continue Reading

• Native Exchange archiving limitations

  Exchange Server's built-in archiving functionality is simple and fairly effective, but it does have a few major downsides you should be aware of.  Continue Reading

• Encryption methods to prevent email eavesdropping

  Discover email encryption methods such as digital certificates and digital signing to keep your email from being viewed by third-party eyes.  Continue Reading

• How to keep tabs on remote systems

  There are several remote management products on the market, but the key is to find a methodology that makes sense for your specific environment.  Continue Reading

• ITKE members discuss Active Directory problems and challenges

  ITKE members discuss Active Directory problems and challenges.  Continue Reading

• ActiveSync and front-end DNS aliases

  Sometimes ActiveSync will not work if an SSL certificate is using the front-end server's DNS alias.  Continue Reading

• Effective endpoint security without a significant investment

  Most organizations already employ three effective endpoint security controls.  Continue Reading

• Use SMS as a tool to battle spyware

  Find out how to use SMS and a modified host file to help keep systems safe from ads, banners, cookies and Web bugs.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft unveils new MCAP certification

  Microsoft has announced its first new certification credential in more than a year, the Microsoft Certified Architecture Program, or MCAP. Ed Tittel explains.  Continue Reading

• Top five security enhancements in 2003 SP1

  Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 will help you gain insight into your server security and protect against malicious activity. Read about SP1's five most significant enhancements.  Continue Reading

• Checklist: Use secedit to configure workgroup security

  Going computer to computer to configure workgroup security is a time-consuming task. Roberta Bragg offers a better way to get the job done: Use the secedit command.  Continue Reading

• Streamline AD replication in Windows Server 2003

  Active Directory replication under Windows 2000 Server was ungainly, barely able to complete data transmission. With Windows Server 2003, linked value replication greatly improves the process.  Continue Reading

• OWA and Microsoft Outlook Calendar inconsistencies

  Calendar entries will not appear properly in Outlook Web Access if Outlook is configured to store its data to a .PST file instead of to the mailbox account.  Continue Reading

• A primer on messaging standards: NNTP, X.400 and LDAP

  An introduction and explanation of a few messaging protocols relevant to the seasoned Exchange administrator's vocabulary: NNTP, X.400 and LDAP.  Continue Reading

• Advanced Intelligent Tape and utility clash

  You may find that Advanced Intelligent Tape, a popular choice for backing up Windows systems, may not work with Windows backup utility, Ntbackup.exe.  Continue Reading

• Run Netsh in a graphics mode

  The Netsh command-line utility has a GUI interface for those who don't like to use command prompt.  Continue Reading

• Beware of OST problems when rebuilding Exchange stores

  Sometimes Exchange admins have no other choice but to rebuild Exchange stores from scratch. But doing so can create unexpected consequences if Outlook clients are using OST files.  Continue Reading

• Sorting through the backup software maze

  Choosing a backup software program can be overwhelming with all of the options on the market. Here are some basics to help you decide among applications.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server capacity planning

  Learn how to make disk space usage projections for your organization so you won't be caught by surprise when room on your current drives starts to get low.  Continue Reading

• Fighting spam with geographic blacklists

  Geographic blacklists are designed to block everything from a specific country, Internet provider, or top-level domain. This tip discusses their benefits and drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Free tool creates AD user accounts from a CSV file

  Punching user accounts into AD one at a time is tedious and a waste of time. Use the free OrgBuilder tool instead to import the data from a CSV file.  Continue Reading

• One tool disentangles common IIS problems

  The IIS Diagnostics Toolkit combines four of the most commonly used IIS troubleshooting tools into one download that's refreshed every 90 days.  Continue Reading

• The reality of Windows storage virtualization

  What you want and what is really out there can be vastly different. First lesson: Be specific about what you expect to get from a vendor.  Continue Reading

• Start Windows Explorer as administrator in a user account

  Start Windows Explorer as administrator in a user account.  Continue Reading

• Checklist: Automate security administration for standalone PCs

  Roberta Bragg says she's tired of SMB complaints that Microsoft offers no tools to automate security for workgroups -- when the tools they need are right in front of them.  Continue Reading

• Free diagnostic tool for SMTP servers

  SMTPDiag is a no-cost command-line diagnostic tool that produces a detailed report about every step of sending mail via SMTP.  Continue Reading

• Classifying Windows backup schemes

  This chapter excerpt breaks down the various types of backup schemes that exist in Windows, categorized by architecture, functionality and network infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Practical implications of Windows high-end storage backup and restore

  This chapter excerpt briefly discusses the practical implications of the volume shadow copy service.  Continue Reading

• Key reasons for Windows backup and restore

  This chapter excerpt discusses the technical challenges that need to be solved in order to back up and restore data in a timely way.  Continue Reading

• Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 volume shadow copy service

  This chapter excerpt talks about the volume shadow copy service that has been included with Windows XP and Windows 2003, which is really no different from the more popularly known term, snapshots.  Continue Reading

• A look at common Windows backup problems

  This chapter excerpt talks about the technical challenges that Windows admins face when backing up data in a Windows environment.  Continue Reading

• Getting to know the Windows 2000 backup utility

  This chapter excerpt discusses the Windows 2000 backup utility, which offers support for backing up and restoring the encrypting file system (EFS) included with Windows 2000.  Continue Reading

• Windows-powered NAS devices and snapshots

  This chapter excerpt provides an overview of the architecture and functionality of the Microsoft licensed snapshot solution Persistent Storage Manager (PSM).  Continue Reading

• Breaking down Network Data Management Protocol for Windows

  This chapter excerpts explains how NDMP was designed to provide some enhanced functionality in backup and restore applications.  Continue Reading

• Techniques to create a volume snapshot in Windows

  This chapter excerpt explains the process of creating a volume snapshot, which is a consistent point-in-time copy of a volume.  Continue Reading

• Dcpromo using an unattended answer file

  Not many administrators realize that they can run Dcpromo from an unattended answer file and eliminate all those cute little Wizard prompts. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• Free script for importing/exporting DNS information

  DNS Dump is a free command-line batch file that imports and exports DNS information to a structured file, so you can move the DNS entries from site to site.  Continue Reading

• When Exchange mailbox size quotas break

  Sometimes an admin will set limits for a mailbox only to discover that Exchange is not enforcing them. The problem is rooted in a registry setting. Here's the fix.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Migration Learning Guide

  Exchange migration articles, tutorials, tips, tools, white papers, expert advice and more that will pump up your Exchange migration know-how quickly.  Continue Reading

• Shareware tool helps protect batch files

  Long live batch files, except they are easily hacked, edited and reverse engineered. A new tool turns a batch file into an encrypted executable or .EXE file.  Continue Reading

• Step-by-Step Guide: How to set up a VPN

  A VPN is extremely useful to an organization with a lot of remote users, but it can be somewhat complicated to set up. This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process.  Continue Reading

• Crack CMOS' memory space

  A computer configured using its BIOS has its options written to CMOS. If the BIOS is password protected and stored in CMOS, there used to be no easy way to get at it.  Continue Reading

• Expand LUNs with your hardware vendor's help

  You can expand the logical unit numbers that Windows supports beyond the usual eight, but be aware of the issues you may face along the way if you do.  Continue Reading

• Creating Active Directory replicas from backup tapes

  Expert James Michael Stewart discusses the two popular methods for restoring the Active Directory database onto a domain controller.  Continue Reading

• Memory leak result is not 'virtual'

  If you use Virtual Disk Service and you notice a serious system performance decline, a memory leak could be the culprit.  Continue Reading

• Manage full-text indexes with MSSearch Administration Tool

  Microsoft has a free program called the MSSearch Administration Tool that makes it easier for administrators to manage, monitor and repair full-text indexes in Exchange stores.  Continue Reading

• A primer on messaging standards: SMTP, POP and IMAP

  A brief introduction to three of Exchange's more commonly used messaging standards: SMTP, POP and IMAP.  Continue Reading

• Outlook Journaling: A poor man's archiving tool

  If you work for a small company and traditional methods of message archiving are beyond your budget, there is a way you can archive e-mail for free: Outlook Journaling.  Continue Reading

• Cable management madness

  Your server room cables needn't be a tangled mess. Here are some pointers on how to organize your cables and keep your network running smoothly.  Continue Reading

• Painful patching: How to lock down all those networked devices

  If you allow connections for mobile devices, various operating systems or out-of-policy remote computers, you may have a patching nightmare on your hands. Get help in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Protecting against anonymous connections using Group Policy Objects

  How to use Group Policy Objects (GPO) to protect your Windows computers from insecure anonymous connections.  Continue Reading

• Create a bootable Windows Server 2003 CD

  Parts 1 and 2 in this series covered directory structure and the special files and scripts you need for a silent install of Windows Server 2003. Next: Make the CD bootable.  Continue Reading

• Passphrases and Exchange security

  Passphrases, as opposed to passwords, are getting renewed attention in IT circles as a way to toughen security. Learn about their pros and cons to decide if they're right for you.  Continue Reading

• What to do when your server crashes

  Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take as you determine whether the crash occurred at the hardware, operating system or application level.  Continue Reading

• Files hold key for 'silent' Windows Server install

  Create the right files for the basic folder structure to make a bootable Windows Server 2003 CD.  Continue Reading

• Checklist: Block anonymous access

  You can change Windows account names to obscure them from attackers, but account SIDs can still be obtained using anonymous access. Foil intruders with this checklist.  Continue Reading

• LSrunasE tool encrypts passwords to protect Admin privileges

  Microsoft created the RUNAS command-line function to deal with the problems involved with escalated privileges in user accounts. But since RUNAS requires a password to be provided, this defeats the point. In response, substitutes for RUNAS were ...  Continue Reading

• Install Windows Server 2003 silently

  Forget about wasting time customizing and installing software after you load a server from a CD. This tip tells you how to create CDs that automatically load systems.  Continue Reading

• Cluster failure -- and the Wiz and nodes are to blame

  Adding nodes to an existing server cluster shouldn't be a problem, but it can be with Windows Server 2003. Don't despair: There is a fix, as this tip explains.  Continue Reading

• Rebuilding made easier

  Whether the task of rebuilding a company workstation or laptop is simple or complicated, here are some time-saving tips to help you move through the process.  Continue Reading

• Lights out! Tips for moving your servers out of the dark

  If the power fails, here's what can you do to revive your file server or application server and get back online.  Continue Reading

• Speedily deploy new domain controllers

  Microsoft's tools for speeding deployment of new systems aren't designed for duplicating or automatically deploying a DC. Here are other options for the DC deployment process.  Continue Reading

• Migrating public folders to Exchange 2003

  Two techniques you can use to migrate public folders to Exchange Server 2003.  Continue Reading

• Use an appliance to reduce the performance impact of spam

  Even if you have good antispam software, the filtering process still places a huge performance hit on your servers. Consider offloading spam filtering to an appliance instead.  Continue Reading

• The Performance Monitor Wizard

  The Performance Monitor Wizard is designed to make performance monitoring easier. Best of all, it can be custom tailored for Exchange environments.  Continue Reading

• Internet Explorer address bar shortcut

  Shorten your typing time in the IE address bar with this quikie tip.  Continue Reading