Tips

Tips

• Converting Citrix XenServer source machines to Hyper-V format

  Migrating from Citrix XenServer to Microsoft Hyper-V is easier than you think. Check out these two different methods for converting your virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• Should you disable IE ESC, or manage it in Windows servers?

  Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration (IE ESC) locks down IE on Windows servers, but admins often disable it.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows application crashes or hangs

  A hanging or failed application can be one of the most challenging problems for admins to resolve. Fortunately, several free tools and techniques can be used to help sort things out.  Continue Reading

• Creating Windows taskpad views for Active Directory management

  Large enterprises can't get by with just one Active Directory admin. Learn to use taskpads in Windows to help delegate responsibilities in AD.  Continue Reading

• Connecting Hyper-V hosts to iSCSI targets in Windows

  Creating failover clusters is key to ensuring high availability of your virtual machines. Learn to use iSCSI targets for single-site host clusters.  Continue Reading

• Understand the pros and cons of Microsoft Windows 7 DirectAccess

  Discover how Microsoft's Windows 7 DirectAccess can help midsized companies obtain secure remote end-to-edge and end-to-end access, tunneled through a Windows Server 2008 R2 DirectAccess Server. Plus, examine the advantages and limitations of this ...  Continue Reading

• Using DFSR for SYSVOL replication in Windows Server 2008

  With the release of Windows Server 2008, admins can now use DFSR for SYSVOL replication (instead of FRS). The catch? A tricky migration process when upgrading from Windows Server 2003.  Continue Reading

• How to monitor your SharePoint environment

  SharePoint's services are tightly integrated, so creating a multidimensional monitoring strategy is a must to ensure the entire system's availability.  Continue Reading

• The most useful SharePoint Web Parts

  Applying MOSS 2007 Web Parts can add functions to SharePoint and increase user adoption. And best of all, they don't require administrator intervention to install, maintain and upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Obtaining and verifying SSL certificates in Exchange Server

  Many security features in Exchange Server rely on SSL. Obtaining trusted certificates can tighten security and boost performance for SSL-based applications, including OWA and Exchange mobile devices.  Continue Reading

• How SQL Server recovery models impact your SharePoint databases

  SharePoint administrators can minimize data loss by selecting the appropriate SQL Server recovery model. But which model is right for your enterprise?  Continue Reading

• Document version control goes deeper in SharePoint 2007

  MOSS 2007 has the ability to differentiate between major and minor versions, but that adds to its complexity.  Continue Reading

• Migrating virtual machines from Microsoft Virtual Server to Hyper-V

  Upgrading from Virtual Server 2005 to a Hyper-V environment? This tip breaks down the steps to converting your old virtual machines to the Microsoft Hyper-V format.  Continue Reading

• Debugging Windows client logon delays: Narrowing the scope

  There are several potential causes of slow client logons. The question is, once you find the source, how do you fix it?  Continue Reading

• Exchange admins: Is it time to rethink your email address policy?

  How can an email address policy setting affect your Exchange Server organization's overall security? And is it time to change that policy? Let's find out.  Continue Reading

• Common causes of Windows server security vulnerabilities

  When it comes to Windows security most organizations are making the same mistakes, but there are ways to avoid these slipups.  Continue Reading

• Simple tools and techniques for finding Windows memory leaks

  Symptoms of a memory leak can show up long before a server fails. Check out these tips for catching a leak early and plugging it up.  Continue Reading

• File classification the automated way with Windows Server 2008 R2

  Windows Server 2008 R2 offers the new File Classification Infrastructure, simplifying the content administration of network files in Windows environments.  Continue Reading

• Using Active Directory to manage Macs in a Windows environment

  He's a Mac, she's a PC, and you're a Windows admin. Learn to integrate Mac OS X clients into your Windows environment without causing AD headaches.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting poor Windows logon performance in Active Directory environments

  Battling slow client logon times is a common (and frustrating) problem for Windows admins. Find the steps to quickly diagnose and resolve these issues when they crop up.  Continue Reading

• Top Windows server hardening standards and guidelines

  Take a look beyond the basics of server hardening and learn about the most common policies and standards for ensuring Windows server security.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows print spooler crashes

  Wondering why your print spooler keeps crashing? This tip teaches you to troubleshoot and repair print spooler problems and issues for Windows networks.  Continue Reading

• Disable ActiveSync in bulk with Exchange Management Shell commands

  With this Exchange Management Shell script, you can disable 5,000 or more ActiveSync device users in Exchange Server 2007, securing sensitive data from potential loss.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting your toughest Windows server crashes

  Learn to debug some of the toughest Windows server outages by using crash dump analysis and a few simple commands to locate faulty drivers.  Continue Reading

• Does Microsoft SharePoint make a good email archiving solution?

  After overhearing one Exchange Server administrator mention that he was using Microsoft SharePoint for email archiving, contributor Brien Posey wondered if this was a good idea. Read about how one Exchange Server expert set up SharePoint as an email...  Continue Reading

• Eight steps to accomplishing your IT career goals

  Stand out from your colleagues. These eight steps can help you achieve your IT career goals and take control of your career.  Continue Reading

• Performing a remote wipe on ActiveSync devices in Exchange Server 2007

  Exchange Server 2007 natively supports remotely wiping of ActiveSync mobile devices. This capability required an add-on to Exchange Server 2003 and the final result was not nearly as polished and easy to use as it is in Exchange 2007. Learn ...  Continue Reading

• How to keep IIS logs from filling up your server hard drives

  IIS log files can take up a lot of space on your servers' hard drives if you don't clean them up regularly. But who has time for that? Check out this simple script to automatically delete IIS logs and clear space on your Windows servers.  Continue Reading

• Will a degree or certification help enhance your IT career?

  Before you plunk down tuition fees to enhance your IT career, here's some advice on education options, cost considerations and on keeping your sanity when time constraints rule your world.  Continue Reading

• A seven-step disaster recovery planning checklist for Windows

  This disaster recovery planning checklist will help Windows shops build a solid DRP to avoid data loss and comply with a wide range of laws and industry standards.  Continue Reading

• How to install the Change Request Management template in MOSS 2007

  Integrating change management into SharePoint 2007's document library can be a little easier if admins install the change request management template.  Continue Reading

• Self-healing NTFS keeps admins one step ahead of data corruption

  While it's not perfect, the new self-healing NTFS has several benefits over past Windows file systems. Learn to avoid data corruption with this new feature in Windows Server 2008.  Continue Reading

• Defining system stability helps improve change management processes

  Keeping track of changes made to Windows can be difficult, especially if there's no way to determine the system's stability. Fortunately, there are guidelines IT managers can use to define policies, practices and procedures to proactively ensure ...  Continue Reading

• The efficacy of backup-as-a-service solutions

  Online backup services can lower costs and help eliminate the administrator's worst nightmare – the lost backup. But is BaaS right for your organization?  Continue Reading

• Group Policy Object modeling simplifies network security

  Group Policy modeling is a great security tool for troubleshooting Group Policy settings and testing GPOs before they are applied with Windows Server 2008.  Continue Reading

• Implementing change management in the Windows server environment

  Creating a baseline server configuration and documenting all updates thereafter are two techniques admins can use to implement change management in their Windows server environment. Learn the steps involved in creating a standard server ...  Continue Reading

• How to revoke and delete Active Directory user certificates

  In this Ask the Expert Q&A, our identity and access management expert examines how to set up Active Directory autoenrollment feature to revoke and delete user certificates on the Certificate Authority (CA) automatically.  Continue Reading

• Four steps to creating practical SharePoint governance standards

  Many of the qualities that make SharePoint accessible can also cause problems for those responsible for governance. To keep their SharePoint environment under control, IT managers should create SharePoint governance standards. Learn how to do so in ...  Continue Reading

• Using WBAdmin to create backups in Windows Server 2008

  Who needs a GUI? Check out how the WBAdmin command allows you to perform Windows Server Backup functions from the command line.  Continue Reading

• Taming the LSASS.exe process for Active Directory performance and security

  Many admins have trouble understanding how the Local Security Authority Subsystem works. This article breaks down the purpose of LSASS and explains why it can sometimes result in network performance problems.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of a hosted Exchange Server deployment?

  Microsoft offers traditional Exchange Server licenses and cloud computing-based Exchange Server subscriptions. This raises the question of which licensing model makes sense for your enterprise. Is it better to use a traditional Exchange Server ...  Continue Reading

• A quick guide to Server Manager for Windows Server 2008

  New to Windows Server 2008, the Server Manager feature can be a huge benefit to admins – once they figure out where to find everything. This article gives you a crash course on everything Server Manager has to offer.  Continue Reading

• Implementing simple Network Access Protection for Windows Server 2008

  The installation process for Network Access Protection in Windows Server 2008 is easier than you think. Learn the basics of implementing NAP in your environment.  Continue Reading

• Creating a SharePoint site map using out-of-the-box features

  Giving SharePoint site owners the power to manage their own part of the SharePoint site map frees up administrators to manage more critical areas of the SharePoint environment.  Continue Reading

• Can Microsoft Hyper-V meet high availability requirements?

  While Hyper-V does not support live migration, admins can rely on Windows Server 2008's internal tools to avoid service interruptions for end users.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting why some Microsoft Outlook 2007 email disappears

  Exchange Server users have reported that their Microsoft Outlook 2007 email messages mysteriously disappear and then reappear later from their Sent Items or Deleted Items folders. Is this due to a configuration issue? Is it a latency issue? In this ...  Continue Reading

• How to custom-configure a Microsoft Outlook 2007 install using OCT

  Installing and configuring Microsoft Outlook in an identical fashion throughout your organization gives users a uniform experience when accessing a workstation. Unfortunately, Microsoft's installation wizard doesn't provide many customization ...  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Integrating biometric authentication with Active Directory

  Integrating biometrics with an existing enterprise IAM architecture was once a trying task, but it's much easier today because many biometrics products are designed to work hand in hand with Active Directory. Joel Dubin explains what Active ...  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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