Tips

Tips

• ReplMon still tops for troubleshooting Active Directory replication

  Though it's been around for nearly seven years, ReplMon is still a very powerful tool for monitoring and troubleshooting all aspects of Active Directory replication.  Continue Reading

• How to repair damaged Master Boot Records and boot sectors

  Boot problems can be relatively easy to fix and do not require reinstalling Windows. But you should understand how the boot process works in order to recognize circumstances that will cause problems.  Continue Reading

• Remotely manage Exchange Server 2007 from a 32-bit client

  Did you know that you can remotely manage Exchange Server 2007 from a 32-bit client? Learn about the 32-bit version of Exchange 2007's management tools and get the download here.  Continue Reading

• Building a Windows Server 2008 virtual test lab

  When it comes to preparing for a Windows Server 2008 migration, there is nothing like hands-on experience with the new server. Directory services expert Gary Olsen explains the quirks of creating a virtual test environment for Windows Server 2008.  Continue Reading

• Demystifying the Acctinfo.dll tool in the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit

  If the Acctinfo.dll tool is actually a DLL, why is it in Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit Tools? The reason is that it adds to the functionality of the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in, a ...  Continue Reading

• How to integrate mobile devices into a disaster recovery plan

  Because of their growing popularity in the workplace, don't overlook mobile devices when creating an action plan in the event of a disaster.  Continue Reading

• How to install low-voltage wiring such as Ethernet or coax cable

  When an administrator oversees the installation of low-voltage wiring, such as Ethernet or coax cable, for a company's computer network, it's critical to hire the right contractor.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office's CiceroUIWndFrame component crashes Outlook

  A Microsoft Office component called CiceroUIWndFrame can crash Microsoft Outlook. Find out how to fix the CiceroUIWndFrame issue with these steps.  Continue Reading

• A guide to the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit Tools

  Microsoft's oft-ignored Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit Tools can help administrators deal with issues such as troubleshooting operating system issues, managing Active Directory, configuring networking and security features and automating ...  Continue Reading

• Problems accessing encrypted files on remote servers

  If you use EFS, it's possible you could run into a situation where you are having trouble accessing encrypted files on a remote server. This tip outlines several troubleshooting steps to take, helping you to find out where the problem lies.  Continue Reading

• Configuring a Windows virtual test lab on a budget

  Creating a test environment with virtual machines can be a valuable asset when configuring your Windows environment. Directory services expert Gary Olsen walks through the step-by-step process of creating a virtual test lab.  Continue Reading

• Bluetooth card reader/USB hub reads files from offbeat media

  Having a vital file on a piece of media that one has no reader for is a nuisance. The media may be a floppy or a memory card, or even something offbeat or proprietary like Sony's Memory Stick. A company called Brando now offers a 55-in-one Bluetooth...  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Outlook 2007 and Exchange 2007 calendar features

  Discover new calendar features in Outlook 2007 and Exchange 2007 and find out how the new Scheduling Assistant improves meeting and resource scheduling.  Continue Reading

• Can freezing a hard drive that's crashed restore it to life?

  You may be able to bring a hard drive that has crashed or cannot mount back to life by leaving it in the freezer overnight. Not every hard drive having problems responds to this treatment, but in some cases it does seem to work. But why? Here's the ...  Continue Reading

• Use PageDefrag to defragment immovable system files

  Fragmentation affects not just a system's data and applications, but its system files as well. Sysinternals' PageDefrag is the rare freeware tool that can defragment system files.  Continue Reading

• Wireshark, reincarnation of Ethereal, sniffs wide variety of networks

  The network capture utility once called Ethereal now goes by the name Wireshark. It's been released as a free product under the GNU General Public License, has been ported to 32-bit Windows (and Vista), and reads live data from many types of ...  Continue Reading

• A guide to troubleshooting BIOS beep codes

  A pocket guide to BIOS beep codes can help systems administrators quickly troubleshoot the startup error sounds for motherboards using BIOSes from AMI, Award and Phoenix Technologies.  Continue Reading

• Password policy; Windows hardening for network setup

  Are you prepared to build a new network from scratch? Windows security expert Kevin Beaver goes over a few security issues to think about when you are preparing to build a new network.  Continue Reading

• Synchronizing multiple Exchange email accounts on one smartphone

  Is it possible to synchronize one smartphone with two different Exchange Server email accounts? The short answer is no, but there are a few workarounds you can consider.  Continue Reading

• Making the business decision to move to Windows Server 2008, Part 1

  Migration to Windows Server 2008 is on the mind of just about every IT manager. Make your best business case by knowing all about the product support lifecycle and features that can save time and money.  Continue Reading

• Use Bad Block Copy to recover data from damaged media

  Learn why with Bad Block Copy, Windows admins no longer have to worry about failed attempts to copy files from damaged media.  Continue Reading

• Firewall problems with Exchange Server 2007 email attachments

  Exchange Server 2007 can experience problems sending email attachments when communicating through certain firewalls and generate a "5.5.2 Invalid data in message" error.  Continue Reading

• Create batch file to log chkdsk results

  You can use the AT command in Windows to schedule chkdsk to automatically run on a daily basis. The problem with this technique is that chkdsk results are quickly flashed on the screen, then disappear. If you're not sitting at the server console ...  Continue Reading

• Limiting LDAP searches with MaxPageSize

  Directory services MVP Gary Olsen explains why modifying the MaxPageSize attribute can cause problems for Active Directory and suggests some tools for troubleshooting those issues.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Microsoft Outlook toolbar problems

  Microsoft Outlook toolbar buttons will stop working correctly if the OUTCMD.DAT file becomes corrupted. Find out why third-party add-ins are often the culprit and learn how to fix the problem.  Continue Reading

• Create data collector sets through Vista's Performance Monitor

  There are three basic methods for creating a data collector set in Windows Vista: through the Performance Monitor, from a template or manually. This article will show you how to create a data collector set through the Performance Monitor, then ...  Continue Reading

• Guest OS virtualization furthers cause of server consolidation

  Guest OS virtualization refers to the ability to use a special virtualization engine to run a virtual or guest instance of an operating system on top of a physical or host instance. The reason why virtualization is so powerful is that it 'liberates'...  Continue Reading

• How to properly authenticate a Linux client in a Windows domain

  MVP Gary Olsen describes the step-by-step process of configuring a Red Hat Fedora client into a Windows Server 2003 domain.  Continue Reading

• Uninterruptible power supplies, surge protectors and lightning strikes

  Lightning strikes are rare, but they can wreak havor with servers. Do uninterruptible power supplies and surge protectors offer adequate protection to servers and other computer equipment in the case of a lightning strike?  Continue Reading

• Sysinternals' Active Directory Explorer tool searches AD databases

  Active Directory Explorer 1.0, courtesy of Sysinternals, is exactly what it sounds like: a tool for exploring an Active Directory database, reading values, searching for objects, making changes and bookmarking often-referred-to locations.  Continue Reading

• Unstoppable Copier recovers data from bad files by ignoring errors

  Several command-line utilities that recover data from damaged disks by ignoring errors, but a tool called Unstoppable Copier does it using a Windows GUI.  Continue Reading

• Create custom boot sector manually with Boot Build utility

  Most of the time, a boot sector is created automatically when we format a disk, but at times it's useful to create one manually. A specialized utility called Boot Build allows you to do this by offering a blank template for a boot sector that you ...  Continue Reading

• Customize Exchange 2007 mail quota messages from the command line

  Learn about a PowerShell scripting feature called cmdlets that lets you customize Exchange 2007 mail quota warnings and Delivery Status Notification messages from the command line.  Continue Reading

• How to install and manage virtual CD/DVDs

  One reader explains how to install the MagicDisc freeware utility to create and manage virtual CD/DVDs.  Continue Reading

• Guide to using chkdsk to detect file and folder corruption

  Follow these steps for configuring Windows to periodically run the chkdsk tool against a volume in order to detect file and folder corruption.  Continue Reading

• IT communication builds incident management successes

  The key to successful incident management is a strong connection among the incident management, service desk and problem management staffs. If a disconnect between them exists, you can make things better, says expert Stuart Galup.  Continue Reading

• Defragment Exchange information store database files

  Learn about a utility called Contig that defragments Microsoft Exchange information store database files and the pros and cons of using it.  Continue Reading

• FireDaemon runs app as service, shows or suppresses GUI

  Several tools allow you to take a Windows executable and run it as a system service rather than a console or desktop application. A tool called FireDaemon takes this one step further by allowing an application's GUI to be shown or suppressed ...  Continue Reading

• StartRight tool alleviates software competing when launched

  Programs in the Startup Folder or the Run key in the Windows Registry all run competitively when they're launched. A tool called StartRight fixes this problem by detecting how much CPU is used, and allowing the next program to start when CPU drops ...  Continue Reading

• Get Internet access to Microsoft Outlook without OWA or Exchange Server

  Discover a tool that allows remote users to access Microsoft Outlook through a Web interface across any Internet connection -- without the availability of Exchange Server.  Continue Reading

• Locate removable device IDs for Group Policy settings

  Brien Posey, MCSE, discusses how you can locate the different device IDs required in order to restrict removable device usage in Group Policy settings. This is the third tip in a three-part series on preventing the use of removable storage devices.  Continue Reading

• Case Study: Troubleshooting Distributed File System Replication

  One of the difficulties with DFSR is that many admins still try to troubleshoot it using FRS methods. MVP Gary Olsen offers a case study to exemplify the proper techniques for debugging DFSR.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 RODC adds to branch office security

  Keeping branch office data protected is a huge challenge for IT managers. Expert Laura E. Hunter describes how Windows Server 2008 could improve your ability to manage remote servers and keep them secure. But there are some operational gotchas ...  Continue Reading

• Data collector sets simplify monitoring of Vista performance

  Microsoft has reduced the complexity of performance monitoring in Windows Vista is by incorporating data collector sets. Data collector sets are templates that collect specific information about operating system performance and configuration.  Continue Reading

• Let users update their own AD information with the Active Directory Update tool

  Learn about a third-party utility called the Active Directory Update tool that lets end users update their own Active Directory attributes via a Web page.  Continue Reading

• Use Ldifde.exe and Csvde.exe data export tools to create Active Directory objects

  A reader explains how to use the Ldifde.exe and Csvde.exe data export tools to create Active Directory objects.  Continue Reading

• NirCMD: Command-line Swiss army knife for Windows

  NirCMD 2.0 provides dozens of commands that a Windows administrator can incorporate into scripts or invoke by hand from the command line. Even if you have some of them in other command-line utilities, NirCmd lets you replace many of them in one ...  Continue Reading

• PowerToys simplify dealing with elevating privileges in Windows Vista

  A group of tools for Windows Vista, called Elevation PowerToys, represent a way to make dealing with elevating privileges, or dealing with UAC, a little easier in Vista.  Continue Reading

• Tips for hiring the best Windows system, network and database administrators

  Contributor Russell Olsen shares his experiences in hiring Windows systems, network and database administrators and offers tips for determining the soft skills candidates should bring to the table.  Continue Reading

• Move from PATA to SATA could complicate data recovery

  The transition from PATA hard drives to SATA hard drives could make data recovery more difficult.  Continue Reading

• Multi-core CPUs, x64 servers advance server consolidation efforts

  Multi-core processors let you reduce your server footprint while gaining processing power, while x64 servers make better use of memory resources.  Continue Reading

• Getting to know the read-only domain controller for Windows Server 2008

  One of the most common questions surrounding the new Active Directory technologies for Windows Server 2008 involves the read-only domain controller. Active Directory expert Laura E. Hunter breaks down the key details of the RODC and how it can ...  Continue Reading

• How to synchronize Google and Microsoft Outlook calendars

  Google and Microsoft Outlook do not talk to each other by default. Learn about a freeware utility that partially solves this dilemma by synchronizing Google and Microsoft Outlook calendars -- from both applications and in both directions.  Continue Reading

• Performance monitoring in Windows: An overview

  Performance Monitor, Task Manager and Reliability and Performance Monitor are the three primary performance monitoring tools included with various versions of Windows. This overview will help you determine which tool best suits your needs.  Continue Reading

• Use RAID to increase write performance on three-drive arrays

  On many small servers with RAID 5, you'll see the minimum three-drive array. Although read access on a three-drive array is faster than on a single drive, write performance is abysmal. If price is a consideration, a simple RAID 1 (i.e., ...  Continue Reading

• Multi-core systems vs. multi-CPU systems

  Can you get better performance from a dual-core system or a dual-processor system? This article evaluates the two configurations and determines that multi-core chips tend to be more efficient than multi-CPU systems.  Continue Reading

• RRAS utility in Windows Server 2003 traces network problems

  The Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) utility in Windows Server 2003 provides an extensive tracing capability for identifying and troubleshooting complex network problems. However, enabling file tracing requires changing settings in the ...  Continue Reading

• Prevent removable device usage with Group Policy settings

  Secure your Windows system even more by preventing the use of removable storage devices with these Group Policy Object settings. This is the second tip in a series on this topic.  Continue Reading

• When should I grant users Windows administrator rights?

  Knowing when you should grant your users administrator rights is not always an easy decision to make. Read what security expert Kevin Beaver says you need to consider when making this decision.  Continue Reading

• How to detect data corruption in files and folders

  Data corruption that occurs within a file or folder will usually go unnoticed if you're simply backing up the data and testing the backup by restoring it elsewhere. If the files or folders that have been corrupted are used infrequently, you may ...  Continue Reading

• Performance problems with Microsoft Outlook 2007 .PST and .OST files

  Microsoft Outlook 2007 suffers from serious performance problems when .PST and .OST files are used. Find out what the issue is and get the fix.  Continue Reading

• Understanding DFSR for easy configuration of Active Directory replication groups

  Though Microsoft DFSR is clearly better than FRS, many admins still don't know how to properly deploy it. Directory services expert Gary Olsen explains how to use DFSR to configure replication groups for backing up remote sites.  Continue Reading

• BareTail freeware offers no-frills monitoring of log files

  Windows has never had a decent version of the UNIX tail command-line function, which lets you follow the very end of a log file as it's written to. Now there's a basic freeware package, called BareTail, for monitoring one or more log files in real ...  Continue Reading

• Incident management made easier with Microsoft Service Desk

  Expert Stuart Galup gives the skinny on Microsoft's help desk software, called Service Desk, and explains why help desk software and automated incident management can make your life a lot easier.  Continue Reading

• OpenFiler turns any server with attached storage into SAN or NAS appliance

  An open-source storage management operating system called OpenFiler can turn any server with a disk array or other attached storage into a NAS or SAN appliance in minutes.  Continue Reading

• How to keep your file server's storage pool from running dry

  Users love to hold on to files. How can administrators keep their file server's storage pool from running dry? One way is to fool your users into thinking the drive is full.  Continue Reading

• Why are email attachments zero-byte files on OWA and mobile devices?

  Email attachments can sometimes arrive in Outlook Web Access (OWA) or on mobile devices as zero-byte files. Find out why this problem happens and how to fix it.  Continue Reading

• SLAs and service-level management: What does it mean for Windows managers?

  Windows service-level management is a business process for managing Windows user service requirements in an IT environment. A key component of a Windows service-level management plan is a service-level agreement (SLA). Expert Harris Kern explains ...  Continue Reading

• How the MSCONFIG utility has changed in Windows Vista

  The MSCONFIG utility still exists in Windows Vista, but it's slightly different from the XP version. This tip describes the differences in MSCONFIG and how they might affect your use of it.  Continue Reading

• Distributed File System feature prioritizes target servers in Active Directory

  DFS target prioritization is a helpful feature that has slipped under the radar for some IT admins. Directory services expert Gary Olsen breaks down how to use (and not use) this tool to its full effectiveness.  Continue Reading

• OpenWithAdd freeware adds apps to Open With dialog box

  The Open With dialog box lists the programs that Windows thinks you can open a file with. But it's hard to add an application as one of the choices. OpenWithAdd freeware changes that.  Continue Reading

• How to terminate SCSI devices

  Termination is the practice of placing a terminator at the end of a chain of SCSI devices. The terminator prevents an echo, which disrupts communications along the SCSI bus.  Continue Reading

• How to unhide files in Windows XP

  A SearchWincomputing.com member reveals how to unhide files in Windows XP.  Continue Reading

• How to use Microsoft Outlook 2007's Quick Parts feature

  Discover how to use Microsoft Outlook 2007's Quick Parts feature (formerly known as AutoText) to save fragments of text in a gallery for repeated use in email.  Continue Reading

• How to implement iSCSI for Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

  Get step-by-step instructions on how to move your Exchange Server 2003 databases to offsite storage servers using iSCSI technology.  Continue Reading

• How to use VBscript to add designated printers by machine name

  This user-submitted tip examines how admins can use VBscript to add designated printers by machine name.  Continue Reading

• How to retrieve lost files using Group Policy folder redirection

  Learn how to combat many file and folder disasters using the 'Redirect My Documents' option via Group Policy in the Windows domain.  Continue Reading

• ExecParm utility adds right-click context menu option to any application

  With the utility called ExecParm, which adds a context menu option to any application, you'll be able to supply any command-line parameters you want to run that application.  Continue Reading

• How to create filtered mailbox views in Exchange Server 2007

  The consolidated mailbox view in Exchange Server 2007's management console can be overwhelming, especially for administrators in larger organizations. Learn how to create filtered mailbox views to simplify the process of finding and managing ...  Continue Reading

• Use RunAsDate freeware to set system time and date for programs

  RunAsDate freeware allows systems administrators to run any program as though the system time and date were set to a different clock.  Continue Reading

• Active Directory: Easing DNS configuration concerns and user login woes

  From DNS configuration and security to problems with user logon times, expert Gary Olsen cleans out his mailbag and answers our readers' toughest Active Directory questions.  Continue Reading

• Have your files and folders list your account as the object's owner

  Learn three options you can use to ensure the files and folders you create list you as the object's owner.  Continue Reading

• How to ease troubleshooting: View running services in command line

  Learn how listing the current state of your system's services via the Command Prompt can save administrators time and help ease troubleshooting system problems.  Continue Reading

• ITIL, MOF and the Windows IT manager

  IT managers in the global IT world must learn how ITIL affects their Windows environments. ITIL expert Stuart D. Galup explains why U.S. IT managers have to get on board and how Microsoft Operations Framework relates to ITIL.  Continue Reading

• Stop disk drive overload to increase system performance

  This user submitted tip reveals how admins can can use RAID arrays stop hard disk drive overload to increase system performance.  Continue Reading

• How to manage naming conventions for servers and desktop PCs

  This user-submitted tip reveals an easy way to manage naming conventions for Windows servers and desktop PCs.  Continue Reading

• Universal ATA controller driver serves as alternative to Windows generic driver

  If you're trying to get a system running and don't have the manufacturer-specific parallel ATA driver for a given controller, you can fall back on Windows' generic PATA/IDE device driver, which runs most hard drives and CD-ROM drives. Or you may ...  Continue Reading

• Secure removable storage devices via Group Policy in Vista

  While disabling or "gluing" a USB drive can help to prevent serious threats from entering your network, there is always a workaround. However, Vista allows you to disable such drives using Group Policy. Find out how it works in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Testing your IT disaster recovery plan: Learn from your mistakes

  Some of the major steps required when testing an IT disaster recovery plan include using existing projects as an example and learning from your mistakes. Disaster recovery expert Russell Olsen breaks down the details.  Continue Reading

• Cost control is first step in server consolidation

  Step one in server consolidation is controlling IT costs. The most important activity to help you control IT costs is taking inventory.  Continue Reading

• Take a hard look at your disaster recovery plan

  Four major steps are required to properly evaluate an IT disaster recover plan test. Disaster recovery expert Russell Olsen addresses the first two: identifying source files and doing a verbal walkthrough.  Continue Reading

• Watch out for a Microsoft Outlook 2007 indexing issue in Windows Vista

  Windows Vista's built-in indexer sometimes freezes when attempting to index Microsoft Outlook 2007 content. Fortunately, there is a workaround that will fix the indexing issue.  Continue Reading

• Using 32-bit Exchange Server 2007 in a production environment

  It is generally believed that the 32-bit Exchange Server 2007 can only be used for testing, evaluation and training purposes in a lab environment. But this isn't entirely true.  Continue Reading

• Recover encrypted files in Windows Server 2003

  Sometimes a file becomes encrypted unbeknownst to the file's primary user. Find out how to recover those encrypted files with advice from Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell.  Continue Reading

• Open elevated command prompt from any folder in Windows Vista

  Here's how to add an administrator-level command-window prompt to the context menu of any folder in Windows Vista.  Continue Reading

• How to perform Exchange Server data recovery from .OST files

  Recovering Exchange Server from offline store (.OST) files can be challenging, but sometimes it's the only option if an Exchange server becomes corrupted. Learn about a third-party tool called Advanced Exchange Recovery that simplifies the process ...  Continue Reading

• Work around Windows' hidden tooltip issue

  Every now and then, the Windows tooltips that show when you hover the mouse over any element in the Taskbar or System Tray inexplicably appear behind the Taskbar. Microsoft has never come out with an official fix, but here are some workarounds.  Continue Reading

• Case Study: How to force immediate Active Directory replication for all core sites

  Just how fast can replication take place in your Active Directory network? You might be surprised. Systems software expert Gary Olsen presents a case study on how to use intrasite replication to achieve convergence of all core sites in one Active ...  Continue Reading

• How to create dynamic distribution groups in Exchange Server 2007

  Exchange Server 2007 offers a new feature called dynamic distribution groups that frees administrators from having to manually manage Exchange distribution lists. The only caveat is that Active Directory user object attributes have to be up to date ...  Continue Reading

• AGDLP reduces account management, permissions management headaches

  AGDLP is a practice that can greatly reduce your administrative headaches related to account management and permissions management.  Continue Reading