Tips

Tips

• Migrating a Linux file system to a Windows file system (or vice versa)

  In-place file system conversions are not only difficult – they're also downright dangerous. If you need to migrate data, you've got other options.  Continue Reading

• How many virtual machines on a Hyper-V server?

  Virtualization has changed how admins think about data center capacity – but there are still limits, and consequences for hitting them.  Continue Reading

• What the demise of Forefront TMG means for Windows Server

  Microsoft's highly rated edge-protection product is essentially dead – so where do Windows server security pros go from here?  Continue Reading

• Setting up Remote Desktop Services Web Access portals

  Remote Desktop allows access to hosted apps from anywhere – a win-win situation for your users and your network security.  Continue Reading

• Protecting Outlook 2010 with group policy security settings

  Your Exchange servers may be secure, but neglecting to protect Outlook 2010 puts your company at risk. Learn some group policy security settings that prevent security disasters.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 auditing tools to track admin, end-user behavior

  Compliance rules make tracking admin and email users a necessary evil. Thankfully, audit logging tools in Exchange 2010 can help.  Continue Reading

• How DirectAccess can improve your organization’s security

  There's more to this VPN alternative than meets the eye; deploying DirectAccess can be a positive step for any business with remote workers.  Continue Reading

• Top five new features in Windows Server 8

  Windows Server 8 will likely please many admins when it ships next year. Find out the five features, like Hyper-V replication, IT pros are craving.  Continue Reading

• How to build a virtual Exchange test lab

  Virtual test labs provide a way to learn about new versions of Exchange Server without incurring the cost of physical labs. Here's how to create your own virtual Exchange lab.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 federation trusts: Basics and requirements

  Exchange 2010 makes it easy to share calendar and contact info across organizations through federation trusts. Before creating those trusts, read these best practices.  Continue Reading

• Prerequisites for installing Exchange 2010 Management Tools in Windows

  Having trouble opening the Exchange 2010 Management Tools? There are several Windows settings you must enable and installs you may have missed.  Continue Reading

• Using RamMap and VMMap Tools to Troubleshoot Windows Memory Issues

  Even a veteran system admin can be challenged when investigating Windows memory issues. The free RamMap and VMMap tools remove much of the guesswork.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows Server 2008 R2 with MSinfo32

  With the ability to gather important configuration data, the MSinfo32 System Information Tool can help pinpoint potential Windows Server 2008 R2 problems.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for securing Exchange ActiveSync

  Sure, ActiveSync is easy to set up and administer, but how comfortable are you with its security? These best practices will go a long way toward protecting your CAS.  Continue Reading

• Top five security tips for domain controllers

  Domain controllers are key to company security, so you need to keep them protected. Read on for advice on hardening virtual and physical environments.  Continue Reading

• How to configure SharePoint 2010 to scan Outlook 2010 for colleagues

  Most users think social networking involves updating their Facebook status. Configure SharePoint and Outlook 2010 to help them connect with colleagues for work purposes instead.  Continue Reading

• Are Exchange wildcard certificates worth the risk?

  Wildcard certificates offer Exchange shops flexibility and financial savings, but with those benefits come risks. Here are some wildcard certificate pros and cons to consider.  Continue Reading

• Five Exchange Control Panel feature improvements in Exchange 2010 SP1

  If you aren’t using the Exchange Control Panel in Exchange Server 2010 SP1, take a look. It’s simple to use and supports mailbox auditing, MailTips, RBAC and more.  Continue Reading

• Server security auditing: knowledge vs. performance

  Security auditing can cause a real server performance hit, especially using Windows' native feature. Learn here how you can ease the pain.  Continue Reading

• How to create custom MailTips in Exchange Server 2010

  Built-in MailTips prevent users from making common email gaffes, but you can also create custom MailTips to provide other helpful information. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• Five layers of iSCSI storage connection security

  The iSCSI storage protocol is simple to set up, but requires work to protect. Follow these steps to ensure the security of iSCSI server connections.  Continue Reading

• Moving from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2010 in 12 steps

  You’ve done your homework on moving from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2010. Now it’s time to get to work. Here are the 12 main steps you need to take to get the job done.  Continue Reading

• Upgrading Server 2008 R2 Active Directory forest functional levels

  Some Active Directory deployments have been around for over a decade, so it's time for some streamlining. Find out how to best upgrade functional levels in Windows Server R2.  Continue Reading

• How to use the Best Practices Analyzer to test server roles

  The Best Practices Analyzer integrated into Windows Server 2008 R2 can be instrumental in exposing potential trouble spots in your server deployment.  Continue Reading

• An overview of Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server

  Take a deep dive into Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server and see how it helps defend Exchange 2010 from spam and malware attacks in multiple types of environments.  Continue Reading

• Preventing fragmentation issues on virtualized Exchange 2010 mail servers

  Keeping your virtualized Exchange 2010 mailbox server defragmented is easy, if you know where to look. Here’s where fragmentation occurs, and how to keep it from impacting I/O.  Continue Reading

• Remotely connecting to Exchange 2010 with PowerShell, WinRM

  Learn how to establish a remote Exchange Management Shell connection with PowerShell 2.0 and WinRM to manage multiple Exchange 2010 servers and more.  Continue Reading

• What happened to the disk cleanup utility in Windows Server 2008?

  Useful desktop applications like cleanmgr.exe are missing from the server editions of Windows. There is a way to get them back.  Continue Reading

• Scripting: VMware PowerCLI vs. Microsoft PowerShell

  VMware's PowerCLI sits atop Microsoft's PowerShell, but does it make scripting on a virtualization platform better?  Continue Reading

• Config iSCSI for Windows Server: Seven tips you forgot to remember

  Dealing with iSCSI remains a challenge for some IT pros. Find out tips you forgot to remember when configuring the system.  Continue Reading

• Resolving three common Exchange Server 2010 issues

  Exchange 2010 is an improvement over Exchange 2007, but it isn’t perfect. Here are three common Exchange Server 2010 problems -- and their solutions.  Continue Reading

• Validate determines root cause of server network issues

  By using the Cluster Validation Wizard on Windows Server 2008, admins can help pinpoint issues with the network in failover clusters.  Continue Reading

• Performance depleted? The File Server Capacity Tool can tell you why

  The File Server Capacity Tool can help admins determine whether or not a server can handle system loads, but another use is to determine if a build is the cause of lower performance.  Continue Reading

• Advanced Format drives can impact software in Windows Server

  Advanced Format drives are making waves in the storage space. The new technology frees up space on disk, but there are roadblocks that will hamper implementation in the short term.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot Windows boot problems with Xbootmgr

  By working with the Xperf tool, Xbootmgr helps admins pinpoint the real cause of slow boot issues in Windows Server.  Continue Reading

• Deconstructing Central Administration in SharePoint 2010

  You still can‘t manage individual sites and site collections from Central Administration in SharePoint 2010; but there are eight sections that you can manage.  Continue Reading

• Repairing three problems that annoy Outlook 2010 users

  Outlook 2010 isn't perfect. These three common Outlook 2010 pains may be plaguing your users.  Continue Reading

• How to size an Active Directory domain controller in Windows

  Although sizing a domain controller comes with its share of challenges, it is possible. Learn the ins and outs of the process and what to watch for.  Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell to manage Microsoft Hyper-V

  Windows admins aren't limited when it comes to managing Hyper-V from the command line. Here are two (free) options for supporting virtual machines in Windows.  Continue Reading

• Identifying Outlook Anywhere connectivity glitches

  Outlook Anywhere's initial configuration can be tricky. If you're having trouble connecting, there are a couple tests you can run.  Continue Reading

• Six commonly overlooked Exchange security vulnerabilities

  Think you’re taking the steps needed to fully secure Exchange? Think again.  Continue Reading

• Avoid application compatibility issues in Windows Server 2008 R2

  While new applications run smoothly in Windows Server 2008 R2, legacy apps aren't always as steadfast. Use these tips to tackle and avert compatibility problems.  Continue Reading

• Should you use Exchange Server 2010 lagged database copies?

  Microsoft recommends using lagged database copies to prevent corrupt data from infecting mailbox databases. Is that really a good idea?  Continue Reading

• How to remove persistent Exchange 2003 servers

  Have you upgraded from Exchange 2003 to a newer version, but can’t get rid of the server? Find out what to delete to completely uninstall Exchange 2003.  Continue Reading

• Mastering workflow reports in SharePoint 2010

  Take advantage of the reporting and monitoring capabilities to keep tabs on workflow processes in SharePoint 2010.  Continue Reading

• Repadmin diagnoses Active Directory replication issues in Windows

  Repadmin troubleshoots Active Directory replication issues, but it also includes some commands that Windows administrators might not recognize.  Continue Reading

• BES 5.0.2 and Exchange 2010 SP1: What you should know

  Can't decide which version of BES 5.0.2 to roll out? Compare features and determine if your setup meets the prerequisites.  Continue Reading

• Curing two Exchange 2010 mailbox move headaches

  Moving Exchange 2010 mailboxes may seem like a breeze, but two common problems can stand in the way.  Continue Reading

• Tweaking IIS settings eases large client uploads in Windows Server

  Making the proper metabase settings in Microsoft IIS can ease the process of large client uploads in Windows Server. Here are some changes to consider.  Continue Reading

• EMS commands to modify ActiveSync throttling policies

  Throttling Exchange ActiveSync policies takes a certain amount of command-line savvy. Get the command-specific info you need.  Continue Reading

• Configuring Outlook 2010 send/receive groups

  Outlook tasks can overwhelm mailbox servers. Send/receive groups can remove some of that strain if you set them up correctly.  Continue Reading

• Sidestepping server time sync issues in Windows Server

  Faulty server clocks can put your Windows server on the fritz without the proper configurations to prevent serious time sync issues.  Continue Reading

• Studs and duds in the Windows Server 2008 R2 feature set

  R2 made a feature-savvy entrance when it was released almost two years ago, but not every enhancement has lived up to the hype.  Continue Reading

• Testing top Microsoft support tools for Windows 2008 compatibility

  For years Microsoft has worked to expand its slate of troubleshooting tools for admins. But with no Support Tools to download for the latest OS, do the same utilities still apply?  Continue Reading

• Fighting off Microsoft Hyper-V security hacks

  Although hypervisors are built with security in mind, a sloppy Hyper-V host configuration can still open up your servers to a wide range of exploits.  Continue Reading

• What does ASLR really mean for Windows security?

  While address space layout randomization may be a mouthful, the added protection could be critical to Windows security. But will ASLR really stop malware in its tracks?  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Exchange 2010 ActiveSync throttling

  ActiveSync throttling policies are beneficial to Exchange 2010. They can protect a client access server from overload and can keep mobile device users from meddling with settings.  Continue Reading

• What Server App-V means for applications in the cloud

  Microsoft is close to extending its application virtualization technology to the server. The question is, will it encourage more companies to invest in Azure?  Continue Reading

• Applying regular expressions (regex) to Windows PowerShell

  It may seem daunting at first, but the combination of regular expressions (regex) with PowerShell can be an admin’s best friend when it comes to certain complex tasks.  Continue Reading

• How a CAS array can protect Exchange Server 2010 from failure

  Exchange 2010 connects to clients via the client access server. Creating a CAS array can prevent the server from becoming a single point of failure. Here’s how to do it.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Xperf tutorial: New ways to monitor Windows performance

  Part of the Windows Performance Toolkit, Microsoft's Xperf utility easily trumps the monitoring capabilities of older admin tools like Perfmon. So how does it work?  Continue Reading

• A closer look at the Ntdsutil command-line tools for Active Directory

  Dig into the slew of Ntdsutil commands in Windows Server 2008 and R2 that provide admins with improved Active Directory management.  Continue Reading

• Living dangerously with Ntdsutil commands in Windows Server 2008

  While the Ntdsutil utility for Active Directory has been around since the days of Windows 2000, new functionality in Windows Server 2008 and R2 gives admins even more to work with.  Continue Reading

• Do IIS Web servers make sense for virtualization?

  Web servers like IIS can be a good fit for virtualization, so long as all the key considerations are taken into account ahead of time.  Continue Reading

• Isapi Rewrite Filter: A free URL rewriting utility for IIS 7

  Though Microsoft finally offers a URL rewriting add-on for IIS, admins might look to take advantage of the Isapi Rewrite Filter’s extended functionality.  Continue Reading

• Monitor SharePoint with Outlook 2010 email alerts

  If you're an Exchange admin who’s been tasked with overseeing SharePoint, you can use a familiar tool -- Outlook 2010 -- to manage alerts.  Continue Reading

• Making sense of Windows Azure's VM role

  The new VM role for Windows Azure should be a boon for organizations looking to host their virtual machines in the cloud, but it’s not ideal for all situations.  Continue Reading

• Windows PowerShell and the .NET Framework: Connecting the dots

  You don’t have to be a developer to understand how .NET integrates with Windows PowerShell. By learning just a few basic concepts, admins can help put .NET within reach.  Continue Reading

• How to use managed folders for Exchange 2010 message retention

  Managed folders are most often used to control message retention. Before you use them, you need to become familiar with the cmdlets and parameters to configure managed folders.  Continue Reading

• What admins need to know about Windows Azure services

  Much has been said about what Microsoft's cloud platform means for developers. As for admins? It could be a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Continue Reading

• Is turning off User Account Control in Windows a good idea?

  Old-school admins might be tempted to turn off User Account Control for the sake of their legacy programs, but the practice could easily do more harm than good.  Continue Reading

• Step up your Outlook Web App setup

  When Outlook Web App’s default settings just won’t do, it’s time to tweak. Certain configuration changes will help OWA run more efficiently and securely.  Continue Reading

• Event Tracing for Windows: A fresh look at an old tool

  Though over a decade old, the Event Tracing for Windows utility might be the best troubleshooting tool that many admins have never heard of.  Continue Reading

• Free Outlook tool fixes AutoComplete list annoyance

  Outlook's AutoComplete function is helpful, but doesn’t allow you to edit existing entries. This free download lets you edit, repair and track .nk2 files.  Continue Reading

• Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2: Four features you wish it supported

  While Microsoft has made strides with its current virtualization management software, some still find it lacking in certain areas.  Continue Reading

• Moving public folder calendars and tasks to SharePoint 2010

  Manually migrating calendar, contact and task data from Exchange public folders to SharePoint 2010 may seem daunting. These steps make it seem painless.  Continue Reading

• Controlling IIS log file growth with IISLogs 2.0 utility

  With IISLogs 2.0 admins can manage, archive and compress log files on their own time, eliminating the need for custom scripts.  Continue Reading

• Rebuilding an Exchange client access server in five steps

  According to Exchange Server documentation, you don’t need to back up a client access server. But you should know how to rebuild it. Get the steps.  Continue Reading

• Top three Windows server crashes (and how to avoid them)

  Why wait until a server crashes to start the troubleshooting process? Admins can squash potential outages ahead of time by zeroing on the most likely culprits.  Continue Reading

• How to use WMI with Windows PowerShell scripts

  With PowerShell, admins can harness the power of WMI to find all sorts of system and network information. The best part? It’s probably a lot easier than you think.  Continue Reading

• Checklist for new Exchange Server administrators

  Are you a new Exchange admin who walked into an oddly configured server infrastructure? This checklist can help you make sense of the mess.  Continue Reading

• How DNS devolution works in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 ship with built-in changes to the DNS name devolution process that help boost security and simplify client access to network resources.  Continue Reading

• NFS role eases account mapping across Unix and Windows

  Admins can keep closer tabs on user permissions over networks running various server platforms via a new service for Windows Server 2008 R2.  Continue Reading

• Dissecting ActiveSync logs in Exchange Server 2010

  ActiveSync logging information is valuable to Exchange 2010 admins for several reasons. We explore how to find and decipher the data.  Continue Reading

• Link Shell Extension simplifies hard link creation for Windows NTFS

  Looking for a better way to build hard links and junctions for NTFS volumes? Link Shell Extension moves the process out of the command line and into Windows Explorer.  Continue Reading

• Time management strategies for the IT pro

  How effective are you at managing your time? IT expert Kevin Beaver offers up some time-management best practices to help you get the most out of your workday.  Continue Reading

• Free Microsoft tool accesses Exchange, Outlook MAPI stores

  What started as one Microsoft engineer tinkering with MAPI became a full-blown tool. See how MCFMAPI can access stores via a graphical user interface, helping you solve MAPI problems.  Continue Reading

• How vulnerable is Microsoft IIS 7.5 to attacks?

  While version 7.5 is more secure out of the box than past IIS releases, it doesn't guarantee 100% protection.  Continue Reading

• Step-by-step: Building a Windows Server instance in the cloud

  Setting up a cloud-based instance of Windows Server might be easier than you think -- especially when the hosting provider does most of the work for you.  Continue Reading

• Outlook 2010 and Exchange 2007 connection error workaround

  Stumped by a 0x80070057 error when trying to connect Outlook 2010 to Exchange 2007? The cause might surprise you.  Continue Reading

• The real price of Exchange Server in the cloud

  Do you think moving Exchange to the cloud is a good fiscal decision? Run the numbers again. What you save on an initial investment may cost you down the road—in more than simple dollars and cents.  Continue Reading

• Best practice for Dynamic Memory allocation with Hyper-V R2 SP1

  Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 will finally add the ability to over-allocate memory with Hyper-V. The next step? Learning to optimize the feature for peak performance.  Continue Reading

• DCs at sea: Configuring mobile Active Directory domain infrastructures

  It’s common for admins to deal with mobile users, but what if the domain itself moves? See how basic AD principles always apply -- no matter what the situation is.  Continue Reading

• Registry hack lets OWA users reset their passwords

  All it takes is this simple registry hack to give users with expired passwords access to their OWA accounts.  Continue Reading

• Tracking system resources with free WinObj utility from Sysinternals

  Mark Russinovich and company did Microsoft one better with the WinObj tool for tracking Windows system resources, though there’s still room for improvement.  Continue Reading

• Manually move Exchange public folder data to SharePoint

  For years Microsoft has urged Exchange admins to migrate public folder content to SharePoint -- without supplying any tools to do it. Save money on third-party tools by doing it manually.  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of Windows Server drive encryption

  Despite the drawbacks of server-based drive encryption, tools like BitLocker can be invaluable protection against data breaches and other external threats.  Continue Reading

• Limiting bandwidth use during Outlook offline address book syncs

  If you're using a newer version of Exchange with a legacy version of Outlook, you'll want to understand your bandwidth consumption and how to control it during OAB synchronization.  Continue Reading

• Not sure what's running in a virtual machine? Use a batch file

  Not all programs perform as expected in virtual machines. These tips will help you quickly find what’s virtual and what’s not using batch files or Windows PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Managed service accounts boost server security in R2

  Microsoft introduced the managed service accounts feature with Windows Server 2008 R2 to help make the management of apps like Exchange more secure. So how does it work?  Continue Reading