Tutorials

Tutorials

• Try default values in PowerShell parameters for flexibility

  When you lock down your code to work in specific conditions, your automation efforts can fall flat. Try these techniques to add more versatility to your PowerShell scripts.  Continue Reading

• Cut coding corners with return values in PowerShell functions

  In certain instances, a return keyword is a good option to exit the current scope of a function and to reduce the bloat from a PowerShell script.  Continue Reading

• Build a Windows Server 2019 file server cluster for stability

  Learn how to use the clustering tools provided by the Microsoft server OS to create a highly available file server to avoid downtime if disaster strikes.  Continue Reading

• Learn to use a PowerShell call function from another script

  Don't use the same lines of code in several places in your scripts. Learn how to use functions and reap the benefits of a more streamlined approach.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint Online PowerShell commands for admin tasks

  You can avoid the admin portal when you pick up your PowerShell game and learn how to manage cloud-based resources in Office 365, including the SharePoint collaboration platform.  Continue Reading

• Build a Power Automate flow using the Graph API

  Administrators of Office 365 or Azure platforms can benefit from using newer Microsoft software technologies to handle many jobs, such as automating tasks and generating reports.  Continue Reading

• Implement simple server monitoring with PowerShell

  Administrators who build a server monitoring framework with PowerShell can develop their own customized checks for deeper insights into their environment.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell 7 remoting expands management horizons

  Connecting to different operating systems to manage them from PowerShell requires SSH setup, which is less onerous in the version 7 release.  Continue Reading

• Try an Azure Site Recovery setup for DR needs

  Administrators who need some assurance that mission-critical workloads will stay up when trouble strikes can try out Microsoft's cloud-based disaster recovery service.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to create a scheduled task with PowerShell

  When you need a reliable way to create a scheduled task, you can use PowerShell’s automation capabilities to reduce the likelihood of keying in mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Lighten up and install Exchange 2019 on Windows Server Core

  Organizations looking to tighten up security in every aspect of their infrastructure now have the option to deploy their on-premises messaging system on Server Core 2019.  Continue Reading

• Find and lock down lax Windows share permissions

  With help from PowerShell, you can identify the shares that need adjustments across your infrastructure then use a script to fix them to protect sensitive data.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell ForEach-Object cmdlet picks up speed

  Administrators get extra incentive to switch to PowerShell 7 after an existing cmdlet acquires a performance enhancement to run multiple iterations in parallel.  Continue Reading

• Increase PowerShell security with help from AppLocker

  Learn how to curb the native abilities of the expansive scripting tool in the Windows OS to prevent your users from being unwitting participants in a cyberattack.  Continue Reading

• Build a PowerShell logging function for troubleshooting

  A basic administrative skill is checking over logs to find out why something broke. Learn how to build a proper logging mechanism to catch errors for diagnostic purposes.  Continue Reading

• How to set up Windows Server 2019 virtual network encryption

  Microsoft tightens the security on its virtualization platform, even if a breach occurs, to prevent intruders from eavesdropping on traffic between VMs.  Continue Reading

• Use PowerShell workflows when performance matters

  When time is of the essence, add parallel processing to your PowerShell scripts to perform tasks more efficiently by using the workflows feature in the automation tool.  Continue Reading

• Using wsusscn2.cab to find missing Windows updates

  Avoid unnecessary security headaches by using the Windows Update offline scan file and PowerShell to ensure your systems have all their Microsoft patches.  Continue Reading

• Get back on the mend with Active Directory recovery methods

  Administrators should have a few of these data protection techniques up their sleeves to keep Active Directory from a total breakdown.  Continue Reading

• Learn PowerShell scripting using the PSKoans module

  Want to get started with PowerShell automation to manage your Windows systems? Try the PSKoans module to learn as you go through its exercises to build your scripting skills.  Continue Reading

• Migrating file servers using Storage Migration Service

  Need to move from Windows Server 2003 and up? The Storage Migration Service in the Windows Admin Center does most of the heavy lifting to make this procedure more routine rather than risky.  Continue Reading

• Azure Bastion brings convenience, security to VM management

  This cloud service gets around the problem associated with jump servers and cloaks the identity of your VMs to avoid potential security issues.  Continue Reading

• How to manage Server Core with PowerShell

  New PowerShell users will need to overcome a learning curve to work with Server Core, but the tool has some built-in aids to help you progress.  Continue Reading

• Set up PowerShell script block logging for added security

  Learn how to set up your systems to capture abnormal PowerShell behavior as one way to shore up your defenses.  Continue Reading

• How to work with the WSUS PowerShell module

  The PoshWSUS module automates the process to synchronize and approve Windows updates. You can also use it to perform essential maintenance on the WSUS server.  Continue Reading

• Implement automated employee onboarding with PowerShell

  Your time is precious and you shouldn't waste it by clicking through menus to set up a new user. Look at these code examples to put together your own provisioning script.  Continue Reading

• Learn to set up and use PowerShell SSH remoting

  Remoting over SSH in PowerShell Core has some advantages over the traditional Windows PowerShell remoting method, but it will require a fair amount of manual configuration work.  Continue Reading

• How to automate patch management in Windows

  Automating Windows updates with PowerShell will ease some of the labor associated with the routine patch deployment process.  Continue Reading

• Using the Sysinternals Sysmon tool to check DNS queries

  A recent update to the Sysinternals Sysmon utility adds DNS query logging to give deeper insights into the connections made by your Windows machines.  Continue Reading

• Pester tests help pinpoint infrastructure issues

  The Pester testing framework gives IT pros a way to develop sophisticated and consistent testing routines that monitoring tools just can't duplicate.  Continue Reading

• How to transfer FSMO roles with PowerShell

  You might need to shift Active Directory FSMO roles for a few reasons. If you need to do it more than once, there's a way to automate the procedure with PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Use PowerShell printer management for quicker setups

  Don't fiddle with printer configurations and tiresome upkeep work from the GUI when you can automate a lot of the tediousness with PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Try these PowerShell networking commands to stay connected

  Ping has its place, but PowerShell gives you a way to dive deeper into a networking issue when a server drops its connection or starts to drop packets.  Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell for Azure service principal authentication

  With help from the Azure PowerShell module, you can avoid login prompts and automate the authentication process when using service principals on Microsoft's cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• How to set up Office 365 modern authentication

  Learn how to manage modern authentication with a relatively new PowerShell cmdlet to keep end users in touch with their Exchange Online mailboxes.  Continue Reading

• Painlessly deploy Azure File Sync with PowerShell

  Have you ever run low on file server capacity or struggled to access files? Setting up Azure File Sync can give your organization centralized file shares with local accessibility.  Continue Reading

• How to uninstall Exchange 2013 after a cutover migration

  Don't throw a retirement party for that Exchange 2013 server and pull the plug prematurely without going through this checklist to avoid any issues.  Continue Reading

• Set up users with key PowerShell Active Directory commands

  User management in Active Directory doesn't have to fill you with click-induced anxiety. Try these PowerShell tips for a more efficient way to get this work done.  Continue Reading

• How to configure SSL on IIS with PowerShell

  SSL encryption is a necessary component when building an IIS website that communicates with the outside world. Use this PowerShell tutorial to streamline the deployment process.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid the double-hop problem with PowerShell

  IT pros who manage with PowerShell will run into the double-hop problem and use CredSSP to work around it. This tutorial offers a more streamlined way to avoid that roadblock.  Continue Reading

• Working with PowerShell module downloads from the gallery

  Learn how to get the most out of the PowerShell Gallery with some distinctions for administrators who use Windows PowerShell or PowerShell Core.  Continue Reading

• How PowerShell Direct helps polish off those VMs

  PowerShell Direct offers administrators a remoting option that does not rely on a network connection to manage Hyper-V VMs, but be sure you meet the requirements for its use.  Continue Reading

• How to use PowerShell JEA for task delegation

  System administrators don't have to do every mundane task themselves anymore with help from Just Enough Administration. Get started with these instructions using PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Tips to track down and neutralize PowerShell malware

  The benefit of PowerShell is its wide-ranging access to Windows systems, but industrious hackers can exploit its abilities to launch attacks from inside your data center.  Continue Reading

• How to manage Active Directory groups with 7 PowerShell commands

  Managing users, devices and other resources with Active Directory doesn't always require a GUI tool. Try PowerShell to streamline some of your administrative workload.  Continue Reading

• Getting started with AWS Tools for PowerShell

  Want to make a move from on-premises systems? The AWS Tools for PowerShell module builds on your knowledge of handling Windows machines and carries it into the Amazon cloud.  Continue Reading

• How to track Office 365 guest users

  Administrators should get familiar with the platform tools at their disposal to check Office 365 Groups access and ensure tenant security.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for using PowerShell ISE for scripting

  Administrators who want to break into PowerShell scripting need to work with an editor for a more effective workflow. Learn how to edit and manage scripts with PowerShell ISE.  Continue Reading

• Windows PowerShell Scripting tutorial for beginners

  Once administrators get comfortable with the PowerShell basics, it's time to start scripting. This PowerShell scripting tutorial for beginners will help you efficiently complete tasks.  Continue Reading

• How to start using Ansible for Windows management

  Ansible is a configuration management offering that runs on Linux but controls Windows systems with PowerShell. Find out how to get the tool running in your data center.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell logging boosts security in the enterprise

  Want to track any suspicious PowerShell activity across your network? Use these PowerShell logging techniques to curb potential threats that originate from scripts.  Continue Reading

• Configuring a VyOS router for home lab use

  Administrators can install an open source virtual software router to practice networking skills, such as IP routing and subnetting.  Continue Reading

• Learn Git basics with a sample case study

  Git allows team members to work together using the same files. This tutorial will help Windows systems administrators learn how to use Git for version control.  Continue Reading

• How to deploy Windows containers in Microsoft Azure

  Want to build and manage your own Windows Server containers? Here's how to do it using native Docker commands and a PowerShell module.  Continue Reading

• BYOD considerations for Exchange admins

  Having a tough time saying "no" to BYOD? Good news, you don’t have to. Get up-to-date on key BYOD concerns and discover PowerShell cmdlets you can use to manage and gather ActiveSync info.  Continue Reading

• Conducting clear-cut performance reviews of your IT staff

  Performance reviews are often a defining moment in an employee's career, but there are several points to consider when conducting an evaluation.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell basics for the Exchange admin

  Creating PowerShell scripts in Exchange can help you avoid typing out long EMS commands for daily administrative actions. Here are the basics.  Continue Reading

• Why throttling PowerShell in Exchange 2010 is a good idea

  Did you know that you can restrict PowerShell use in Exchange 2010 to improve server performance? Get the details on setting PowerShell limits in your environment.  Continue Reading

• Hackers' guide to Windows file server security

  Many network hacks can quickly happen right under your nose. Learn to test your file servers from common attacks by taking on the mindset of a hacker.  Continue Reading

• How to mount a recovery database in Exchange Server 2010

  Because of architectural changes, you'll need to create and mount a database to recover items in Exchange Server 2010. Follow these steps for mailbox recovery and get some command-line switches that will refine the scope of recovered items.  Continue Reading

• Lessen your client access server burden via throttling policies

  Users can connect to Exchange Server 2010 using several different methods, which can overwork a client access server. Setting up client-throttling policies via the Exchange Management Shell will evenly distribute Exchange Server resources.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 Learning Guide

  Want to learn more about Microsoft's latest server OS? This guide has you covered. Here you'll find tips, videos and expert advice on all things Windows Server 2008 R2.  Continue Reading

• Event logs shed light on Exchange Server DSAccess issues

  Exchange Server 2003 uses DSAccess to communicate with Active Directory. However, the distributed nature of Active Directory may make it difficult to get to the root cause of DSAccess issues. Begin the process by analyzing Event 2080 data.  Continue Reading

• How to create multiple instances of OWA

  Creating multiple instances of OWA is a great way to assign varying sets of features to different OWA users. It can also provide users with file share access. These steps explain how to create multiple instances of OWA no matter which version of ...  Continue Reading

• Set-ExchangeServer cmdlet can ease domain controller workloads

  Exchange Server can distribute workloads evenly among domain controllers, but external factors can cause them to become overworked . Executing Exchange Management Shell's Set-ExchangeServer command can help lessen domain controller workloads.  Continue Reading

• Web server security practices for Windows environments

  Web server security is critical to overall network protection. Learn how to harden a Web server and test the security of your deployment.  Continue Reading

• Effects of excessive mailbox size and storage on Outlook performance

  So you applied the February 2009 cumulative update or Microsoft Office 2007 SP2, but Outlook is still performing poorly. Why? Maybe it's time to check how much data is being stored in your users Exchange mailboxes.  Continue Reading

• Block Web beacons and protect OWA users from spam

  Web beacons confirm the validity of email addresses and confirm that spam has made it through a user's filter. Outlook blocks Web beacons by default, but OWA doesn't. Learn more about Web beacons and how to protect your users from spam with EMS ...  Continue Reading

• Remove Exchange 2003 from Active Directory to install Exchange 2010

  A clean Active Directory is vital for an Exchange Server 2010 migration. If you still have Exchange 2003 remnants hanging around, use the ADSI Edit tool to remove them.  Continue Reading

• Outlook 2007 shut-down problems and fixes

  Several issues can cause errors when Microsoft Outlook 2007 shuts down. Finding and diagnosing the root cause should be your first line of defense in preventing future problems. Check the add-in applications that use Outlook's data files to see if ...  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook and SharePoint calendar dos and don'ts

  Improperly linking and labeling calendar entries from Microsoft Outlook can confuse other SharePoint team members. Here are some dos and don'ts for copying an event from one calendar to another.  Continue Reading

• Two useful tools for documenting an Exchange Server installation

  Exchange BPA and ExchDump tools let you collect data about your Exchange installation, including settings and server configuration information. Learn how to translate this data and include it into your installation documentation.  Continue Reading

• Lock down direct file access and protect OWA users

  Built-in OWA security features may not be enough to secure direct file access. If you can't disable the feature, what's the next best security measure?  Continue Reading

• Fix Outlook 2007 and SharePoint synchronization breaks

  The .pst file that is created when synchronizing Outlook and SharePoint is linked to a user's profile. However, synchronization can break if roaming profiles are being used. There are a couple of settings you can enable to work around this ...  Continue Reading

• Windows Server Security Guide

  Take an in-depth look at Windows server security. This guide features information on common network vulnerabilities, server hardening best practices, security improvements with Windows Server 2008 and more.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to the Exchange Remote Connectivity Analyzer tool

  A beta version of Microsoft's Exchange Remote Connectivity Analyzer tool assists administrators with remote end-to-end validation and diagnostics. Use this free tool perform a variety of connectivity tests for everything from Outlook to Exchange Web...  Continue Reading

• Custom error message redirects OWA users

  If SSL encryption is required and your Outlook Web Access users forget to type the HTTPS:// prefix, they may receive an error message. Set up a custom error message to redirect OWA users to the correct site using this HTML code.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot Microsoft Outlook Web Access problems

  When logging on to Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA), unexpected problems can occur. This tutorial explains how to diagnose some tricky OWA problems and login issues, gives tips on how to fix IIS metabase corruption and more.  Continue Reading

• Control Outlook 2007 in cached mode settings with group policies

  Enabling or disabling Cached Exchange mode can affect Exchange Server performance. You can control these settings using a centralized group policy. Get an introduction to some policy settings that can help Microsoft Outlook 2007 in cached mode ...  Continue Reading

• Exchange Performance Monitor tracks domain controller communication

  Using Performance Monitor counters is an effective way to keep an eye on Exchange Server health. Learn which Performance Monitor counters you should watch to ensure that your Exchange Servers are communicating effectively with your domain ...  Continue Reading

• Performing advanced search queries in Microsoft Outlook 2007

  Trying to locate an email in Microsoft Outlook 2007 can be an arduous process, but some commands let you narrow down search results. In this tip, Microsoft Exchange expert Brien Posey explains a few Microsoft Outlook 2007 commands to help you ...  Continue Reading

• Group policy settings for Outlook 2007 in cached mode

  Using Outlook 2007 in cached mode allows mobile users to access mailboxes while not connected to Exchange Server. This tip explains some different .OST file group policy settings you can use to control how Outlook 2007 operates in cached mode.  Continue Reading

• Which ActiveSync authentication method is best for your mobile device?

  When securing ActiveSync mobile devices in Exchange 2007, there are several authentication methods, including basic authentication, certificate-based authentication and token-based authentication. Read about the differences of each ActiveSync ...  Continue Reading

• Using the Export-Mailbox command in Exchange Server 2007

  Get an overview of how to use the Export-Mailbox command to migrate Exchange Server 2007 mailbox content. Get an overview of how this command differs from ExMerge and the Move Mailbox Wizards, some of its limitations, compatibility issues and more.  Continue Reading

• Previewing SharePoint document libraries in Microsoft Outlook

  Microsoft Outlook's reading pane allows users to preview SharePoint document libraries without having to open them or check them out. This can be a big timesaver when viewing Microsoft Word documents or PowerPoint presentations. But Outlook's ...  Continue Reading

• Windows Distributed File System (DFS) Tutorial

  This short guide breaks down Microsoft's Distributed File System, with tips, articles and how-tos on topics ranging from DFS Namespace and DFS Replication to migration, we've got all the resources Windows admins need.  Continue Reading

• Configuring ActiveSync authentication in Exchange Server 2007

  ActiveSync authentication is a process in which a mobile device and the Exchange 2007 Client Access Server confirm each other's identities. Confirmation takes place in different ways, depending on how ActiveSync has been configured. Learn how to ...  Continue Reading

• Fix 'Service unavailable' errors and other common OWA login problems

  Common Outlook Web Access (OWA) logon errors involve unavailable service or inheritance errors. Causes for these errors can range from the use of mismatched ASP.NET versions on an OWA Server to incorrect user permissions. This tip explains why users...  Continue Reading

• Understand data file storage in Outlook 2007 Roaming and Local folders

  Microsoft Outlook 2007 has several data and customization files, making it easy to forget which files do what. Get an explanation of the various files within Outlook 2007's Roaming and Local folders and learn how they're used.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Microsoft Outlook Web Access logon issues

  Are you experiencing problems logging into Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA)? Although OWA isn't the most complicated application, its numerous deployment options can cause problems. In this tip, Exchange Server expert Brien Posey explains ...  Continue Reading

• Enabling Unified Messaging mailboxes and users

  When Unified Messaging is deployed in an Exchange 2007 environment, the Exchange Recipient Administrator can configure UM mailbox-enabled users and begin to allow email, voicemail and faxes to be delivered to their Inboxes. In this excerpt from "...  Continue Reading

• Defining Exchange Unified Messaging architecture

  In this excerpt from "Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: The Complete Reference," you'll get an introduction to the Unified Messaging for Exchange 2007 architecture and learn about its three major components: the Unified Messaging Service, Unified ...  Continue Reading

• Configuring a Unified Messaging IP gateway

  Creating and configuring a Unified Messaging (UM) IP gateway requires associating it with an existing UM dial plan. Get the steps on how to accomplish it here.  Continue Reading

• Creating a Unified Messaging Dial Plan

  Unified Messaging (UM) Dial Plans store the information necessary to work with the telephony system in Active Directory (AD). In this excerpt from "Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: The Complete Reference," discover how to create an UM Dial Plan in ...  Continue Reading

• Dialing rules and restrictions for Unified Messaging users

  Unified Messaging-enabled users are able to call only users configured with the same UM dial plan. In this excerpt from "Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: The Complete Reference," find out how to set up outdialing and dialing rule entries for both ...  Continue Reading

• Creating and assigning a Unified Messaging hunt group

  A Unified Messaging hunt group is created to link an inbound call number to a certain UM dial plan. In this excerpt from "Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: The Complete Reference," learn how a hunt group works with a UM server and an IP gateway, along...  Continue Reading

• Mailbox policy configuration for Unified Messaging

  In this excerpt from "Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: The Complete Reference," discover how to create a mailbox policy, along with the best settings and configurations on a Unified Messaging server in Exchange Server 2007.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 Learning Guide

  This guide provides resources on every aspect of your Windows Server 2008 migration, with info on developing a migration strategy and in-depth overviews of all of the operating system's most important new features.  Continue Reading

• Windows NTFS Tutorial

  This short tutorial provides links to resources breaking down how the NTFS file system works, with details on NTFS vs FAT32, recovery techniques and management best practices.  Continue Reading

• Deleting and reconnecting Exchange Server 2007 mailboxes

  There's a subtle difference between a deleted Exchange Server 2007 mailbox and a disconnected mailbox. Learn how to reconnect a deleted Exchange mailbox.  Continue Reading