tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19012042875655989272024-03-08T01:49:35.098-06:00Fundamentally GeekNo bells or whistles, just a geeky web log.Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-757169123166472062016-06-02T16:16:00.002-05:002016-06-02T16:20:01.920-05:00Some Domains Not Resolving Until DNS Service Is Restarted On Windows DomainI ran across an issue lately where it seems like sites like Hilton.com and a few others would just stop resolving on our local domain. Other sites would work just fine but only these few sites came up with a page could not be displayed-type error in the browsers on the network here.
The fix, though temporary, was to just restart the DNS service on our DC. I would typically have to do this once Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-77064059538924201672012-11-27T15:36:00.001-06:002012-11-27T15:38:10.863-06:00Slow Network Access Within Virtual Machines - Broadcom and Hyper-VTime to update this old dusty thing! I figured this is worthy of a blog entry, as it's not exactly something you can google quickly at the time of this writing.
Let's talk about network speeds with Hyper-V. I have been testing Server 2008 R2 with Hyper-V enabled running a virtual Win7 'guest' and for the life of me couldn't figure out why a member server hosting file shares was getting a ping Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-22195097788929122852011-05-03T10:35:00.005-05:002011-05-03T10:38:52.730-05:00Group Policy based Drive Mapping and Windows 7So I've been doing some research on why my drive mapping GPO will not work in Windows 7 environments. Turns out this: \\servername\share\is NOT the same as this: \\servername\shareReally Microsoft? Why is this? I've been puzzled for a while with this one.Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-32577237066475069232010-08-25T10:02:00.004-05:002010-08-25T11:42:07.010-05:00Exchange 2007 Global Address List in Cached ModeBasically the GAL works like this: -Information is entered into an account in Active Directory.-The Exchange GAL is then updated to reflect that change on the server at a set time, typically every 24 hours as seen in the Exchange Management Console under Organizational Configuration-Mailbox-Offline Address Book tab.-A differential file is created on the Exchange server with the updates and the Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-50083603961103022462010-07-21T12:10:00.002-05:002010-07-21T12:23:45.944-05:00Windows 7 and Group PolicyI am now in the process of beginning the conversion to and testing of Windows 7 on our Server 2003 R2 Domain. The biggest hurdle I need to jump is getting Group Policy in order and get Windows 7 specific policies in place. Along with this will be our new wireless policy which still needs much testing. More on that to come. So far I have my Windows 7 admin workstation, with it I have installed theClayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-68450249957888891982010-02-22T14:08:00.003-06:002010-02-22T14:17:07.067-06:00802.1x and Remote Desktop in Windows XPWell apparently there are known issues with Remote Desktop and 802.1x wireless security. I kept wondering why on earth every time I connect to my machine here at work via RDP my wireless dropped off. Wasn't a huge issue because I was hardwired in anyway but I started doing some looking (googling) and found this:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/network/dd727529.aspxFTA: Q. Do Remote Desktop Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-41527247980178286802010-02-19T19:31:00.003-06:002010-02-19T21:20:18.987-06:00Wireless UpgradesWow, I haven't updated in a while! Where to start? I am currently in the process of upgrading our firms wireless infrastructure from a series of Linksys AP's to a Cisco 2106 Controller with 1100 series lightweight POE AP's. I had borrowed an AP to perform the initial wireless survey to determine the location of the new AP's. I used a few free tools outlined here with great results: hereI have Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-37478676970218520032009-10-19T10:56:00.002-05:002009-10-19T12:00:00.498-05:00Domain Laptops and Field ConnectivityI have been doing massive amounts of research over the past 6-12 months on the best ways to connect/network domain laptops in the field among our staff while avoiding a plethora of client-network based issues that may arise. I have come to find through my research the best way to set these units up in the field is by using a router. Any consumer based low-cost router should do the trick. This Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-87601480129195083132009-07-29T13:43:00.002-05:002009-07-29T13:55:50.175-05:00MicrohooOk, so I wanted to put my $.02 out there among the millions regarding this merger. First of all, does anyone know why Google is so popular? Think back when it first came about, what moved you over to Google? That's right, it was lightning fast! With fast comes simplicity, and simplicity combined with an extremely fast and accurate search engine made Google into the megasite it is today. In Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-77966028644958246382009-06-12T09:55:00.003-05:002009-06-12T11:23:22.659-05:00Windows 7 Release Candidate 1Well, I got hold of the Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 today and my first impressions are WOW, Microsoft has really simplified things. Gone are the days of Vista's ridiculous in-your-face security settings. Now some of you may disagree, especially the hardcore Linux enthusiasts but this version of Windows feels less like Windows and more like a smooth Linux distro more than ever. The RC1 that is Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-33685578929638964172009-05-28T08:48:00.002-05:002009-05-28T08:55:12.115-05:00Changing the XP Product KeyJust watched a cool video on TechRepublic on how to change the product key in Windows. If you have a pirated copy of XP and would like to actually get updates or had a moral breakdown just follow these steps:-Use real money and buy the legit key, it's worth it ;)-Open up the Registry Editor (back it up and all that good stuff in case you hose it)-Navigate to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-32914942262613057062008-10-24T08:11:00.005-05:002008-10-24T10:16:58.439-05:00WSUS versus Microsoft Updates WebsiteWhew, I know it's been forever since I've updated this blog but I have been insanely busy lately. Started a new job back in June and have been stacked with projects, not to mention documentation!Anyway, wanted to make some notes on WSUS v3, which I've recently implemented here at Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss. Firstly, once you install WSUS you're probably thinking: "What is the difference Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-83084988810143696132008-02-26T11:10:00.008-06:002008-02-28T21:59:24.774-06:00Troubleshooting MX Host ConnectivityRecently I had an issue arise that is pretty common in today's industry where one domain is unable to send email to another one (or so we think). We need a way to test this and after seeing a buddy of mine do it a couple of years ago I decided to track down how it is done. Plus it makes me feel like an über admin when I do it :-)To elaborate on the issue, say DomainA cannot seem to send email to Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-41332212033179111912007-09-10T15:18:00.000-05:002007-09-10T15:46:25.782-05:00Setting up an Authoritative Time ServerI received a ticket today regarding an issue Windows Time being out of sync with the phone system, which just so happens to be getting its time from the official Naval time source Stratum server. Now keep in mind we are running a semi-large domain and theoretically our workstations and servers all get their time from the PDC (Primary Domain Controller). Turns out we are in effect 3 minutes fast Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-31954414193585049252007-06-29T17:48:00.001-05:002007-06-29T17:55:53.455-05:0070-290Well, I passed my 290 exam today putting me on the road to MCSE with my shiny new Microsoft Certified Professional status. I'll have to admit, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I read the book from MS Press about 3 times and still didn't get all the details come test time. Does it matter now? Yes it does, the most important thing here is the material, not passing the test in my Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-83340910232283636172007-05-18T09:19:00.000-05:002007-06-06T15:02:00.086-05:00Adding drivers to a Windows PE ImageSupposing you have a server or machine with newer hardware that is not supported by default. You need drivers. Well there is hope without having to create a new image.First you will need to disable the image in WDS and mount the image using ImageX. You must then figure out the image index of the image you wish to mount. This is usually a 1 or a 2. Open a command prompt,type: imagex /info {Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-39467720840953844972007-04-30T13:10:00.000-05:002007-12-06T09:46:19.186-06:00Windows Deployment Services Part 2 - Installing/Pushing an ImageOk, so last week I got WDS installed on the server and working. I ran into problems actually pushing an XP image I had captured. Microsoft has made it very difficult to push Windows XP over WDS. They want you to run Vista, for better or worse. Deplying Windows Vista is in fact extremely easy to do, everything you need comes factory on the Vista disc (install.wim and boot.wim) and since the .WIM Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-52965496111152933282007-04-24T16:02:00.000-05:002007-04-25T08:39:06.347-05:00Windows Deployment Services Part 1Currently testing Windows Deployment Services. I have to say there is a lot Microsoft doesn't tell you.First you need to just backup your ADS (if you use it). The following article is most useful - Backing up ADS and then completely do away with ADS. Remove the services and update the server to 2003 Service Pack 2. Once this is done you may proceed with the installation on WDS as per this Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-70272839187699337352007-04-18T14:42:00.000-05:002007-04-18T15:04:07.131-05:00Issues with Automated Deployment Services CertificatesIn case anyone here is planning on updating ADS to WDS (Windows Deployment Services) I would recommend first backing up the ADS SQL Database and uninstalling ADS in its entirety. I have had nothing but problems with a mixed environment for imaging, not that one would want that in the first place...I ended up ditching WDS for now until I can implement a virtual server solution. Turns out that Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-30166565907390730542007-02-07T13:36:00.000-06:002007-02-07T13:51:44.298-06:00Volume Shadow Service - Part1I was reading about VSS (Volume Shadow copy Services) in the 70-290 Microsoft book CH7 lesson 3. Lets say you have an environment with a high number of users modifying data 24/7. You WILL have tickets logged to the helpdesk for restoration purposes. Someone may overwrite or delete a file and need it back rather quickly. Rather than pull tapes from offsite locations which takes precious time, I Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-80121851341001328512007-01-28T16:45:00.000-06:002007-01-28T16:49:21.611-06:00Windows PowershellI have recently been told about a utility which allows one to manage tasks on a domain with little to no scripting experience. It's called Windows Powershell. It's available on Microsoft's website and you must have .Net 2.0 installed to use it. It is basically a command prompt with the ability to execute WMI commands along with the typical commands one would use in a Dos box. There is a Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-22347021485724627512007-01-08T23:35:00.000-06:002007-01-09T00:04:29.099-06:00Five things I love most in WindowsYay kids! It's soapbox time!1. I love it when I'm surfing multiple pages online and I start to read or type into one website and the other one says "Oh! Hey! I'm loaded!" and proceeds to place itself in front of what I am doing. Popups my nerdy arse, Internet Explorer is a popup!2. I love it when I type a username into a given application or site and start to type the password and then halfway Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-3869758810984357172007-01-03T09:27:00.000-06:002007-01-03T10:09:28.871-06:00MCSE and the New YearSo I'm still studying for the 290 exam, I've read through the 1st ed. book now I am almost done with the 2nd edition covering R2 and other new components such as WSUS (Windows Software Update Services). Turns out we won't have the study group I had mentioned earlier due to some complications in business. My new years resolution will be to have my MCSE by the end of the year. This (70-290) is Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-57133472207790291082006-12-07T08:28:00.000-06:002006-12-07T08:39:58.769-06:00UpdateWell it has been pretty slow at work lately, I feel I should write about something though. Most of my free time is being spent playing BF2142 and Oblivion (Elder Scrolls). I think the concept of combining FPS with stat and rank tracking is genius, and part of EA's master plan to take over the planet. It's very addicting! As far as Oblivion is concerned, well, you do the math...huge world, fantasyClayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901204287565598927.post-90758753212424757502006-11-29T16:16:00.000-06:002006-11-30T09:18:58.122-06:00Automated Deployment ServicesI recently have had the opportunity to learn and use Microsoft Automated Deployment Services package in my environment. Let me say that I have beat my head against a wall countless times trying to learn all the nuances involved with it. Over the past month or so I have setup a master image using Sysprep and have used ADS to deploy the image to Dell's new PoweEdge model (2950).Some of the issues IClayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725238177783568934noreply@blogger.com0