I was going to extend a volume on one of my Server 2008 Core machines, and it told me "there is not enough space to perform this action"...

There was however enough space, but for some reason Microsoft Forefront decided that I shouldn't be allowed to extend a volume remotely.   So I disabled the services and did it anyway.

I have a few machines that have been retired (or just died) before I could uninstall the Agent.  I have been trying to figure out how to remove the agent name from the list, but every time I do a search, all I come back with is how to uninstall it from the client machine.  Well today I finally figured out what I should have seen earlier.

If you right click on the computer name in the list on the Agents tab and select uninstall a task view comes up.  Click on "Uninstall Agents" and the "Enter Credentials and Reboot option" dialogue comes up.  At this point you have to enter valid credentials and choose a restart option.  When you hit ok, and the machine no longer exists you will get a message similar to the following:

Click on "Yes" and the task list comes back and removes the DPM agent from the database.  And that means no more ghost entry for that machine.

We recently implemented a new optical storage system using a software package that runs on Windows.  The particular machine that is used to host this application gradually had problems accessing the optical storage (which is essentially a NAS device) and would frequently pop the title message: Insufficient system resources exist to complete the required service. 

I thought this was a bit odd, considering the machine has 16GB of RAM, Dual Quad Core processors, and at fairly large amount of storage.  We kept thinking that there must be a driver issue, or some issue with the software, or even an issue with the optical storage.

I have no way to prove it, because I couldn't ever tell for sure exactly how the system go to the point of not being functional, but the last thing I tried APPEARS to have worked...

I took out the /3GB switch in the boot.ini. 

That was 3 days ago and the system hasn't had the issue since, even though it had gotten to the point where it was happening several times a day.  The thing that tipped me toward this as a possible solution was the fact that everything I read said that this was likely caused by a memory leak, but we didn't seem to have memory issues (at least when we could get into task manager there didn't seem to be much activity) and when I came across this post...  I took a chance and it seems to have fixed the problem for now.

I use DPM to backup a few servers, in a pilot group, and I was trying to add one to a protection group.  I kept getting this error every time I tried to modify the protection group to add another server:

Modify protection group: *Protection Group Name* failed:
Error 360: The operation failed due to a virtual disk service error
Error details: Unknown error (0x80042420)
Recommended action: Retry the operation.

I couldn't figure out the problem until I saw a post on this that mentioned there could be a problem using RDP.  Then I remembered that I can never do disk configuration unless I use a console session.  In order to configure disks it seems you have to be in "Session 0".  If you have to do this remotely, using "mstsc /console" for XP or 2003, or "mstsc /admin" for Vista will put you in "Session 0" just as if you were sitting at the console.

I was reading some of the junk e-mail that Microsoft sends me and came across this article.  I wanted to save the shortcuts, a lot of which I knew (and use) but some of which are new to me:

http://www.windowsvistamagazine.com/UK/4352741765893343994/pc-heaven.html

Boost your productivity

Learn a few angelic Windows keyboard shortcuts

• Hold Shift when inserting a CD
  Prevent the CD from autoplaying
• F4 in Windows Explorer
  Display the address bar location list
• F5
  Refresh the screen
• Ctrl and Z
  Undo an action
• Ctrl and Y
  Redo an action, in case you’ve used undo incorrectly
• Shift and Delete
  Delete the selected file(s) without moving to the Recycle bin (be careful!)
• Shift and F10
  Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
• Alt and Tab
  Switch to the previously active window
• Alt and F4
  Close the active window
• Windows key and D
  Show the desktop
• Windows key and E
  Open Windows Explorer
• Windows key and F
  Open a Search window
• Windows key and G
  Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
• Windows key and R
  Open a Run window
• Windows key and T
  Cycle through and preview all the applications on the taskbar
• Windows key and 1
  Launch the first program on your Quick Launch toolbar
• Windows key and 2
  Launch the second program on your Quick Launch toolbar
• Windows key and Tab
  Use Flip 3D to cycle through all currently open applications
• Windows key and Spacebar
  Select the Windows Sidebar
• Ctrl and Mousewheel
  Changes the view of your current folder
• Left Alt and left Shift and Print Screen
  Toggles the highcontrast display

Windows Vista Magazine | PC Heaven

I was looking up how to set the IP address for Server Core:

Server Core: Setting a Static IP address

Server Core: Setting a Static IP address - Techinical Blog of Jay-R Barrios

I asked a coworker to find the method/command to run updates on Server Core and he came back with a link to this nice little script:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa387102(VS.85).aspx

And every time I forget the command to do something in Server Core, when I do a search to find it, I always come back with a link to this post:

http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/sanderberkouwer/archive/2007/08/13/changing-server-core-s-look-and-feel-part-1.aspx

And just because I am lazy, and don't particularly like the command line (even though I like Server Core), I have created a folder with a few batch files that I use when I am setting up a Server Core machine.  For instance, I have a batch file that has the product key in it already and I run it to install the product key and activate. 

We are currently considering moving one of our DHCP servers to a VM on Hyper-V.  I was looking for something else and saw this thread on the TechNet Forums, and I want to keep it for later reference:

http://forums.technet.microsoft.com/en-US/winserverhyperv/thread/8004c699-1a22-4f33-9fcd-7271bfcaf74e

Quoted from a blog by Sander Berkouwer

Add or remove programs

Again there are two ways to get information on the software that is installed onto your Server Core installation in absence of the "Add or Remove programs" Control Panel applet. (also known as appwiz.cpl)

Registry

The first way is by checking the registry keys underneath the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Luckily Server Core offers regedit.exe and regedt32.exe to digg deep into the registry of our Server Core box. Actually the "Add or Remove programs" Control Panel applet checks these registry keys at well. Since we all know how long it takes to get a complete list of all the software on your windows box it's obvious this method takes a lot of time.

As this TechNet page points out the software packages that are listed underneath the Uninstall registry key all have a registry value associated with the UninstallString. You can use this value as a command to uninstall the software.

WMI

The things that are better left unspoken : Add or Remove programs in Server Core

To change the time zone on a computer running a Server Core installation of Windows Server 2008, run control timedate.cpl.

http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/47a23a74-e13c-46de-8d30-ad0afb1eaffc1033.mspx?mfr=true

In the past, I have used mstsc /console to get to "session 0" on remote machines.  With Vista and Windows Server 2008 that isn't the correct command though.  Instead it has been changed to mstsc /admin.

If you are trying to free up space on your system drive you may run across a very large  log file in the system32\wbem\logs folder:

SYMPTOMS

When you use Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and you configure it to log all events on your Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer or Microsoft Windows XP-based computer for quick analysis and troubleshooting of problems, the file size of both the Framework.log and the Framework.lo_ files may be greater than what you configured for them.

The Framework.log file grows larger than 64 KB when you use WMI on a Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP computer

 I thought this was an interesting perspective on Vista.  He doesn't try to gloss over shortcoming, but he does point out that not all the pains are Microsoft's fault.  I mean really...  Do venders really think if they ignore Microsoft it will just go away?

Does Vista suck?

Though not without its warts, Microsoft's much maligned OS gets the job done for enterprise users

By Oliver Rist

August 22, 2007

Does Vista suck? | InfoWorld | Test Center | August 22, 2007 | By Oliver Rist

I am responsible for keeping a number of machines (around 900 or so) up to date with all the latest Windows Updates.  Recently I noticed that a number (around 15 or so that I am sure of) weren't installing particular updates.  I have seen this in the past, but the particular updates that wouldn't apply weren't of real concern to me, so I didn't really investigate.  The latest updates were of concern though so I started looking into it.  Here are the errors that I am getting:

Description:
Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80070643: Visual Studio 2005 Service Pack 1.

Description:
The installation of C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\ZNWF10\VS80sp1-KB926601-X86-ENU.msp is not permitted due to an error in software restriction policy processing. The object cannot be trusted.

As you can see, this particular update is for Visual Studio Service Pack 1.  After a little digging, I found this:

http://support.installshield.com/kb/view.asp?articleid=Q111207

It basically says that there is a problem with the way the local security policy is configured.  When I looked, it appeared that the local security Software Restrictions Policy wasn't configured.  I "added" a policy and put the dot in the "All users except local administrators".  After that the install ran fine.

 I came across Ben Armstrong's Blog today while doing a little searching.  He has some good stuff about Microsoft Virtual Server on there and one of the things he posted on has to do with a calculator to figure out how to configure your Virtual environment.  It doesn't take much to figure out that Data Center Edition may actually be worth paying for when you use multi-core processors and pack a lot of VMs on one host.

Windows Server Virtualization Calculator

I do not know how I missed this one, but this is a very cool tool.  The Windows Server Virtualization Calculator allows you to specify how many virtual machines you will be running, on a given set of hardware, and it will show you all of your licensing options for buying Windows Server.  This way you can quickly determine what the best option is for your environment.

Virtual PC Guy's WebLog : Windows Server Virtualization Calculator

I have been using Microsoft Virtual Server since it was first released.  I have also used Virtual PC a good bit.  (I like VPC 2007 on Vista 64bit hardware.)  I have only ever used the web interface to work with MSVS.  I just today decided to try the VMRC Client.

Overview

VMRCplus is a tool for both configuration management of Virtual Server and remote control of virtual machines. It allows for local and remote management of Virtual Server and supports simultaneous management of up to 32 Virtual Server hosts.
Remote control sessions of virtual machines are grouped in a single window using Tab pages. The interface enables sorting virtual machines based on various properties like name, status and description. Multi-select of virtual machines enable you to perform actions to change their status or open remote control sessions all at once.
VMRCplus is a Windows application and does not require IIS to manage Virtual Server.

Download details: Virtual Machine Remote Control Client Plus (VMRCplus)

I think I like it.  if nothing else for the fact that it gives you a quick rundown of the numbers, and an easy way to connect to the various machines.  I like the client console having "tabs" for each machine that you are connected to.  makes it easy to track multiple machines without having to go back to the master status page of the web interface.

I have had a few machines that occasionally have strange color combinations and you can't see the logon box to view what you are typing.  I finally put the right words in the search to come up with the answer: 

SYMPTOMS

After you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to log on to a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer, the logon screen turns black. Although you cannot see what you are typing, you can successfully log on to the Windows Server 2003-based computer. Then, after you successfully log on, the screen becomes visible.
Note This symptom may occur on both the terminal server sessions and the local console. Additionally, this symptom occurs even if you start the computer in Safe mode.

The logon screen turns black after you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to log on to a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer

I was trying to figure out how to get some data from an ODBC source and put it into SQL, and found a post with an interesting possible answer: 

Recently, I discovered an issue with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) regarding how the Execute SQL Task item handles returning a result set to the control flow. Lets start by demonstrating an existing issue with the Execute SQL Task using ODBC then I'll present a solution. First, create a new DSN that points to the database using the ODBC Data Sources Administrator (Control Panel | Administrator Tools | ODBC Data Sources). If you are only dealing with SQL Server you can still test this out by creating a DSN that uses the SQL Server ODBC driver.

Sql Server Integration Service (SSIS) Execute SQL Task ODBC Result Set Bug/Workaround

 I was trying to migrate a table from one database to another using a script.  It shouldn't have been too complicated.  It probably wouldn't be for someone who has done it before.  I had a problem getting some of the fields to copy over.  They all involved date/time information.  My search led me to this interesting post:

SSIS: What's the difference between DT_DATE and DT_DBTIMESTAMP

Database people don't generally like date values too much. They're too fiddly. There's god-knows-how-many ways of representing them...and don't even get me started on regional date settings!!

SSIS Junkie : SSIS: What's the difference between DT_DATE and DT_DBTIMESTAMP

So when I tried to install the update that I downloaded in my earlier post, I got the following message:

The product instance SQL Tools has had update 3054 installed. You do not need to install this update. An update equal to or greater than 3159 should be downloaded.

Isn't that special... 

Guess I need to do some more searching...

I was trying to build a tool to move some data between a TSM Database and a SQL 2005 Database.  Mostly so that I can create a few reports to impress people who don't have any idea what it is that I am reporting on. 

There are a number of issues with trying to do this, not the least of which is the fact that I have no idea what I am really doing.  The fact that I am working with a mixture of x32 and x64 operating systems and applications isn't helping.  The fact that Microsoft doesn't really like to work with ODBC drivers and Tivoli doesn't provide x64 ODBC Drivers makes it more complicated.

I did some searching and I am not the only one who has tried to use ODBC to move data around.  There is a nice blog post here:

http://blogs.simplifi.com/brucet/archive/2006/01/27/668.aspx

But when I tried that I kept getting this error:

Package Validation Error
Error at ImportTastk: The task is configured to pre-compile the script, but binary code is not found. Please visit the IDE in Script Task Editor by clicking Design Script button to cause binary code to be generated.
 (Microsoft.DataTransformationServices.VsIntegration)

I did a google on that and came up with a hotfix that is supposed to fix the issue:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=8AF6C597-0F18-4E61-B3D2-AAD66CDCACF5&displaylang=en

I will be applying that and see what I get...

I recently came up with an idea to use an internal blog to document stuff happening in our group at work.  (Document what you know...) 

The problem was that SharePoint Blogs by default limit you to one category per post and that just would be as helpful in my mind.  So I did a search and came up with this post on Lawrence Liu's Blog.

I happened to read one of the many junk e-mails that I get from Microsoft (I get them on purpose) and saw this tool for posting to a blog.  I thought I would try it out.  I just downloaded and installed it, but I haven't read anything on it yet.  I thought I would go with a "trial by fire" sort of approach. 

It looks like you can do standard blog tasks with it, such as insert tables, pictures, maps, tags, or hyperlinks.  I am just going to insert a hyperlink to the download.

Click here to go to the Windows Live Writer download page.

Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.  You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

OR you may just need to removed Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration.  I haven't ever like it.  This is just one more reason.

I found this by accident when I was installing SQL tools on my Vista machine.  I think it gives a pretty good short explanation of User Account Control.

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/windowsvistasupport.mspx

This paragraph starts the helpful explanation:

Microsoft Windows Vista includes a new feature, User Account Control (UAC), which helps administrators manage their use of elevated privileges. When running on Microsoft Windows Vista, administrators do not use their administrative privileges by default. They perform most actions as standard (non-administrative) users, temporarily assuming their administrative privileges only when necessary. This separation of privileges causes some known issues.

So, I was thinking that I would write a script to transfer some DHCP scopes from one machine to another.  Well, wouldn't you know...  there is already a tool to do that, and I didn't even have to install software, just read a little article...

http://www.geekadmin.com/?p=13

I have Windows Server 2003.  So here is the pertinant part for me:

Use this command to export all scopes from the source machine:

netsh dhcp server export C:\dhcp.txt all

Install the dhcp server on the new machine and run this import command:

netsh dhcp server import C:\dhcp.txt all

After that authorize the dhcp server and that´s it!

Quick and easy.

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2048070,00.asp?kc=EWENTEMNL110306EOAD

In Windows Vista, Microsoft is making an effort to help you figure out where your weaknesses are when it comes to PC performance.  The Windows Experience Index is an evaluation of key components of your system.  When you want to know what to do to improve performace, you can take a look at it and decide what areas to concentrate on. 

I think this will be a good tool for companies looking to move to Vista from XP.  You can test your various machine types and look at the Experience Index to determine if you want to replace the machines, add memory, or just move to Vista as is.

Here is a related article: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=86

I was looking around and found a blog entry that stipulates that Windows 3.1 is still alive.

http://bink.nu/photos/news_article_images/category1022/picture13552.aspx

Silliness prevails it seems.

So I was looking through the Services and noticed a couple of interesting items.  You probably have already seen this, but when I saw “ReadyBoost” I was a bit stumped as to what that could possibly be.  I noticed there are a LOT of new services with Vista, and decided to look it up.  (One of these days, I will actually look at some of the features of Vista.  I have been running it long enough that you would think I had a clue.)

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/features/foreveryone/performance.mspx

Here is the part about ReadyBoost:

Windows ReadyBoost

Adding system memory (RAM) is often the best way to improve your PC's performance. More memory means applications can run without needing to access the hard drive. However, upgrading memory is not always easy. You need to know what type of memory you need, purchase the memory, and open your computer to install the memory—which sometimes can invalidate your support agreement. Also, some machines have limited memory expansion capabilities, preventing you from adding RAM even if you are willing to do so.

Windows Vista introduces a new concept in adding memory to a system. Windows ReadyBoost lets users use a removable flash memory device, such as a USB thumb drive, to improve system performance without opening the box. Windows ReadyBoost can improve system performance because it can retrieve data kept on the flash memory more quickly than it can retrieve data kept on the hard disk, decreasing the time you need to wait for your PC to respond. Combined with SuperFetch technology, this can help drive impressive improvements in system responsiveness.

Windows ReadyBoost technology is reliable and provides protection of the data stored on your device. You can remove the memory device at any time without any loss of data or negative impact to the system; however, if you remove the device, your performance returns to the level you experienced without the device. Additionally, data on the removable memory device is encrypted to help prevent inappropriate access to data when the device is removed.

I was looking around for something else, but came across this and thought it was useful:

http://vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic562-12-1.aspx

There are some interesting tweaks there.

If you have a number of DHCP reservations or scopes, 87 specifically, you might have a problem opening the MMC snap-in.  It is ok if you have 86 or 88.  Apparently there is an “error 87” and if you have 87 reservations or 87 scopes the snap-in gets confused.  To fix it, you can call Microsoft for the Hotfix, wait for SP2 for Server 2003, or just use the command line to add a nother reservation or scope.  For more information, see the KB article below:

http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=902954

So... the other day I was working on a script.  I had a need to delete several registry Subkeys under one key.  I hadn't really figured out how I was going to go about it, but I happened to pick up a copy of TechNet Magazine on my desk and see at the bottom “Scripting Guys take on the Registry”.  It was a neat coincidence that they happened to talk about the very subject I was about to attack.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2006/08/ScriptingGuy/default.aspx

Microsoft's Script Center has a “funzone“ that has a weekly scripting puzzle.  I haven't tried it yet, but it would seem like a good way to get some practice scripting. 

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/funzone/puzzle/default.mspx

I found an interesting article about Longhorn Server.

http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/longhorn_server_preview2_01.asp

So, I have installed Windows Vista Beta 2.  I have Office 2007 Beta 2 installed as well.  So far, I have mostly been trying to figure out how to do the things that I don't have to think about with XP.

I am an admin on the machine of course, but with Vista, you have to "Run Elevated" to be able to update software.  (You might have already known that, but it took me a while to figure it out.  I forgive myself, because I get distracted easily and don't always get to concentrate on side issues.)

Another issue for me is the fact that Admin Tools aren't availible for Vista.  I have to log into some other machine to manage AD, DHCP, DNS, etc., etc...

Other things I have figured out?  The OS is kind of like Windows 2000 in that it is a bit of a resource hog.  I hope that will be leveled a bit as we get closer to release.  Lots of eye candy, but not sure if I like it.  It isn't too stable yet, at least with the currently availible drivers for my video card.  The walpaper doesn't show on one of my two monitors unless I have an application open that causes it to cease the Aero effects. Kind of annoying.

I am still trying to get accustomed to the IE7 tabs.  Some of the settings that I had on IE6 to get IE to behave the way I want it to behave, aren't in the same place in IE7 and/or the particulars that you have to do are different.  Plus the fact that I haven't quite figured out how I want the tabs to behave. 

Office 2007 has some of the same stability issues as earlier versions, things hand on occasion, or just don't do anything.  I am hoping for some updates to this soon...

If you have a new server/computer without a floppy drive and you want to install Windows, how do you get past the need to have a floppy drive after you have pressed the infamous “F6”?  Well, you could go buy a floppy drive, or

I fould a nice little utility that will let you build a CD with the desired drivers already present.  It also give you options to configure an unattended setup, remove unwanted components, add Service Packs and hotfixes, etc.

It can be found here:  http://www.nliteos.com/

Want to be able to Right Click and “Send To” a program that isn't there already?

Go to “C:\Documents and Settings\%Username%\SendTo\” and drop a short cut to the program you want to see there.

PROBLEM: Users unable to logon to W2k3 TS. There are 4 TS in a Citrix farm and once the problem happens the particular users can never logon. This issue is random and happens to only some users.

Error: Winlogon.exe - Instruction “0x75998902” Referenced memory at “0x0151036c”.  The memory could not be “read“.

The issue was fixed by Resetting the browser settings by right-clicking on "User Configuration/Windows Settings/Internet explorer maintenance" in Group Policy.

Can't delete a user profile in Windows?  Try running this utility.  It runs as a service that removes hooks in the registry that fail to close automatically when a user logs off.

I don't know if anyone really ever does this, but I thought it was interesting.  It is a tool that lets you embed fonts in a web page so that people can see the font you created the page with even if they don't have that font installed.  If someone knows of a more current way to do this, let me know.  I was just browsing when I cam across this and wasn't too concerned about be up to date.

http://www.microsoft.com/typography/web/embedding/weft3/default.htm

To look for a WMI namespace and other tasks that deal with WMI, you can download WMI Tools from Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=6430F853-1120-48DB-8CC5-F2ABDC3ED314