Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Windows file systems showdown: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS and ReFS

  Some older file formats continue to find life in the enterprise decades after they were developed for their versatility -- in certain situations.  Continue Reading

• What are Windows virtualization-based security features?

  Microsoft Hyper-V on Windows comes with advanced protection schemes, including several virtualization-based security features the company introduced in Windows Server 2019.  Continue Reading

• How does Microsoft BitLocker secure local, cloud resources?

  The BitLocker encryption technology continues to evolve from its roots as a Windows Vista feature to protect resources both in the local data center and in the Azure cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• What are some Windows Server 2019 SDN security features?

  Microsoft continued to refine the software-defined networking capabilities in its latest server operating system by developing several new security features.  Continue Reading

• What are some features in Microsoft Defender ATP?

  The threat protection platform, which underwent a recent name change, comes with some tailored features for Windows Server 2019 to stop attacks and reduce configuration issues.  Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI hardware and support costs?

  Organizations can cap their hyper-converged infrastructure costs when they deploy the Azure Stack HCI platform, but once they plug into the cloud, it's a different story.  Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI deployment, management options?

  While the Windows Admin Center is one way to manage the Azure Stack HCI platform, you can also use traditional, battle-tested tools.  Continue Reading

• Do you know the difference in the Microsoft HCI programs?

  Hyper-converged infrastructure that runs on Windows Server is not a new concept, but Microsoft's Azure Stack HCI program has one big difference from earlier HCI incarnations.  Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI features?

  An Azure Stack HCI system relies on Windows Server 2019 to deliver the software-defined compute, storage and networking technologies that integrate with the OEM hardware.  Continue Reading

• What's new in hybrid Azure services in Windows Admin Center?

  Trying to get the most out of Azure hybrid services? Discover Microsoft's latest developments to further centralize management in Windows Admin Center.  Continue Reading

• How do I avoid Exchange disk space issues?

  Exchange Server log files tend to chew up a lot of space, particularly on the later versions. Here's how to keep the mail flowing when a hard drive fills up.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V vs. vSphere: How do the latest versions stack up?

  Microsoft recently released Windows Server 2019, so how do the features in this version of Hyper-V compare to VMware's virtualization platform?  Continue Reading

• Why should I use Exchange Server maintenance mode?

  When applying security updates or cumulative updates to Exchange Server, it's important to take your time and use maintenance mode to avoid disruption and data corruption.  Continue Reading

• How should you handle Exchange Server updates?

  Microsoft changed its release model after Exchange 2010, which has caused some confusion for administrators who work on newer versions of the messaging platform.  Continue Reading

• What service does the Microsoft WSSD program provide?

  A do-it-yourself approach with hyper-converged infrastructure can lead to trouble when software-defined features just won't work. See how the WSSD program can prevent issues.  Continue Reading

• How do I avoid Exchange security certificate issues?

  Exchange SSL certificates keep communications secure, so it's important avoid the bargain bin when shopping for them.  Continue Reading

• What are some potential Windows Server cluster set snags?

  Windows Server 2019 cluster sets bring some Azure-like capabilities into the data center, but new features also bring new challenges for administrators.  Continue Reading

• What are some Microsoft SDDC integration challenges?

  Microsoft added a number of new software-defined features in Windows Server 2019, but deploying a fully virtualized data center remains a challenge for several reasons.  Continue Reading

• How is the Microsoft SDDC concept becoming a reality?

  The promise of a software-defined infrastructure and its ability to pool resources require the right administrative tool to keep the virtualized fabric from fraying.  Continue Reading

• How do you build Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?

  Microsoft debuted cluster sets in its Windows Server 2019 release. Here's a rundown on how to deploy this high availability feature in your organization.  Continue Reading

• What Windows Server 2019 SDN features should I know about?

  Administrators in highly virtualized environments can tap into enhanced Windows Server 2019 SDN functionality to run Hyper-V VMs more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• What features make up Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?

  Windows Server 2019 takes clustering to a new level with the cluster sets feature that wraps another layer of high availability around critical VMs.  Continue Reading

• What advantages do Windows Server cluster sets offer?

  Administrators don't need to stress about workload uptime with a new Windows Server 2019 clustering feature, which makes sharing resources and moving VMs easier.  Continue Reading

• What are some common Windows Server 2019 SDN errors?

  The complexity of setting up and managing Microsoft SDN can increase the risk of administrators facing common networking errors that are difficult to troubleshoot.  Continue Reading

• What key SDN features are in Windows Server 2019?

  Microsoft SDN capabilities got a boost in Windows Server 2019 to wrap more security around VMs and make networking tasks less painful to execute.  Continue Reading

• How much does Azure Update Management cost?

  The Azure Update Management cost is free, but organizations that require the tool's advanced features might have to contend with additional fees.  Continue Reading

• What are some Microsoft SDN features in Windows Server?

  SDN functionality helps administrators shape network traffic to reduce congestion and boost security. Discover what other SDN features Microsoft added to its Windows Server offerings.  Continue Reading

• How does Azure Update Management handle integration?

  Azure Update Management works with other Microsoft administrative tools to give IT pros a more complete offering to patch operating systems.  Continue Reading

• What OSes does Azure Update Management handle?

  Azure Update Management supports a large number of Windows and Linux systems on premises and in the cloud, but there are certain requirements to meet to utilize the service.  Continue Reading

• How does Azure Update Management handle patching?

  Microsoft built Azure Update Management for administrators who require a centralized tool to automate patches for systems both on premises and in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Why do admins need both powershell.exe and pwsh.exe?

  While the PowerShell development team wants IT to move on to the newer PowerShell version, the powershell.exe executable will remain to avoid breaking changes.  Continue Reading

• How to deploy a Windows Server 2016 domain controller

  Follow these tips to create a domain controller in Windows Server 2016 with these instructions, from server setup to adding users.  Continue Reading

• What are the steps for an Exchange certificate renewal?

  An expired Exchange 2010 certificate is one of those issues that catches everyone's attention. Check and replace certificates with these basic commands.  Continue Reading

• How does AD DS differ from Microsoft Azure Active Directory?

  On-premises Active Directory or Azure AD? It doesn't have to be an either/or situation, as more cloud services are making their way into traditional data center environments.  Continue Reading

• Understand Active Directory basics for enterprise success

  You can't get the most out of a tool unless you understand its features. This tip explains the basics of Active Directory and how it controls access and maintains order.  Continue Reading

• What are the Microsoft IRM requirements for Exchange 2016?

  Before a company can take advantage of information rights management on the Exchange 2016 platform, administrators must ensure the server setup meets the technical requirements.  Continue Reading

• How do you use Outlook IRM to protect email content?

  The information rights management feature in Exchange prevents unauthorized parties from viewing sensitive content. Admins can tailor the settings to fit the company's needs.  Continue Reading

• What are the Windows Defender management tools?

  If you're using Windows Defender AV to protect your company, it's imperative to configure the malware protection properly. This tip lays out the management options for admins.  Continue Reading

• How do I get access to Office 365 preview versions?

  Your power users will want to be the first in line to try out upcoming features through the Office 365 targeted release program. Set up early access with this step-by-step guide.  Continue Reading

• How do I avoid Windows Defender compatibility issues?

  Microsoft offers a free antimalware tool for client and server systems, but administrators need to tune the layers of protection to avoid problems.  Continue Reading

• How do admins check the Exchange IRM setup?

  Testing Exchange information rights management functionality can be tedious, but Microsoft offers a dedicated cmdlet for Exchange 2016 administrators that streamlines the process.  Continue Reading

• What are System Center DPM 2016 limitations?

  Not every tool is right for the job of backing up data. Find out what limits System Center DPM 2016 protection and which alternatives cover what it lacks.  Continue Reading

• How do I keep Windows Defender definitions current?

  Administrators in charge of keeping antivirus software up to date have a few options to protect their servers. Learn about the methods and services to use with Windows Defender Antivirus.  Continue Reading

• How does the Office Insider program work?

  The Office Insider program can benefit organizations that want as much lead time as possible to see what new features Microsoft plans to release for its Office 365 platform.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows Defender Antivirus protect against malware?

  Microsoft offers Windows Defender Antivirus as its native tool to prevent malware attacks. Discover how it works and what advanced protections it provides.  Continue Reading

• Exchange IRM helps enterprises lock down information

  Exchange Server's information rights management features put boundaries on messages and documents to avoid the mishandling of restricted content.  Continue Reading

• How do you fix Outlook display issues?

  Outlook crashes and rendering issues might require an upgrade -- or a downgrade -- for administrators who want to avoid a Band-Aid approach and want a permanent solution.  Continue Reading

• What DPM monitoring options are there?

  Administrators tasked with checking the status of System Center Data Protection Manager have a few choices, some of which are better suited for larger DPM deployments.  Continue Reading

• How do I build data protection policies in SCDPM 2016?

  One size does not fit all when administrators develop a protection policy for specific applications. Learn about the configuration options in System Center DPM 2016.  Continue Reading

• What are some considerations for a public folders migration?

  Contemplating a move to Exchange Online? Be sure you know what you're in for when shifting on-premises features, such as public folders, into Microsoft's cloud.  Continue Reading

• How does Data Protection Manager 2016 save and restore data?

  Data Protection Manager 2016 works with a wide range of enterprise applications, but administrators need to be aware that some backup types do not work with every program.  Continue Reading

• Why is there an Outlook folder missing from Outlook Web App?

  Some folders in a mailbox on Exchange Server 2013 are not showing up on the folder list in the OWA virtual directory but do appear in other views.  Continue Reading

• What are my options for Azure ExpressRoute connections?

  For companies that need a private connection and full access to different Azure regions, Microsoft offers a premium version of Azure ExpressRoute.  Continue Reading

• How can I share Outlook calendars from the EMC?

  Is there a way to gain access to multiple users' calendars from the Exchange Management Console in Exchange 2010?  Continue Reading

• What are SR-IOV pros and cons with Hyper-V?

  SR-IOV in Windows Server 2012 R2 supports Hyper-V Live Migration, but system requirements hampered adoption for some cases. Should everyone put PCIe SR-IOV to use?  Continue Reading

• What are the limitations and drawbacks of an IPAM server?

  Windows Server IPAM can only handle one Active Directory forest. Learn about other limitations.  Continue Reading

• How do I grant users outside the LAN access to OWA?

  Our company has users who reside outside the local area network. What's the best way to grant those users access to Outlook Web App?  Continue Reading

• How does Exchange Native Data Protection work?

  Take a look at what Exchange Native Data Protection does in Exchange 2013 to decide if it fits into your organization.  Continue Reading

• How can I delete Exchange audit logs?

  Admins don't have to sidestep the default settings for deleting logs, but if needed, these PowerShell cmdlets will get the job done.  Continue Reading

• How does write back cache improve performance?

  With Windows Server 2012 R2 and earlier, admins have access to write-back caching, leading to reasonable improvements for mission-critical workloads.  Continue Reading

• When to use CPU affinity with Windows Server 2012 R2

  There are several issues to consider before you decide to use CPU affinity in Windows Server 2012 R2.  Continue Reading

• How a shared virtual disk can benefit a Windows Server data center

  With the introduction of Windows Server 2012 R2, shared virtual disks have capabilities to improve failover clusters in a few ways.  Continue Reading

• A closer look at virtual hard disks in Windows Server 2012 R2

  The VHDX format includes performance-enhancing features and capabilities that let virtual servers recover VMs with little to no data loss.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 makes VM migration faster, smoother

  The Windows Server 2012 R2 release continues to push the trend of faster and less disruptive VM migrations in the data center.  Continue Reading

• Compression eases Live Migration process in Windows Server 2012 R2

  By using Live Migration compression, smaller VM files are transferred more quickly between systems and have fewer resent or dropped packets.  Continue Reading

• How Remote DMA improves Live Migration in Windows Server 2012 R2

  The RDMA feature can use high-throughput, low-latency data exchanges to improve Live Migration's performance in Windows Server 2012 R2.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces boosts performance

  Three new features in Windows Storage Spaces -- storage tiering, write-back caching and dual parity -- boost storage performance.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces addresses storage growth demands

  Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces offers an alternative to traditional SAN storage and includes updates for virtualizing shared storage.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces suits SSD deployments

  With the new storage tiering feature, Storage Spaces in Windows Server 2012 R2 works best with solid-state-drive devices.  Continue Reading

• Steps to read XML files with PowerShell

  Wondering how to get PowerShell to read XML files? Our expert explains a few methods you could use.  Continue Reading

• Logging your every move with a PowerShell transcript

  There are a few methods for creating a PowerShell transcript that logs everything. We highlight a few of these and what to know about each.  Continue Reading

• How do I use a PowerShell filter to identify files by date?

  Our expert answers one of the most common questions he hears from admins about using a PowerShell filter to find a file's accurate date.  Continue Reading

• Why mssphtb.dll was disabled in Outlook 2010

  Exchange admins wonder why Microsoft disabled the mssphtb.dll utility in Outlook 2010. Our expert clears the air on this misunderstood search component.  Continue Reading

• Reconfiguring .pst file home locations on Exchange

  Find out how to set home default locations and autoarchive your .pst files.  Continue Reading

• Defining the relationship between Outlook, AD and Exchange Server

  Find out how Outlook, AD and Exchange are connected and the roles each play for users.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook error message: 'Mailbox Size Limit exceeded'

  An Exchange administrator keeps receiving an error message stating 'Mailbox Size Limit exceeded.' See what to check before taking action.  Continue Reading

• Sending poll questions through Exchange to non-Outlook users

  Learn if you can send out polling questions through Exchange Server to recipients who don't use Microsoft Outlook.  Continue Reading

• Why can't I grant users permissions to an Exchange public folder?

  Exchange Server public folder permissions can be complex. Get troubleshooting advice on delegating permissions to Exchange Server public folders here.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot Outlook Web Access (OWA) login error: 'Access denied'

  Learn how to troubleshoot Outlook Web Access (OWA) login errors that prevent OWA users from accessing their email.  Continue Reading

• Set Outlook calendar permissions for group to view private meetings

  Learn how to grant Microsoft Outlook calendar permissions, including access to private Microsoft Outlook calendar meetings, to a select group of users.  Continue Reading

• Get Outlook meeting requests to show as 'tentative'

  Find out how to set up Microsoft Outlook so that meeting requests will show up on attendees' calendars as tentative until they respond to the meeting request.  Continue Reading

• OWA users can't open PDF attachments in Web browser

  Some Outlook Web Access users can't open PDF attachments in the Web browser, but they can save them. Find out how to enable users to view PDF attachments.  Continue Reading

• How to retrieve email from an SMTP server using POP3

  Follow these steps to retrieve email from an SMTP server using POP3 in Microsoft Outlook 2003.  Continue Reading

• Not receiving email messages that have file attachments

  Discover options to explore if you're not receiving email messages that have file attachments and the sender isn't receiving non-delivery reports (NDRs) for the undelivered messages.  Continue Reading

• New Active Directory account not showing up in Exchange Global Address List

  If you can't find names in an Exchange Server Global Address List after entering them as new accounts in Active Directory, here's what you need to check.  Continue Reading

• How to recover email in a specific date range from a .PST file

  Get step-by-step instructions on how to recover email that falls within a specific data range from a Microsoft Outlook 2003 .PST file.  Continue Reading

• Setting up OWA in Exchange Server 2003

  SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman provides instruction on how to set up and access Outlook Web Access via the Web in Exchange Server 2003.  Continue Reading

• Cannot reply or forward in Outlook Web Access

  If you can't reply or forward in Outlook Web Access (OWA), you may need to add your Exchange Server URL to Internet Explorer's Trusted Sites list.  Continue Reading