An ordinary guy trying to make a difference
The face behind the FAQs
OK I've got a fix for the Skype issue I mentioned yesterday:
First backup your contacts as you're going to uninstall the software (my contacts came back when I re-installed but I wasn't taking any chances - from the "Tools" menu select "Advanced | Backup up Contacts to File..." then provide a filename/ location).
Then uninstall Skype.
Reboot (I think this is VERY important)
Re-install Skype BUT on the "Install" screen click the "Options" button.
Uncheck the very bottom option to install the Skype plugin for IE
Finish the install and fingers crossed all should be well (if your contacts don't come back you re-import them using the backup you made earlier.
No official explanation what is going on yet (awaiting a reply to my Support Ticket). More details as I get them.
So I get an email from Skype saying the version of the software is available for Windows (Version: 3.6.0.216) which offers some cool new features so I download and install it as I've never had problems before.
After the install finishes I get a message saying that because of a new IE plug-in that's been installed I need to reboot before I can take advantage of it so I do.
Ever since then though whenever I load IE it freezes and locks up so I'm off to try and troubleshoot it.
If you're seeing a similar issue let me know.
One workaround I've found is to open Skype and from the "Help" menu select "Help" which opens an IE window that works.
If I find out anything I'll let you know.
Shame I didn't keep the install for the old version (lesson learnt :-( )
Internet Information Services 6.0
944884 Description of the time-taken field in IIS 6.0 and IIS 7.0 HTTP logging
943525 You cannot start the SQL Server Agent service of a failover cluster of SQL Server 2005 if the build of SQL Server build is 3179 or a later build
944902 FIX: A federated database server stops responding when you run parallel queries on a multiprocessor computer that uses NUMA architecture in SQL Server 2005
943706 The MonitoringHost.exe process on the System Center Operations Manager 2007 root management server may consume more than 2 gigabytes of memory
942710 The Address bar is displayed unexpectedly when you use Internet Explorer 7 to browse a Web page that you developed
944434 An application that calls the DsUnBind function may crash on a Windows Server 2003-based computer
942088 Error message when you perform a file operation on a Windows Server 2003-based computer that has IPv6 installed: "Stop 0x000000C9"
944704 When you try to shut down or to restart a Windows Server 2003-based computer that has USB devices connected, the computer stops responding and displays a black screen
Following on from my post about making sure you know how to turn off your flash this post explains how to control the flash on the Sony DSC-T1. This camera has the following four settings, the status of which is indicated by the flash (lightning bolt) symbol in the viewfinder:
To switch between modes simply press the Up arrow button on the 4-way pad that has the lightning bolt above.
Page 29 of the manual (available for download from here), gives full instructions.
OK time for some Feedback on Windows Live Writer:
I'm going to carry on using Live Writer despite these nuances as on the whole it's a good product and I know Rome wasn't built in a day ;-)
I can't explain what happened to me earlier in the year but I was taking pictures with my trusty Sony Cybershot in Lisbon when I got the urge to start shooting more than just your typical tourist "point and shoot" pictures.
So after investing in a Canon EOS 400D and some lenses and starting to learn some basic skills I've been visiting some amazing places and taking what I think are some pretty okay pictures (improving all the time I'm glad to say).
But one thing I find repeatedly disturbing is people's lack of respect when taking pictures in museums, churches and other monuments where it clearly states either in words or pictures or BOTH that photographs are allowed but NO FLASH.
So there is me playing by the rules and countless times I've seen someone fire off a picture with the flash.
Now these places have these rules for a variety of reasons such as disturbing other visitors or the ambience, but probably most of all you firing off a flash at something like an old oil painting is actually fading and damaging it.
If you stop to look and think the whole reason these places and their artifacts have survived several centuries is because they are darkened without direct sun light in the majority of cases.
"So what difference does my one little flash picture?"
On it's own probably not that much but when you've got hundreds and maybe even thousands of people doing the same thing the cumulative effect is alarming and we're damaging our and our children's heritage.
So PLEASE folks I know instruction manuals are as interesting as watching paint dry and hardly the most intuitive at the best of times but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure you know how to turn off the flash on your camera (and also the auto focusing beep whilst you're at it as it's very off putting being in some of these wonderful, serene places and being disturbed by the constant auto focusing beep of people taking pictures).
Why bother? Well if you don't then pretty soon many places will be forced to introducing the rule of no photos at all to protect their assets which is frustrating as hell when you visit somewhere and want to take a picture but you're told you can't as people never respected the no flash rule in the past so there's now a blanket no photo ban.
Don't believe me? The next time you visit somewhere like this just ask a member of staff and they will tell you.
You'll probably find you get a better, more natural result by turning off the flash anyway.
In fact to help folks out if people want to email me or post comments on how to turn off the flash on different models of camera I'll post them here for everyone's benefit. Spread the word folks and let's help protect our heritage for generations to come as well as allowing everyone to enjoy happy memories by looking back on wonderful pictures of the beautiful places we are blessed with.
944886 Error message when you use the Response.BinaryWrite method in IIS 6 and in IIS 7: "HTTP 500" or "Response buffer limit exceeded"
939318 Error message when you insert data in an article that has automatic identity range handling enabled in a merge replication in SQL Server 2000: "The identity range managed by replication is full and must be updated by a replication agent"
944390 Error message when you connect to a named instance of SQL Server on a client computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008: "Specified SQL server not found" or "Error Locating Server/Instance Specified"
944517 FIX: Error message when you create a WMI event alert by using the sp_add_alert stored procedure in SQL Server 2005: "The @wmi_query could not be executed in the @wmi_namespace provided"
942704 FIX: All later commands are ignored after the SQLDescribeParam function returns an error message in a SQL Server 2005-based application that uses the SQL Native Client ODBC provider
944443 List of issues that are fixed in System Center Operations Manager 2007 Service Pack 1 Release Candidate
945009 Detection and deployment guidance for the November 13, 2007 security release
942880 A Windows Server 2003-based computer may stop responding after you enter your user name and password in the Windows logon dialog box
944329 All members of a group are removed when the group is selected by the Restricted Groups policy settings and then Group Policy is refreshed in the background
944733 The Add Printer Wizard stops responding in Windows Server 2003 SP1 when you install a printer to a print server
942213 The MMC.exe program randomly becomes unresponsive when the user clicks OK or Cancel several times to close a Windows form in Windows Server 2003
944402 The password of the wrong user account is reset when you use the Active Directory Users and Computers MMC snap-in to reset a password on a Windows Server 2003-based member server
944203 You may be unable to print a job after you install the .NET Framework 3.0 or the XML Paper Specification Essentials Pack on a Windows XP SP2-based computer or on a Windows Server 2003-based computer
942610 The color depth is unexpectedly changed to 8-bit when a high screen-resolution setting is used in a terminal-server session that is connected to a Windows Server 2003-based computer
943460 MS07-061: Vulnerability in Windows URI Handling could allow remote code execution
941672 MS07-062: Vulnerability in DNS could allow spoofing
944200 A Windows Server 2003-based DHCP server that has a single deactivated scope still responds to DHCP INFORM packets from clients, and therefore network access problems occur
938759 You cannot distribute or install a software package in Windows Server 2003 if the software package contains a very large signed CAB file
Microsoft have announced details of the System Center certifications for both ConfigMgr and Operations (SCOM 2007).
Want to know what the score is? Well look no further... [Go to article]
"Could not get property (memberOf) for system" error in AD System Group Discovery Log Wondering why you're seeing errors like this in your AD System Group Discovery log? Here's why...
About 5 years ago, I approached Server Management magazine (then known as BackOffice magazine), about the possibility of writing some SMS-related articles for them. At that time SMS was nowhere near as popular as it is know. Well I'm delighted to say that earlier this year I was approached by the magazine to write some SMS articles for them.
The initial topic I chose was Management Points as I still personally feel these are one of the major pain points for any SMS-installation when in fact they needn't be.
The first part of the article was published in the October 2007 edition of the magazine and focuses on the basics of what a Management Point (MP), is and then goes on to look at what you need to consider from a design perspective. The second part part of the article due to be published in the November issue looks at installation, configuration and troubleshooting.
I've waited until now to blog about it as I wanted the article to be available online as the printed magazine is only available to UK subscribers (when the second part is available online I'll let you know).
Anyway here's the link:
Site servers are busy machines so how can your advanced clients get a word in? The answer is to provide them with an assistant Written by Cliff Hobbs Published - October 2007
Let me know what you think as well as any ideas you've got for future articles.
In closing, if you're based in the UK and you currently don't subscribe to the magazine then why not? It's free, all you need to do is answer some really basic questions here.
If you're not in the UK all of the articles are available free of charge so I'd recommend you pay a regular visit to the site to checkout the many articles related to Server Management in general not just Systems Management.
For as long as I can remember I've been trying to recruit a SCOM/ MOM specialist to help run these sections of the site as I know the information has been sadly lacking for these sections. Well I'm delighted to announce that Andy Dominey has agreed to join the FAQShop team so keep an eye out for his expert advice on the forums as well as some articles coming soon.
Welcome Andy it's a real honour to have you aboard. To learn more about Andy check out his bio.
OK go figure this one. I copy and paste some information from an MS Security Bulletin to post on my blogs.
It all looks fine on the screen. I post to my myIT blog no problem. But when I post to my WMUG blog a lot of the spaces Microsoft have used to indent lines are replaced with a text string like "   "
The fix is easy if you ever come across the same thing - just edit the post, scroll to the end then delete and re-type the last character. Publish and job done.
Just need to work out why it's doing this now.
If you know the answer then please let me know, if I find it I'll post it here ;-)
Summary The following bulletins have undergone a major revision increment. Please see the appropriate bulletin for more details. * MS07-049 - Important
Bulletin Information: * MS07-049 - Important - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms07-049.mspx - Reason for Revision: V2.0 (November 13, 2007): The security update for Microsoft Virtual PC 2004, Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 Service Pack 1, Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 Standard Edition, Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 Enterprise Edition, Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 Standard Edition, and Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise Edition did not correctly install in certain cases. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update at the earliest opportunity. No action is required on systems where the security update has been successfully installed. For details please read the "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update" section. - Originally posted: August 14, 2007 - Updated: November 13, 2007 - Bulletin Severity Rating: Important - Version: 2.0
Microsoft Unveils Windows HPC Server 2008
Common set of HPC productivity tools across desktop and clusters, including new Parallel Computing Initiative for multi-core development.
Reading, UK, Nov. 13, 2007-- Microsoft today released the first public beta of Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008, a server operating system and tools designed for the fast-growing high-performance computing (HPC) market. Microsoft also created the Parallel Computing Initiative, a program creating a set of common development tools across multi-core desktops and clusters. 
Windows HPC Server 2008, the successor to Windows Computer Cluster Server 2003, is based on the Windows Server 2008 operating system and is designed to increase productivity, scalability and manageability. Windows HPC Server 2008 has been renamed to reflect its readiness to tackle the most challenging HPC workloads. Key features include new high-speed networking, highly efficient and scalable cluster management tools, advanced failover capabilities, a service oriented architecture (SOA) job scheduler, and support for partners’ clustered file systems. The beta is available for download today at http://www.microsoft.com/hpc  ; the final version will be generally available in the second half of 2008.
“With the new advancements, Windows HPC Server 2008 allows customers to achieve the levels of scalability and performance of the most efficient clusters in the Top500 benchmark, while making it dramatically more productive to deploy, utilize and integrate the advanced HPC clusters within their environment,” said Kyril Faenov, general manager of HPC at Microsoft.  “By upgrading to Windows HPC Server 2008 on our 2,048-core production test cluster, we increased the Linpack performance by 30 percent and were able to deploy and validate the cluster in less than two hours using out of the box software.  Expanding beyond traditional MPI-based HPC applications, Windows HPC Server 2008 enables support for high throughput SOA applications with its advanced web service routing capability and paves the way for bringing HPC capabilities to a broad range of enterprise applications.”
This efficiency is currently being demonstrated at the Holland Computing Center in the Peter Kiewit Institute at the University of Nebraska, one of the largest clusters in the world. The new 1,151-node Windows-based cluster is expected to enhance the curriculum and resource capabilities by providing compute cycles for a broad variety of government, research and industry uses.
“We see this as a tremendous opportunity to advance the research capabilities of the Institute to meet the growing and emerging demands of the university community as well as our business partners,” said John Callahan, director of technical infrastructure for the Peter Kiewit Institute. “The scalability and demonstrated performance of the Windows platform has empowered us to provide a medium through which we can develop and train students in a new specialization on parallel computing.”
Adding to performance, Microsoft is also showcasing how cluster administrators, end-users and developers can increase productivity with a common set of tools that span desktop and cluster.  Cluster administrators can save time with Microsoft System Center for application-level monitoring and rapid provisioning; and SQL Reporting Services for capacity planning and auditing.  End-users can save time with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server for data collaboration; and the Windows Workflow Foundation for automating processes across workgroups.
Mixed, dual-boot clusters can also improve cluster efficiency; because dual-boot clusters flexibly service both Linux and Windows users, they increase utilization rates by expanding their number of addressable users. Examples of customers deploying large mixed clusters include the University of Iowa, Cambridge University, 3M and Baker Hughes.  Leading partners that have announced mixed cluster support for Windows HPC Server 2008 include Altair, Cluster Resources, and Platform Computing.  Clustered file system vendors that have announced support for Windows include Panasas, Quantum's StorNext, HP PolyServe, Sanbolic, and IBM has plans to support IBM GPFS on Windows.
Multicore and the Future of High-Performance Computing
Deepening its investment in developer productivity, Microsoft also created the Parallel Computing Initiative, which encompasses the vision, strategy, and innovative developments in systems, runtimes, programming models, libraries, language extensions, and development tools across the desktop and cluster.  Designed to simplify and enable parallelism for a broad set of commercial applications, this initiative adds to standard-based tools available today like MPI and OpenMP, and native parallel debugger support in Visual Studio 2007. New technologies include the Parallel Extensions to the .NET Framework that will enable developers to express parallelism and improve efficiency and scalability of parallel applications.  Over the next six months, Microsoft will ship customer technology previews (CTPs) of this technology.
Demonstrating how Microsoft’s investment into parallel programming is expanding the high-performance computing market, market leaders in the actuarial insurance software market, like Milliman and Towers Perrin, have already announced native support for Windows HPC, introducing a large new segment of performance-sensitive customers to the benefits of parallelism.
These major investments from Microsoft in high-performance computing and parallel programming will enable a broader set of commercial application vendors, as well as corporate and research programmers to embrace parallelism and take full advantage of the potential performance gains that are made available through adoption of multi-core processors and server clusters.
For more information on Windows HPC Server 2008, see the following website: www.microsoft.com/hpc .
####
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
#########
This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corporation disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corporation shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
This from Tony Rogerson SQL Server MVP and founder of the UK SQL Server User Group
"I've secured Kalen Delaney SQL Server MVP and leading SQL Server author on her 20th year of working with SQL Server anniversary tour to do a full day seminar in Reading, the seminar is close to my heart, being a consultant I see many problems and when I get consultancy at different clients with the same problems revolving around parameter sniffing and poor procedure cache usage then it sort of hits you that a lot of other folk are probably having these problems too and probably aren't even aware of it. Kalen will cover these topics:
Price is GBP199 ex VAT considering how much a consultant like me charges to come in and fix a problem this is an absolute bargain.
For information on Kalen's event: