August 2006 - Posts

• Today's articles; August 31, 2006

  SMS 2003 Service Accounts In The SMS Hierarchy by Don Hite - 8/31/2006 In SMS 2003 there are actually three service accounts and they are required accounts and are automatically created by the SMS installation process depending on the security mode that you have selected. MOM MSKB Watch: How to check for an event storm by using MOM 2005 Reporting by Rod Trent - 8/31/2006 When you turn on a new rule, or when you import a new management pack in Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005, the size of the MOM 2005 OnePoint database may increase. Security Day 9: Taking the Windows Live OneCare Challenge by Rod Trent - 8/31/2006 Frankly, I was hoping to have more to report on my 30–day challenge of replacing Norton AntiVirus/Internet with Microsoft’s Windows Live OneCare. To date, things have been pretty quiet. What is there really to write about if an application simply works? Posted Aug 31 2006, 03:17 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Articles

• New myITforum downloads...

  CCR Generator SMS 2003 CCR Generator for SMS Client installations. Download ============================ VBS file for MS06-036 Fix From Microsoft.  No warranties or support applied.  On Windows 2000, this fixes the issue where "The DHCP Client Service is hung on starting." Download Posted Aug 30 2006, 06:40 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Site News

• Windows Administrator/Patch Specialist 15 month contract + in Temecula Ca.

  Windows Administrator/Patch Specialist 15 month contract + in Temecula Ca.   Duties include: ·         Support client environment to include automated Windows operating system security patch updates. ·         Coordinate and create test environments to successfully test and deliver MS Security Patches to multiple client configurations. ·         Provide production support and infrastructure maintenance ·         Support client projects such as MS Window Service Pack upgrades and integration. Must have skills / experience ·         Detailed knowledge of Windows 2000/XP operating system configurations ·         Detailed knowledge of Windows 2000/XP operating system unattended installation and slipstream processes ·         Software packaging using technologies such as MSI, Install Shield and Wyse ·         Scripting knowledge such as Windows Scripting Host, VB or WinBatch (preferred) ·         Knowledge of Windows 2000/2003 Server network environments ·         Knowledge of Windows 2000/XP client and deployment environments ·         Excellent communication skills ·         Presentation skills ·         Time management Highly desired skills / experience ·         Application deployment using various delivery mediums If interested please call me or email ASAP!! Thanks Gary Coleman Sr. Technical Recruiter Sapphire Technologies 800-500-5339 gary.coleman@sapphire.com Posted Aug 30 2006, 06:25 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Jobs

• Today's Articles; August 30, 2006

  SMS 2003 The error code is 8004100E by Scott Simon - 8/30/2006 CCMSetup kicks off and just as quickly stops. No abstact pop up message to entertain you..nothing. What happened? MOM Microsoft Operations Manager Field Guide by Andy Dominey - 8/30/2006 After months of hard work the book is finally going to print! Scripting By Request: Modified Script To Create A New Reporting Folder by Don Hite - 8/30/2006 How can I modify this script to prompt for the Computer Name and for the New console folder name and let me know when it has finished? SQL Server Creating And Populating A SQL Server 2005 Database For Testing by Don Hite - 8/30/2006 In my post entitled “Testing and backing up is (not) hard to do” I expressed the need for people to test or create database copies and backup their databases to avoid data loss. Windows State Restore Phase hangs in ZTI by Brian Tucker - 8/30/2006 I was pointed to this article by a colleague, and it helped me out. I was experiencing a problem that after a new computer was installed (using a CD based install), no post image applications were being installed, nor were they being found. Windows Mobile How fast are the graphics on your WM5 device? by John Gormly - 8/30/2006 Virtual Spaghetti has released an update to its free benchmark app that rates the graphics performance of Windows Mobile smartphones and PDAs. SMS Alliance Quest adds project management to Notes to Exchange migration tools by Rod Trent - 8/30/2006 The improvements to Quest Notes Migrator for Exchange 4.0 are intended to give corporate users the software tools to manage e-mail migrations just like they do any other project. Web Technologies SharpReader Freeware RSS Aggregator For Windows by Don Hite - 8/30/2006 SharpReader Version 0.9.7.0 is a freeware RSS Aggregator for Windows created by Luke Hutteman and is available for download at http://www.sharpreader.net Patch Management, SMS 2003 SMS 2003 FAQ: ITMU Guide by Rod Trent - 8/30/2006 I'm looking for a guide to start using ITMU from SMS SP2. Does anyone know of a location for good documentation containing information for a beginner. Posted Aug 30 2006, 02:13 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Articles

• SMS Admin needed in Richmond VA

  Our company is looking to hire a SMS Admin under contract.  I believe this position will turn into a full-time employment opportunity at our Corporate office in Richmond VA.  The SMS Admin would facilitate the SMS deployment throughout the rest of our company as well as take over Microsoft Updates, HP Updates, etc.  The position would also be tasked as a backup Active Directory admin. If your interested please see the official posting on dice. http://seeker.dice.com/jobsearch/servlet/JobSearch?op=101&dockey=xml/4/e/4ec56676a32f185e671df121ca681e38@activejobs0&c=1&source=1 Posted Aug 28 2006, 08:16 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Jobs

• Today's Articles; August 28, 2006

  SMS 2003, Patch Management Microsoft changes the WSUSScan.cab file and how it works by Rod Trent - 8/28/2006 ITMU and MBSA use the WSUSScan.cab file to support offline scanning by managed systems. The WSUSScan.cab file has grown with each new security release. After August 8, 2006, the files that are contained in this file have approached the maximum for a single CAB file. MOM MOM FAQ: Dell Management pack problem causing WMI errors by Rod Trent - 8/28/2006 My dell management pack is causing some WMI errors I’ve never seen before. Rules from the State Monitoring and Service Discovery are causing these errors (check links) on a few servers. If I disable the State Monitoring and Service Discovery, the errors stop. Scripting List Print Server Information To Excel by Don Hite - 8/28/2006 This Vbs script will take a print serve name supplied from an Input box and send the following information to an Excel spreadsheet. SQL Server SQL Query To Find Obsolete Machines by Don Hite - 8/28/2006 Use this SQL query to find machines in your SMS database that are Obsolete and along with information about the obsolete client machine(s). Windows, Networking Resolving Bad Domain Name System Entries by Don Hite - 8/28/2006 Most computer workstations in a Windows NT domain are Microsoft Domain Name System (DNS) clients and as such they store or cache name resolution lookup request searches locally to speed up name resolution on the network. Windows Mobile, Security Easily test device security policies by John Gormly - 8/28/2006 Using this tool, the developer can provision a Windows Mobile device with different configurations, and then test the application’s behavior under these configurations. Security Day 3: The Windows Live OneCare challenge by Rod Trent - 8/28/2006 Green is “Go”. Posted Aug 28 2006, 12:23 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Articles

• MSIM SDE - System Design Engineer

  Do you have a passion for solving the tough challenges that our customers face in the deployment and management of Microsoft’s enterprise products? Do you have the experience and skills to provide thought leadership in providing solutions to these challenges? If so, then Microsoft Solutions for Infrastructure and Management (MSIM) is the place for you.   About MSIM The MSIM mission is two-fold; first, solve real world customer problems with solutions, not just products and tools. Second, drive manageability improvements back into the Microsoft product set, including short term bugs/DCRs (Design Change Requests) as well as long term product strategy and feature sets.   We design, build, test, release, and support solutions that are directly targeted at solving today’s critical issues to better managing their Windows environment and as a result help make the Microsoft platform for enterprise computing the platform of choice by our customers. These solutions integrate people, process and technology guidance which enable Microsoft’s Worldwide Services Organization, our partner channel, and our customers to take this practical guidance to ensure they get the business value demanded from our products.   Core Job Responsibilities: This position requires an individual with experience in designing enterprise distributed applications based on sound software engineering methodologies. This role will provide leadership in designing and developing the future versions of MSIM solutions. Other duties may include customer and partner briefings, speaking at internal and external events, community support, and evangelism amongst the product teams. You will work on a relatively small team and interface extensively with Microsoft customers and partners, the Microsoft field, Microsoft product groups, and other Microsoft solution groups.   Qualifications: Required Skills: Knowledge in IT infrastructure management (designing/operating DNS, DHCP, AD….) and Microsoft management technologies including MOM (Microsoft Operations Manager), SMS (Systems Management Server), MSUS (Microsoft Systems Update Service), and Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft desktop deployment technologies. Strong development background including scripting, C#, C++, with COM and WMI automation BA/BS in a technical discipline plus 8-10 years experience in systems/applications management. Ability to communicate effectively with executive and technical staff, both internally and externally through public event speaking sessions, demos, briefings, and newsgroups Strong problem solving skills, excellent collaborator, and the ability to drive for results.   Desired skills: Experience with SQL data modeling and SQL Reporting MOF and ITIL training and experience Experience in an IT operations support position (sys admin, help desk, root cause analysis) or consulting experience Experience with virtualization product usage, capabilities, and automation Experience in delivering one or more software products is strongly desired. You can send inquiries my way to mikel@microsoft.com and be assured they will be accepted with gratitude. Posted Aug 26 2006, 10:26 PM by myitforum with 3 comment(s) Filed under: Jobs

• MSIM Deployment SDE - Deployment Systems Design Engineer

  Do you have a passion for solving the tough challenges that our customers face in the deployment and management of Microsoft’s enterprise products? Do you have the experience and skills to provide thought leadership in providing solutions to these challenges? If so, then Microsoft Solutions for Infrastructure and Management (MSIM) is the place for you.   About MSIM The MSIM mission is two-fold; first, solve real world customer problems with solutions, not just products and tools. Second, drive manageability improvements back into the Microsoft product set, including short term bugs/DCRs (Design Change Requests) as well as long term product strategy and feature sets.   We design, build, test, release, and support solutions that are directly targeted at solving today’s critical issues to better managing their Windows environment and as a result help make the Microsoft platform for enterprise computing the platform of choice by our customers. These solutions integrate people, process and technology guidance which enable Microsoft’s Worldwide Services Organization, our partner channel, and our customers to take this practical guidance to ensure they get the business value demanded from our products.   Core Job Responsibilities: This position requires an individual with experience in designing enterprise distributed applications based on sound software engineering methodologies. This role will provide leadership in designing and developing the future versions of MSIM deployment automation solutions such as the Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment (http://www.microsoft.com/desktopdeployment). Other duties may include customer and partner briefings, speaking at internal and external events, community support, and evangelism amongst the product teams. You will work on a relatively small team and interface extensively with Microsoft customers and partners, the Microsoft field, Microsoft product groups, and other Microsoft solution groups.   Qualifications: Required Skills: Knowledge in IT infrastructure management (designing/operating DNS, DHCP, AD….) and Microsoft management technologies including MOM (Microsoft Operations Manager), SMS (Systems Management Server), MSUS (Microsoft Systems Update Service), and Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft desktop deployment technologies. Strong development background including scripting, C#, C++, with COM and WMI automation BA/BS in a technical discipline plus 8-10 years experience in systems/applications management Desktop or server image creation and hardening procedures Large desktop and/or server deployment project rollout Office customization and deployment experience Application packaging/repackaging experience Ability to communicate effectively with executive and technical staff, both internally and externally through public event speaking sessions, demos, briefings, and newsgroups Strong problem solving skills, excellent collaborator, and the ability to drive for results.   Desired skills: Experience with SQL data modeling and SQL Reporting MOF and ITIL training and experience Experience in an IT operations support position (sys admin, help desk, root cause analysis) or consulting experience Experience with virtualization product usage, capabilities, and automation Experience in delivering one or more software products is strongly desired. You can send inquiries my way to mikel@microsoft.com and be assured they will be accepted with gratitude. Posted Aug 26 2006, 10:25 PM by myitforum with 3 comment(s) Filed under: Jobs

• MSIM Deployment Support SDE - Deployment Solutions Support Engineer

  Do you have a passion for solving the tough challenges that our customers face in the deployment and management of Microsoft’s enterprise products? Do you have the experience and skills to provide thought leadership in providing solutions to these challenges? If so, then Microsoft Solutions for Infrastructure and Management (MSIM) is the place for you.   About MSIM The MSIM mission is two-fold; first, solve real world customer problems with solutions, not just products and tools. Second, drive manageability improvements back into the Microsoft product set, including short term bugs/DCRs (Design Change Requests) as well as long term product strategy and feature sets.   We design, build, test, release, and support solutions that are directly targeted at solving today’s critical issues to better managing their Windows environment and as a result help make the Microsoft platform for enterprise computing the platform of choice by our customers. These solutions integrate people, process and technology guidance which enable Microsoft’s Worldwide Services Organization, our partner channel, and our customers to take this practical guidance to ensure they get the business value demanded from our products.   Core Job Responsibilities: This position requires an individual with experience in designing and maintaining enterprise distributed applications based on sound software engineering methodologies. This role will provide leadership in supporting, testing, and developing future and current versions of MSIM deployment automation solutions for desktops and servers such as the Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment (http://www.microsoft.com/desktopdeployment). Other duties will include customer and partner briefings, speaking at internal and external events, community support, and evangelism amongst the product teams. You will work on a relatively small team and interface extensively with Microsoft customers and partners, the Microsoft field, Microsoft product groups, and other Microsoft solution groups.   Qualifications: Required Skills: Knowledge in IT infrastructure management (designing/operating DNS, DHCP, AD….) and Microsoft management technologies including MOM (Microsoft Operations Manager), SMS (Systems Management Server), MSUS (Microsoft Systems Update Service), and Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft desktop deployment technologies. Strong development background including scripting, C#, C++, with COM and WMI automation BA/BS in a technical discipline plus 8-10 years experience in systems/applications management Desktop or server image creation and hardening procedures Large desktop and/or server deployment project rollout Office customization and deployment experience Application packaging/repackaging experience Ability to communicate effectively with executive and technical staff, both internally and externally through public event speaking sessions, demos, briefings, and newsgroups Strong problem solving skills, excellent collaborator, and the ability to drive for results.   Desired skills: Experience with SQL data modeling and SQL Reporting MOF and ITIL training and experience Experience in an IT operations support position (sys admin, help desk, root cause analysis) or consulting experience Experience with virtualization product usage, capabilities, and automation Experience in delivering one or more software products is strongly desired. Public speaking experience Community or technical support experience Software testing experience You can send inquiries my way to mikel@microsoft.com and be assured they will be accepted with gratitude. Posted Aug 26 2006, 10:24 PM by myitforum with 3 comment(s) Filed under: Jobs

• Cool new myITforum.com download: BITS Bandwidth Manager

  BITS Bandwidth Manager DAlvarez SMS 2.x, SMS 2003, Scripting, SMS Installer, Networking 8/25/2006 2.4 kb SMS Installer script which lets you throttle BITS bandwidth on Windows XP SP2 systems by setting the appropriate registry keys. No group policies required! Posted Aug 25 2006, 08:40 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Site News

• New myITforum.com web-based forum: SMS 2003 Desired Configuration Monitoring (DCM)

  Here’s the permanent URL to use when participating: http://www.myitforum.com/forums/SMS_2003_Desired_Configuration_Monitoring_%28DCM%29/forumid_138/tt.htm Posted Aug 25 2006, 07:35 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Site News

• SMS 2003 Certification Contest is heating up!

  Based on the contest so far… Aaron S. 7 Adrian A. 6 Alex L. 4 Brian M. 8 Bryan Mc. 10 Carol A. 0 Dan C. 7 Dave P. 7 David S. 2 Eric D. 3 Ernie D. 7 Gordon M. 10 Jacob F. 8 Jaime N. 7 Jeremy G. 10 John S. 7 Kevin C. 8 Mary Ann M. 6 Michael D. 11 Mike P. 5 Monowar I. 1 Ned D. 11 Nick G. 7 Paul S. 2 Pete G. 8 Randy H. 10 Reed P. 11 Rob M. 5 Sagar B. 2 Sarah S. 8 Tammy S. 6 Posted Aug 25 2006, 07:16 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Site News

• Intellinet is seeking a Microsoft SQL Server Infrastructure Consultant

  The foundation of Intellinet is our talented, dedicated employees. Our commitment to delivering world-class solutions using the latest technology has made us the Southeast's Only Six-Time Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. We accomplish these goals by drawing upon the experience, energy and teamwork of our employees, who consistently drive success by anticipating change and executing solutions with confidence and passion. We are seeking a Microsoft SQL Server Infrastructure Consultant.  Areas of interest include: o       Troubleshooting Performance using SQL Server Profiler, performance monitor, blocker script analysis Deadlock analysis, Log Running Transactions o       Query Tuning Execution Plans o       Data Transformation Services (SQL 2000) and SQL Integration (SQL 2005) Services Topics Improvements from SQL 2000 to 2005, Migrations from Oracle, DB2 and other RDBMS o       Database design practices Normalization (Up to third Normal Form), When to Denormalize, Tools o       Building clusters with SQL 2000/2005 Using Named Instances, Multiple Configurations o       High Availability Topics such as Log Shipping, Replication, and Data Mirroring (SQL Server 2005) Replication Types and when to use, Log Shipping versus Replication, Data Mirroring versus Log Shipping o       Indexing Clustered, Non-Clustered, Indexed Views, Covered Queries, DBCC REINDEX versus INDEXDEFRAG o       SQL Server Design   At Intellinet, you'll be working with the latest technologies and tools, not to mention some of the industry's best and brightest minds. From the top down, this type of commitment and energy is radiated throughout the company. The result is a growing, dynamic, and rewarding place to work — a company where we work as many and we win as one. We offer an excellent benefits package, including 401k, medical and dental coverage, and much more! For more information about Intellinet, please visit http://www.intellinet.com.  Interested parties please send resume for consideration to markm@intellinet.com.  Posted Aug 25 2006, 02:43 PM by myitforum with 3 comment(s) Filed under: Jobs

• Today's Articles; August 25, 2006

  SMS 2003, SMS 2.0 Query for Collecting IBM Desktop and laptop details by Rod Trent - 8/25/2006 Use this query to retrieve IBM Desktop and laptop details. MOM John Roller's MOM 2005 book is released! by Rod Trent - 8/25/2006 In the Start to Finish Guide to Microsoft Operations Manager 2005, Microsoft Product Technology Specialist John Roller clearly explains the installation, configuration, and administration of MOM 2005. SQL Server Querying SQL Server 2005 system views directly (Part 1) by Svetlana Kuvshinkova - 8/25/2006 In this article, we will discuss an alternative way, used to obtain your SQL Server 2005 server configuration information. Patch Management MS06-042 Re-released by Rod Trent - 8/25/2006 Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (918899) Published: August 8, 2006 | Updated: August 24, 2006. Security Day Two (so far): Taking the Windows Live OneCare challenge by Rod Trent - 8/25/2006 Well, it’s day two, and I only have one little burp to report — of course the day is still young so keep checking back for updates. Miscellaneous How do I? -- Upload to myITforum.com by Rod Trent - 8/25/2006 Q: I have a cool script (or app, or document) that I want to share with others. How do I upload it to myITforum? Web Technologies Windows Live Writer missing PowerPoint? by John Gormly - 8/25/2006 Interesting discovery a few minutes ago. I posted about PowerPoint, and when I went to post, Windows Live Writer identified PowerPoint as a spelling error. Posted Aug 25 2006, 02:01 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Articles

• A great post to participate in

  How to design SMS 2003, MOM 2005, and WSUS IF you had the opportunity to design your ideal environment using SMS 2003, WSUS, SQL 2005 and MOM 2005 what operating system and hardware would you use?  To add complexity: it is a mix environment with NT4, 2000 Svr or Pro, XP, XP Embedded, 2003 and Linux.  And it has about 5,000 clients in 150 sites across the country.  The environment is expected to double in the next two years. What would you design? Thank you A. F. Participate in the post Posted Aug 24 2006, 05:37 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Forum News

• New myITforum Poll: Do you have formal SLAs (Service Level Agreements) that you are required to meet for SMS?

  Do you have formal SLAs (Service Level Agreements) that you are required to meet for SMS?  If 'YES' what is your SLA (please post)? As an example:  You must deploy a routine business app to 98% of all active PCs within 8 hours. Participate in the poll Posted Aug 24 2006, 02:47 PM by myitforum with 2 comment(s) Filed under: Polls

• New myITforum Poll: How many people use SMS to manage servers - infrastructure and/or datacenter?

  How many people use SMS to manage servers - infrastructure (i.e. File & Print, DCs) and/or datacenter? Inventory? Patching? Deployments? Check all that apply. Participate in the poll Posted Aug 24 2006, 02:43 PM by myitforum with 2 comment(s) Filed under: Polls

• Today's myITforum Articles; August 24, 2006

  SMS 2003, Patch Management ITMU FAQ: Troubleshooting Patching on Individual Clients by Rod Trent - 8/24/2006 How do I troubleshoot ITMU patch issues on my SMS clients? Scripting, SQL Server Determining SQL 2005 System Object Types by Don Hite - 8/24/2006 The SysObjects table contains one row for each object that has been created in your SQL server database when you install SMS or MOM or if you create a new database yourself. SQL Server Microsoft SQL Server 2005. DBCC commands for DAC by Svetlana Kuvshinkova - 8/24/2006 In this article we will discuss set of DBCC commands (recommended by Microsoft) used to execute diagnostic queries and troubleshoot problems during the DAC mode session. Security Day One: The Windows Live OneCare challenge - are you brave enough? by Rod Trent - 8/24/2006 Well — it’s been an interesting and eye-opening day. I removed Norton Internet Security (thanks to OneCare for providing an option to do so during it’s installation, rebooted, installed OneCare, rebooted, and allowed OneCare to update it’s files and perform a scan on my computer. Posted Aug 24 2006, 02:09 PM by myitforum with no comments Filed under: Articles

• Desktop Architect in Houston

  BDD Project (Shared) ·         Build BDD OS Image – know how to make changes to the image using BDD process ·         Application repackaging – currently doing pilot group and repackaging/troubleshooting packages from the pilot group ·         Know how to package applications for a locked-down environment (Group Policy) ·         Move BDD process from current server to new BDD server ·         Know how to use SMS to deploy the BDD image and/or packages ·         Know how to troubleshoot issues with the BDD process (RIS/SMS/Package Assignments) Desktop Authority (Someone needs to take charge) ·         Monitor functionality of Desktop Authority ·         Create actions/scripts ·         Troubleshoot issues with Desktop Authority: Drive mappings, client errors, etc. ·         Upgrade and patch Desktop Authority SMS (Someone needs to take charge) ·         Monitor SMS server health – look at system status daily and troubleshoot any issues ·         Install SMS site systems and configure ·         Troubleshoot SMS client issues:  Continue to push client and troubleshoot any client problems ·         SMS plays a pivotal role in BDD implementation, become familiar with how OS Images and software packages are deployed via SMS ·         SMS version is currently 2003sp1, there is sp2 available – need to look into patching to sp2 Password Station ·         Monitor server – ·         Troubleshoot client issues ·         Configure server Lab (Someone needs to take charge) ·         need better lab, dedicated location ·         Someone needs to take charge of this and set up new lab once we have a location BigFix (Someone needs to take charge) ·         Review monthly Microsoft Patches and recommend patches to Scada ·         Make sure patches are tested before pushing company-wide ·         Someone needs to make sure they are getting the monthly patch email from Microsoft so that they can review the upcoming patches.  A monthly patch meeting is held to discuss what these patches do and what recommendations you may have ·         Monitor client health and troubleshoot failed or non-working installations. ·         Troubleshoot Server/Relays/Clients when issues arise. ·         Administration for Console Operators computer assignments. ·         Need to know property and relevance language for custom content.