System Center Configuration Manager

Rebuilding Indexes in ConfigMgr Databases

by Donnie Taylor - 1/7/2009

If you want to rebuild all indexes in the ConfigMgr database, which is quite a lengthy and process consuming task, you can run this query.

Scripting

VBS Script Get Add And Remove Programs For A Specified Machine

by Don Hite - 1/7/2009

This VBS Script will list the add and remove installed applications for a specified machine and send the results to excel.

Windows PowerShell

Get Information About Built-in Devices

by Rod Trent - 1/7/2009

Use this PowerShell script to retrieve information about the computer's onboard components.

SQL Server

SQL 2005 Won't Start After Loading SP2 or SP2 Update

by John Marcum - 1/7/2009

If you load SP2 for SQL 2005 or an update to SP2 for SQL 2005 and then SQL will not start and you get an error that says a database file is corrupt and needs to be restored from backup here's what you do to fix it.

Virtualization

Virtual Machines found stuck with status

by Richard Dixon - 1/7/2009

Recently I found some of my virtual machines stuck in a starting state. When I right click on the VMs that's stuck in the starting state, I only receive the following options: Connect...; Settings...; Rename... and Help.

Microsoft Deployment

Set or Get a single Setting from MDT Database

by Maik Koster - 1/7/2009

After implementing the function to Update the Computerinformation in MDT as explained in the last post, I found more and more settings from the MDT Database.

Support Technician III

Type: Full-time 8-5 M-F, Rotating on call support until 8 PM
Location: San Antonio, Texas Downtown Area

Basic Function:
Provides computer systems technical support for customers, both internal and external, in a Help Desk environment to include operating systems, communication software, desktop configuration, Intranet, Internet, security, end-user applications, and telephony. Performs daily operations maintenance work and develops processes to reduce production downtime and obtain greater proficiencies that result in a better customer experience.
Principal Accountabilities (Essential Functions)

• Implements, documents, maintains, and supports company’s networks (LAN/WAN), operating systems, communication software, desktop configuration, server configuration, Intranet, Internet, security, end-user applications, and telephony in the most cost effective, timely, secure, and reliable manner.
• Researches and provides recommendations for new and innovative technologies in areas of responsibility, and other related emerging technologies with direct benefit to business needs and within business parameters.
• Provides effective, responsive, and friendly service and support to both internal and external customers in areas of responsibility. Acts as problem solver by establishing a feedback mechanism to ensure that chronic problems are eliminated.
• Performs network backup, fine-tuning, and daily monitoring and maintenance tasks as needed. This includes activities such as resetting passwords, monitoring network traffic, and desktop/server imaging and installation.
• Develops a variety of technology operations reports that assist in managing performance in areas of responsibility.
• Provide recommendations for improving company’s infrastructure and hardware based on assessing needs in areas of responsibility.
• Acts as a customer support representative, investigates, and resolves network, hardware application, and database support requests. Coordinates with the appropriate technical resource within information systems department to resolve issues if point of contact resolution is not successful.
• Provide data processing, scripting, auditing, monitoring and quality assurance services
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Problem Solving/Decision Making
Ability to work with little direct supervision. Must be able to trouble shoot and make decisions about the employees’ and managers’ computer systems that could affect the performance of the related departments. Must work well under pressure.
Contacts and Relationships
Experience working with customers by phone and directly in a professional manner. Excellent verbal and written skills.
Physical Environment
This position works primarily in a climate controlled office. This Position also works in a server room which is kept at a temperature of about 60-65 degrees. There may be some cabling involved requiring working on ladders or crawl space, as well as working with electronic equipment. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
Skills:

• Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required (Know How)
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent work experience of at least 5 years in a Windows based network environment.
• Experience with Windows Active Directory administration
• Working knowledge with Exchange 2003/2007
• Working knowledge of VMWare
• Working knowledge with SQL 2000/2005/2008
• Working knowledge with Citrix management and implementation
• Technical certifications with Cisco, Microsoft, CompTia, International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, preferred but not required.

Scope of Responsibility
Primary support contact for all data network infrastructure, database, and Windows environments. Secondary support for all proprietary computer hardware and software involving all business lines.

Email your resume to itjobs@sarma.com. Compensation varies based on experience

Script to create SCCM Site boundaries automatically

Some time ago I posted some scripts on how to create site boundaries via script in SMS ( http://alipka.wordpress.com/2007/05/21/automating-sms-2003-secondary-site-installations/ ). For SCCM apparently...

Updated & Improved - ConfigMgr 2007 OS Deployment MP

Finally I have found the time to post an updated version of the custom Configuration Manager 2007 OS Deployment Management Pack. This version (6.0.6278.6) includes the following changes: Updated the Task...

Updated & Improved - Custom Windows Server OS Management Pack

Shortly before the Christmas holiday, a colleague from Premier had reached out to me to verify that in the Active Directory management pack, when a DC is demoted some cleanup actions are automatically...

System Center News

1E Free Tool Available - SERVICE WINDOW

by Rod Trent - 1/6/2009

Provides a graphical interface that allows an administrative user to view, add, edit and delete maintenance windows (service windows) on a selected target computer.

System Center Configuration Manager

Script Skeleton for ConfigMgr with Logging

by Donnie Taylor - 1/6/2009

If you are like me, you want a consistent look to your scripts, verbose yet readable output, and a quick connection to your SCCM server or client. Here is a script framework that I use when developing new code.

System Center Operations Manager

SC Operations Manager 2007 SP1 - Validating the SPN Entries for Root Management Server and the SDK and Config User ID

by lynn lunik - 1/6/2009

I wanted to record for reference the 'normal' SPN entries for a SCOM2k7 SP1 Root Management Server, along with the SDK and Config User ID in a single server configuration.

Scripting

Script Skeleton for ConfigMgr with Logging

by Donnie Taylor - 1/6/2009

If you are like me, you want a consistent look to your scripts, verbose yet readable output, and a quick connection to your SCCM server or client. Here is a script framework that I use when developing new code.

Windows PowerShell

PowerShell Script to restart multiple remote computers

by Ying Li - 1/6/2009

Right before Christmas, PowerShell team released Windows PowerShell V2 Community Technology Preview 3 (CTP3).

Security

Security Audit Events for Windows 2008 and Windows Vista

by lynn lunik - 1/6/2009

Finally, a single Worksheet has been generated by Microsoft which begins to document Security Audit Events instead of referencing 3 or 5 'Security Guides' that partially reference specific Audit Event values.

Windows

Security Audit Events for Windows 2008 and Windows Vista

by lynn lunik - 1/6/2009

Finally, a single Worksheet has been generated by Microsoft which begins to document Security Audit Events instead of referencing 3 or 5 'Security Guides' that partially reference specific Audit Event values.

Exchange Server

Update Rollup 5 for Exchange Server 2007 SP1 (KB941421)

by lynn lunik - 1/6/2009

The Exchange Team has offered a current Update Rollup for Ex2k7 SP1. This Update Rollup addresses a challenge encountered by Ex2k7 Servers that cannot directly access the Internet by a routed path.

Web Technologies

OutTwit Search/Track Keywords

by John Gormly - 1/6/2009

Ok, so I’ve described how I search the incoming messages from Twitter to find the stuff I want to read first quickly. But having said that, do you really need to follow everyone just because they may have mentioned something your interested in once?

Microsoft Deployment

Using Roles for software assignment in MDT

by Maik Koster - 1/6/2009

Within MDT you can define your specific settings via computer definition, Make/Model, Location or Roles. Also Applications in LTI or Packages in SCCM can be defined this way. But instead of assigning the applications/packages directly to a location or computer I suggest to use roles instead.

Active Directory Engineer Needed

JOB TITLE: Systems Engineers, IV (208041-4)

FUNCTION:  Business Operations                                    JOB SECTION: Systems Architect Engineering
BUSINESS UNIT: ISS                                                    JOB FAMILY:  Systems Engineer
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:   Responsible for architectural design and development of hardware, software, and the networking systems.  Provides an architectural framework for system development, maintenance, and enhancement efforts.  Implements standards and guidelines. Analyzes systems and performance usability testing to ensure performance and reliability, enhance scalability, and meet security requirements. Keeps informed of emerging technologies.
Level IV - Systems Engineer #208044 (Windows/Active Directory Engineer)
·          SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:
o    Rackspace is currently seeking a talented Active directory Engineer who will participate in the evaluation, planning, designing, implementation, maintenance and migration of Active Directory in an Enterprise
o    Excellent knowledge of MIS objectives and strategies.
o    Excellent technical knowledge in technology methodologies, design, and implementation.
o    Excellent analytical and design skills at multi-product/multi-environment level.
o    Aware of business issues as they impact overall project plans. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
o    Centralized Identity Management Leveraging Active Directory; prefer experience with Centrify.
o    Basic understanding of Linux and Windows
o    Assess and recommend architectural designs/changes to customer systems in response to business or technical drivers Deliver project responsibilities within project plan timeline. This individual will evaluate technology solutions supporting business requirements specific to a complex Windows 2000/2003 Server Enterprise infrastructure environment. These responsibilities will focus on enterprise architecture, design, and escalation engineering and support. The definition and support of security requirements and policies within the hardware/software configuration is required. The ability to work collaboratively with good communication skills is essential. The position will be required to meet required service levels, maintain the technology, and provide capacity management supporting business growth.
o    Able to resolve problems in a timely manner.
o    Experience with Active Directory, Exchange and Microsoft core infrastructure technologies
o    Strong networking background and experience is required. Must have experience in system level solution testing including test planning, test cases design, test execution, test tools and test automation.
o    Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills including demonstrated experience presenting technology recommendations from a business perspective
·          JOB COMPLEXITY: 
o    Responsible for complex architectural design and development of hardware, software and networking systems. 
o    Analyzes systems and determines business requirements.
o    Ensures completeness and compatibility of the technical infrastructure to support system performance.  Requires leading-edge skills in the latest areas of new technology.
o    Ability to reason and think logically
o    Strong attention to detail in regards to project planning and documentation
o    Strong organizational skills
o    Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and with written documentation
o    Exceptional work ethic
o    Display willingness to help others, a pleasant personality, a courteous manner, and a professional demeanor
o    Ability to apply judgment, implement solutions, and resolve conflicts, all in a multi-tasked environment
·          SUPERVISION:
o    Operates under minimal supervision.
·          EXPERIENCE: 
o    Bachelor's degree in business or computer science.
o    Usually requires six plus years of information systems architecture and project management experience.
o    Microsoft MCSE - Required
·          PHYSICAL DEMANDS: General office environment.  Considerable stress may occur at times. Some lifting up to 20 pounds required.
Interested? Send an email with your reusme/CV to amy.horowitz@rackspace.com

Proactive Monitoring with Microsoft System Center Operations Manager Datasheet

Proactive Monitoring combines the implementation of incident and problem management processes with technical tools and reports to tune Microsoft System Center Operations Manager for your environment.

Systems Management Server Health Check Datasheet

The Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) Health Check provides insights into the health of your SMS environment. This multi-day engagement uses a number of tools to collect data and statistics of...

System Virtualization Health Check Datasheet

The Microsoft System Virtualization Health Check provides insights into your virtualization infrastructure planning and insights into the configuration of your Virtual Server environment. This single day...

WSUS, SCE & Security Visio Stencils

For some time I have the idea of grouping some Stencils and create other so we can generate charts on Microsoft Visio about WSUS, System Center Essentials, etc.. Some charts were taken from the Microsoft...

BETA 1 of KiXtart 2010 4 61

System Center News

InterOp Connectors Released

by David StClair - 1/5/2009

I got this following email a couple of days ago. The InterOp Connectors have been released. This should make the R2 version of Operations Manager a complete end to end solution.

System Center Configuration Manager

Using Roles to deploy Applications based on previous Applications - Part 1 (ZTI - Refresh Scenario)

by Maik Koster - 1/5/2009

One common question regarding the deployment of a new operating system especially on refresh or replacement scenarios is how the user will get his previous applications back.

SMS 2003

SMS Reports - Software Install Review

by Joe Funk - 1/5/2009

Recently I had a request to create a 'software install review' report that could minimally determine what specific software products had been installed, and where they had been installed, over the past 24 hours.

System Center Operations Manager

InterOp Connectors Released

by David StClair - 1/5/2009

I got this following email a couple of days ago. The InterOp Connectors have been released. This should make the R2 version of Operations Manager a complete end to end solution.

Scripting

VBS Script To Scan For Machines And Return Their NOS Information

by Don Hite - 1/5/2009

This VBS script will allow you to scan your domain for machines and retrieve their Network Operating System (NOS) basic information.

Windows PowerShell

Getting Information About the Windows Desktop Settings

by Rod Trent - 1/5/2009

User this PowerShell script to retrieve the Windows Desktop settings.

Security

Find Users with Failed Logins

by Rod Trent - 1/5/2009

Use this PowerShell script to retrieve failed user logins from Active Directory.

Active Directory and Group Policy

Find Users with Failed Logins

by Rod Trent - 1/5/2009

Use this PowerShell script to retrieve failed user logins from Active Directory.

Virtualization

Hyper-V-Virtual Machine Manager 2008 (VMM) Uninstall

by David StClair - 1/5/2009

Over the last few months we have been playing with the Beta version of Virtual Machine Manager. A few days ago I decided to uninstall the beta version and install the RTM version.

Microsoft Deployment

Using Roles to deploy Applications based on previous Applications - Part 1 (ZTI - Refresh Scenario)

by Maik Koster - 1/5/2009

One common question regarding the deployment of a new operating system especially on refresh or replacement scenarios is how the user will get his previous applications back.

The events for January 2009 are available:

http://www.myitforum.com/forums/calendar.asp?calendarID=1&caldate=2009-01-01

 

System Center Configuration Manager

New Dell OMCI and ConfigMgr Integration Whitepaper

by Donnie Taylor - 12/18/2008

We are pleased to announce that a new Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation (OMCI) and ConfiMgr whitepaper - complete with MOF extensions - has been launched!

System Center Operations Manager

Operations Manager 2007 Powershell: More on the fly alert reports

by Scott Moss - 12/18/2008

A few quick and dirty reports to find out what open alerts are or are not created by a monitor.

Scripting

By Request Net Send VBS Script

by Don Hite - 12/18/2008

This By Request VBS script will allow you to send a message to a remote machine.

Windows PowerShell

Getting NAP Client Information

by Rod Trent - 12/18/2008

Use this PowerShell script to retrieve information about the Network Access Protection Client.

SQL Server

Asset Intelligence Customized Catalog Custom Labels SQL Query

by Don Hite - 12/18/2008

Provided here is a SQL version of the Asset Intelligence customized catalog custom labels report.

Network Access Protection

Getting NAP Client Information

by Rod Trent - 12/18/2008

Use this PowerShell script to retrieve information about the Network Access Protection Client.

myITforum Daily Newsletter

 

Configuresoft Enterprise Configuration Manager

Enterprise Configuration Manager (ECM) enables IT to automate their common processes and achieve configuration intelligence. ECM collects tens of thousands of asset, security and configuration settings...

myITforum Daily Newsletter

Seattle, WA - Exchange Admins Needed

 

Multiple openings for Exchange admins in Seattle, WA. Experience with Exchange required, NetApp SANs, DPM, clustering a plus. E-mail me for more info - jeremy.phillips@azaleos.com

One of Microsoft & VMware’s top partners in the northeast

CEO previous experience in founding & growing network-centric professional services company to over $300mm in sales and successful IPO.

VC backer have consistently been named in Forbes Magazine’s annual list of successful Venture Capitalists.

The company has a solid salary plus bonus.  They offer equity and they have good benefits.  They’re looking for a Systems Center Anchor right now to do some ‘heavy lifting’ over the next few months—high level architecture & design, and then pass off to others for implementation.  Once that happens, they would be a more local resource to help win and architect these deals.  So, early on, about 50% travel for the first 3+ months (Phila to Boston), then less travel.

This company has an exciting story to tell and they have a growing list of solid clients.  Please forward my information on to your colleagues who may be qualified.  This is a full time permanent position.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim McCluskey

Senior Account Executive

Delta Consulting, Inc.

p 443.262.9992

f 443.582.0077

e tim@deltacon.com

w deltacon.com

www.linkedin.com/in/timmccluskey

Recruiting the Change Agents for Today's Business

 

System Center Configuration Manager

Extend AD Schema Fails with Error Code 8206

by Mohammad Asem Alhourani - 12/17/2008

At a customer’s site while testing an upgrade procedure from SMS 2003 to ConfigMgr 2007, I’ve faced a problem in extending the Active Directory Schema.

SMS 2003

Remote Security Patch Compliance Checker

by Pierson Glyn-Williams - 12/17/2008

Verify Patch compliance of any remote computer by comparing WMI to your SMS database using this script to generate a XLS Report for your tech's.

System Center Operations Manager

Operations Manager 2007 Powershell: Close all open alerts generated by rules

by Scott Moss - 12/17/2008

By request I came up with the following PowerShell one liner to close all open alerts that were generated by a Rule. Reason being that if one closes an alert generated by a monitor, that alert will not be fired off again until the computers health is recalculated. To find alerts that are generated b

Scripting

VBS Script To Send Site Server Populated Inbox File Counts To Excel

by Don Hite - 12/17/2008

This VBS script is an updated version of previous scripts I wrote to count files in a specified Site Servers inboxes. The original script was written to allow me to monitor the Incoming and DDM inboxes and alert me to other inboxes where a backlog of files were building up.

Windows PowerShell

Operations Manager 2007 Powershell: Close all open alerts generated by rules

by Scott Moss - 12/17/2008

By request I came up with the following PowerShell one liner to close all open alerts that were generated by a Rule. Reason being that if one closes an alert generated by a monitor, that alert will not be fired off again until the computers health is recalculated. To find alerts that are generated b

Patch Management

Remote Security Patch Compliance Checker

by Pierson Glyn-Williams - 12/17/2008

Verify Patch compliance of any remote computer by comparing WMI to your SMS database using this script to generate a XLS Report for your tech's.

Security

Security Audit Events for Windows 2008 and Windows Vista

by lynn lunik - 12/17/2008

I field numerous questions from Clients regarding Security Audit Event values when configuring Security Settings and SC Operations Manager 2007 Monitors and Rules. Finally, a single Worksheet has been generated by Microsoft.

Windows

Security Audit Events for Windows 2008 and Windows Vista

by lynn lunik - 12/17/2008

I field numerous questions from Clients regarding Security Audit Event values when configuring Security Settings and SC Operations Manager 2007 Monitors and Rules. Finally, a single Worksheet has been generated by Microsoft.

SQL Server

Asset Intelligence Asset Intelligence Reports SQL Query

by Don Hite - 12/17/2008

Provided here is a SQL query version of the Asset Intelligence asset intelligence reports report.

myITforum Daily Newsletter

 

System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 Service Pack 1 Management Pack for Operations Manager 2007

Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager Service Pack 1 2008 Management Pack for Operations Manager 2007 provides proactive monitoring of your Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 SP1...

SMS Installer with Installer Step-up Utility

With Microsoft® Systems Management Server, organizations can reduce administrative overhead by automating distribution and installation of any 16-bit or 32-bit application or operating system. Many software...

System Center Configuration Manager Finding seldom used computers in your company by Sherry Kissinger - 12/16/2008 Todd Miller shared a neat MOF snippet. He had a need to find seldom-used computers in the organization so they could be repurposed. SMS 2003 Remote Security Patch Compliance Checker by Pierson Glyn-Williams - 12/16/2008 Verify Patch compliance of any remote computer by comparing WMI to your SMS database using this script to generate a XLS Report for your tech's. Scripting Start a Service via ADSI by Shaun Cassells - 12/16/2008 I recently ran into the problem of WMI being stopped on workstations. As such I needed to find an easy way to start the service on the box locally without using WMI. Patch Management Remote Security Patch Compliance Checker by Pierson Glyn-Williams - 12/16/2008 Verify Patch compliance of any remote computer by comparing WMI to your SMS database using this script to generate a XLS Report for your tech's. SQL Server SQL Query To Retrieve The Column Names For All Tables In A Specified Database by Don Hite - 12/16/2008 This SQL Query will allow you to view the column names for all of the tables in a specified database sorted by their Ordinal position. Web Technologies What’s retweeting and how do you do it in OutTwit? by John Gormly - 12/16/2008 Retweeting allows you to acknowledge someone else’s post within Twitter, and help spread the word to other followers utilizing Twitter.