Shaun Cassells at MyITForum.com

What is "Open IME"?

scassells — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:43:00 GMT

Anyone notice the menu option Open IME in various Microsoft products? Like in the IE7 search or address bar? Right click in either the editable region. Chances are when you select it nothing will happen. What is IME?

IME = Microsoft Global Input Methods Editors

Great, what is it for? IME is a program that allows complex character and symbol entry, East Asian characters, using a standard western keyboard.

Knowing is half the battle.

Reference: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/downloads/recommended/ime/default.mspx

Outlook: How to find the large file size calendar events

scassells — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:42:00 GMT

Recently discovered my Exchange mailbox was huge. Not my Inbox, rather my calendar. The following is how to determine the size of calendar items.

Open Outlook
Open Calendar
View >> Arrange By >> Current View >> By Category

You will now have a grid view of your calendar items. No size column

Right click on any column header >> Customize Current View
Fields…
Select available fields from: Drop down to All Mail Fields
Available fields: select Size
Add à

Success. You can now sort by calendar event size.

PowerShell: WMI WQL Queries – made easy for remote WMI especially for SMS 2003 or ConfigMgr 2007

scassells — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:43:00 GMT

Once upon a time to do a WMI query you had to use one of the following:

WMIC

Cumbersome
Must be an administrator

WBEMTEST

Make the popup windows stop

CIM Studio

Why doesn’t this save my query?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=6430F853-1120-48DB-8CC5-F2ABDC3ED314&displaylang=en

Now we have PowerShell. PowerShell allows a lot of formatting, but check out how easy it is to query WMI:

Note: Crtl+C breaks a query in PowerShell

1) Create the Query Object

$q = New-Object System.Management.ObjectQuery

2) Enter your Query

$q.QueryString = "Select * from Win32_MemoryDevice"

3) Create your searcher and pass the query

$s = New-Object System.Management.ManagementObjectSearcher($q)

4) Set your WMI Path

$s.Scope.Path = "\root\CIMv2"

Note: the proceeding slash for local machines

5) Run the query!

$s.Get()

Grab some useful info

$s.Get() | select Caption, EndingAddress

Caption	EndingAddress
Memory Device	2097151
Memory Device	2097151

Now lets do that again for a SMS 2003 or ConfigMgr 2007 WQL query!

1) Create the Query Object

$q = New-Object System.Management.ObjectQuery

2) Enter your Query

$q.QueryString = "Select * from SMS_R_System"

3) Create your searcher and pass the query

$s = New-Object System.Management.ManagementObjectSearcher($q)

4) Set your WMI Path

$s.Scope.Path = "\\ServerName\root\sms\site_SiteCode"

Note: the remote machine name. This is how you query remote workstations or server via WMI and PowerShell

5) Run the query!

$s.Get()

Grab some useful info

$s.Get() | Select Name, ClientVersion, OperatingSystemNameandVersion

Tip: this can potentially return a ton of information. You can reduce the returns by the following.

1 | foreach {$s.get()} | select name, resourceID

Source: "/\/\o\/\/ [MVP]" http://groups.google.nl/group/microsoft.public.windows.server.scripting/browse_thread/thread/7c0e03c992d507ac/2d8706e707d27965?lnk=st&q=get-content+of+large+files.&rnum=1&hl=en#2d8706e707d27965

Summary: Doing a WQL query via PowerShell is very easy assuming you have the rights to read the WMI.

PowerShell: How do I trigger SMS 2003 Inventory Actions?

scassells — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:07:00 GMT

The following is a continuation of: http://myitforum.com/cs2/blogs/scassells/archive/2008/05/20/powershell-sms-2003-configmgr-2007-scripting.aspx

COM object for the SMS 2003 control panel API

$a = New-Object -comobject cpapplet.cpappletmgr

Expose the member variables via Get-Member or GM $a | gm

Name	MemberType	Definition
GetClientActions	Method	IClientActions GetClientActions ()
GetClientComponents	Method	IClientComponents GetClientComponents ()
GetClientProperties	Method	IClientProperties GetClientProperties ()

$a.GetClientActions() | Format-table ActionID, Name

ActionID	Name
{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000102}	Software Inventory Collection Cycle
{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000107}	MSI Product Source Update Cycle
{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000101}	Hardware Inventory Collection Cycle
{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000104}	Standard File Collection Cycle
{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000103}	Discovery Data Collection Cycle
{3A88A2F3-0C39-45fa-8959-81F21BF500CE}	Request & Evaluate User Policy
{8EF4D77C-8A23-45c8-BEC3-630827704F51}	Request & Evaluate Machine Policy
{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000106}	Software Metering Usage Report Cycle

What are the members for GetClientActions()?

$a.GetClientActions() | gm

Name	MemberType	Definition
PerformAction	Method	void PerformAction ()
ActionID	Property	string ActionID () {get}
DisplayNameResDLL	Property	string DisplayNameResDLL () {get}
DisplayNameResID	Property	int DisplayNameResID () {get}
Name	Property	string Name () {get}

To Trigger these actions:

Perform a software inventory:

$a.GetClientActions() |? {$_.name -like 'Soft*Inv*'} |% {$_.PerformAction()}

Perfom a Hardware Inventory: (no shortcuts)

(New-Object –COMObject CPApplet.cpappletmgr).GetClientActions() |? {$_.Name –like ‘Hardware*’} |% {$_.PerformAction()}

Running Scripts in x64 Windows XP

scassells — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:40:00 GMT

There are two versions of Cscript.exe on a 64-bit version of Windows XP.

x32

%SystemRoot%\SysWow64\cscript.exe

x64

%SystemRoot%\System32\cscript.exe

Some scripts will fail if they use the wrong native scripting host.

I have the WMI table name how to I find the corresponding SQL table?

scassells — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:08:00 GMT

The easiest way is to change the SMS_ to V_ and look around in the SQL Database. Lots of great articles about that on myitforum.

How about a query to match on partial table names:

Select correct database. Usually SMS_<SiteCode>

SELECT * FROM sysobjects WHERE name LIKE '%Compliance%' and xtype in ('U', 'V')

What is xtype?

C = CHECK constraint
D = Default or DEFAULT constraint
F = FOREIGN KEY constraint
L = Log
P = Stored procedure
PK = PRIMARY KEY constraint (type is K)
RF = Replication filter stored procedure
S = System table
TR = Trigger
U = User table
UQ = UNIQUE constraint (type is K)
V = View
X = Extended stored procedure

One last thing to try. There is a table in SMS 2.0, SMS 2003 and ConfigMgr that displays collection queries in both WQL (what you see in the console) and SQL.

SELECT CollectionID, QueryKey, WQL, SQL

FROM dbo.Collection_Rules_SQL

ConfigMgr / SMS Reporting Website – What if you enter the wrong credentials?

scassells — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:12:00 GMT

I was working with my LAB default reporting site the other day when it prompted me for my user credentials. Without paying attention I typed in my production credentials. It loaded up fine except the navigation window displays nothing.

Oh good, security is working as desired. Now I just need to log out and change my credentials. Hang on there is no logout or switch credentials. How annoying.

Well, I have 30 other windows open. I don’t want to close Internet explorer.

1) Delete all cookies.

a. No Joy

2) Delete Files

a. No Joy

3) Clear History

a. No Joy

Come on this cant be that impossible. Searching Google… nada.

The only consistent way I found to change the ID was to close and reopen IE.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Whole Grain Popcorn?

scassells — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:27:00 GMT

I was just trying to calculate the number of calories in a bag of Pop-Secret 94% fat free popcorn (the numbers don't match), when I noticed three changes on the ingredients list:

Ingredients
Whole Grain Popcorn, Salt, Fractionated Palm Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Color Added, Nonfat Milk. Freshness Preserved By TBHQ.

1) "Whole Grain" Popcorn

That got me laughing and everyone I showed it to at work chuckled. For the record, a corn kernel for popping is the whole kernel. Always has been always will be (unless you buy pre-popped).

2) Change Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil (Adds A Trivial Amount of Trans Fat to Fractionated Palm Oil.

Note: - FDA says any amount non naturally occurring trans fat is bad

What is Fractionate Palm Oil?

Fractionation is a further phase of palm oil processing, designed to extract and concentrate specific fatty acid fractions. Fractionated palm oil, as found in food products, has a higher concentration of saturated fat than regular palm oil and is used for the convenience of manufacturers who like its stability and melting characteristics. The healthful aspects of natural palm oil are largely lost in the process. I've noticed that fractionated palm oil is a common ingredient in many power bars sold in health-food stores. - Andrew Weil, M.D

3) Freshness Preserved by Propyl Gallate to TBHQ

What is TBHQ?

This change was made because of the change from Trans Fat to Saturate Fat. TBHQ preserves saturated fat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tert-Butylhydroquinone

Summary: the box is saying Whole Grain to make it sound healthier, then removed Trans Fat and replaced it with Saturated Fat which also required a fat preservative change.

Nice, and delicious.

FTW: the box says 130 calories popped, but if you do the maths it calculates out to 120 calories popped per bag.

Proposed Terminology Change: Dual CPU to Dual Socket

scassells — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:54:00 GMT

I am going to propose a terminology change. For endless years we called a workstation any machine with a single CPU. The growth of multiple core CPUs have changed this game.

Old

Single CPU
Dual CPU or 2way
Quad CPU or 4way

Current

Dual Core, Quad Core, Core2, 8 core, etc
Dual CPU or 2way
Quad CPU or 4way

Proposed

Dual Corse, Quad Core, Core2, 8 core, etc
2 socket
4 socket

Using the socket nomenclature, there is no doubt you are talking about a mother board with the ability to utilize multiple physical CPU’s with an unknown number of cores.

Simple changes make easy explanations.

Where is the x64 XP ConfigMgr Client Directory?

scassells — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:44:00 GMT

In windows x86 XP and Vista the System Center Configuration Manager 2007 client installs to the same location as the SMS 2003 client:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\CCM

Note: if you have a Windows 2000 upgraded box the directory would be:

C:\WINNT\system32\CCM Where is the x64 XP ConfigMgr Client?

During the install the ccmsetup directory is created at:

C:\WINDOWS\CCMSetup

And installed to:

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\CCM

Google Chrome

scassells — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:31:00 GMT

The installer is now available at www.google.com/chrome

This only works on Windows Vista and XP.

Installer is 457k. The installed package is 46.57MB

Interesting it installs to: C:\%\Profiles\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\ So it does not require admin rights to install. This is not a good thing for a locked down corporate environment.

Key features of this product is true multithreaded processing in isolation in layers of each tab. New Java complier and engine that is multithreaded. Security that is far more robust.

Interesting. I'll post more when I play further.

Notepad.exe Tricks

scassells — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:39:00 GMT

Like most people, I use notepad when I need to put together a script quickly. I never actually looked at the help file for notepad (well, why would you?!?) until I hit the F1 key by accident recently. As a result I found quite a few tricks that notepad provides that I never knew existed. They are turning out to be pretty helpful so I thought I'd share them below:

When editing a file, press the F5 key to insert the system date and time
Change or add headers & footers by selecting file | page setup
Press ctrl-G and enter a line number to go to (VERY useful when debugging VBScript errors)
Note only works when Word Wrap is off
Select view | status bar to display the line/character number as you navigate the file (another beneficial debugging aid)
Note only works when Word Wrap is off

Another tip I found was the ability to maintain a log file with timestamps. This is useful when troubleshooting a problem where you need to record what is happening at specific times:

open notepad
set the first line to be (without the quotes and in uppercase) ".LOG"
press enter and save/close the file
every time you open the file, notepad will automatically insert the system date/time at the end of the file and add a new line where you can begin typing

Source: www.bink.nu

Tip: WinKey shortcuts

scassells — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:37:00 GMT

Hi all,

I have gotten several requests recently for keyboard shortcuts. Here is a great list of Windows Logo Key (WinKey) combos. My favorites are: WinKey+L, WinKey+E, WinKey+R, WinKey+D. Give them a try.

Shaun

Microsoft Natural Keyboard keys

WinKey or Ctrl+Esc: Start menu
WinKey+R: Run dialog box
WinKey+M: Minimize all
SHIFT+WinKey+M: Undo minimize all
WinKey+F1: Help
WinKey+E: Windows Explorer
WinKey+F: Find files or folders
CTRL+WinKey+F: Find computer
WinKey+D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop - Press second time restores previous state
WinKey+L: Lock Windows
WinKey+U: Userability (Magnifier, Reader, on screen keyboard)
CTRL+WinKey+TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)
WinKey+TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons
WinKey+Pause/Break: System Properties dialog box
Application key: Displays a shortcut menu for the selected item
Vista --> WinKey+X : Laptop shortcuts

List of all keyboard shortcuts: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449

or try this one: http://www.seoconsultants.com/windows/keyboard/

Ragnar: Second Leg Midnight Run

scassells — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:04:00 GMT

Picture this. Your second leg of three. 5 miles at 1 am somewhere in the great state of Wisconsin. The temp has dropped to low 70s, cool to the skin, wearing LED head lamps, tail lights, reflective vest and music pumping into your ears... when you leave the transition into the night following the red light in the distance. Then what comes on your tunes... but Michael Jackson's Thriller. As you listen in the night you change the lyrics...

Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Relays run in search of time
To traverse two great states of mine
And whosoever shall be passed
by the blasting of soles gassed

Must stand and face their teams quell
And sweat inside a singlet’s shell
The sweaty stench is in the air
The funk of a two hundred six mile dare
Two thousand people stride into town
Closing in to the finish down
And though you sprint to the end
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere mortal can resist
The addiction that is Great River

Symantec Antivirus Client Security Flaw – GRC.Dat is unencrypted clear text

scassells — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:19:00 GMT

I was poking around the corporate Symantec client when I noticed the GRC.dat files are in easy to read clear text.

They are consumed quickly in a directory where only those with elevated rights can enter. However, the dat file being in clear text means any curious scripter could seriously modify the client. For example, setting up a bunk DAT file to move the host parent server to yours… http://www.jacksontechnical.com/article.htm?id=13

Let your mind wander. Then come back and tell me how you mitigated this vector.

References:

A guide to the Grc.dat file in Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition version 10.x

http://service1.symantec.com/support/ent-security.nsf/docid/2005041910541048?Open&src=tranus_ent_br

Microsoft Application Virtualization (MAV) / SoftGrid and Symantec Altaris SVS clients on the same machine BSOD

scassells — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:52:00 GMT

It looks like the filter driver in Softgrid cannot deal with SVS on Windows XP SP2. (this may apply to more OSs...?)

1) Softgrid 4.x works fine when installed by itself

2) Altaris SVS works fine when installed by itself

3) Altaris SVS works fine with Softgrid 4.x installed

4) Softgrid 4.x Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) if SVS is installed

Good news is very few people should ever run into this problem.

Solution: Uninstall Softgrid BEFORE you install SVS.

Simple, just wish we could use both on the same computer.

Ragnar Relay: A quick 206.1 mile run with 12 great friends.

scassells — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:53:00 GMT

Well in less than 24 hours I'm off to run 206.1 miles with 12 soon to be great friends (or enemies by the end)

http://www.ragnarrelay.com/

The course is a nice rolling river run between La Crosse, WI to Minneapolis, MN. Our team, supposedly one of the faster ones, start at noon Friday and we are predicted to finish about 1 pm Saturday... 25 hours straight.

Anyone else up for a quick jog?

Make the MMS 2008 DVD playable off a network share and website

scassells — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:02:00 GMT

The following are the steps needed to modify your Microsoft Management Summit 2008 DVD playable from a network share or IIS website. Note: the content of the DVD is protected. As such make sure this content is only available to those approved to view the DVD (translation leave me alone DCMA zealots)

Grab your trust (and now dusty) MMS 2008 DVDs (two of them)
Create two network shares somewhere (default rights of read are great)
Copy the entire contents of the DVD to a different share for each disk

Disc 1 is 7.87 gb (dual layer)
Disc 2 is 1.83 gb

Great news, to play off the network, just double click index.html and you are good to go.To make playable via IIS

Right click on My Computer >> Manage
Navigate to Services and Applications >> Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager >> Web Sites >> Default Web Site
Locate your network share name (mine is MMS2008)
Right click >> Properties
Documents tab
Add… a default content page
Index.html
click ok

Congrats you can now execute over the intranet via IE.Http://ServerName/ShareName/

Enjoy

Update: to play video you need to install Silverlight. If you don't want to or are not able to you can play the wmv files directly

\\ServerName\ShareName\assets\video\SessionNumber\*.wmv

Update for WebDAV Extension for IIS 7.0 (KB955137)

scassells — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:07:00 GMT

This update for the Microsoft WebDAV Extension for IIS 7.0 fixes several issues that occur when using the extension.

You can get specific information about this update in the Microsoft Knowledge Base article KB955137

Update for WebDAV Extension for IIS 7.0 (KB955137) (x64)

Update for WebDAV Extension for IIS 7.0 (KB955137) (x86)

How to install ConfigMgr (SCCM) 2007 SP1 and R2 RC (build 6335)

scassells — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:28:00 GMT

(WARNING!!!) This is incredibly not supported.

(WARNING!!!) This will void your EULA

The EULA states…

“You may not: * work around any technical limitations in this software”.

At your OWN risk! Not supported by Microsoft!

1) Download bits from

a. http://connect.microsoft.com

2) Download Microsoft Orca

a. How to use: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa370557.aspx

b. Download: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=4377F86D-C913-4B5C-B87E-EF72E5B4E065&displaylang=en

3) Open the ConfigMgr2007R2.msi with Orca

4) Search for Custom Action “CheckForEval” action with a 25019 target

5) Comment out or remove this line

6) Save the MSI

7) Run and enjoy R2 on fully licensed ConfigMgr 2007 SP1

Thanks to Troy Wilch

VBA and VSTA - The Future? Updated

scassells — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:41:00 GMT

Update: I have just received word back from the Office team. VBA will indeed be supported in Office 14. The Office team does, however, encourage the consideration of managed solutions (VSTO / VSTA) whenever possible, as this is where all new (feature, etc.) development will occur.