DNS Best Practise

I thing i see at many client’s where i come is. Enable Automatic scavenging of stale records is forget to enable. This is a best practise. See: https://technet.microsoft.com/nl-nl/library/ff807390(v=ws.10).aspx

DC01

Use the Microsoft Best Practice Analyzer Winking smile

Powershell Smile

Set-DnsServerScavenging –ScavengingState $True –RefreshInterval  7:00:00:00 –NoRefreshInterval  7:00:00:00 –ScavengingInterval 7:00:00:00 –ApplyOnAllZones –Verbose

On .NET Framework 4.6.1 and Exchange Skype4B Lync compatibility

We wanted to post a quick note to call out that since yesterday, the .NET Framework 4.6.1 has been made a recommended update on WU (Windows Update).

As we have already stated in the Exchange Supportability Matrix, at this time, this version of .NET framework is not supported by Exchange. In fact, we know of some issues if it is installed.

We are working with the .NET team to ensure that Exchange customers have a smooth transition to .NET Framework 4.6.1, but in the meantime, delay this particular .NET update on your Exchange servers (information on how this can be accomplished can be found in the KB article 3133990, How to temporarily block the installation of the .NET Framework 4.6.1).

http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2016/02/10/on-net-framework-4-6-1-and-exchange-compatibility.aspx.

As a result of this recommendation from the Exchange team, the Skype for Business team is recommending the same course of action for Lync/Skype for Business servers.

Please follow the guidance located here to block the installation: 3133990, How to temporarily block the installation of the .NET Framework 4.6.1).

Don’t use DHCP Option 60/66/67 when you want to use UEFI & Legacy PXE Boot with MDT

If you want to use EUFI Boot with MDT 2013 Update X.
Don’t use DHCP Option 60/66/67!!!

DC01 = Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
DC02 = Windows Server 2012
MDT01 = Windows Server 2012 R2

UEFI Client: Dell Laptop E5450
BIOS Client: HyperV Virtual machine with Legacy network adapert

DC1; MDT01 and DHCPServer all in Subnet1.
(IP Helper is set for DHCPServer for DHCP and for DC01 & MDT01 for DHCP and BootP – I checked serveral times if everything is right here)
UEFI Client and BIOS Client in Subnet2.

Situation1 — Using no DHCP Options and WDS running (IP HELPER-ADDRESS):
UEFI Client – Boots perfectly (contacting Server MDT01)
BIOS Client – Boots perfectly (contacting Server MDT01)

Situaion2 — Using no DHCP Options and WDS just running on MDT01:
UEFI Client – Does not boot (no error information is provided)
BIOS Client – Does not boot (no Bootfilename recieved)

Situation3 — Using DHCP Options(Option 66=”IP of MDT01″ Option 67=”\x86\wdsnbp.com”) and WDS just running on MDT01:
UEFI Client – Does not boot (no error information is provided)
BIOS Client – Boots perfectly (contacting Server DP1)

Situation4 — Using DHCP Options(Option 60=”PXEClient” Option 66=”IP of MDT01″ Option 67=”\x86\wdsnbp.com”) and WDS just running on MDT01:
UEFI Client – Boots perfectly (contacting Server DP1)
BIOS Client – Does not boot (taking hours to recieve dhcp options..)

Solution:

On most switches you can configure ip helper-addresses. This is most time al ready configured for the use of DHCP.

Add the IP of the MDT server als ip helper-address:

Example:

interface Vlan100
description GEBRUIKERS VLAN
ip address 192.168.101.254 255.255.254.0 show
ip helper-address 192.168.25.6   (DC01)
ip helper-address 192.168.25.7   (DC02)
ip helper-address 192.168.25.30 (MDT01)
end

MDT Display The Task Sequence Name

I While ago i blogd about MDT Displaying The Task Sequence Name

This is still ongoing issue in MDT 2013 Update 2

Sow:
oEnvironment.Item(“_SMSTSPackageName”) = “Lite Touch Installation”

And change it like so:
oEnvironment.Item(“_SMSTSPackageName”) = oEnvironment.Item(“TaskSequenceName”)

Change this please Microsoft Winking smile

Download here the changed litetouch.swf

Exchange Analyzer is a great tool for every Exchange Admin

Exchange Analyzer is a PowerShell tool that scans an Exchange Server 2013 or 2016 organization and reports on compliance with best practices.

Exchange Analyzer is a community project, and is currently a beta release seeking feedback and results from real world environments.

To read the latest information about Exchange Analyzer click here to visit the project’s ReadMe on Github. More information can also be found in the Exchange Analyzer Wiki.

Installation Instructions

1. Download the latest Zip file

2. Extract or copy the following files and folders to a computer that has the Exchange 2013 or 2016 management shell installed. For example, place all of the files and folders in a C:\Scripts\ExchangeAnalyzer folder.

    • Run-ExchangeAnalyzer.ps1
    • \Data
    • \Modules
    • \Tests

    3. Copy the folders in the \Modules folder to C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\Modules\

    4. Open a new Exchange Management Shell

    Important Note: if you are updating your copy of Exchange Analyzer please make sure you copy the updated module in step 3.

    Running Exchange Analyzer

    To run the Exchange Analyzer open an Exchange management shell, navigate to the folder with the script files (e.g. C:\Scripts\ExchangeAnalyzer) and run:

    Interpreting Results

    Exchange Analyzer produces a HTML report with a simple “Passed/Failed” indicator and a list of passed and/or failed objects. Links to more info are provided to assist you with further interpretation of the report.

    Feedback and Questions

    Before submitting feedback or questions please review the Exchange Analyzer FAQ.

    You can help with bug fixes by submitting issues on Github. If you would like to contribute fixes or other code please review theExchange Analyzer Wiki.

    You can also send email to feedback@exchangeanalyzer.com.

    Change Log

    14/01/2016 – v0.1.0-Beta.1

    • First public beta release

    28/01/2016 – v0.1.1-Beta.2

    • Second beta release. Details of changes are here.

    image

    Beta Exam 345: Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 NOW AVAILABLE

    Are you an expert in designing and managing Exchange Server? Are you responsible for the Exchange Server 2016 messaging environment in an enterprise environment? If so, here’s your chance to start down the path to the MCSE certification for free AND help us improve the quality of this exam!

    We are opening up 350 beta seats for this beta exam (exam number: 70-345)… This means you can take the exam for free!! BUT… the seats are limited to first come, first served basis–so, register today (these codes will only work through February 12, 2016, meaning you have to register AND take the exam on or before that date)–and we need you take the exam as soon as possible so we can leverage your comments, feedback, and exam data in our evaluation of the quality of the questions. The sooner you take the exam, the more likely it is that we will be able to use your feedback to make improvements to the exam. This is your chance to have a voice in the questions we include on the exam when it goes live. 

    To prepare for the exam, review our prep guide and practice the skills listed: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-70-345.aspx. To prepare for this beta exam, check out my recent blog for ideas: https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/b/weblog/archive/2015/12/31/just-how-does-one-prepare-for-beta-exams-without-preparation-materials.

    ***Register for the exam at the same site and use code EXCH2016010B to take it for free, but these codes are only valid for exam dates on or before Feb. 12, 2016. Remember: There are a limited amount of spots, so when they’re gone, they’re gone. You should also be aware that there are some country limitations where the beta code will not work (e.g., Turkey, Pakistan, India, China, Vietnam); you will not be able to take the beta exam for free in those countries.

    Also, keep in mind that this exam is in beta, which means that you will not be scored immediately. You will receive your final score and passing status once the exam is live.

    Well…what are you waiting for? Register before all the seats are gone!

    https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/b/weblog/archive/2016/01/13/designing-and-deploying-microsoft-exchange-server-2016-beta-exam-now-available

    MS16-010: Security update in Microsoft Exchange Server to address spoofing: January 12, 2016

    This security update resolves a vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server that could allow information disclosure if Outlook Web Access (OWA) doesn’t handle web requests, sanitize user input and email content correctly.

    To learn more about the vulnerability, see Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-010.

    Download:
    Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Service Pack 1 (3124557)

    Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 10 (3124557)

    Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 11 (3124557)

    Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 (3124557)

    Integrate Office Updates and Hotfixes in Office 2010/2013/2016

    Office 2010/2013/2016 supports integration of Updates by placing the MSP files in the Updates folder of the installation medium.

    The challenge is more in getting all the update files. Fortunate there are a few great community users that have created WHDownloader for downloading these files and they also maintain the list of applicable updates for Office 2010 and Office 2013 and 2016

    Download the Updates

    1. 1. Run WHDownloader.
    2. 2. Click the button in the upper left to download all latest update lists.
    3. 3. Select the Office 2016 version.
    4. 4. Configure a Download Target folder.
    5. 5. Select all General Updates and Hotfixes for downloading. Tip, right click and Select All.
    6. 6. Let it download, this can take some time…

    image

    Saving a lot of time Smile

    Download Office 2016 with Click-to-Run for Office 365 products by using the Office Deployment Tool

    There are two different versions of the Office Deployment Tool available – one for Office 2013 and a different one for Office 2016. Each Office Deployment Tool works only with that specific version of Office. You can download them from the Microsoft Download Center by using the following links:

    Configuration.xml

    <Configuration>
      <Add SourcePath=”d:\2016\” OfficeClientEdition=”32″ Branch=”Current”>
        <Product ID=”O365ProPlusRetail”>
          <Language ID=”en-us” />
          <Language ID=”nl-nl” />
        </Product>
        <Product ID=”VisioProRetail”>
          <Language ID=”en-us” />
          <Language ID=”nl-nl” />
        </Product>
      </Add>

      <!–  <Updates Enabled=”TRUE” Branch=”Current” /> –>

      <Display Level=”Full” AcceptEULA=”TRUE” />
     
      <Logging Name=”OfficeSetup.txt” Path=”%temp%” />

      <Property Name=”AUTOACTIVATE” Value=”1″ />

    </Configuration>

    Download

    D:\2016\setup.exe /download d:\2016\configuration.xml

    Install / Configure Office 365 (2016)

    D:\2016\setup.exe /configure d:\2016\configuration.xml

    Source: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj219424.aspx

    MDT 2013 Update 2 (6.3.8330) Released

    The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2013 Update 2 (6.3.8330) is now available on the Microsoft Download Center. This update requires the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows 10, available on the Microsoft Hardware Dev Center. (Note that there are known issues with the v1511 release of the Windows 10 ADK and System Center Configuration Manager; these issues do not directly affect MDT although may still impact ZTI or UDI scenarios.)

    MDT 2013 Update 2 is primarily a quality release; there are no new major features. The following is a summary of the significant changes in this update:

    • Security- and cryptographic-related improvements:
      • Relaxed permissions on newly created deployment shares (still secure by default, but now also functional by default)
      • Creating deployment shares via Windows PowerShell adds same default permissions
      • Updated hash algorithm usage from SHA1 to SHA256
    • Includes the latest Configuration Manager task sequence binaries
    • Enhanced user experience for Windows 10 in-place upgrade task sequence
    • Enhanced split WIM functionality
    • Fixed OSDJoinAccount account usage in UDI scenario
    • Fixed issues with installation of Windows 10 language packs
    • Various accessibility improvements
    • Monitoring correctly displays progress for all scenarios including upgrade
    • Improvements to smsts.log verbosity

    There are no other new release notes or significant known issues. See the previous post for more information as much of it is still applicable (other than the fix list above).

    See the following post on How to get help with MDT.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    In anticipation of some questions that you may have about this release (or MDT in general):

    Q: Should I expect a release of MDT with every new Windows 10 and/or Configuration Manager build release?

    No. We shipped multiple MDT releases this year due to the timing of Windows 10 and Configuration Manager releases, but do not intend to keep that same cadence going forward.

    Q: What branches of Windows 10 does MDT support?

    MDT supports both the current branch of Windows 10 as well as the long-term servicing branch.

    Q: What branches of System Center Configuration Manager does MDT support?

    For ZTI and UDI scenarios MDT 2013 Update 2 supports the current branch of System Center Configuration Manager (currently version 1511) for an integrated solution for deploying Windows 10 current branch as well as prior Windows versions.

    Q: When is the next planned release of MDT?

    We do not currently have a timeframe. We will release any tactical changes as needed which may be required to support new builds of Windows 10 or Configuration Manager, but do not currently expect this to be needed.

    Q: Is this the last release of MDT?

    No, we will continue to iterate and invest in the product.

    Q: Why is it still “MDT 2013” when the year is almost 2016?

    Two primary reasons. First, we have only made minor changes to MDT which in our opinion does not constitute a major version revision. Second, per the MDT support lifecycle, a new major version will drop support for MDT2012 Update 1 which still supports legacy platforms.

    Source

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