Hi!

Below I’ve pasted an edited and cleaned up copy of most of the Q&A from today’s webcast on Exchange Server 2003 Performance Tuning. 

BIG thank you to John “no, I’m from GREAT Britain” Baker for handling the Q&A on the backend, and who’s work this really represents.

-Kevin

—

Questions and Answers:

“Will the expta be covered in this session?”

The Performance Tuning Analyzer?  Not today, no. That was discussed (briefly, though not demonstrated) in a session I did last week on Exchange Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts.

“You keep cutting in and out and I can't hear anything. Is there a number to dial into this conference?”

Sorry about that.  Yes, there is always a number you can ask for.  Between you and me, I sincerely with the LiveMeeting folks would get that audio problem figured out. 

And I’m told that sometimes the audio delay is around 10 seconds.  Any delay greater than a second or two is just unacceptable.  My $0.02.

“Can the tools be used for Exchange 2000?”

There are Exchange 2000 versions of the tools.

“What is the difference between LoadSim and ESP?”

ESP simulates large numbers of client sessions by concurrently accessing one or more protocol servers.  Loadsim simulates the performance load of MAPI clients with this benchmarking tool, which allows you to test how a server running Exchange 2003 responds to e-mail loads.

“Would you use Jetstress or loadsim in a production environment (after hours of course...)”

Neither.  They should only be used in test/lab environments

“If you are running Windows 2003 Server, can Exchange 2003 benefit from 4 gigs of memory?”

Yes.  (referenced later when discussing the /4GB and the /USERVA  switches)

“Will you be covering the Exchange Server Performance Troubleshooting Analyzer? Is that a good tool to get a quick overview of how well a server is handling the load?”

No, we didn’t cover it in this session – and yes, that’s exactly what it does.  It programmatically collects configuration data, performance counters and live tracing information from an Exchange server.  The tool analyzes each subsystem to determine individual bottlenecks, and then aggregates the information to provide root cause analysis.

“SBS2003 installs SQL, ISA, Sharepoint, and Exchange 2003 on the same server and the license does not allow relocating the applications to other machines. With 10 users the Exchange Best Practice Analyzer recommends setting the 3GB switch. I feel like my system is running fine without it and it might have adverse side effects since I have all the standard SBS applications plus CRM and LCS on the same box. Do I need to use the 3G switch if I have 4G of RAM?”

You don’t need to use it, if you’re happy with the current performance then you’re fine.  However, it’s not just Exchange that benefits.  /3GB reserves more user virtual memory for ALL user mode applications.  However – you need to be careful, and KNOW the applications you’re running will support this well. (Example: Many people think “Cool, I’ll make my Virtual Server machines run better because they’ll have more memory.”  But in truth, Virtual Server uses a lot of Kernel memory also, which is lost when you use that switch.  So.. be careful. J (See “the Virtual PC Guy”s WebLog for this info.)

“What is the best way to find out if a PRODUCTION server can handle more users? (just pile on users until you see smoke?;-)”

Test in a lab environment with a similar server, or as close as possible, using the tools discussed. If the server is in production that’s a little late in the game for doing sizing.

There you should look at using the ExPTA: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=4BDC1D6B-DE34-4F1C-AEBA-FED1256CAF9A&displaylang=en

“Can the /3GB switch be used on servers running SBS 2003?”

Yes it can.

“Best Practice Analyzing Tool recommends to set also the /3GB at the GC what's the impact on exchange?”

It could, probably will, affect performance.

“FYI, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/815372 is the ultimate article which covers all the 2003 server settings Kevin just went through”

Yes, thanks.... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/815372

“Should /3GB switch be used if i have 2 GB of memory in the server?”

Yes.  It’s all a matter of how the server allocates the 4 GB of virtual memory space – whether or not the machine physically has 4GB.   The recommendation is to use /3GB if you have 1GB or more of physical memory.

“Is the ‘/nopae’ switch a useful switch when optimizing the server? (Per KB827281)”

It’s recommended that you disable PAE mode only to work around a hardware issue or to troubleshoot a specific issue that involves PAE or Address Windowing Extensions (AWE).

“Will an offline copy of this presentation be made available?  Can I have the URL for it?”

It will be available in 24 hours at www.microsoft.com/webcasts in the on demand section

“Does Exchange 2k3 Standard Edition allow you create multiple storage groups?”

One Storage group in Standard.

“I have read that WINS is suggested for large subnetted networks but it was not clear as to what issues are caused by not having WINS and only using DNS. Are issues seen on on the clients like outlook or only see on the server side in form of performance issues?”

Where did you read that?

“http://blogs.technet.com/eileen_brown/archive/2006/01/26/exchange_wins.aspx”

In mixed enviroments it is used and helps.  Check http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?id=837391

“The following Exchange functionality still depends on WINS name resolution: • The Exchange Server 2003 Setup program and the Exchange 2000 Server Setup program, especially on clustered servers. • Exchange Mailbox Merge Wizard (ExMerge) on an Exchange 2003 computer and on an Exchange 2000 computer. • Changing a password for an Exchange 2003 mailbox or an Exchange 2000 mailbox through Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA). • Exchange System Manager on an Exchange 2003 computer and on an Exchange 2000 computer. Note Additionally, Microsoft Outlook clients that are earlier than Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 also require NetBIOS name resolution.”

“How do you determine that you should be indexing a particular schema attribute?”

Check this link http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/aacaf4d8-a0c1-42d0-8eda-1c410177a7ce.mspx?mfr=true

“Isn't it better to set MinUserDC value to 1? This way as long as there is at least one DC available, Exchnage will not use PDCE?”

Check http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;298879

“Is there any consideration when I use specific tips in a cluster environment?”

I'm sure there are, and the information is typically included with each article or chapter.

—

Here is my blog resource page for this session again:
http://blogs.technet.com/kevinremde/archive/2006/03/29/423267.aspx

Webcast Resources:

Exchange Performance Tuning

Here are some resources relating to webcast I presented on March 29, 2006, entitled Exchange Performance Tuning.  I hope you find them useful.

Kevin

How to set up the /3GB Startup Switch in Windows

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/e834e9c7-708c-43bf-b877-e14ae443ecbf.mspx

Configuring /Userva and System Pages

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3AdminGuide/05682ec0-95f6-4cbf-a29b-c22b3cede970.mspx

How to Increase System Page Table Entries in Windows 2000

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/018cdf56-5c79-4b6a-a274-2212ddf27d06.mspx

The “HeapDecommitFreeBlockThreshold” registry key

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315407

How to Set the HeapDeCommitFreeBlockThreshold Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/9f4e9cbd-9f8b-4088-8d2a-568f1565e95b.mspx

Exchange Store and Extensible Engine Tuning

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/1dbf7065-d7fd-4695-b6d5-4e266148ccdf.mspx

How to Set the Compatibility Registry Value for IMAP4 Users

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/92e228e3-4b91-47a3-866b-92c086a900ee.mspx

How to Set the Compatibility Registry Value for POP3 Users

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/5108783c-a162-4abe-a623-767d857277f1.mspx

Client latencies occur when Exchange 2000 Converts Mail from MAPI to MIME format

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=317722

Message Transfer Agent Tuning

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/d3c91edc-a5b7-4620-97f1-ef3c37c3a3a1.mspx

How to Set the DB Data Buffers per Object Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/efe03200-fe11-4931-ad11-94a4225e8dc8.mspx

How to Set the Dispatcher Threads Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/11a7cd14-224d-412d-8878-592adcffbe6b.mspx

How to Set the Kernel Threads Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/d3b0f3be-b734-42bd-ad4c-103dd7ade0e2.mspx

How to Set the Max RPC Calls Outstanding Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/4541becd-e035-48c3-8624-cb7f3344a649.mspx

How to Set the MDB Users Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/ab35c222-39e0-468f-87c3-955eeb85d9e4.mspx

How to Set the RTS Threads Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/43815b13-e26f-4720-840e-d55e7fbb560e.mspx

How to Set the TCP/IP Control Blocks Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/6a313818-fe56-4b36-be58-3e1867e17664.mspx

How to Set the Gateway Out Threads Registry Value
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/7f3732ba-e399-455c-9a46-9f4cd16f6ff7.mspx

How to Set the SuppressStateChanges Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/875ae7f8-446d-4786-85d2-719ac7093cf6.mspx

How to Configure Glitch Retry Interval in Exchange Server 2003

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/8b43be56-48e6-400b-8014-54c95f87d1de.mspx

How to Move the Mailroot Directory in Exchange Server 2003

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/817c513f-1a36-47cd-8115-d65ca48cce88.mspx

How to Set the MaxMessageObjects Registry Value

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/713be43c-0701-4d0b-9cbd-b902415353b4.mspx

Active Directory Integration Tuning
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/aacaf4d8-a0c1-42d0-8eda-1c410177a7ce.mspx

Optimizing the Global Catalog for Exchange Users in Branch Offices
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/584a8e49-0890-4e0a-9f3a-7db1a0cef907.mspx

How to Set the MinUserDC Registry Value
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/72b234bf-e70a-4641-acb7-e6a13dd471a1.mspx

How to Set the MaxActiveQueries Attribute
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/c7381508-88b7-4c81-a282-b9c4c050c5bf.mspx

How to view and set LDAP policy in Active Directory by using Ntdsutil.exe
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315071
 

Session Resource Page

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/exc-06

Microsoft TechNet
http://www.microsoft.com/technet

Live TechNet Events

http://www.technetevents.com

Hi!

Below I’ve pasted an edited and cleaned up copy of most of the Q&A from today’s webcast on Exchange Server 2003 Performance Tuning. 

BIG thank you to John “no, I’m from GREAT Britain” Baker for handling the Q&A on the backend, and who’s work this really represents.

-Kevin

—

Questions and Answers:

“Will the expta be covered in this session?”

The Performance Tuning Analyzer?  Not today, no. That was discussed (briefly, though not demonstrated) in a session I did last week on Exchange Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts.

“You keep cutting in and out and I can't hear anything. Is there a number to dial into this conference?”

Sorry about that.  Yes, there is always a number you can ask for.  Between you and me, I sincerely with the LiveMeeting folks would get that audio problem figured out. 

And I’m told that sometimes the audio delay is around 10 seconds.  Any delay greater than a second or two is just unacceptable.  My $0.02.

“Can the tools be used for Exchange 2000?”

There are Exchange 2000 versions of the tools.

“What is the difference between LoadSim and ESP?”

ESP simulates large numbers of client sessions by concurrently accessing one or more protocol servers.  Loadsim simulates the performance load of MAPI clients with this benchmarking tool, which allows you to test how a server running Exchange 2003 responds to e-mail loads.

“Would you use Jetstress or loadsim in a production environment (after hours of course...)”

Neither.  They should only be used in test/lab environments

“If you are running Windows 2003 Server, can Exchange 2003 benefit from 4 gigs of memory?”

Yes.  (referenced later when discussing the /4GB and the /USERVA  switches)

“Will you be covering the Exchange Server Performance Troubleshooting Analyzer? Is that a good tool to get a quick overview of how well a server is handling the load?”

No, we didn’t cover it in this session – and yes, that’s exactly what it does.  It programmatically collects configuration data, performance counters and live tracing information from an Exchange server.  The tool analyzes each subsystem to determine individual bottlenecks, and then aggregates the information to provide root cause analysis.

“SBS2003 installs SQL, ISA, Sharepoint, and Exchange 2003 on the same server and the license does not allow relocating the applications to other machines. With 10 users the Exchange Best Practice Analyzer recommends setting the 3GB switch. I feel like my system is running fine without it and it might have adverse side effects since I have all the standard SBS applications plus CRM and LCS on the same box. Do I need to use the 3G switch if I have 4G of RAM?”

You don’t need to use it, if you’re happy with the current performance then you’re fine.  However, it’s not just Exchange that benefits.  /3GB reserves more user virtual memory for ALL user mode applications.  However – you need to be careful, and KNOW the applications you’re running will support this well. (Example: Many people think “Cool, I’ll make my Virtual Server machines run better because they’ll have more memory.”  But in truth, Virtual Server uses a lot of Kernel memory also, which is lost when you use that switch.  So.. be careful. J (See “the Virtual PC Guy”s WebLog for this info.)

“What is the best way to find out if a PRODUCTION server can handle more users? (just pile on users until you see smoke?;-)”

Test in a lab environment with a similar server, or as close as possible, using the tools discussed. If the server is in production that’s a little late in the game for doing sizing.

There you should look at using the ExPTA: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=4BDC1D6B-DE34-4F1C-AEBA-FED1256CAF9A&displaylang=en

“Can the /3GB switch be used on servers running SBS 2003?”

Yes it can.

“Best Practice Analyzing Tool recommends to set also the /3GB at the GC what's the impact on exchange?”

It could, probably will, affect performance.

“FYI, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/815372 is the ultimate article which covers all the 2003 server settings Kevin just went through”

Yes, thanks.... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/815372

“Should /3GB switch be used if i have 2 GB of memory in the server?”

Yes.  It’s all a matter of how the server allocates the 4 GB of virtual memory space – whether or not the machine physically has 4GB.   The recommendation is to use /3GB if you have 1GB or more of physical memory.

“Is the ‘/nopae’ switch a useful switch when optimizing the server? (Per KB827281)”

It’s recommended that you disable PAE mode only to work around a hardware issue or to troubleshoot a specific issue that involves PAE or Address Windowing Extensions (AWE).

“Will an offline copy of this presentation be made available?  Can I have the URL for it?”

It will be available in 24 hours at www.microsoft.com/webcasts in the on demand section

“Does Exchange 2k3 Standard Edition allow you create multiple storage groups?”

One Storage group in Standard.

“I have read that WINS is suggested for large subnetted networks but it was not clear as to what issues are caused by not having WINS and only using DNS. Are issues seen on on the clients like outlook or only see on the server side in form of performance issues?”

Where did you read that?

“http://blogs.technet.com/eileen_brown/archive/2006/01/26/exchange_wins.aspx”

In mixed enviroments it is used and helps.  Check http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?id=837391

“The following Exchange functionality still depends on WINS name resolution: • The Exchange Server 2003 Setup program and the Exchange 2000 Server Setup program, especially on clustered servers. • Exchange Mailbox Merge Wizard (ExMerge) on an Exchange 2003 computer and on an Exchange 2000 computer. • Changing a password for an Exchange 2003 mailbox or an Exchange 2000 mailbox through Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA). • Exchange System Manager on an Exchange 2003 computer and on an Exchange 2000 computer. Note Additionally, Microsoft Outlook clients that are earlier than Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 also require NetBIOS name resolution.”

“How do you determine that you should be indexing a particular schema attribute?”

Check this link http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3Perf_ScalGuide/aacaf4d8-a0c1-42d0-8eda-1c410177a7ce.mspx?mfr=true

“Isn't it better to set MinUserDC value to 1? This way as long as there is at least one DC available, Exchnage will not use PDCE?”

Check http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;298879

“Is there any consideration when I use specific tips in a cluster environment?”

I'm sure there are, and the information is typically included with each article or chapter.

—

Here is my blog resource page for this session again:
http://blogs.technet.com/kevinremde/archive/2006/03/29/423267.aspx

Greetings!

Below I’ve pasted an edited and cleaned up copy of the Q&A from the webcast I delivered on March 20th: Best Practices for Designing the Active Directory Structure. 

BIG thank you to Chris Henley for handling the Q&A on the backend, and who’s work this really represents.

-Kevin

—

Questions and Answers:

“Will this webcast be available for download at a later time?”

Yes it will, you can go to www.microsoft.com/webcasts

“Is there a good definitive resource for Active Directory Deployments?”

Good Question! I like the Active Directory Deployment Guide located here http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/directory/activedirectory/default.mspx

“What about Desktop Deployments?”

I always use the info located on the followign link. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/desktopdeployment/inframan/inframanad.mspx

“Are there any other webcasts that focus on Active Directory?”

There are tons. I would Recommend Michael Murphy's Active Directory Series as a great resource or Chris Henley's Migrating to Active Directory and of course Kevin Remde's Administration series. Links to these can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/events/AdvSearch.mspx?EventsAndWebcastsControlName=As1%3AAdvSrc&As1%3AAdvSrc%3AAudienceID=0&As1%3AAdvSrc%3AProductID=2e759425-9c39-421a-b53c-3f78ca563707&As1%3AAdvSrc%3AEventType=OnDemandWebcast&As1%3AAdvSrc%3ACountryRegionID=en%7CUS%7CUnited+States&StateProvinceID=0&As1%3AAdvSrc%3ATimeframeID=-1&As1%3AAdvSrc%3ASearchFilter=%C2%A0+Go+%C2%A0

“If application requires different schema, would it be better to use ADAM and provision using something like IIFP?”

That is a good possibility. You could also of course run separate Forests.  It really depends on network requirements. It is certainly nice that we have the ADAM option.

“Most of the AD designing concepts applies to ADAM as well?

In theory yes.  However, ADAM generally is used to provide AD access to applications and not to build network hierarchy. See the following http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/Library/05c4f979-41c0-40d7-8687-2549d214643e1033.mspx

“I'm looking for standard policies to apply on kiosk machines, do we have set of policies can be downloaded from web?”

Start with this interactive GPMC training which illustrates the use of policy on a KIOSK. Then you can begin making your own choices for configuration. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/techinfo/training/gpmctraining.mspx

“Will we be able to download this webcast for viewing?”

“Yes, you will be able to access this webcast on demand and have the ability to download in 24 hours at www.microsoft.com/webcasts.

“What Program are you using to get this nice graphics - Sorry for the off the wall question ;)”

It is actually just a PowerPoint presentation.

“Application( Outlook 11) is looking for GC or PDC to open??”

I believe it is looking for a simple domain controller only.

“What if all DCs are also GCs?”

It really depends on the size and the structure of the organization.  

“We want to use DFS at all branch locations. Would you recommend a DC at those locations to limit traffic across the WAN link?”

Interesting question. If you think about it, putting a DC at a branch office would actually increase the total traffic because it would add replication traffic. The traffic reductions would come from authentication traffic. Unfortunately there is no right or wrong answer. Yo need to look at the traffic on your network and then make the decision.

“Always in my segment, a user always have to press retry to open Outlook (DC2 is a in the segment)what U think is wrong??”

It sounds like a rpc issue try the information here. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;325930

“Hey Kevin - Where are you getting your Circles and Domain graphics?”

We have a content development team that does all of the initial creation for us, so I really don't know how they perform that graphical magic.

Kevin’s Webcast Resources:

Exchange Server 2003 – Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts

Here are some resources relating to the webcast topic presented.  I hope you find them useful.

Kevin

“MOM!”

This is the fourth of many long-overdue, promised blog posts containing answers to questions I’ve received at our TechNet Events.

This question is about Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005…

“Is there a management pack to monitor Windows Backup?  What about other backup products?”

There is a management pack available from Symantec to manage BackupExec.  Other than that, I can’t find a way to use Microsoft management packs to watch Windows Backup.

For a quick way to search for Management Packs to support both MS and non-MS products, check out the Management Pack and Utilities Catalog.

Anyone care to share how they might be monitoring Windows Backup using MOM?

—

Any more questions?  Enter a comment or contact me here.

I just received some cool news via e-mail from the Microsoft TechNet Product Manager.  The e-Learning folks are offering a new promotion running from April-June, 2006.  All new or existing TechNet Plus subscribers will have some additional e-Learning courses available to them for free.  Three of them. 

“Three? Free?!”

Yep. Three.  Free.  Whoopie.

“What courses?”

Here are the links and summaries that were in my inbox:

Course 2400: Implementing and Managing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
Summary: This course provides students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to update and support a reliable, secure messaging infrastructure. This infrastructure is used for creating, storing, and sharing information by using Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 in a medium-sized to large-sized messaging environment. 

Course 2008: Designing a Microsoft® Exchange Server 2003 Organization - New Look & Feel!
Summary: Learn the critical Exchange 2003 concepts that will enable you to design and deploy a solution that addresses your organization’s business needs.

Course 2288: Using Microsoft® Virtual Server 2005
Summary: This course prepares students to migrate legacy applications and consolidate server functions by using Microsoft Virtual Server 2005.
 

“What’s the catch?  Is this for all TechNet Plus subscribers world-wide?”

Well, the courses are in English only, and they’re available to TechNet Plus subscribers who have access to the TechNet Plus Subscriber Online Services web site, which currently includes TechNet Plus subscribers in the US, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, as well as Software Assurance customers who receive the TechNet Plus media worldwide.  Also, you will only have 90 days to complete the course, as opposed to a whole year if you pay for it. 

“How do I access this offer then if/when I’m a TechNet Plus subscriber?”

Go to the TechNet Plus Subscriber Online Services page (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/signin) and click “Learning Resources” on the left side of the page. 

—

So if you’re not yet a TechNet Plus subscriber, now’s a good time to sign up.  Details and subscription information can be found here. 

And, I just noticed that the 30% discount is about to expire..

The 30% discount offer ends March 31st!  Use promo code TNQ405 and get 30% off the subscription price.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: This promotion and promotion code have expired.
Please CLICK HERE for the most current promotion.

G’Day!

This is the fifth of many long-overdue, promised blog posts containing answers to questions I’ve received at our TechNet Events.

These questions are about Data Protection Manager 2006 and the Virtual Shadow Copy for Shared Folders client…

—

"When is the client install necessary?  When is it not?  Does DPM take care of this for me if the client doesn't have it already installed?"
Yes, you will need the Previous Versions client installed on your desktops if it doesn't  already exist there. 

There are two clients for Shadow Copies for Shared Folders:

Previous Versions Client for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. This client can be installed on Windows XP from the Windows Server 2003 installation media or it can be installed using the .msi package that is available at the Microsoft Download Center. Previous Versions Client is installed by default on Windows Server 2003 and is included when you install Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Previous Versions Client for Windows 2000. This client is only available from the .msi package available at the Microsoft Download Center. In order for Windows 2000 clients to view shadow copies, a registry key must be set on the computer running Windows Server 2003 that enables access by Windows 2000 clients. The .msi package that contains the Windows 2000 client also contains an installation package for the server that will set this registry key.

Here's an introduction to Shadow Copies for Shared Folders, which is what this functionality is based on.  In the case of DPM, the file and folder images are maintained on the DPM server instead of the File Server.  (NOTE: If you have Shadow Copies for Shared Folders configured on the File Server, you may have problems, because now that client will look at versions saved there rather than on the DPM server.  Make sure you do NOT have it enabled in both places.)

"What are the requirements for the servers managed by DPM?  Do they need to be running R2?"
No.  These servers may run Windows 2000 (SP4 with the Update Roll-up), Windows Server 2003, or Windows Storage Server 2003. DPM can’t be used to protect clustered servers or servers that are not members of the same Active Directory domain as the DPM server.  The servers also will have a DPM agent installed on them.  You'll do this from the DPM administration application.

"What about the clients?" 
As long as the Previous Versions client is supported, the client OS can take advantage of DPM shadow copies.  Note that there is a hotfix that must be installed on the clients also. 
In general, here is an article on "How to install the Shadow Copy Client Software"
 

—

Any more questions?  Enter a comment or contact me here.

“Hi!”

This is the third of many long-overdue, promised blog posts containing answers to questions I’ve received at our TechNet Events.

These questions are about the Storage Manager for SANs function in Windows Server 2003 R2…

"Are existing LUNs detected?"
Well… I'm not a storage expert and haven't worked with any other SAN technologies, so I couldn't say from personal experience.  However, my impression is that if the LUN was created using some other tool set, then no, the LUN isn't going to be manageable using Storage Manager for SANs.  I may be wrong.  (Anyone want to add a comment from personal experience?  Please do!)

Creating a LUN in SMfS depends on the type of storage you're using, Fibre Channel or iSCSI. 
From the "SANMgr_Step by Step Guide" (found online here, and also on the TechNet Resource DVDs our TechNet Event audience members receive):

 

If the LUNs will be deployed on a Fibre Channel subsystem, you only need to identify the servers that will access the LUNs, select which HBA ports on those servers will be used for LUN traffic, and finally assign LUNs directly to the servers.

 

If the LUNs will be deployed on an iSCSI subsystem, the process requires additional steps. 

After identifying the servers that will access the LUNs and selecting the iSCSI initiator adapters that will be used for LUN traffic, you should do the following:

1. Create and configure targets on the iSCSI subsystems and enable portals on those targets to handle LUN I/O traffic.
2. Optionally configure iSCSI security.
3. Establish logon sessions from the iSCSI initiator on each server to one or more targets.
4. Finally, assign LUNs to the targets.

“In the Virtual PC machines you used in the demo, what tool or service did you use to emulate the SAN devices?”

It’s a product called WinTarget, by a company called String Bean Software.  Here is their guide for using WinTarget along with Data Protection Manager.

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Any more questions?  Enter a comment or contact me here.

April’s Shower of Webcasts

The schedule for April has been posted.  Sign up early and often!

Here are a few I’ll be leading…

TechNet Webcast: Exchange Best Practice Analyzer (ExBPA) (Level 300)

Monday, April 10, 2006 - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Pacific Time

Kevin Remde, TechNet Presenter, Microsoft Corporation

The Microsoft Exchange Server Best Practices Analyzer Tool (ExBPA) is an automated health check and troubleshooting tool. ExBPA collects configuration settings and performs network and protocol tests in an Exchange topology. Join this webcast to learn about the new version of the tool that was released in March, 2005. We discuss enhancements such as scheduling and baseline support. See how to use ExBPA with Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005. At the end of the presentation, we talk about future enhancements to the ExBPA tool.

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032292976&Culture=en-US

TechNet Webcast: Exchange Server 2003 Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts (Level 300)Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time

Kevin Remde, TechNet Presenter, Microsoft Corporation

Your organization is running Microsoft Exchange Server 2003, and it is stable. What can you do to improve your Exchange operations, customize them, and optimize them to better meet the requirements of your organization even better? This webcast provides tips on how to customize system messages, address lists, and Microsoft Office Outlook Web Access. We also explain how to control which versions of Microsoft Outlook are allowed to connect to the Exchange server, how to use Mailbox Manager, and how to create catch-all mailboxes.

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032293011&Culture=en-US

“Ha Haaa!”

This is the second of many long-overdue, promised blog posts containing answers to questions I’ve received at our TechNet Events.

These questions are about the File Server Resource Manager in Windows Server 2003 R2…

“Are quotas set on a per-folder basis only, or do they include all sub-folders?”

You have two choices.  Your first option is to set quota on a folder.  This will then apply to all content under it- including content in any other folders.  The quota is basically the sum of all space used under the folder.

The other option is what is called an “Auto-Quota”.  Here you assign the quota to a parent folder of folders.  So the quota will apply to every folder that is a direct child of the parent on which the auto-quota is set.  It will apply to folders that already exist, as well as folders that may be later created there.  A perfect example would be to set an auto-quota on folder that contains users home folders.  Each home folder will automatically have the quota assigned to them.

“Can you set a quota on a per-user basis?”

Not as such, no.  Quotas are really based on the storage being used in and under the folder for which it was defined.

“Can you set quotas on a remote server?”

The FSRM console works in the context of either the local server, or a server it’s connected to remotely.  So, yes, you can set and manage quotas on remote servers.  The caveat is that the remote server must also be running R2, and have the FSRM services installed and running. 

Here is the Step by Step Guide to the File Server Resource Manager.

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“Kevin, why did you use that angry picture?”

No special reason.  I just like it.

Any more questions?  Enter a comment or contact me here.

I was thrilled to finally get a new “server” set up and running at home so I could install a virtual playground (really.. I mean virtually.. I mean, using Virtual Server 2005 R2) to install lots of machines to test and learn.  And with my TechNet Plus subscription, I got a copy of Exchange 12 to install and play with now.

Problem: No matter how I tried, I couldn’t get past an error that said the new 3.0 version of the MMC was required.  “Hey, but I’m running on a Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Ed. server.. so I’ve already got that version!”… 

So then I thought, “Maybe it wasn’t ready to run on R2 yet.”  So I tried it on a Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Ed. server.  Still no luck, even after following the suggested link and installing the new MMC.

“Did you fix it?  What did you do?”

The Internet is a wonderful thing. 

I found a note about it on the Exchange Team’s blog.  (Actually, first I searched a newsgroup, and found someone who had answered that question with a link to the Exchange Team’s blog.)  But the solution is one of two choices:

Install the older “RC1 Refresh” version of the MMC 3.0 (found here), or if you want to stay with the current released MMC 3.0, just add a registry key “MMC30Core” (no quotes) at this location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall.

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Well.. the install has been running as I type.  Better go check to see how it’s going….

…because I agree with Vineeth Raja.  This is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Check out www.ie7.com.

The trace of the route to this site ends up in London (Southwark), registered to some BLTC.NET (so it’s hosted by Knightsbridge Online), through tucows domain registration. 

Similarly, www.ie7.org leads right to a firefox link and plug. 

Hey.. www.ie7.net is available.  For now.   

I’m guessing there’s not much Microsoft can do about it except be happy that IE 7 is so much better than firefox. (just my biased opinion) 

What do you think?  Should Microsoft sue ‘em? 

• Why do I need an upgrade strategy?
• How will these changes assist me with my day-to-day challenges, as well as future performance of my business solutions?
• When will the new products be available?
• Will these changes affect security?
• What's the potential trade-off between upgrading immediately and waiting for future new product releases?

Want answers to these questions?  You’ll find the answers in a series of webcasts:

All are one hour in length, starting at 10:30AM Pacific Time (US & Canada).

Wanna win $10,000 just for expressing yourself? 

Well… it does take more than self expression.  But we do have a contest going now for those of you who think you have a great program idea, and can make that idea a reality using any of the EXPRESS line of free tools (SQL Server Express, Visual Studio Express, etc.)

Full contest description and rules are found HERE.

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And here’s my own idea for a cool tool:

I want a very quick and easy photo web site generator / manager.  I want to be able to drag my photos onto an administration page, quickly enter a description of each.  And the creation of separate “event pages” to associate the photos with.  “Family trip to the Wisconsin Dells”, for example.

The site generated should be easy to navigate to photo albums by year, and then by date or event.  Thumbnails for all photos for that date or event should then be displayed alongside of a description of the photo.  Clicking on the photo brings up the full-size photo, with next/previous buttons for navigating to other photos within the current date/event/view.

Another idea for this tool – the web site should have a search page that lists all currently known photo keywords (or tags), and returns a page of thumbnails based on your tag selection.  Entry of photos into the site will pull the tag information from the photo meta-data itself.

This application has keep all data in a SQL database in a way that can be simply backed up and restored.

Build this for me, and I will be forever grateful!