An Interview With Jeremy Moskowitz

Last week SPECOPS Software's roadshow "Changes, Challenges and Choices When rolling out Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7" made its way to the Microsoft Alpharetta office.
The featured speaker was Jeremy Moskowitz of GPanswers.com.  The agenda covered what’s new in Group Policy with Windows Server 2008 R2 as well as some of the new tools available to help you deploy Windows 7.

During the break I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeremy and get a quick interview.

For more information on the SPECOPS Event see my previous post.

Active Directory User Group Meeting at the SPECOPS Event at the Microsoft Office in Alpharetta, GA

Spent the day in SPECOPS event at the Microsoft Alpharetta office.  Most of the day was spent with Jeremy Moskowitz, Group Policy MVP from GPanswers.com.  He talked about what’s new in Group Policy with Windows Server 2008 R2 as well as rolling out Windows 7.  Here’s the agenda:

What’s new when rolling out Windows Server 2008 R2

• What´s new in Group Policy
• How to increase security for your Windows infrastructure
• Fine Grained Password Policies (FGPP) with Windows Server 2008
• Further enhancements of Windows Password Management 
• Third party solutions for enhanced Windows Password Management

What’s new when rolling out Windows 7

• Windows Deployment Services (WDS) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
• Solutions to facilitate deployment of Windows 7 to the Enterprise
• Learn other "What's New" tips in Group Policy for Windows 7 and leverage your existing investment when deploying Windows 7!
• Third party solutions for enhanced Windows 7 deployment
• And much more...

In the afternoon there was a cool demonstration of the Specops Password Policy (SPP) tool.  See the video below for a quick overview:

Password Management from Specops Software on Vimeo.

I Want To Update My ADMX Central Store with the Windows 7 ADMX files but I Can’t Find Them!!!!

I’ve been asked this question a few times by people who want to update their Central Store with the latest ADMX files for Windows 7.

Where Are The ADMX Files

If you are running Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate you’ll find the ADMX files under %WINDIR%\PolicyDefinitions.  It’s simply a matter of copying all files from the PolicyDefinitions folder on a Windows 7 client computer to the PolicyDefinitions folder on the domain controller contained in the SYSVOL folder:  \\FQDN\SYSVOL\FQDN\policies

What’s the Central Store

Central Store is a file location that is checked by the Group Policy tools. The Group Policy tools use any .admx files that are in the Central Store. The files that are in the Central Store are later replicated to all domain controllers in the domain.

In earlier operating systems, all the default Administrative Template files are added to the ADM folder of a Group Policy object (GPO) on a domain controller. The GPOs are stored in the SYSVOL folder. The SYSVOL folder is automatically replicated to other domain controllers in the same domain. A policy file uses approximately 2 megabytes (MB) of hard disk space. Because each domain controller stores a distinct version of a policy, replication traffic is increased.

Windows 7 uses a Central Store to store Administrative Template files. In Windows 7, the ADM folder is not created in a GPO as in earlier versions of Windows. Therefore, domain controllers do not store or replicate redundant copies of .adm files.

How Do I Configure The Central Store?

To take advantage of the benefits of .admx files, you must create a Central Store in the SYSVOL folder on a domain controller.  It’s pretty straight forward , just check out my video on Technet Edge: How To Configure the Central ADMX Store.

Still Running Windows 7 Release Candidate?? Not for much longer!!

If you installed the Windows 7 RC last year, thanks for helping us test Windows 7!!  However, the time has come to move on.  To avoid interruption, please reinstall a prior version of Windows or move to Windows 7. In either case, you'll need to do a custom (clean) install to replace the RC.

When Is This Happening?

Starting on March 1, 2010 your PC will begin shutting down every two hours and your work will NOT be saved during the shutdown.

The Windows 7 RC will fully expire on June 1, 2010 and will continue to shutdown every two hours, and your files WON’T be saved during shutdown. In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop and you’ll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn’t genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation.

What Do I Need to Do?

You need to reinstall the original version of Windows you were running, or install a licensed copy of Windows 7 as well as all the programs and data.

What About My Data?

You’ll need to backup the data or use the Windows Easy Transfer tool to transfer the data you need over to you new system.  The Easy Transfer Wizard will transfer all of the following data for you:

• User accounts
• Files and folders
• Program data files and settings
• E-mail messages, settings, and contacts
• Photos, music, and videos
• Windows settings
• Internet settings

Don’t risk losing your data during one of the 2 hourly shutdowns.  Get your system done before March 1st.

Slides From Our East Region Events November-December 2009

I have had many requests for the slide decks from our East Region events last year (November-December 2009).  Usually they are posted on the resource page at technetevents.com, however, technical issues have delayed the decks being made available there.  In the meantime, I have “unofficially” posted them at the following locations:

Interested in Windows Azure, Hyper-V or Windows 7 Deployment? Then sign-up for a FREE TechNet Event near you!!

Join your local TechNet Events team for a lively tour of the latest tools and resources for IT Pros. We’ll start with an overview of Windows Azure, and explore how you can use this high-performance hosted platform to build customer-facing applications and add horsepower to your computing infrastructure. Next, we’ll look at all the tools and techniques available for building virtual environments in Hyper-V version 2.0, then finish the day by demonstrating how to simplify your Windows 7 deployments. TechNet Events are free, live learning sessions packed with hands-on technical content.

If you live on the east coast check the table below for cities and dates, otherwise click HERE for complete listing of all US cities.

Note:  If you register and attend this event, you will be placed in a raffle to win a chance to bring home one (1) free copy of Windows 7 – you could be the lucky winner so register today!!!

Got a TechNet Plus Subscription?

A great way to get software for testing/evaluation purposes without time or feature limits is to get a TechNet Plus Subscription!!  Right now is the perfect time to get TechNet Plus as you can SAVE 28% off the regular price!!!  Just click on TechNet Plus Subscriptions using the TNITE08 code and sign up today!!!  

This offer is only available in the US and ends 3/31/10.

What’s on the Agenda?

SESSION 1: The Next Wave: Windows Azure

The future of highly available, high-performance, secure, dynamically scalable, hosted computing is here.  It’s Microsoft’s new online service computing platform: Windows Azure.  In this session, we’ll discuss and demonstrate the basics of Windows Azure and how you can leverage it in your work.  We’ll show you real-world examples of how companies are using Azure today and help you think about applying it for customer-facing applications, or to quickly and dynamically add horsepower to your own computing infrastructure.  We’ll also touch on the exciting future of the platform – including what you can expect to see in the coming months and years.

SESSION 2:  Hyper-V: Tools to Build the Ultimate Virtual Test Network

Windows Server 2008 R2 and Hyper-V version 2.0 provide a powerful base upon which you can build a highly realistic, effective test bed for servers, clients, and networks. In this session, you’ll learn how to use the resources of a TechNet subscription, Windows Server 2008R2, Hyper-V, and a new, free sysinternals tool called Disk2vhd, to build the ultimate test or training environment.  We’ll show you how to import existing virtual machines and export virtual hard disks. You’ll see how to take point-in-time snapshots, and to build snapshot hierarchies that allow you to move both backward and forward to specific points in the time.  We’ll also demonstrate how to create a virtual machine from a running physical machine, and then import that VHD into Hyper-V.  By the end of this session, you’ll have a solid understanding of the tools and techniques currently available for building a great virtual environment in Hyper-V.  

SESSION 3: Automating Your Windows 7 Deployment with MDT 2010

Deploying Windows 7 is easy if you’re using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010.  This session will walk you through the various tools that can help simplify your deployments.  We’ll drill down in the MDT Workbench and look at how the MDT process helps you create a reference image, which can then be easily deployed to the target computers.  We’ll look at how to configure the deployment environment, show how you can add operating systems, applications, drivers, and language packs using the Deployment Workbench, and then finish up by creating a task-sequenced deployment to a target computer.

Find a city near you and sign-up today!!!!

Get 28% Discount on a NEW TechNet Plus Subscription!!!!! Hurry!! Offer ends 3/31/10 (US Only)

Windows 7 is here!!  Get a new TechNet Plus Subscription with Windows 7 now and save 28%. 

With the Subscription, you can evaluate over 70 full-version Microsoft software titles like Windows 7 without time or feature limits. 

To get the 28% discount use the TNITE08 Code

But hurry!  Offer ends 3/31/10

NOTE:  This offer is only for TechNet Plus Direct NEW orders only and is only valid for redemption in US.

This offer is valid from 01/18/10 to 03/31/10, subject to change

Enter the Toolbox.com Windows @ Work Contest & Win An HP Envy

If you’re an IT Professional then you need to sign up to join the Toolbox.com IT Windows 7 Community.  Not only will you get to discuss issues that arise during the implementation, configuration, administration or daily use of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system but also you can enter the Windows @ Work contest.

Sign up now and be a part of the Toolbox.com IT Windows 7 Community!

TechNet Radio: Optimize Your Desktop Infrastructure with System Center Configuration Manager and Windows 7

In this episode of TechNet Radio, listen in as our host, John Baker, speaks with David Feng, IT Director for Sporton International.

Sporton International, a leading testing, certification and electromagnetic compatibility consultant wanted to relieve its two-person IT staff of time-sapping desktop management chores, minimize employee disruptions, and shrink computer setup time to speed the testing process.  

The solution? Sporton deployed Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 2, which inter-operates with Microsoft Application Virtualization and Windows 7 to  help automate management chores.  

The Results? Their IT staff was 40 percent more productive and there was an increase in profitability, enhanced protection, and compliance.

To Listen to this podcast click on the desired format WMA | MP3  (21 mins)

ThriveLive! Online IT Professional Virtualization Tour

Join our IT Professional Evangelists Yung Chou, Dan Stolts, Blain Barton and John Baker, as they bring you the highlights of Microsoft’s great virtualization solutions. They will go from the desktop to the enterprise, starting with VHD native boot – a new feature for Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2. Next, they will move into Windows XP mode, Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V™, and finish with System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM).

Registrations for IT Professionals: ThriveLive! Online IT Professional Virtualization Tour

Date/Time: Thursday, December 10, 2009 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)

Event Type: Online

AGENDA

It’s time to focus on enterprise with an overview of Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. In this session, we’ll look at how to create virtual machines in Hyper-V and demonstrate how the snapshot feature can easily revert the virtual machine to a previous state. You’ll come away from this session with a sold understanding of all the capabilities and new features in Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V.

VHD Native Boot , Presenter:  Dan Stolts, Sr. IT Professional Evangelist

We’ll kick off the afternoon by exploring VHD Native Boot, which is a new feature for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. VHD Native Boot can be used as the running operating system on designated hardware – without a parent operating system, virtual machine, or hypervisor. This is one of the best virtualization features to date for technology professionals of every kind – from enterprise to small and medium-size business pros and consultants

Windows XP Mode, Presenter:  Blain Barton, Sr. IT Professional Evangelist

With Windows XP Mode, it’s easy to install and run multiple Windows XP productivity applications directly from your Windows 7-based PC. Do you have application compatibility issues? Windows XP Mode can ease those compatibility headaches, because it gives you the best of both worlds. You can easily run older Windows XP business software – including web applications that require an old version of Internet Explorer® – while taking advantage of the many benefits of your Windows 7 desktop. This is a can’t-miss session for IT pros who juggle both new and established software and web applications.

System Center Virtual Machine Manager, Presenter:  John Baker, Sr. IT Professional Evangelist

Finally, no virtualization discussion is complete without a conversation about management. When it comes to managing virtual infrastructures, System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 (SCVMM) is the best of the best. This member of the System Center family of system management products provides a straightforward, cost-effective solution for unified management of physical and virtual machines

Get up to 25 percent off select Microsoft Certification exams

If you’re looking at catching up on your certifications, this is a deal you might not want to miss.  Until December 31st 2009, or while supplies last, you can get up to 25% off Microsoft certification exams.  For a full listing of exams that have 15%, 20% or 25% off click HERE or on the image above.

Good luck with your exams!!!

Free eBook Download: Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2

I just got word this MS Press book is available as a FREE eBook download.  If you want to see what’s new in Windows Server 2008 R2 then this book is for you!!!

Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2 will get you up to speed on the new features and capabilities in Windows Server 2008 R2.  So come read about what’s new in Hyper-V, RDS virtualization, management, IIS and the new Web application platform and also see what functionality gives you a Better Together experience with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2!!!

The New Efficiency Launch: PowerPoint Slide Decks

Many of you have been asking where you can get a copy of the slide decks from the New Efficiency IT Pro Launch events.

Some of my DPE colleagues have already posted them at slideshare.net, see links below!!!!

Windows 7 Decks

Windows Server 2008 R2 Decks

Exchange 2010 Decks 

Before Installing Windows 7 run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Many of you have been coming to the Windows 7 IT Pro launch events around the country.  At the event you have been getting a free, not-for-resale version of Windows 7 Ultimate.  I strongly suggest before you install Windows 7, especially if its an older machine, run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to make get a report on any potential driver or application problems.  I’ve had a few emails where people have installed Windows 7 only to find the video driver for a really old card is not available.

Remember, if you have an old machine, the hardware vendor may have made the decision not to write a Windows 7 driver. 

Bottom-line - check BEFORE you install by running the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

TechNet Events Presents “Microsoft Virtualization Tour” for IT Pros!