Ping Assist Pro- Network Monitoring
Ping Assist
I thought I would take a moment to write about a new application i've recently come to find quite valuable, as I do for most of my posts.
As a Network Administrator for a Windows Server 2003 environment with 12 different domains and VPN connections, I often times find myself struggling to ensure my network is running healthy at all times. Power failures in our area are a constant issue. After searching for a utility that would simply ping our critical devices to ensure the maximum possible up-time, I came across a utility called "Ping Assist Pro". Pinging devices is simple enough, but to have a utility that would ping multiple devices and provide alerts for the instance that a device was found to be un-reachable became quite appealing.
After only a very short time of utilizing this application I found myself fixing/resolving all connection issues before any employees had a chance to report them and this is allowing me to free up time monitoring network devices. Bottom line, there appear to be a lot of network monitoring applications out there, but if your looking for an application that is extremely easy to use, provides alerts, logs, stats and a nice GUI then I would highly recommend this ping utility.
Learn more... Monday, November 22, 2010
Windows 7 P2V
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Physical to Virtual migration
Interested in doing a P2V migration with your Windows 7 system? With the help of two utilities we now have the ability to do just that. We will use Portlock License Manager to manage and capture a WIM image of our Windows 7 system and a script written for WIM to VHD conversions to boot our Windows 7 system into a virtual environment.
For those of you manging your WIM files from command line with "imageX", Portlock License Manager really does provide a great set of tools for mounting, dismounting, editing and creating WIM images.
Once Portlock License Manager is installed go to File>Relaunch program with admin rights as WIM file mangement requires administrative privileges. Now to create our system image. In the left hand pane right click on a WIM library that will represent your WIM image and select "Create WIM Image".
You should now be presented with a menu for creating your image. For directory path you will select the entire "C:\". This will represent an image of your entire system. Also, check both boxes to "append date to image" and "enable volume snapshots". Appending data is not a crucial step but does allow you to add additional data to your image in the future. Once finished select "Create". Depending on the size of your system this may take awhile to complete.
Once the WIM image has been created we will now run the WIM2VHD script.
Note: In addition to the script Windows 7 AIK must be installed on your system as well.
Because we are working with a custom Windows 7 image the following script will be used from a DOS prompt in the directory the WIM2VHD script is saved.
CSCRIPT WIM2VHD.WSF /WIM:C:\Library\WIN7PC.WIM /SKU:1 /VHD:C:\Win7PC.VHD
SKU:1 = 1 is specific to the number of index images in our WIM file
After the script has completed the creation of the VHD we can now boot into a VM. Supported virtual platforms include: Microsoft Hyper-V, Virtual PC, Virtual Server and Virtual Box.
Learn more... Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mount VHD with Diskpart
VHDMount with Diskpart
Note: This requires Windows 7 or Windows Servver 2008 R2.
This is the same idea as the VHDMount.exe however we are going to be using the diskpart command from the command prompt. This is actually quite simple.
To begin, open a command prompt.
You will first select the VHD that you wish to mount with the following command
sel vdisk file="c:\users\Administrator\desktop\vistaSP1.vhd"
Then attach it to your system with the following command:
attach vdisk
to detach the VHD type:
detach vdisk
Learn more... Wednesday, January 28, 2009
VMware DiskMount Utility with Windows Host OS
VMware DiskMount Utility
The VMware DiskMount Utility enables you to mount an unused virtual disk as a separate drive without having to access it from within the virtual machine. You can use DiskMount with virtual disks created with VMware ESX Server 2 and 3.x, VMware GSX Server 3 and 2.5.1, VMware ACE, and VMware Workstation 6.x, 5 and 4.
Note: Virtual disks created with VMware ACE cannot be encrypted virtual disks. Encrypted virtual disks cannot be mounted with DiskMount.
VMware DiskMount OS Support:
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista.
Note: You must mount virtual disks as drive D: or greater. You cannot specify a letter already in use on the host.
The VMware DiskMount Utility is available as a free download from the VMware Web site. To download DiskMount, go to www.vmware.com/download/diskmount.html.Once you download the installer, run it on a Windows host machine. A VMware product such as GSX Server or Workstation does not need to be installed on the host.
Running the VMware DiskMount Utility
To run the VMware DiskMount Utility, open a command prompt on a Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 host, then change to the directory where you installed the software. The command syntax is:
vmware-mount [options] [drive letter:] [\\path\to\virtual disk]
The options you can use include:
/v:N - Mounts volume N of a virtual disk. N defaults to 1.
/p - Displays the partitions (volumes) on the virtual disk.
/d - Deletes the mapping to a virtual disk drive volume.
/f - Forcibly deletes the mapping to a virtual disk drive volume. Use this option when an error or a correctable condition such as open file handles prevents DiskMount from unmounting the drive.
/? - Displays vmware-mount usage information.
Examples of Using the VMware DiskMount Utility
Following are some examples that illustrate how to use DiskMount.
Mounting a Virtual Disk: Use this command to mount a virtual disk:
vmware-mount m: "C:\test\windows xp home edition.vmdk"
"vmware-mount /v:2 h: "C:\test\windows xp home edition.vmdk"
Unmounting a Virtual Disk: Use this command to unmount a virtual disk so virtual machines can access it again:
vmware-mount h: /d
Direct link to VMware DiskMount Documentation: http://www.vmware.com/pdf/VMwareDiskMount.pdf
Learn more... Tuesday, January 27, 2009
How to Mount VHD's on Windows XP
Using VHDMount with Windows XP
Still running Windows XP?
VHDMount, is a utility used to mount virtual hard disk (VHD) files without having to start a VM. This is basically a command-line tool that can be automatically installed when installing Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 Service Pack 1 beta 2. However, if you look at the readme, you can also extract and install just this tool. There are two configuration issues with using VHDMount on Windows XP:
For Windows XP it is not possible to use '/m' (Mount), you must use '/p' (Plug in).
You’ll have to first “plug-in” the virtual hard drive and then mount it via the Windows Disk Management tools.
1. From the command prompt of your host computer you will need to change to the vhdmount directory of your virtual server program. For a list of options simply type “vhdmount”. To “plug-in” the virtual hard drive, see the following example.
Examle: vhdmount /p c:\test\win.vhd
VHDMount uses VDS (Virtual Disk Service) to assign a disk letter to the virtual hard disk after it mounts. However, VDS is only included in Windows Server 2003 and later. But unlike Windows Server 2003, Windows XP will automatically mount the virtual hard disk when it is plugged in. The only functionality lost on Windows XP is the ability to specify the exact drive letter to be used.
Windows XP claims there is a problem initializing the device.
Virtual Server 2005 R2 Service Pack 1 beta 2 uses an unsigned driver for the virtual hard disk mounting tool. To get around this you need to plug in the virtual hard disk (as shown above) using VHDMount and open the Windows Device Manager by right clicking on 'My Computer', selecting 'Manage', and clicking 'Device Manager'. You should see a 'Microsoft Virtual Server Storage Device' icon with an exclamation mark.
Right click on the icon and select 'Update Driver'. In the update wizard, select 'Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)' and then select 'Don't search. I will choose the driver to install. Finally select the 'Microsoft Virtual Server Storage Devices' driver and finish the wizard. The virtual hard disk should now be mounted.
Unfortunately you must repeat this process each time you plug in a virtual hard disk, even if it has been mounted before. The issue will be resolved in the final release of Virtual Server 2005 R2 Service Pack 1 beta 2 when the driver will be officially signed.
To successfully un-mount your VHD you will use the /u switch.
Example: vhdmount /u c:\test\win.vhd
Learn more... Monday, January 26, 2009
Windows Server 2008 Core Admin Commands
Server Core Administration “Bible Commands”
Below is a correlation of commands for administering and configuring Server Core platforms. This has been pieced together over a period of time. Some commands will show real world examples, others are self explanatory. This guide will be an ongoing developing process.
Note:If your not ready for all these server core commands take a look at the product "Portlock SMART Suite for Windows", which provides a GUI for server core platforms and accomplishes many of these tasks.
What you will find (click on learn more below):
• Networking Commands
• Windows Firewall Commands
• Server Role Commands
• Administration Commands
• Windows Update Commands
Networking Commands
Show NICs
netsh interface ipv4 show interfaces
Show NIC Configuration
netsh interface ipv4 show config
Configure Static IP
netsh interface ipv4 set address name=”2” source=static address=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx mask=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx gateway xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Example: netsh interface ipv4 address name=”local area connection 2” address=192.168.1.231 mask=255.255.255.0 gateway=192.168.1.1
Add Primary DNS
netsh interface ipv4 add dnsserver name=”2” address=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx index=1
Add Secondary DNS
netsh interface ipv4 add dnsserver name=”2” address=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx index=2
Rename server
netdom renamecomputer oldname /NewName:newname
Example: netdom renamecomputer %computername% /NewName:server2003
Rename Domain Joined Computer
netdom renamecomputer %computername% /NewName:
Example: netdom renamecomputer %comtpuername% /NewName:HPDL380-
New /userd:test.local\john.doe /F5ght81rP:*
Add to Domain
netdom join servername /domain:domainname /userd:domain\username
/password:*
Example: netdom join dell2950-srv4 /domain:workgroup /userd:local.host\john.doe /F5ght81rP:*
Remove from domain:
netdom remove
Example: netdom remove /host.local
Confirm Domain/Computer name
Set
(Also see): systeminfo
Rename a Domain Member:
netdom renamecomputer %computername% /NewName: /userd: /password:*
Disable Interface
netsh interface set interface “Local Area Connection 2” disabled
Delete DNS entries
netsh interface delete dnsserver name=”2” address=all
Example: netsh interface delete dnsserver name=”dell2950-srv1” address=all
All TCP/IP commands available including the following:
IPConfig
ARP
Ping
PathPing
TraceRT
Route
NSLookup
NetStat
NBTStat
Windows Firewall Commands
Note: Once Windows Server Core has been installed, the firewall settings will be enabled by default
Disable firewall:
netsh firewall set opmode disable
Note: Server Core can be managed by using MMCs from a remote server. However with the firewall being on by default you will have to allow these tools to work remotely.
MMC Snap-in - Event Viewer
Windows Firewall Rule Group - Remote Event Log Management
MMC Snap-in - Services
Windows Firewall Rule Group - Remote Services Management MMC Snap-in - Shared Folders
Windows Firewall Rule Group - File and Printer Sharing
MMC Snap-in - Task Scheduler
Windows Firewall Rule Group - Remote Scheduled Tasks Management
MMC Snap-in - Reliability and Performance
Windows Firewall Rule Group - Performance Logs and Alerts
Windows Firewall Rule Group - File and Printer Sharing
MMC Snap-in - Disk Management
Windows Firewall Rule Group - Remote Volume Management
MMC Snap-in - Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
Windows Firewall Rule Group - Windows Firewall Remote Management
To enable all of these rules follow use this command:
Netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group=“remote administration” new enable=yes
To enable specific commands follow this format:
Netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group=“” new enable=yes
Server Roles
The ocsetup.exe is used to install roles and features. (OC stands for optional components)
Note: This command is case sensitive
The following server roles may be installed with Windows Server 2008 Core:
• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and AD Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)
• DNS Server
• Internet Information Services (IIS) (No ASP.NET support)
• DHCP Server
• File Services
• Print Services
• Streaming Media Services
• Hyper V
Discover available server roles:
Oclist
DNS
start /w ocsetup DNS-Server-Core-Role
DHCP
start /w ocsetup DHCPServerCore
File Services (Server service is installed by default) but there are other role features
File Replication Service
start /w ocsetup FRS-Infrastructure
Distributed File System
start /w ocsetup DFSN-Server
Distributed File System Replication
start /w ocsetup DFSR-Infrastructure-ServerEdition
Services for Network File System (NFS)
start /w ocsetup ServerForNFS-Base
start /w ocsetup ClientForNFS-Base
Hyper V
start /w ocsetup Microsoft-Hyper-V
Print Server feature
start /w ocsetup Printing-ServerCore-Role
Line Printer Daemon (LPD) service
start /w ocsetup Printing-LPDPrintService
Note: Adding or removing the Active Directory role with OCSetup.exe is not supported. Always use DCPromo to install or uninstall Active Directory
Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services
start /w ocsetup DirectoryServices-ADAM-ServerCore
Active Directory Domain Services
dcpromo /unattend:
Streaming Media Services
Follow directions found in Article ID 934518
IIS
start /w pkgmgr /iu:IIS-WebServerRole;WAS-WindowsActivationService;WAS-ProcessModel
To uninstall IIS use the following command
start /w pkgmgr /uu:IIS-WebServerRole;WAS-WindowsActivationService;WAS-ProcessModel
Microsoft Failover Clustering
start /w ocsetup FailoverCluster-Core
Network Load Balancing
start /w ocsetup NetworkLoadBalancingHeadlessServer
Subsystem for UNIX-based applications
start /w ocsetup SUACore
Multipath IO
start /w ocsetup MultipathIo
Removable Storage
start /w ocsetup Microsoft-Windows-RemovableStorageManagementCore
Bitlocker Drive Encryption
start /w ocsetup BitLocker
Backup
start /w ocsetup WindowsServerBackup
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
start /w ocsetup SNMP-SC
Windows Internet Name Service (WINS)
start /w ocsetup WINS-SC
Telnet client
start /w ocsetup TelnetClient
NOTE: If you need to un-install a Role that you installed with ocsetup all you need to do is to use the commands above with /uninstall.
To uninstall a server role:
Start /w ocsetup
Example: start /w ocsetup Microsoft-Hyper-V /uninstall
Admin Configuration
Activate the Server
(Local Method )
C:\widows\system32\cscript slmgr.vbs –ato
(Remote method)
Cscript windows\system32\slmgr.vbsServerName UserName password:-ato
Enable Remote Desktop for Administration
C:\windows\system32\cscript scregedit.wsf /AR 0
Restart server
shutdown /r t 0
shutdown /r
Log off
logoff
Logged on user
whoami
Start Task Manager
taskmgr
Rename Administrator:
wmic UserAccount where Name="Administrator" call Rename Name="new-name"
Add User to a Local Group
net localgroup GroupName /add \
Remove User from a Local Group
net localgroup GroupName /delete \
Update User Passwords:
Net user [/domain] *
Net user administrator *
Toggle Remote Desktop on and off:
Cscript \windows\system32\scregedit.wsf /ar 0
Enable reduced security for RDP connections:
Cscript \windows\system32\scregedit.wsf /cs 0
Rename a Stand-Alone Member:
netdom renamecomputer /NewName:
Configure the Page File:
wmic pagefileset where name=”” set InitialSize=,MaximumSize=
Configure a Proxy Server: (Server Core cannot use a proxy that requires a proxy)
netsh Winhttp set proxy :
List Running Services:
sc query
Start and/or Stop a Service:
sc start
sc stop
Manage Disk Volumes:
Diskpart /?
Example: (format disk)
Diskpart
List disk
Select disk 1
Clean
Create partition primary
Active
Format fs=ntfs
Assign
exit
Defrag a Volume:
defrag /?
Example: defrag –c
(defrags all volumes on computer):
Change Time and Time Zone:
control timedate.cpl
Change the Desktop Resolution: (requires you to log off and back on)
Regedit - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video
\0000\DefaultSettings.XResolution
\0000\DefaultSettings.YResolution
Display the Time in the Command Prompt:
prompt [$t]$s$p$g
Note: to remove time log off and log back in
Enable error reporting
serverWerOptin /detailed
serverWerOptin /summary
Disable Error Reporting
serverWerOptin /disable
Windows Updates
Note: Windows updates config commands should be performed from c:\windows\system32
List of installed patches:
wmic qfe list
Install Updates:
wusa .msu /quiet
Force Update check
Wuauclt /detectnow
List installed updates:
systeminfo
Configure for AutoUpdates:
cscript scregedit.wsf /AU /4
Example: Cscript c:\windows\system32\scregedit.wsf /au 4
Net stop wuauserv
Net start wuauserv
Disable AutoUpdates:
cscript scregedit.wsf /AU /1
View AutoUpdate Setting:
cscript scregedit.wsf /AU /v
Learn more... Thursday, January 22, 2009
Windows Server 2008 How Do I Video's
Here are some great "How Do I" videos for Windows Server 2008. These cover just about anything you will come across for Windows Server 2008 including server core, hyper-v, installations, configurations and more.
Learn more... Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Sun's VirtualBox 2.1
Sun released VirtualBox 2.1 the 17th of Dec. supporting x64 VM's on a x32 host. VirtualBox 2.1 now supports both Microsofts .VMDK and VMware .VHD virtual formats. This has to be one of the greatest features any virtual platform has developed in the last year (or longer).
Recently my Vista x64 host machine crashed. Long story short my motherboard took a dive. I used this machine to run my VMware virtual machines, mostly for testing purposes and all of which were x64 platforms that existed on an external device. Roughly 15 VM's in all. Once my Vista x64 system went down I had no other spare or available 64-bit capable host system to run my VM's. Suns VirtualBox (2.1) solved this issue as I was then able to connect my external device to my Vista 32-bit system. Which obviously is in fact capable of running a 64-bit platform. Suns virtualization technology is sure to make a lot of noise in the near future. Oh and by the way, its free. Thank you VirtualBox.
Learn more... Friday, December 19, 2008
Server Core 2008 R2
Server Core 2008 R2 (Win 7) build update
Features Added (optional):
Windows Powershell
Subset of .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5 – WCF, WF, and LINQ
ASP.NET and additional IIS support – the only IIS feature not available in Server Core is the management GUI
FSRM - File Server Resource Manager
There is some better information in regards to .NET 2.0 specifics from the following bloghttp://blogs.technet.com/server_core/default.aspx
Note: Win Server 2008 R2 includes Hyper-V 2.0
Hyper-V 2.0 ( released in R2 build)
Live migrations - Move running VM's from on host to anothe without the interruption of any services
Logical Processor Support - Support for 32 logical processors on host computer
Hot add/remove storage
Dynamic memory
Virtualized I/O
Improved Networking
Learn more... Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Portlock Windows Update Manager
Another tool has been released from Portlock, called "Portlock Windows Update Manager". This allows the ability to download Windows Updates without IE or any browser for that matter, while giving you the ability to download and install at a later date if desired.
Also allows you to configure your update settings to enable/disable auto updates, export detailed XML files on update history and view installed and un-installed updates.
I find myself using this tool rather then IE for most of my systems, especially server core platforms. No worrying about security risks with IE. If your running a server core system then you have no user interface, which means you are running a check for updates from the command line. This command is not difficult, but does not provide any detailed information regarding my past updates, current updates, etc.
Example scripts (server core command line):
Enable automatic updates - "cscript c:\windows\system32\scregedit.wsf /AU 4"
Disable automatic updates - "cscript c:\windows\system32\scregedit.wsf /AU 1"
These are obviously not terribly long scripts, but why bother memorizing them. Or take the time to track them down. I just picked two quick examples, there are some highly more complex scripts involved with server core systems then the ones provided, and for the most part, all of which are taken care of by Portlock Windows Update Manager. This tool can be found from the link above or from Portlock SMART Suite for Windows.
Learn more... Monday, December 15, 2008
Virtualization Case Studies
Hyper-V
Here is a virtualization Case Study from Indiana University on cost savings using Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V. The IT department has reduced its physical servers from 150 to just 32, with a hardware cost savings of nearly $85,000/yr.
ESX
From VMware here is a virtualization Case Study from the University of Plymouth on running ESX 3.5. The IT deparment has reduced its server racks from 32 down to 2-a, with estimated cost savings around $90,000.
These are great demonstrations on the power of virtual machine deployment and services as well as the cost savings possibilities for a larger IT infrastructure from two virtualization power houses.
For those of you that are considering moving to a virtual environments there is no doubt there is a lot of options to weigh between the two virtual platforms. Depending on your needs it still appears VMware has the edge on Microsoft for many of its virtual utility features, however, there are some great features from Hyper-V that may persuade users to choose otherwise. An ongoing battle that will be and has been interesting to monitor.
Here is a great IT comparison between the two products.
Hyper-V vs VMware ESX
Learn more...
Donate Your Old Hardware
In helping customers with hardware related tasks I am often asked if I am aware of any companies or locations that except older computer hardware as donations. Below is a link for viewable listings in your area.
http://www.electronicsrecycling.org/public/
If you will be providing the OS with your hardware be sure to rid your system of any personal files and provide all original installation and licensing information if possible.
Remember tax season is friendly on donations;)
Learn more...
Microsoft E Learning Course: Hyper-V
Introducing Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008
Clinic 5935
Microsofts E-Learning site has added training courses for Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008.
https://www.microsoftelearning.com/eLearning/courseContent.aspx?courseId=95556
Or typ 5935 at the E-Learning home page.
Topics Covered:
Features of Hyper-V
Features of server consolidation
Hyper-V implementation
Creation of virtual machines
Dynamic datacenters
Clustering in virtual environments
Learn more... Thursday, December 11, 2008
Windows Server 2008 Core
Configure display resolution
Clock and time zone configuration
Remote desktop configuration
Firewall Configuration
Windows Updates – No IE necessary
Configure IP address, gateway, subnet mask, DNS
Copy Files/Directories
Map a drive
Perform Windows Repair
Web Browser
Email Client
Screen saver configuration
Enable/Disable drivers and services
Manually load/install drivers
Windows Registry Editor
Command prompt
Configure dual boot systems
Configure bootable USB devices
Configure Language
No installation necessary
Boot bare-metal systems
Configure permission and security settings
Learn more... Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Netware 6.5 P2V
Netware P2V - Novell TID
This document provides not only a great "How To" but technical information regarding Netware 4.x, 5.x and 6.x. This includes driver details for both your NIC and storage devices as well.
With a variety of VMware versions now being distributed, choose the one that best suites your company needs. VMware provides free virtual platforms, however, these will obviously come with limiations in comparison to ESX, etc. I personally test on workstation and ESXi which are free from VMware but have never been impressed with performance. So I can attest to all versions of VMware being capable of supporting Netware 5.x and above.
Portlock Storage Manager also has the capability of migrating Netware systems to Microsoft virtual server and virtual PC. However, you will find that Microsoft does not in fact support Netware for any issues that you might have.
Netware 6.5 SP7 P2V Video with PSM
Learn more...
Physical and Virtual System Management
This blog is dedicated to educating each other on technical solutions for both physical and virtual environments. Learn about your about your physical and virtual options as well best practices for your solution.
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