Monday 31 December 2012

Microsoft Surface RT: WiFi Connection Error/Won’t Connect

Both of our home based Microsoft Surface RT units recently became unable to connect to any wireless connection.

It seems that the recent December updates that were supposed to _fix_ WiFi connectivity issues on the Surface RT actually broke ours that had nary a problem before.

Our home wireless setup is three Cisco WAP4410N APs set up with the same SSID and three separate channels. All APs have WPA2-Personal AES encrypted keys and all three radio bands B/G/N enabled.

All three APs are connected to a power supply (not using PoE).

After some searching and questions out and about in the forums we participate in the following seems to be true:

  • Wireless N is the problem.
  • Surface RT will connect on B and/or G.
  • Surface RT WiFi connector forced into G will connect.
  • WAPs switched to B/G Only will allow Surface RT to connect.

On one Surface RT uninstalling, rebooting, and then re-installing the MARVELL WiFi device seemed to get things straight.

On the other though nothing worked. We tried all manner of getting the unit to connect with no success.

So, we logged into all three AP Web consoles and switched the APs over to B/G Mode and tried to connect the Surface RT. Sure enough, the unit connected almost instantaneously.

We then switched the APs back to B/G/N Mode and rebooted the troublesome Surface RT.

To date it has stayed connected to the wireless network.

For now, we at least know what to do to get the units to cooperate again.

Hopefully whatever was broken with the last round of updates will be fixed in the next round! :P

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Friday 28 December 2012

Samsung ATIV S Camera Shots and Thoughts

The Samsung ATIV S is a great Windows Phone 8 device.

The voice command capability and voice recognition via Bluetooth is the best we have seen so far.

The camera also takes some pretty decent shots. Here are some shots taken while on the road this morning.

WP_20121228_027

Edmonton City Skyline:

WP_20121228_017

The city’s buildings are in the right side of the sunrise glow. Obviously with a sensor as small as the one is in the camera we are not able to get too detailed on those distance type shots.

Another of the skyline:

WP_20121228_022

And yes, we have had around 24” of snow fall in the last few months:

WP_20121228_030

One storm in around 14” (35cm-40cm) and another in at around 6” (15cm to 18cm). Then a whole smattering of smaller snowfalls.

Our really big beef with the ATIV S camera: The first shot takes EONS to focus and shoot. We have missed plenty a shot as a result of that. :(

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Western Digital USB Drives Use A Proprietary Drive PCB for USB

This comes via the SBS2K Yahoo Group.

Apparently, Western Digital in their great wisdom has decided to mass produce a hard drive controller with only one interface on it: USB.

image

And:

image

As a rule we have been using the StarTech 4 bay SuperSpeed drive dock with bare drives for our backup rotations that we run.

For clients that have been running their own backup rotations we have been recommending the WD non-Green USB drives as we have had pretty good success with them. The same goes for the Seagate USB drives that are not “Green” in nature.

The one thing we have noticed with the manufacturer built USB drives is that there is a tendency to use 5400 RPM drives. And now, perhaps we are limited in how we can access a drive if something goes wrong with the controller.

Our preference for bare backup drives are:

  1. Seagate Enterprise Storage (ES or Constellation) series SATA
  2. Western Digital Black Label (non-Advanced Format for VHD/Backup VHD)

Both drives are 7200 RPM with better firmware than the retail/consumer drives. So, they will perform better and last longer due to ongoing handling during rotations.

We may request that in the future clients only purchase a certain drive and USB enclosure for their backups so that we have some control over what drives are used for backups.

As usual, it is Buyer Beware.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Thursday 27 December 2012

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year! :)

So far, our Christmas has been an adventure to say the least!

From our family to yours we wish all y’all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

Here’s to a great new year with much adventure to be had on land and in the clouds!

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Friday 21 December 2012

Remote Desktop Services Error: One or more RD Licensing certificates has expired. Please re-register.

We have an Remote Desktop Services server that did the following when users tried to log in:

image

Since this particular system was headless we tried the /admin switch on an MSTSC command line start and fortunately we got into the server. A regular RDP file launch or MSTSC GUI client connection would fail with the above.

From the server’s Event Logs:

Log Name:      System
Source:        Microsoft-Windows-TerminalServices-Licensing
Date:          12/21/2012 6:16:51 PM
Event ID:      46
Task Category: None
Level:         Warning
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      RDSServer.DOMAIN.LOCAL
Description:
One or more RD Licensing certificates has expired. Please re-register.

And:

Log Name:      System
Source:        Microsoft-Windows-TerminalServices-Licensing
Date:          12/21/2012 5:50:42 PM
Event ID:      4105
Task Category: None
Level:         Warning
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      RDSServer.DOMAIN.LOCAL
Description:
The Remote Desktop license server cannot update the license attributes for user "FirstLast" in the Active Directory Domain "DOMAIN.LOCAL". Ensure that the computer account for the license server is a member of Terminal Server License Servers group in Active Directory domain "DOMAIN.LOCAL".
If the license server is installed on a domain controller, the Network Service account also needs to be a member of the Terminal Server License Servers group.
If the license server is installed on a domain controller, after you have added the appropriate accounts to the Terminal Server License Servers group, you must restart the Remote Desktop Licensing service to track or report the usage of RDS Per User CALs.
Win32 error code: 0x80070005

According to our search results we need to do the following:

  1. Log onto the RD Licensing Server.
  2. Start the RD Licensing Manager (LicMgr.exe).
  3. Right click on the ServerName and Advanced –> ReActivate Server.
  4. Make the following choices:
    • image
  5. Click Next
    • image
  6. We then had a successfully re-activated server.
    • image

RemoteApps and RDS Desktop sessions were then available!

image

  • QuickBooks via RemoteApp.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Thursday 20 December 2012

StorageCraft IT Edition: Network Backup at AES128bit Performance

This is _neat_ to see:

image

This is a Windows 7 Enterprise x64 machine being backed up across the wire (Gigabit) to a Windows Server 2008 R2 file server using ShadowProtect IT Edition (v4.x.x).

We used AES 128bit encryption with a pass phrase for this particular backup.

  • Intel Core i7-875K
  • Intel DP55KG (BIOS 3878)
  • 4GB Kingston ValueRAM

When at all possible it is our preference to run our backup and restore to a network location as USB 2 is just _too_ slow.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Why We Terminate All CAT Cable Runs Outside The Enclosure

Our longest standing client is about to move after being in the same location for somewhere around 20 years.

Their current location required some wiring changes around 10 years ago and the electrical contractor wanted to terminate inside the enclosure. At that time, we had seen quite a few enterprise level racks that had that setup so we accepted that configuration.

The APC 24U enclosure has two bundles running into it with the patch panel mounted at the back and top of the APC.

Years ago we were looking to move the enclosure into a different location within the server closet but could not because the loops left in the ceiling were not long enough to allow much movement at all.

And today, we are in a position where we will need to cut the cables in order to move the enclosure out of the closet when it comes time to move.

Ever since that day we wanted to move that enclosure and could not we have always recommended that all CAT cabling be terminated in a patch panel that sits in a wall mount.

We would then use patch cables properly strung to remove any weight bearing on the cable ends plugged into the patch panel into the enclosure mounted switch or switches.

As of this writing our recommended network cabling setup is:

  • Minimum CAT5e with CAT6 being preferred.
    • A box of CAT6 is no longer that much more than CAT5e.
    • Home Depot shows CAT6 at $250 for 305m (1000’).
  • Prefer a minimum of _two_ cables per drop.
    • One for PC and one for Phone.
  • Patch Cables are CAT6 or CAT6a
  • Patch Panel is a minimum spec of CAT5e with CAT6 being the preference.
  • Wall mount for Patch Panel and cable management
    • 5U or 8U works fine.
    • Phone/VOIP on separate patch panel with different colour jacks.
    • Mounted above 6’6” so most folks won’t bump their head!
  • Contractor gives us a minimum of 5m (~15’) of loop in the ceiling.
  • Contractor gives a print-out of _all_ drop’s capabilities after job is completed.
    • We expect this. We have had problems with bad runs if an electrician versus an actual cabling contractor do the runs.

With the above specifications we are able to move any rack mount enclosure about a server closet or room by changing the length of the patch cables versus bringing in a contractor to re-wire the solution on the wall.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Samsung ATIV S Windows Phone 8 Thoughts and Tweaks

Wow, is this ever a _nice_ phone!

It’s light, though a bit slippery, and the screen is brilliant.

Some initial observations:

  • My music collection lists were there as soon as I signed into the Music App!
    • Now to authorize it and remove my HD7 from the allowed list.
  • Added a 32GB Class 10 microSD Card
    • Split storage between pictures on the phone and multimedia on the card.
    • This is a killer feature that no other Windows Phone 8 device has at this time.
  • Bluetooth clarity is awesome in the 2010 Sierra’s hands free setup.
    • Voices come through a lot clearer than the HD7 ever did on the same system.
  • Windows 8 seamless integration wins!
    • All my social media accounts were there without having to do anything.
    • Automatic profile migration via Microsoft ID/Live ID is absolutely awesome.
  • The raised Windows button at the bottom is a nice touch.
    • No accidental touch happening like the HD7 did.
  • The phone is big.
    • One handed operation with my stubby fingers is a bit of a challenge.
  • The screen is beautiful.
    • Wow ... everything looks really good on this phone.
  • Icon Organization
    • It took about 15 minutes to get my key mail folders (I have hundreds) synchronized and then set up the way I like them on the Start screen.
  • The ability to have three sizes for the Live Tiles is awesome!

Once the phone is set up the next step is to give it a name.

image

On a Windows 8 machine or Sufrace: WIN+F, Store, and search for “Windows Phone”.

It’s in the bottom left of the above snip. It takes all of a second to install.

Run the app:

image

Give the phone a name and then we are done with the configuration.

We then get a big picture view of the phone’s status:

image

My daughter and my eldest son were hamming it up a bit for the front facing camera on the phone. ;)

To the right above we find:

image

 

Click on the Finding a lost phone link and give it a minute:

image

It’s bang on. I don’t know whether I’m happy or “Minority Report” concerned about that!

Oh, and a little surprise turned up in our Inbox:

image

Someone will always know where I am though. ;)

Conclusion

This is a really _kewl_ phone!

Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 work seamlessly together across device platforms via Microsoft ID to make adding a new device and managing devices a simple process.

It really does look like a lot of effort has been put into the social integration and ease of use across devices that can be found on other platforms.

So far, we have connected a number of new Windows 8 devices, computers, VMs, and online services and they _just work_ across all of those platforms.

The Bluetooth connectivity is second to none. It is clear and crisp and sounds great on all devices that have been connected to it so far. Bluetooth on this phone is definitely superior to the HTC HD7.

Xbox Music Pass

Oh, and if you want to save yourself perhaps thousands of dollars in useless song purchases on the other services get an Xbox Music Pass. No 30 second snippet of something that may or may not stick around in the playlists.

Download, listen, add to playlists, and then if the song is something worth purchasing do so to get an MP3 version that becomes portable and permanent.

Four devices can be hooked into the service with all Windows 8/Windows Phone 8 devices keeping all playlists and music synchronized across them! No more juggling multiple devices to figure out how to get music libraries moved around.

Hat Tip on the WP8 App: MVP Tom Zeigmann

NOTE: The Rogers version has 16GB of on board useable memory. Yesterday we posted that they had a 32GB version. The wires were crossed with the external storage capability of up to 32GB.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Monday 17 December 2012

Poll: Which Windows Phone 8 Device and Why?

We finally have Windows Phone 8 devices on Bell Mobility here in Canada. With Monique’s Lumia 710 phone on Rogers we need at least one Bell/TELUS phone as Rogers has poor rural coverage.

The HTC 8X looks like a decent phone but at 16GB of internal storage with no way to add more it is out of the running.

That leaves the Samsung ATIV S and the Nokia Lumia 920.

Having looked at both there are plus and minus points for both.

  • Lumia 920
    • Camera setup is supposed to be the best.
    • Weight is a factor. The phone is _heavy_ compared to the Samsung.
    • 32GB of storage can be a bit small.
      • No microSD capability.
    • The colour choice is neat.
    • LTE bands are 700/850/1900/1700/2100 (Rogers)
  • Samsung ATIV S
    • Allows for 32GB of external storage to be added.
      • Bell version comes with 16GB of on board storage (96GB total).
      • Rogers version comes with 32GB of on board storage (indicates no microSD though).
      • Important for that large Zune/Xbox Music Pass library!
    • Phone is _really_ light.
    • The phone is quite large to handle.
    • LTE band(s):
      • 700MHz (Bell shows only one band)
      • 700/850/1900/1700/2100 (Rogers)

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. :0)

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Skype and Live IM on Windows 8 Not Playing Nice Together

We have both Skype and MSN (Messenger on Win8) going with messages showing on one and sometimes in the other.

image

The above snip is from Skype on Windows 8. Messages sent via IM Messaging in Windows 8 appear on other system’s IM and Skype but for some reason Skype messages sent via Skype on this Windows 8 system do not.

If we are to drop MSN Messenger/Live Messenger altogether one would hope that the system’s bugs will be worked out.

For now, we will continue to run both service clients on this system and others until messages sent via either client show up 100% on the other.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Thursday 6 December 2012

Internet Explorer: Click On Links And Nothing Happens

We have come across some strange behaviours in IE over the last number of months.

Mainly, the user clicks on a link and nothing happens.

Run the following steps and test after each one. A reboot may be best after each step to reseat things.

  1. Step 1
    1. Microsoft KB281679 You cannot open a new Internet Explorer window or nothing occurs after you click a link
  2. Step 2
    1. Microsoft KB555027 Internet Explorer open with a blank page instead of web site
  3. Step 3
    1. Windows Networking: Internet Explorer is corrupted... how do I fix it?
      • Nuke and Pave
      • Takes time especially on older units.

In most cases step 3 resolved the problem.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer

Monday 3 December 2012

Hyper-V: Disk Queue Length Can Kill Everything

When it comes to configuring an I/O subsystem for a standalone Hyper-V virtualization solution we need to keep in mind that the entire disk subsystem can impact the server's overall performance.

Here is a snip of a fairly high performance portable outfit:

image

Now, keep in mind that the above VMs (3) were running on a Portege Z830 with an OCZ Nocti SSD for system disk and a 480GB Intel 520 Series SSD in an Zalman ZM-VE300 USB 3 external enclosure.

While the throughput is as to be expected on this portable platform at 100MB/Second or thereabouts note the Disk Queue Length for all disks.

Now, take a look at this server based configuration:

image

Note the disk queue length on the system disk: 50!

Now, given that there is a high performance disk subsystem for the VMs we can see that there may actually be a lot more performance for this system to offer if the OS partition was resident on the high I/O setup.

The rule of thumb for Disk Queue Length is:

  • 16 disks in the array then Queue Length should be 8 or less.
  • 24 disks in the array then Queue Length should be 12 or less.
  • # Disks /2 = Reasonable Queue Length

We believe that keeping our configurations balanced across the _entire_ disk subsystem is critical to having the best performance a server can possibly bring to the table.

  • Hardware RAID Controller
    • 512MB or 1GB of Cache
    • Flash Cache or Battery Backup
  • 10K SAS spindles to start.
  • 15K SAS spindles for higher IOPs needs.
  • 7200 RPM SAS spindles can be considered where 16 or more will be installed.
  • Intel 320 Series SSDs for the best IOPs performance.
    • Note that one needs to consider that a full compliment of SSDs can _saturate_ the system bus!

In our case the jury is still out on whether SSD Cache can be of benefit for a standalone solution where there are half a dozen to a dozen VHDX files on our combined storage for the VMs.

Where we have 2TB or more of available storage we configure a 120GB Logical Disk on the RAID controller for our OS and then the balance for our VHDX files with a small 4GB partition for the OS Swap File.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Windows Live Writer