Knowledge Base for Windows

Microsoft Security Essentials (Beta)

Posted by MLK under Windows Security

Description/Problem:
If you are interested in Microsoft Security Essentials Public Beta you can ready one of the most complex review and try install also available version of new antivirus solution for Windows XP or Windows Vista (32/64-bit).

Solution:

• Review (published on WinSuperSite.com)
• Download Microsoft Security Essentials (Beta)

Symantec AntiVirus: Download of Rapid Release Definitions

Posted by MLK under Windows Security

Description/Problem:
IT Security is one of the most important area for each modern company. Security is not related only to the installation of the latest security updates, but also to the malware and spam protection, encryption of importnat corporate data, secure access to the corporate Virtual Private Network (VPN), etc. Here are links for download the rapid release of virus definitions for Symantec Security Solutions.

Solution:
Download of Rapid Release Definitions / Virus Definitions & Security Updates

KB956189: Services not start/work correctly after installation of DNS Server Security Update (KB953230)

Posted by MLK under Windows Events

Description/Problem:
May be you also know the situation where after installation of new security updates some system services may not start or work correctly. Next step is very often the investigation what’s wrong and how to solve existing issue. One helpful solution is described also in this KB article.

Solution:
KB956189

Network: NETIO Benchmark

Posted by MLK under Windows Network

Description/Problem:
Few days ago I need test the stability and throughput of the network between two servers in our organization. I have tested several free tools but the most interesting tool for me was NETIO Benchmark. It’s small tool which is working on client/server technology, allow easy and fast check of the network throughput via NetBIOS, TCP and UDP protocols (using various different packet sizes).

Solution:

• Download & decompress the NETIO Benchmark tool
• Execute Win32-exe file on the server side with parameters: “-s -t -u”
• Execute Win32-exe file on the client side with parameters:
  • for TCP test “-t {server_IP}”
  • for UDP test “-u {server_IP}”

KB258750: Recommanded configuration of Heartbeat LAN on Cluster Server

Posted by MLK under Windows Cluster, Windows Network

Description/Problem:
The Microsoft Windows Server – Cluster Service offer cost-effective high availability for a wide variety of applications that are easy to deploy and manage. Sometimes issues of cluster service can be related also to the network – strictly speaking to the configuration of Cluster Heartbeat LAN.

Solution:
KB258750

NC_Net: Windows monitoring agent for Nagios

Posted by MLK under Windows Scripts, Windows Tools

Description/Problem:
The NC_Net is well-known as Windows monitoring agent for Nagios. Performs both Passive and active checks, as well as WMI checks, and external script running. Full local or remote configuration. Core of this utility is based on .Net Framework 2.0. I found the article which help me to solve problem with hanging NC_Net agent after the Windows system start-up.

Solution:
Ubergeek Technical Howtos’ & SourceForge.Net

Recommended Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Hotfixes for SAN Environment

Posted by MLK under SAN Storages

Description/Problem:
Stability of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating system is well known. The risk level related to system stability is growing up when you install to the system additional services like IIS or Cluster service, 3rd party applications or new drivers for specific hardware for SAN (like HBA – Host Bus Adapter).

Solution:
We prepare a short list of recommended Windows Server 2003 Hotfixes for SAN Environment. All hotfixes are available in section Download.

Recommended Hotfixes for Windows 2003 SP2 (32-bit/64-bit)

• KB940307 – to update Mountmgr Driver
• KB950448 – to update StorPort Driver and/or depending on the used HBA or storage controller driver type
• KB934848 – to update SCSIport Driver
• KB953325 – to update NTFS Driver
• KB943669 – to update VolSnap/VSS and FTDisk Drivers
• KB940349 – to update Volsnap/VSS Drivers Rollup patch
• KB952145 – to update RPCRT4 (64-bit only)
• KB942486 – to update Kernel Driver
• KB953230 – to update TCPIP Driver
• KB938666 – to update DFS.SYS Driver
• KB934016 – to update COM+ Driver

Additional fixes when a Cluster Service is used

• KB944971 – to update ClusDisk Driver
• KB948701 – to update Resrcmon

Non-administrator users were not able to logon over GUI

Posted by MLK under Windows Events

Description/Problem:
Some weeks ago I had an issue related to non-administrator users which were not able to logon over graphical user interface into the Windows Server 2003. This server was operated as domain controller with basic security settings.

Solution:

• Set correct files system permissions to folder “%systemroot%\WinSxS” and all sub-folders
  BUILTIN\Administrators:(OI)(CI)F
  NT AUTHORITY\Authenticated Users:(OI)(CI)R
  CREATOR OWNER:(OI)(CI)(IO)F
  BUILTIN\Server Operators:(OI)(CI)R
  NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(OI)(CI)F
• Set correct files system permissions to folder “%systemroot%\AppPatch” and all sub-folders
  BUILTIN\Administrators:(OI)(CI)F
  NT AUTHORITY\Authenticated Users:(OI)(CI)R
  CREATOR OWNER:(OI)(CI)(IO)F
  BUILTIN\Server Operators:(OI)(CI)R
  NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(OI)(CI)F

You can use tool called Extended Change Access Control List (Xcacls) to easy setup of specific file system permissions for files or folders.