KMS Error 0xC004F056
KB ID 0001502 Problem While checking the KMS licence status of a newly deployed 2016 Datacenter server. I got this; Licence Status: Notification Notification Reason:0xC004F056 Solution While I’m not a fan of any errors, this ones harmless, in fact it’s telling us to perform an activation (slmgr /ato). So let’s do that. Then re-check. Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links...
Recovering Windows Activation Keys
KB ID 0001115 “Have you got one of those programs that gets the Windows key?”, My colleague asked me the other week. I said “Just download a key finder application?”, “Yeah I’ve tried that and is showing the code as all B’s”. You may also just see ‘Product key was not found’ on some software. I sent him some more links and got back to what I was doing. He was having no joy...
Domain Controller Wont Boot: Stop Code ‘0x00002e2’
KB ID 0001494 Problem I had this problem after a VMware host upgrade last night, this domain controller would not boot, I tried ‘Last Known Good Configuration’, I tried ‘Safe Mode’ it would not boot. More out of desperation than procedure, I tried to boot to ‘Directory Services Restore Mode’ and it booted up (hooray!) I tried all the client’s usual passwords, and could not log in, I messaged...
Getting a Servers Serial Number (Remotely)
KB ID 0001493 Problem If you have an iLO/iDRAC/EMM, then logging into these will give you the servers serial number, but what if they are not setup/connected, or you don’t know username or password? Then you can use WMI to discover the serial number. Solution From PowerShell; Get-Ciminstance -classname win32_bios -computername {Server-Name} | format-list serialnumber Or if you have RDP/Console access , then from an...
How to Tell if Windows is 32 or 64 bit
KB ID 0000153 Problem If you want to know what version (x64 or x86) of Windows you are running, then this is the simplest way to find out. Solution Under accessories run system information; Under System Type: If it says x86 then it’s 32 bit. However if it says x64 then it’s 64 bit. Windows XP and Server 2003 1. Click Start > Run > sysdm.cpl {enter} > General Tab. Windows XP x32 (x86) and Windows XP x64 Windows...
Using LDP to Find an Objects ‘Distinguished Name’ in Active Directory
KB ID 0001337 Problem There are a few occasions when you need to know an objects ‘Distinguished Name’ (DN). For me it’s usually when I’ve got a device that needs to do LDAP/LDAPS lookups, (RSA Appliance, Netscaler, Cisco FirePOWER, etc). Today someone needed to ‘bind’ a Checkpoint firewall to Active Directory, and asked me to create user, and give them the DN and password. I’ve mentioned...
Event ID 1030 and 1058
Event ID 1030 KB ID 0000119 Problem Event ID 1030 and 1058, Windows cannot query for the list of Group Policy objects. A message that describes the reason for this was previously logged by the policy engine. and Windows cannot access the file gpt.ini for GPO CN={31B2F340-016D-11D2-945F-00C04FB984F9},CN=Policies,CN=System,DC=<domain name>,DC=com. The file must be present at the location <<domain name>sysvol<domain...
Password Does Not Meet Complexity Requirements
KB ID 0000229 Problem Windows Server has a password complexity requirement to make sure passwords are strong. Yes it can be disabled, but while it is in place you need your passwords to confirm to the following. Error within AD Error at Logon Note: To disable password complexity click here. Solution To meet the policy your password MUST, 1. Passwords cannot contain the user’s account name or parts of the user’s...
IIS: How to Create a Certificate Request
KB ID 0000840 Problem If you would like to obtain a digital certificate either from your own CA, or from a public certificate vendor, you need to submit a certificate signing request (csr) first. Solution Note: I’m making the assumption you have already installed the Web Server (IIS) role on your server. 1. Windows Key+R > iis.msc {Enter} > Select the servername > Server Certificates. 2. Create Certificate Request >...
Windows Server – Secure RDP Access with Certificates
KB ID 0000944 Problem This ensures that traffic that is sent over an RDP connection to a server is protected by TLS/SSL Encryption. IT DOES NOT stop clients connecting to an RDP server if they do not have a trusted certificate. If you need that level of security, that should already be done by 802.1x. Solution Create an RDP Certificate Template 1. On the domain CA Launch the Certification Authority Management Console > Certificates...