Windows – Display Memory Modules From Command Line
KB ID 0001294 Problem This is a handy command I came across this week, If you need to know the hardware memory configuration for a machine, and either don’t want to open the case to take a look, or you are at a different location, (i.e. remote connected onto the machine). How do you do it, without installing some audit software? Solution Simply run the following command; wmic MEMORYCHIP get BankLabel,DeviceLocator,Capacity,Tag...
Migrating Local Profiles to Domain Profiles
KB ID 0001235 Problem Moving a machine onto a Windows domain, is a simple task, I’ve done this for a lot of clients. The main complaint (post migration,) is that something is missing. This is because your-account-name on your PC or laptop, and your-account-name in the domain are TWO DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS, (even if they have the same name). Microsoft have produced some tools help you, but I challenge you to start reading the USMT...
Windows Firewall – Enable ‘Ping’ / ICMP Echo Reply
KB ID 0001134 Problem By default all modern distributions of Windows come with their client firewall enabled. Which is a good thing, most corporate networks simply disable it using the rationale that they have a corporate firewall and security software etc. Again thats fine, but what if you want to leave it on, and still be able to ping that host to see if its alive. Solution The firewall exception is already written for you, you...
Windows – Black Screen Of Death
KB ID 0000152 Problem Post Microsoft KB 915597 and KB 976098 updates. You PC will boot, and you will see a totally black screen with (but not always) a Windows explorer window. Solution Credit to the guys at Prevx who have a fix online already. 1) Restart your PC. 2) Logon and wait for the black screen to appear. 3) Make sure your PC should be able to connect to the internet (black screen does not appear to affect this). 4) Press the...
WAIK (Windows 7) Installing the Supplement for Windows 7 SP1
KB ID 0000450 Problem I’ve been doing some prep work with WDS this week for a client, (I’ve covered Deploying Windows 7 with WDS before). So I went to check if there was a new WAIK as Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 have had a Service Pack 1 released since last time I deployed windows 7 in bulk. And sure enough, there is an update. (Though the update is for WindowsPE Not the SIM tools I would be using). The Windows®...
Windows – ‘Telnet’ is not recognized as an internal or external command
KB ID 0000455 Problem Telnet client from Windows, and have it as an “Optional Extra”. For most people that’s fine, but for anyone who programs network devices, or needs to test that ports are open, or test mail flow by telnet to port 25, that’s a pain. Solution Enabling Telnet – Windows 10 1. From PowerShell execute the following command; dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:TelnetClient Enabling...
Windows – Adding Unallocated Drive Space “From the left”
Adding Unallocated Drive Space KB ID 0000678 Problem On my Windows Dual boot machine I wanted to give some more drive space to the first Windows installation. After shrinking the second Windows volume, I found out that I could not extend the first Windows partition to take up the free space. If the unallocated space was on the right of my partition it would have been fine. Solution: Adding Unallocated Drive Space This is a problem...
Windows – Run Commands and Command Line Shortcuts
KB ID 0000828 Problem One of the advantages of launching applications form the ‘Run box’ is, no matter where Microsoft move things to in the graphical interface, they rarely change the commands. So when Windows 8 came out and there was much gnashing of teeth, I just ran the same old commands I used to run, and wondered what all the fuss was about! Solution Below is by no means a complete list, but is a collection of stuff...
Enable RDP via Group Policy
KB ID 0000043 Problem Rather than enabling on an ad-hoc basis, you want to turn on RDP for multiple machines via Group Policy. Solution Group Policy Location To simply enable RDP, change the following policy; Computer Configuration > Admin Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections Locate and change the “Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop...
Dual Booting Windows 8 with Windows 7
KB ID 0000653 Problem In the next couple of months Windows 8 will go RTM. For those of you with Technet, MSDNor Open Value subscriptions you can already get your hands on it. For anyone not wanting to take the ‘plunge’ and reinstall your OS, you can simply ‘Dual Boot’. Then you can get used to Windows 8 in your own good time. If you suddenly find you need Windows 7 simplify reboot and it will still be there....