June 2008 - Technical Rollup Mail - Platforms

News

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system. This white paper summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&DisplayLang=en

Hyper-V RC1

The Release Candidate 1 (RC1) update to the Hyper-V role provides improvements to security, stability, performance, user experience, forward compatibility of configurations, and the programming model. All users of the Hyper-V role are encouraged to apply this upgrade. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7edaa89f-9f64-488d-93c0-858d2d8799df&DisplayLang=en

Windows Virtualization Team Blog

https://blogs.technet.com/virtualization/

The World Simplified is a Virtual World

https://blogs.technet.com/virtualworld/

Ask the Directory Services Team

https://blogs.technet.com/askds/

Ask the Performance Team

https://blogs.technet.com/askperf/

Microsoft Enterprise Networking Team

https://blogs.technet.com/networking/

Ask the Core Team

https://blogs.technet.com/askcore/

Microsoft Advanced Windows Debugging and Troubleshooting

https://blogs.msdn.com/ntdebugging/

Terminal Services Team Blog

https://blogs.msdn.com/ts/

The Hot Blog

https://blogs.technet.com/hot/

 

Documents

Hyper-V Release Notes

Release notes provide important information you should know prior to installing and using Hyper-V, including known issues. You should familiarize yourself with all of the information prior to installing the software.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=3ed582f0-f844-40ba-b692-230845af1149&DisplayLang=en

Windows Server 2008 Step-by-Step Guides

These step-by-step guides help IT Professionals learn about and evaluate Windows Server 2008.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=518d870c-fa3e-4f6a-97f5-acaf31de6dce&DisplayLang=en

Step-by-Step Guide for Testing Hyper-V and Failover Clustering

Shows you how to make a virtual machine highly available. You will do this by creating a simple two-node cluster and a virtual machine, and then failing over the virtual machine from one node to the other.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=cd828712-8d1e-45d1-a290-7edadf1e4e9c&DisplayLang=en

Documentation for Windows Deployment Services in Windows Server 2008

This download includes the documentation for Windows Deployment Services, including the following:

• Step-by-step guide (WDS_StepbyStep.doc). This guide contains step-by-step guidance for how to use the Windows Deployment Services role.

• Deployment and management guide (WDSGuide.doc and .WDSGuide.chm). This guide contains detailed information about how to configure and manage your Windows deployment.

• Technical reference (WDSTechnicalReference.doc). This document contains information about how the components that make up this server role interact with each other and other technologies, such as Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS).

• Command-line reference (WDSUTILCommands.doc and WDSUTILCommands.chm). This document contains the syntax and usage for the WDSUTIL command-line tool.

The deployment guide and command-line reference are presented in two formats for your convenience.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=f199c4db-1737-42dc-902b-67fc48bf58d1&DisplayLang=en

Downloads

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Deployment Tools

This is an updated version of the System Preparation tool (Sysprep.exe) for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3, as contained within the file deploy.cab.

The System Preparation tool

The Windows XP System Preparation tool enables administrators to prepare Windows XP system images as part of an automated deployment. You can use the System Preparation tool to perform the following tasks in a manner that is supported by Microsoft:

• Prepare Windows for duplication from one computer to another computer.

• Change security identifiers (SIDs) and other system and configuration settings to make them unique.

• Configure user-specific information to be customized by the end-user when Windows starts the first time.

• Create images of operating systems.

• Duplicate disks.

• Automate the Windows mini-Setup program.

• Perform auditing tasks.

The Sysprep.inf file

The Sysprep.inf file is the answer file for the Sysprep.exe program. To build the Sysprep.inf file, run the Setup Manager Wizard. Select the Sysprep Answer file option.

The Deploy.cab folder

The Support\Tools\Deploy.cab folder includes detailed documentation that describes the latest features of the deployment tools and how to use them. The documentation includes the Sysprep.exe program.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=673a1019-8e3e-4be0-ac31-70dd21b5afa7&DisplayLang=en

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.1 (for IT Professionals)

The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer provides a streamlined method of identifying common security misconfigurations. MBSA 2.1 adds Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 compatibility.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=f32921af-9dbe-4dce-889e-ecf997eb18e9&DisplayLang=en

Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator Version 2.07

This is the latest version of the Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator. The Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator enables connection of a Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP host to an external iSCSI storage array. The Microsoft iSCSI software initiator makes it possible for businesses to take advantage of existing network infrastructure to enable block-based Storage Area Networks without having to invest in additional hardware.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=12cb3c1a-15d6-4585-b385-befd1319f825&DisplayLang=en

Windows PowerShell V2 Community Technology Preview 2 (CTP2)

Windows PowerShell V2 CTP2 introduces several significant features to Windows PowerShell 1.0 and Windows PowerShell V2 CTP that extends its use, improves its usability, and allows you to control and manage the Windows environment more easily and comprehensively.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7c8051c2-9bfc-4c81-859d-0864979fa403&DisplayLang=en

Microsoft ® Windows Server ™ 2003 Performance Advisor

Microsoft ® Windows Server ™ 2003 Performance Advisor is the latest version of Server Performance Advisor, which is a simple but robust tool that helps you diagnose the root causes of performance problems in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 deployment. Server Performance Advisor collects performance data and generates comprehensive diagnostic reports that give you the data to easily analyze problems and develop corrective actions

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=09115420-8c9d-46b9-a9a5-9bffcd237da2&DisplayLang=en

Works with Tool for Windows Server 2008

The “Works with” tool is a time and cost-saving resource for developers and IT Pros to determine application readiness on Windows Server 2008. Within two to four hours the tool compares an application with Microsoft’s application compatibility criteria and provides a detailed summary. The “Works with” tool can be applied to both commercial and custom in-house developed applications and helps provide IT Professionals increased confidence to deploy applications on Windows Server 2008.

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5c9906af-f8d8-46a9-ba7b-7ae3bfcc09f0&DisplayLang=en

Events/WebcastsTechNet Webcast: How Microsoft does IT: Management and Operations in Windows Server 2008 (Level 300)

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the next generation of the Windows Server operating system that provides information technology (IT) professionals with the tools and features that allow them to maximize control over their network while providing unprecedented operations and management capabilities. In this webcast find out how Windows Server 2008 delivers a radical change to the operating system architecture that results in a significantly more manageable, reliable, and secure IT infrastructure than ever before

https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032378384&EventCategory=4&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US

Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 9:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)

MSDN Webcast: New Features in Windows Server 2008 for Developers (Level 200)

Wondering what you can get out of the Windows Server 2008 operating system? Hearing good things about the operating system, but want to see for yourself? Come with us on a journey of discovery as we plumb the depths of developing with our latest flagship product.Presenter: Zain Naboulsi, Developer Evangelist, Microsoft CorporationTechnology is useless if it does not serve a clear purpose. That's Zain's philosophy. In fact, showing people how technology can make their lives better delivers his greatest on-the-job thrills. Zain has more than 12 years of experience in software development and has taught a wide range of advanced technologies to thousands of students in more than 5,000 presentations He has been a Microsoft Certified Trainer since 1995 and holds all major Microsoft certifications, plus credentials from Cisco, Checkpoint, and CompTIA. Lately, he has been focused on the OO programming languages and developing his extensive knowledge of Microsoft .NET Framework technologies. When not behind the podium, Zain is polishing his gaming chops and hoping that someone will hire him as a professional video game player. You can also find him sneaking off to eat Dairy Queen Blizzards whenever he is on the road. Just don't tell his wife.

https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032371124&culture=en-US

Date: 04/06/2008 1:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)- 6/4/2008 2:30 PM

IT Manager Podcasts: A Monthly Analysis of Current Business Technology Issues

Tune in to this in-depth look at topics examined in detail by business and technology specialists from Microsoft Canada, leading research firms, and IT executives and managers. Share your opinions in the podcast discussion forums. Podcasts available today include discussions on Windows Vista, Security, and HPC, to name just a few.

https://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8558846

Assess Your Servers and Desktops for OS Migration Readiness to Windows Vista SP1 or Windows Server 2008

View this webcast to learn how you can use the new tool called Microsoft Assessment and Planning. It offers network-wide, agent-less inventory and readiness assessment for Windows Server 2008 or Windows Vista SP1 operating system migration.

https://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8558847

On-Demand Microsoft IT Webcasts for IT Managers

https://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7281008

On-Demand Microsoft IT Webcasts for IT Pros

https://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7281009Live Webcasts: Full list can be found at: https://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspxInteractive Webcast CalendarThe interactive calendar will help you quickly find live webcasts that fit your schedule as well as on-demand webcasts to view at your convenience. You can choose your time zone and filter this list by audience, webcast series, product or topic, and presenter.https://www.microsoft.com/events/webcasts/calendar/monthview.aspxMonthly Archived Webcasts: https://www.microsoft.com/events/webcasts/library/default.mspx

New KB's

How to troubleshoot Internet Explorer 7 installation problems

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/917925

Error message when you use Internet Explorer 7 to browse certain Web sites after you install the MS07-045 cumulative security update: "ASP 0177:8000ffff"

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/945701

When you browse a Web page by using Internet Explorer 7 on a terminal server, the colors that are displayed in the MDI child forms of the Web page may be incorrect

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/950054

An application may be unresponsive, documents may not print, and event IDs 6162 or 61 may be logged on a Windows Server 2003-based computer

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/951009

Detection and deployment guidance for the May 13, 2008 security release

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/952726

A Windows Server 2003-based DHCP server does not respond correctly to DHCP INFORM requests if the requests are forwarded from the IP Helper API or from relay agents

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/950574

Message Queuing may not start after you install Message Queuing with the Active Directory Integrated option enabled on a Windows Server 2003-based computer or on a Windows Server 2008-based computer

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/931661

MS08-028: Vulnerability in the Microsoft Jet Database Engine could allow remote code execution

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/950749

When you use the VirtualProtect function together with the PAGE_WRITECOPY flag on a Windows Server 2003-based computer, the Protect property of mapped file pages is unexpectedly changed

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/952177

 

A 30-second delay occurs during the initialization of some network-based applications when Windows XP Service Pack 2 starts

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/951624

On a Windows Server 2003-based computer, registry-based policy settings are unexpectedly removed after a user logs on to the computer

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/951059

You cannot access the Internet through a proxy server when you use a 32-bit version of Internet Explorer on a computer that is running a 64-bit version of Windows

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/952031

When Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) tries to delete hardware support snapshots on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 or an x64 version of Windows XP, the operation may fail

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/949391

A memory leak occurs in the Wmiprvse.exe process when a program queries user information or group information by using the WMI class Win32_group or Win32_account in Windows Server 2003

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/952022

Applications may not observe regional settings or may not start when they use a Unicode-only locale

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/949793

FIX: Error message when you insert data to a table that contains two image columns by using the SQL Server ODBC driver: "[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Invalid locator de-referenced"

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/950565

When you use the VirtualProtect function together with the PAGE_WRITECOPY flag on a Windows Server 2003-based computer, the Protect property of mapped file pages is unexpectedly changed

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/952177

Two or more cookie files exist for one Web site when you use Internet Explorer to visit a cookie-enabled Web site

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/944410

When you use the "Run As" shortcut menu to start Internet Explorer 7, more child windows may open than you expect on a Web page

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/945688

Supported paths for upgrading from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/951041

Error message when you restart a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 or an x64-based version of Windows XP Professional: "Stop 0xC000021A"

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/950928

When a cached write and a non-cached write are requested for the same file, data corruption may occur in Windows Server 2003

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/949123

The WaitForMultipleObjects() function does not work correctly with pseudohandles in Windows XP, in Windows Server 2003, or in Windows Vista

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/951322

A nonpaged pool memory leak may occur on a Windows Server 2003-based computer when the Single Instance Storage driver (Sis.sys) processes an alternative stream

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/950310

The certification authority startup event in the Security log always reports a usage count of zero for the signing key on a computer that is running Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2003

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/951721

A monitor that reports information to the operating system by using EDID version 1.3 or a later version may behave unpredictably in installations of Windows that support EDID version 1.1

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/951573

The AuthzInitializeContextFromSid function returns the domain local group information from the root domain instead of from the child domain on a Windows Server 2003-based computer

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/950824

When you work in a WYSIWYG HTML-editing environment, Internet Explorer 6 may crash because of an access violation in the Mshtml.dll module

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/949922