Powershell.CA

List all of the Parameters for a Cmdlet in Windows Powershell

2012-01-26T05:42:28Z

Ok… I was playing. I’ll admit it.

When you do GET-HELP on some cmdlets, especially ones with a LARGE abundance of available parameters, they might appear a little daunting.

I used to do a little trick by copying the output under “SYNTAX” on the GET-HELP. I would then paste it into my favorite Word processor (Microsoft Word 2010 naturally) and do two quick Search/Replace operations to pull the lines together and then split based upon the display of the brackets “[]” in the display.

That little trick would give me a nice viewable and easy to understand list of the parameters available.

I am now more comfortable with sticking my fingers under the hood (and not getting burned or snipped by spinning Radiator fans) with Powershell and decided there HAD to (I mean with a big giant Heaping CAPITAL H) HAD TO be a Powershell way.

I played with the properties exposed from GET-HELP. I made the incorrect presumption the output was string. Then I forgot Rule 1 in Powershell.

“All output is an Object”

Turned out the Object in question had some interesting properties available, namely one called “SYNTAX”. On a whim, I wondered if the Syntax NoteProperty was the “How to use Powershell Syntax” from GET-HELP. So I popped it open

(GET-HELP GET-QADUSER).Syntax

“Jumpin’ June Bugs!” I screamed out. It was! So again another “GET-MEMBER” to see what this might yield.

(GET-HELP GET-QADUSER).Syntax | GET-MEMBER

“SyntaxItem” now…. but it was a NoteProperty. I wanted to see just what it would expose. So a quick “SELECT-OBJECT” out of my sleeve later

(GET-HELP GET-QADUSER).Syntax | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty SyntaxItem

“AHA! There’s the tricky fellow hiding inside!” So another piece to open up with SELECT-OBJECT…

(GET-HELP GET-QADUSER).Syntax | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty SyntaxItem | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty parameter

WHOOOOOOSH!!! The screen filled with the familiar “Detailed” data from help. But again, I learned … run a GET-MEMBER to see what the object is exposing….

(GET-HELP GET-QADUSER).Syntax | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty SyntaxItem | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty parameter | GET-MEMBER

I took a shot that “Name” might be the parameter name, so yet one more SELECT-OBJECT and the fingers crossed…

(GET-HELP GET-QADUSER).Syntax | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty SyntaxItem | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty parameter | SELECT-OBJECT name

JACKPOT! I had it! An easier way to view the names! Now to make this into something useful! A regular script to pull the data out. The only parameter I was really supplying would be the results of a GET-HELP on any Cmdlet I had.

-------- Begin Script --------

param($HelpData)

($HelpData).Syntax | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty SyntaxItem | SELECT-OBJECT –ExpandProperty parameter | SELECT-OBJECT name

------- EndScript -------

So most of the time I’m ok reading with a GET-HELP, but now for those cmdlets with more parameters than I can imagine, I can at least get them out in a nice clean list to see what I can work with. Now to find out all I have to do is run my script like so

./LISTPARAMETERS.PS1 –HelpData (GET-HELP GET-CHILDITEM)

To get all the parameters in a nice list from GET-CHILDITEM. I’m thinking this should make working with the WPF stuff a little easier. Now those, THOSE have some parameters

Remember, the Power of Shell is in YOU

Sean
The Energized Tech

WRITE-HOST (GET-DATE-year 2011-uformat "%Y")"A Time to Reflect"

2012-01-01T02:14:21Z

I think if there is ever a year that kept me busy as an IT Professional and as an MVP, it will be 2011. If there was ever a year I could say "Wow, I can't believe all that just happened!" it will be 2011.

Where to start? How about how I finished 2010?

I was asked to pull together a little article or two for the Holidays last year for "Hey Scripting Guy". What I ended up placing online for the Holiday Season was the FIRST EVER Holiday Special done by a computer company. Simply titled 'A Powershell Carol' it was a 7 day long series (Complete with Podcasted episodes) about a mythical Character called "Ebenezer Script" complete with a Holiday theme song. It ended appropriately on December 25th 2010.

From that, well things just started getting crazy. I had several events I had to present for the Springboard Technical Experts Program. During all of this I scrambled to sort out my paperwork so I could finally make my first International flight in late February to (*gasp*) Redmond Washington to the MVP Conference.

Setting a goal and pursuing your dreams, if anybody asks you it is highly worth it. I actually found myself on my Birthday standing in the entryway to Microsoft with a good friend and fellow MVP Ragnar Harper. Ragnar is now with Microsoft but at the time, Crayon a cool Norweigan company that redid "Highway to Powershell" in the Heroes Happen Here launch in 2008.

Ragnar (like many people I have met online and recently) is a good friend I am glad I've met up with.

He took my picture in front of the Microsoft Logo where I nearly broke down in tears for the joy of it.

As many of you who know me well, I decided long ago to try and pursue Microsoft as a career. I have not given up, but the pursuit of that dream has led me towards engaging the community in my own unique way. It has also seen my career grow as left the world of Small Business into stepping into a small Division in a Fortune 15 corporation. Helping encourage others to pursue their own and helping others out in Powershell and learning far more about the larger world.

Many years ago I just pictured Microsoft as "some mythical place I would never see". It was so far away at the time, I couldn't even afford the flight. I turned down my dreams of working there since I didn't have the money make the flight. I actually believed at one point I couldn't do it and would never stand in that doorway.

Then I saw myself in that hallway, heard the voices, saw the magic floating in the air. I broke down realizing that Redmond was EXACTLY the wonderful place I always thought it was. I so happy, even not working there, to stand in such a beautiful place which co-existed happily with nature itself. All the words and the descriptions from everybody on the team at Microsoft Jobs Blog, it paled to the actual site that was the head Office for Microsoft.

While there, I met many of the Powershell MVP's and the team themselves, saw Steve Ballmer on stage, Proudly Chanted with the rest of the Canadian contingent and sang "O Canada" as loud as I could. Also while on campus I was interviewed by Dmitry Sotnikov of Quest software. My voice was barely recovering after the cheering and screaming from earlier that morning. I even met a friend I taken to recently, Shane Hoey one of the newest MVP's in Windows Powershell. Even Ed "Hey Scripting Guy" and Theresa made it to the conference!

Of course my good friend Adam (AdamBomb00) Carter passed along a little token of his esteem for my Birthday.

And as pictures will show, I did not want to leave. I'm not making it up. Just search this blog for my "Long Road to Redmond" posts in March and you will see my genuine reaction to Redmond! It's not just "Geeky" cool. It is an amazing place beyond just intelligence; it is one of THE most collaborative and multicultural places I have ever encountered or imagined!

A short bit after the conference I went and did something I always wanted to do, for my own interest, for charity, because it was there. I climbed the CN Tower. Finished it in just under 30 minutes too. (Which isn't bad for a fat overweight 190 pound IT Pro that doesn't exercise!) By the way, I encourage anyone out there who is interested, give it a shot. It's tall, tiring and the most exhilarating feeling you'll get when you finish!

From there I went on to preparing and presenting a presentation at the first ever Powershell Deep Dive in Las Vegas Nevada. I had some interesting events occur. The flight goofed and had to move me on a different plane which was (cough cough cough) unfortunately FIRST CLASS ! But of course the Yin comes with the Yang (namely my reservation being cancelled at the Red Rock Casino that MORNING while I was on the plane, SHAME ON YOU Red Rock!) but to my rescue came a person I believe should be an MVP right now, Steven Murawski. "Hey, I have an extra bed here, wanna crash?" was his Tweet in a split second.

I was floored. A person who I'd only know online coming to my aid. Not knowing or caring at the moment if I smelled like a fried bag of Big Macs, he just took a chance to help somebody out.

I'd like to publicly tip my hat to Steve, If you're ever in Canada, you just call ! If I ever had to be locked in a hotel in Vegas judging thousands of Scripts for the 2011 Scripting Games, glad it was you man.

During the Deep Dive I did something I've done a few times (and contrary to popular belief it IS rare). It was a "Release of the Kraken" to the audience, exuberance, joy, passion before tearing into my Deep Dive on Powershell with the Legacy. I got the audience to wish my good buddy Hal Rottenberg (with the help of his co-host Jon Walz of the Powerscripting Podcast) a Happy Birthday. We of course naturally had it posted to Youtube.

Oh and did I mention just WHO I opened for? None other than THE (pant pant faint faint) BRUCE PAYETTE! If Jeffrey Snover is the father of Powershell, Bruce is certainly it's Mothe....er Grandfather? ... Or maybe Godfather is a cooler term. Yeah, I opened for the GODFATHER of POWERSHELL! "I feel SHELL!, yeah y'know you can Tell! I feel SHELL!"

As well I posted so much on "Hey Scripting Guy" between my series on "Working with the Legacy in Powershell" as well as "BATCHman" and Cmdlet" I became one of the first ever "Honorary Scripting Guys" on Technet!

I got the opportunity to present my Powershell sessions on working with Legacy systems at the first ever Powershell pre Conference via Live Meeting at Teched Australia (Thanks Shane Hoey and Chris Brownie) with great Presenters such as Richard Siddaway and Ed "Hey Scripting Guy where's my Tilley Hat" Wilson.

Of course the year didn't finish there. Techdays Toronto 2011 happened with MORE POWERSHELL as well as presenting some more Live Meeting sessions online. Oh I LOVE DOING this stuff!

I feel like I'm skipping on so much, and it's possible as so much happened in the year. I've seen friends pursuing their dreams achieve them, other friends grow in ways their never perceived and watched the world about myself change.

Near the end of the year were two more complete series on "Hey Scripting Guy" on MDT (Which actually got read by the Architect of MDT, Michael Niehaus!) and the Second ever Holiday Special "How Mr. Finch Learned Scripting". On top of that there was a complete nine days (possibly the beginning of more) on Canadian IT Professionals called "Powershell on the Way to Work", a series targeted at the 100% beginner.

Oh did I mention the icing? The COOLEST Part of all? The Part I am still slapping myself in the face saying "W000t! W000t! W0000t!"

I mean OTHER than getting to spend the DAY with friends like Ed and Theresa Wilson (Scripting Guy and Scripting Wife) and Mitch Garvis (probably the Best presenter out there and more skilled on Virtualization than most people). Oh no, this is MARGINALLY better than that even!

This is just a weeeeeeee bit better. I am writing my first ever book. I'm keeping my lips tight on the details but I can and will say "It's Powershell related" and DAMN will I be busy!

*KLUNK*

All this because I started believing in myself and went for my dreams. This year was too much to believe.

I have pass along thanks to so many that were my encouragement and inspiration over the years; Rodney, Rick, Damir, Mitch, Ruth, Adam, (Oh HELL! EVERY FREAKING Microsoft DPE worldwide and their managers especially John Oxley of Microsoft Canada), the Powershell team, Jeffrey Snover, all the MVP's everybody in the community including all of you egging me on in Twitter. Oh yes, Cory, Steve and Cameron you too

....and most importantly my family. None of this would or could have happened without their help.

Of course, the only thing that could top 2011 if my dreams were to be realized in 2012. (*hint hint poke the beast poke the beast*)

Maybe someday get to work with as a "Hey Scripting Guy" or Evangelize Microsoft Technology for the rest of my life for Microsoft, or possibly become a presenter as good as my buddy Mitch (*sigh, you're allowed to dream y'know *)

All I can say for 2012 is this. You'd better prepare yourself, get the chains ready, bolt down the furniture and hide the expensive cookies. There's an MVP conference in barely two months. I have tasted what Redmond is, I'm not about to step away anymore.

Because the KRAKEN of Passion will be Released and there is NO holding me back now. You can note this for 2012.

It WILL be "The Year of the Kraken" - LOOK OUT MICROSOFT!

"W000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sean
The Energized Tech

Holy Cmdlets BATCHman-FREE Software for the Holidays

2011-12-20T23:27:36Z

No this is not spam.

There is no catch.

Powershell Inside, the company that SELLS NetCmdlets is presently offering their NetCmdlets for free until December 25th. This is normally a $99 package. In addition the Server based version is on for $199 (Normally $399)

If you're interested the LAST DAY is Christmas Day, December 25th 2011. All you need to do is click on the link below and fill out the form. You will receive your license via email later.

Free NETCmdlets from Powershell Inside for the Holidays

What have you got to lose? Even if you don't know deep levels of Powershell, take advantage of their generosity during this Holiday Season!

A $99 package for free?

What a GREAT Holiday Present!

Using Powershell to create a Rich Text Format document-Part 1

2011-12-12T04:32:31Z

Here's an interesting idea I have been playing with. Creating an RTF document within Powershell.

Why RTF? RTF is "Rich Text Format". If you haven't ever looked at the format of one, the file content is actually 100% ASCII. Even though an RTF when presented through Word holds fonts and formatting it is actually a pure ASCII file.

Nice! So it would be possible to generate files with nice fonts and formatting. Sure we could do it with Dcom and Microsoft Word but the advantage to an RTF is it could be generated as a report on a server with NO additional software, no changes to the system

So here's a sample RTF file using a Consolas 11 point font with a simple one line of 'Test'

Test Test Test
Test Test Test
Test Test Test

Viewing the document in the natural RTF code it appears like this

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Consolas;}}
{\*\generator Riched20 6.2.8102}\viewkind4\uc1
\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\lang9 Test\tab Test \tab Test\par
Test\tab Test \tab Test\par
Test\tab Test \tab Test\par
}

Online Microsoft has a large document called "Word 2007: Rich Text Format (RTF) Specification, version 1.9.1" which details all the nuances of this language. Believe me, it IS a language.

Really for a very basis RTF file we need a header, some content and the termination at the end. Looking in the document we can find out there are three key types of data within the document without getting too far into the mud. Control words, Control Symbols and Groups.

If you REALLY want to have some deep reading, dig into the document. But for today we'll show you all you need to make a Basic RTF Document.

Looking at this particular document we can see the words Test separated by \tab and ending with a \par for each line. Really this isn't much of a guess to figure out that \par is the ending of a paragraph and \tab are fields separated by Tabs.

So let's think, if this is pure text, all we need to do to create a Basic RTF is to grab everything BEFORE our content and looking at the bottom terminate it with a Parentheses }

$RTFHeader='{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Consolas;}}{\*\generator Riched20 6.2.8102}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\lang9 '

$RTFFooter='}'

So a basic RTF document could be created using a very simple ADD-CONTENT like this

ADD-CONTENT C:\Powershell\Filename.rtf -value $RTFHeader -force

ADD-CONTENT C:\Powershell\Filename.rtf -value $RTFFooter

There that's pretty simple. Now that means all we need is place text in the middle and end each line with a '\par ' for a basic line.

ADD-CONTENT C:\Powershell\Filename.rtf -value $RTFHeader -force

ADD-CONTENT C:\Powershell\Filename.rtf -value "This is a line in the RTF document\par"
ADD-CONTENT C:\Powershell\Filename.rtf -value "This is another line\tab separated by a tab\par "
ADD-CONTENT C:\Powershell\Filename.rtf -value "And one more\par"

ADD-CONTENT C:\Powershell\Filename.rtf -value $RTFFooter

Nice! A Simple RTF file. Of course we can do more, and we'll play a bit tomorrow

Sean
The Energized Tech

Hello everybody! Happy Holidays and a little update and new Holiday Special on Scripting Guys

2011-12-11T02:54:58Z

HELLO POWERSHELL PEOPLE!

Yes the blog has been quiet but not for bad reasons. I’ll keep you updated on some things in my life.

Work has been…. for lack of any other word…. BUSY!

But what job isn’t? It Professionals know that we have slow times and busy times. Our consolation we can always keep in mind is that “If I was bad at the job I’d have better and shorter hours, so we must be doing something right”

So I’m in a busy point right now along with writing some new material for “Hey Scripting Guy” for the Holiday season along with a new series for December for Canadian IT Professionals called “Powershell on the Way to Work”. It’s intended for the IT Professional that is only comfortable with the GUI and needs to know the REAL basics on Powershell.

The series on www.scriptingguys.com is from December 19th to December 23rd called “How Mr. Finch Learned Scripting”. The Series on CanITPro is from Dec 12th to Dec 22nd.

There’s also this fun little sing-a-long whipped together for www.scriptingguys.com series called “The Scripting Song”

<\/param><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt="">

December 19th to December 23rd–www.scriptingguys.com

Plus something else popped along. A book.

I can’t reveal any of the details other than it IS Powershell related and that I am writing it. It will take time and effort, but nothing worth doing ever took a short time to do.

I have this one song stuck in my head because of it. Karl Prosser keeps saying I should re-write it as “I’m writing a script, I’m writing a script” but for me I keep thinking “I’m writing a book, I’m writing a book”

<\/param><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt="">

Well I’ll be putting together more in the new year, asking Santa Claus if Mr. Ballmer could bring me in and generally diving into more Powershell. You DID all hear that CTP2 (Community Technology Preview) of the Windows Management Framework 3.0 is available right? If you haven’t it’s the coolest Christmas present ever

I’ll see you all in 2012! I can sense somehow this will be an amazing year for all of us

Sean
The Energized Tech

Put the Money in your Brains, and so much to see TECHDAYS_CA is Right here for me!

2011-10-06T00:00:25Z

Did you hear that? The rumbling, the pounding of the feet, like a wild Moose running free. The Greatest event in Canada has Returned!

Here is YOUR opportunity to save approximately 50% on the Registration!

Just go online and ... SHHHHHHHHHH...... It's a SECRET

Go to www.techdays.ca

"Did you say WWW.TECHDAYS.CA ?!"

Yes and Shhh... don't tell anyone... and type in the secret word

"WHAT SECRET WORD?"

I wasn't finished saying... the secret Promo code which is TD2011MVP...

"Did you SAY the SECRET PROMO CODE was TD2011MVP ??!!"

Yes ... yes I did.... shhhhh don't be so loud, otherwise everybody will know they can get into www.Techdays.ca for only $399.99.

"WHAT? ONLY $399.99 and all I have to do is go to www.techdays.ca with the Promo Code of TD2011MVP? I can get in for only $399.99? W0000000t!!"

Well I guess everybody knows now. So if you happen here my loud friend here, you could take advantage of the Promo code too. Register anytime up til and including the date of attending for only $399.99.

That right's folks! Techdays have returned to bring us to the next level!

Techdays. Because there's always more to learn...

Free and Resources from Microsoft–How can you Lose?

2011-10-05T00:05:30Z

Often Microsoft is taken as a large corporation. Many don’t realize just how much it offers to the community at large for free. Take this list of resources and print it off or place it on a local page on your IT Intranet.

Free resources from Microsoft for Help and Support, Antivirus and a way to answer all those questions that roam across your mind.

How can you lose? It’s Free!

1) Help and Support from Microsoft

Have you ever wondered where to go to get help with your common, everyday IT challenges?

Based on feedback and constructive criticism, Microsoft Canada identifies key areas where they can improve and help you by providing better resources to answer your questions, solve your real world problems and help you achieve your business goals. Maybe it’s just ensuring you know you have a voice – or just making your life a little easier at the end of the day – whatever it takes, Microsoft is listening.

One of the areas Microsoft has received feedback on is Help and Support. Let's face it, you may not have a direct contact person from Microsoft that you can call up when you have a problem and with the pace of technology today, you just can't wait for things to sort themselves out. So you either commit you or your teams' time and energy to fixing that issue, or you hire someone to come in and fix it. But what if I told you there were some great Microsoft Resources available for support that you could use? I've put together a list below. This is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a great start when you need to tackle your next IT challenge.

Help and Resources

· Microsoft Product Solution Center – Get product support information for the majority of Microsoft products.

· Microsoft Answers – Ask questions and get answers from real people, or search for answers others have received.

· Microsoft Fix it Solution Center – Find automated solutions for your issues.

· @MicrosoftHelps – Follow Microsoft Customer Service and Support on Twitter. Experienced customer service agents respond to your questions in real-time tweets.

· Enterprise Business Center – Access resources for enterprise customers.

· Microsoft Small Business Center – Find resources for small and medium-sized businesses.

Other Resources You May Find Useful

Microsoft Virtual Academy - For Free Training To Help Improve Your IT Skill Set.
TechNet Evaluation Center - Try some of the latest Microsoft products like Office 365, Windows Intune or System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 for free, before you buy.
TechNet Newsletter - Sign Up To Receive The Latest IT News and Developments, Product Releases, Expert Insights and Support Services with Microsoft's complimentary biweekly newsletter for industry professionals.

2) Security – How to Help Keep Your PC Protected

Have you ever wondered how you can help keep your PC protected?

One of the areas Microsoft has received feedback on is Security, specifically how to help keep your PC protected. Whether it's at work or at home, I've been told that it can be hard to make sense of what's important, which updates should be installed and how best to protect your PC. Microsoft has a resource center for their Monthly updates listed below – it's something you should check out every second Tuesday of the month. If you prefer to listen to a podcast – they've created one that's easy to listen to and not too technical called Security Bulletins for the Regular IT Guy.
Recently there have been a growing number of Phone Scams from individuals claiming to be from Microsoft asking you about the security of your PC. You should be suspicious of unsolicited calls about security of your systems. Don't give out financial details, visit websites, allow anyone to remote control your system or install software from unsolicited callers. If you feel your system has been compromised or has a computer virus – you can call Microsoft's Security and Virus FREE support line at 1-866-727-2338.

Security Resources

· Microsoft Security Essentials – Free Anti-Malware software from Microsoft, great for Small Businesses and Home PCs alike.

· Security Bulletins by the Regular IT Guy – A monthly podcast to help simplify details about the monthly Security patch releases.

· Security TechCenter – Find top tasks, get the latest news, find a wiki article or download a featured tool.

· Windows Update Services – Businesses of all sizes can help manage and control the rollout of updates in their organizations.

Other Resources You May Find Useful

· Springboard Series - Your destination for technical resources, free tools and expert guidance to ease the deployment and management of your Windows-based client infrastructure.

· AlignIT Manager Tech Talk Series - A monthly streamed video series with a range of topics for both infrastructure and development managers. Ask questions and participate real-time or watch the on-demand recording.

· Microsoft Virtual Academy - For Free Training To Help Improve Your IT Skill Set.

· TechNet Evaluation Center - Try some of the latest Microsoft products like Office 365, Windows Intune or System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 for free, before you buy.

3) Licensing Simplified – at Home and at Work

Have you ever wondered if there’s an easier way to understand licensing, for both home and business use?

One of the areas Microsoft has received feedback on is Licensing. Whether you need to buy one license from a traditional retail store or explore options for a more flexible volume licensing program, it can be confusing and sometimes downright intimidating to figure out what you need. After doing a little digging - I’ve highlighted some resources you can use to help figure out exactly what you need when you talk with your software reseller.

Speaking of licensing – I often get asked if I can back up our claims at a more cost effective Virtualization solution for your server rooms. I dug up a great – no nonsense breakdown on recent licensing changes in the industry and how our offering stacks up.

Licensing Resources

· Licensing FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Product Licensing

· The SMB How to Buy Portal: receive clear purchasing and licensing information that is easy to understand in order to help facilitate quick decision making.

· Microsoft License Advisor (MLA): Use MLA to research Microsoft Volume Licensing products, programs and pricing.

· Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) – Already have a volume License? Use the VLSC to get you easy access to all your licensing information in one location.

· Windows 7 Comparison: Compare versions of Windows and find out which one is right for you

· Office 2010 Comparison: Find out which Office suite is right for you.

Other Resources You May Find Useful

· TechNet Cloud Hub - Get the latest news and find great resources to help you jump into the Cloud.

· TechNet Evaluation Center - Try some of the latest Microsoft products like Office 365, Windows Intune or System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 for free, before you buy.

· Microsoft Virtual Academy - For free training to help improve your IT skill set.

4) Free Online Training and Resources from Microsoft

Have you ever wondered how you can help build your IT skill set?

Microsoft has a number of great resources to help you in areas of professional development and access to software. The Microsoft Virtual Academy contains some fantastic FREE online training on hot topics for IT Professionals. Once you’ve stopped by and tried out a course or two — head on over to the Microsoft Eval Center to download copies of their server products to try out in your lab environment. And while you’re at it, check out this free Microsoft Office 365 ebook by Katherine Murray, it shows you how you can use cloud computing to help get more done and help improve ease of collaboration.

I love WDS and MDT–Install Server 2008R2 onto Legacy x64 Hardware!

2011-09-09T15:41:55Z

Here was fun. I’ve gotten my hands on some decent server hardware that had some caveats.

No DVD or ability to BOOT from DVD

No USB Booting ability

but

CPU was x64 capable

So in this scenario, normally you would scrap using Server 2008R2 or Server 2008 x64 because the media only exists on DVD format. The alternate is to boot from USB but since the server can’t do that, forget it.

But if you have Windows Deployment Server at your finger tips and MDT 2010 none of this is a problem. Just create that image and awaaaaay you go.

“But Sean, what happens if it breaks? I’m stuck right?”

Funny thing is … NO.

I was playing this weekend and if you learn how to build a standalone WinRE x64 or have access the DART and can build THAT image, the both fit on a Standard CDrom, with room to spare (which many older x64 servers DO in fact have, Cdroms)

I know this because my test environment was running off an older Dell server which (as my coworker would say) “Hacked up a hairball”, I lost my Domain (Yes, I was building new and hadn’t added my secondary and tertiary DC’s)

So to resolve this, I created a WinRE Cdrom from my x64 Windows 7 and repaired the environment from that.

Ok…. for production maybe NOT a GOOD idea (or maybe it is? Trying to extend the budget on some older equipment? Repurpose it as an RODC?)

Just food for thought. But all of this was possible thanks for MDT (Free) and WDS (Just a free role in the Server 2008R2)

This blog post brought to you by the letter “M”

Sean
The Energized Tech

Remotely Enable Remote Desktop Manually

2011-09-07T22:15:48Z

You’re stuck in a jam. The remote workstation is on, the user isn’t there and you have a mandate.

“Install this software before you leave.” Of course the software just happens to be the one application you CAN’T just push. It needs a local install. “UGH!” your brain says to the world.

No problem. As long as the computer is on your network, you can enable Remote Desktop access.

First you need to have local Administrative rights on the computer in question.

Launch REGEDIT and Choose File/Connect Network Registry

In the provided box, enter in the name of the computer

Once connected you’ll have a new option near the bottom.

Under the “2nd” HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (which is that nasty remote computer) Navigate to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\Current Control Set\Control\TerminalServer

Edit the value called fDenyTSConnections and change from 1 to 0

change from 1 to 0

Now if you’re running Windows XP, you’re probably done and can happily remote in.

With Windows 7 and Windows Vista there’s an extra step, you need to enable two rules on the Firewall

Navigate to the following registry key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\Current Control Set\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules

You’ll see a pile of values. Find the one named “RemoteDesktop-In-TCP”

You’ll see a LOOOOOOOONNNNNG string of data in there. Near the very beginning it will read something along the lines of what you see below

Edit the Active=FALSE to ACTIVE=TRUE so it reads as in the box below. Click OK

Then execute the following command in a command prompt.

SHUTDOWN –f –r –t 0 –m \\COMPUTERNAME

Where “COMPUTERNAME” is the NETBIOS name of the PC

SHUTDOWN –f –r –t 0 –m x.x.x.x

Where x.x.x.x is the IP address of the computer

Now you COULD probably trigger this via GPO and Preferences too. But on the Enterprise why would you? Baaaaaad!

But in Small Business environments I have seen the need for this, so it COULD be set in those instances. Of course you’ll have to remember add anybody who SHOULD be remoting to the local computer group “Remote Desktop Users”

A handy thing to know how to do, especially if you are effectively “Locked away” from physical access to a managed machine.

Sean
The Energized Tech

SQL Saturday 93–Toronto Ontario !

2011-09-06T23:28:07Z

Next Saturday !

September 17, 2011 is SQL Saturday #93

The Event is free, Lunch is $15 if you’d like a Tasty lunch. A chance to meet greet other Professionals. A day of solid training for Data Professionals.

And…. a small bonus.

Rumor has it, the one, the only…. the BATCHman may make a special appearance at the Powershell session.

So register, and check it out now. Heck a Saturday doing Nerdy stuff? How can you go wrong?

Honorary Scripting Guy–Li’l ‘ol me :)

2011-09-01T11:58:12Z

When I started bugging Microsoft and sending them posts for “Hey Scripting Guy” I figured a large army of Steve Ballmers would come day and take my keyboard away with a big warning of “Stop spamming us! We all know about you and “The Number of the Email Beast” so cut it out.

Then I caught an email from none other than Ed “Hey Scripting Guy” himself announcing five people granted the title of “Honorary Scripting Guy” for our contributions to the site, the community and I think (pretty certain of this) as some kind of appeasement to stop me from spamming Microsoft for a few days

I kid about of course. Ed’s a great guy but this announcement threw me for a loop. I had just finished my LiveMeeting presentation for TechEd 2011 Australia when Ed took the stage (or the LiveMeeting in this case) and let forth the announcement of the first ever “Honorary Scripting Guys”.

I though the Title alone was cool, I was blushing when I heard too. Then I heard the other four names. Don Jones, Trevor Sullivan, Tome Tanasovski and James Brundage.

I stood there looking at the page. I smiled. “Honorary Scripting Guy”.

This feels cool. Almost as if I actually work for Microsoft.

Now I can’t wait for the next time Ed announces some new ones. I can’t wait to see names of people who are my peers and heroes on this list.

Today I am honored to be in the first five, hopefully amongst many others. So glad I stepped out and took a chance.

By the way, a special thanks to everybody at Microsoft and MVP’s alike. The reason this happened was thanks to community encouragement. An especially large thanks to the DPE team and Microsoft Canada who encouraged me to step out of my shell. If they hadn’t encouraged me and allowed me to be “The Friday Funny Guy” I’m not sure I would have had the courage to do what I do today.

Kudos to Ed “Scripting Guy” Wilson and “Scripting Wife”

PS. “Sorry about the singing”

Sean
”The Energized Tech”
MCSE,MCTS,MVP
Member of Springboard Technical Experts Program
Honorary Scripting Guy on Technet

What have I been up to?

2011-08-09T10:45:33Z

You may well be wondering… Did Sean fall off the map?

Nope. Been incredibly busy.

As you may well have heard, there is a new series going online on August 26th 2011 called “Batchman and Cmdlet” about Crime fighting Duo that use Windows Powershell to stop crime. It started out as a small idea that has ballooned big time.

Here’s the little cheezy fun teaser video we whipped up together for it.

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Batchman and Cmdlet–8/26/2011 on www.scriptingguys.com

As well on top of that there are two big events I’m preparing presentations for. SQL Saturday #93 in Toronto, Ontario in September as well as I’ve been asked to speak over Live Meeting to a Powershell Preconference at TechEd Australia!

Oh right, somewhere in the midst of all this too, I’m still busy at work. There seem to be alligators everywhere for some reason…

On top of all that ? There is Techdays where I hope to present. As such I’m trying to cook up a little something special for that as well. Hope it gets accepted

More to come later and keep your eyes on www.scriptingguys.com where I’ve been contributing more often daily.

And remember, put that date on your “Batch Clock” – 8/26/2011 – www.scriptingguys.com for Batchman and Cmdlet

“Whenever trouble happens in systems and people will call,
and darkness rolls out causing your fall,
Creatures of bits roam in the night,
Shine to the sky, the bright Bluish Light,

and call to … the BATCHMAN !

Keep you eyes peeled–A Summer Special on “Hey Scripting Guys”

2011-07-18T11:49:10Z

Fear not Systems Administrators! We have a hero in our midst to save the day with Windows Powershell.

Coming August 26th 2011, watch for some special Episodes from a new Hero called “The Batchman”

Curious?

Just remember what happens when the “Energized Tech” get’s fueled with ideas by “Hey Scripting Guy” and the results it produces.

Something to tickle your funny bone as well as educate.

Awwwww heck, it might even have at least one person running about in a cape and mask doing “BAAATTTTCHMAAAN!!”

Just watch “Hey Scripting Guy” on August 26th 2011. I promise it will be worth your while

Sean
”The Energized Tech”

Recovering DPM 2010 and a Clustered Resource after a Power fail

2011-07-08T00:47:23Z

Ok, the worst case scenario ACTUALLY HAPPENED.

You lost power in the Data center.

But you didn’t panic. You made A/D was online, you ran the cluster validation wizard and brought everything back online like Superman.

Then the Offsite backup kicks in on DPM and it refuses to backup certain resources. You end up scratching your Head, going mad in the Newsgroups.

Why you’ve even considered offering up that secret bottle of 20 year old scotch to the Computer gods if only they would solve this for you.

Well here’s what I found out. DPM does NOT like ANYTHING getting changed on it. Well would you?

Sometimes if things don’t shutdown very nicely (especially in a Cluster) the Validation wizard tries to help you and fixes them when it comes back online. It my case the nodes that used to be called

SCVMM Servername Resources

now came up like this

SCVMM Servername

Then when I poked deeper I found inside the Cluster these same Virtual Servers in Hyper-v (in the Cluster) had their name changed from

SCVMM Servername

Virtual Machine Servername

and now the icing on the cake

the Configuration part no longer said

SCVMM Servername Configuration

BUT

Virtual Machine Configuration Servername

So the REASON DPM is no longer happy with these suspect Services in the Cluster is simply because their name and signatures changed from the recovery of the Cluster.

So the Fix?

The one I figured out was easier than I imagined. Just remove the resource it’s backup configuration in DPM and re-add it. Sort of like “Rejoining a Domain” . The link broke, so the fix is to just severe it and put it back in.

Once I did this my issue was resolved IMMEDIATELY. Hopefully this helps somebody else out there

Cheers and remember to take it easy out there, We’re all cheering for you.

Sean
The Energized Tech

Hyper-V–I need to Merge my AVHD and VHD–What to do?!

2011-06-19T13:44:34Z

First rule. DO NOT Take a Snapshot in your Production environment. Avoid it at all costs whether it’s VMware or Hyper-V. It’s a massive risk to the data if corruption occurs.

Now if you IGNORED this rule or you HAD to do something that INSISTED on this happening, don’t sweat it.

The problem is sometimes we (as humans) make mistakes. The snapshot gets taken *and* get’s forgotten about. So you have to Merge it.

Normally in Hyper-V if you do a shutdown of the Virtual Machine, the environment WILL automatically start merging. This is the norm.

But factors can affect this. Space, Murphy and the Unknown are the uncontrollable factors we Professionals have to deal with. However it’s good to know there is a fallback. You can do it manually.

*klunk*

Yes, manually. Now no matter how much data you have, no matter how long it takes… BACK IT UP FIRST!!!

I say this because you always (no matter your skillset, no matter what you think SHOULD happen) you have to plan for the UNexpected. Power outage, corrupt files on the server, the Host dying during the process. Fortunately in my experience Hyper-V is well designed for the unexpected.

Let’s also think about just what an AVHD file is. It is closer to a list of transactions than a virtual hard drive. So when Hyper-V goes to merge the data, it is examining the transactions and building the drive structure to commit it. If you lose power, you still shouldn’t lose data.

But if you need to do a manual merge (Perhaps you would like to rebuild those files offline to avoid issues?) this is also a simple process. (Although scary the first time you try it!)

Rename all the “AVHD” files to VHD

Go to Hyper-V and choose “EDIT DISK”. Browse to the folder of the files.

Find the NEWEST file (That was an AVHD and is now a VHD) and select it.

You MAY get an option to “Reconnect to Parent”. This can be normal if you have MULTIPLE Avhd files. Take note of the ORIGINAL filename and connect to that file in your current folder (if you read the screen Hyper-V is actually prompting you). The AVHD’s refer to the original VHD (if they are the first Snapshot *or* they will refer to the PREVIOUS Avhd file.

If you get a Reconnect, the choose the proper file and back to EDIT and REselect the Newest file again. You will now be presented with “Compact” or “Merge” as your options. Choose “Merge”

Let the file Merge (Depending on the size it could take a bit, don’t worry and don’t panic)

Repeat the process going back a file and back a file until you only have you VHD

If you’re concerned about the content afterwards and don’t want to chance a boot, Remember in Server 2008R2 and Server 2008 in DiskMgmt you can attach the VHD in Readonly mode to verify the content.

Now in my case my Hyper-V files are well organized. You may find out yours are still in the default location like C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Hyper-V . But one of the nice things about the AVHD files (Snapshots) is they mimic the name of the VHD file. so if your Parent VHD was called

CONTOSOFPS.VHD

you’ll find the AVHD files will have names like.

CONTOSOFPS_032CB447-0077-4A39-8F99-5AF874F20A6D.AVHD
CONTOSOFPS_526AEF34-C557-4318-B242-337EC548F7E0.AVHD

If you have to go digging, you usually don’t.

Also some more details I found out.

600 gigabytes on a Strong Raid 5 controller over SAN is about 6 hours to Merge. I found similar numbers when working directly from Raid 5 Sata drives.

It will Merge One AVHD file at a time. this is Good to know because if you’re watching you WILL actually see the AVHD files disappear, Newest to oldest. (As the Newest is Merged INTO it’s predecessor)

It does NOT build a “NEW” Vhd file, so disk space (As far as I can tell) is NOT an issue unless the parent is meant to “Grow” in the process. But between the Parent and the Removed child, you should be ok…

So just remember. Don’t panic if you have a massive amount to Merge. It will happen. If you’re nervous, copy the files ELSEWHERE and begin doing a Manual merge of the backups in Hyper-V. The good part there is you can mount it all afterwards to verify the status.

…. Most of all just be cautious, but be confident. It will all work out.