Dell DRAC Virtual Media Plugin Problems

Symptoms

Trying to access the “Virtual Media” section of a DRAC console
Client is Windows 2008
When accessing “Virtual Media,” get prompted to accept ActiveX control; accept, and get redirected to login page

Solution

Open Internet Explorer, Tools > Internet Options; select Intranet, and select “Automatically detect Intranet network”
Open %systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.

… [ Continue reading ]

March 9, 2009January 9, 2020

If I Could Turn Back Win32Time

For anyone who manages an Active Directory environment, you’ve undoubtedly come to understand the need for keeping time in sync. In short, you won’t be able to log in if the local computer time has more than 5 minutes difference than the logon server.… [ Continue reading ]

March 7, 2009January 9, 2020

Now You See It, Now You Don’t

Lots of programs on the internet will claim to “erase your tracks” on your Windows-based computer. Well, you don’t need to waste your money. Windows XP and later come with a built-in utility, that when used correctly, will overwrite the free space on your hard drive with ones and zeroes.… [ Continue reading ]

February 23, 2009January 9, 2020

How to Re-Create MSDB on SQL 2005

From time to time, I’ve found myself in a situation where I’ve needed to re-create MSDB. Unfortunately, most of the guides on how to do it give just basic overviews, leaving the unlucky admin muddling around.

Here is a real step-by-step for SQL Server 2005.… [ Continue reading ]

February 12, 2009January 9, 2020

Creating a Windows 2003 TFTP Server

If you read my previous post on configuring Windows Server 2003 DHCP to serve PXE clients, you probably noticed option 066 for Boot Server Host Name.

What is a Boot Server, you may ask?

In simple terms, a boot server runs a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) instance that is used to transfer small amounts of data.… [ Continue reading ]

February 12, 2009January 9, 2020

Configuring Windows 2003 DHCP for PXE Clients

Today, I was lending a hand to one of our Linux admins who was trying to get his servers Kickstarted. For the uninitiated, Kickstart is the Linux equivalent to Windows RIS.

PXE stands for Pre-boot eXecution Environment. PXE clients (commonly known as “diskless workstations”) rely on DHCP to tell them where to go for their boot configuration and software.… [ Continue reading ]