DavidOverton.com
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Microsoft

  • Updating to SharePoint Beta 2 Technical Refresh (B2TR)

    Downloads (MOSS - Microsoft Office SharePoint Server) MOSS 2007 Beta 2 to B2TR Patching Procedure (with screenshots) http://blog.funknstyle.com/?p=542 WSS 3.0 Beta 2 to B2TR Patching Procedure (with screenshots) http://blog.funknstyle.com/?p=545 MOSS 2007 B2+B2TR Slipstream Clean Installation Procedure http://www.sharepointblogs.com/files/12210/download.aspx MOSS 2007 B2+B2TR Slipstream Clean Installation Procedure (screencast; in Flash format) http://www.sharepointblogs.com/files/12212/download.aspx WSS 3.0 B2+B2TR Slipstream Clean Installation Procedure (with screenshots) http://jopx.blogspot.com/2006/09/installing-wss-30-beta2-tr-slipstream.html Still Using Office 2003? Make Sure You're Compatible Are you still using Office 2003? Make sure you can open and edit the documents sent to you by colleagues who are using the 2007 Office system. Keep your installation updated and install the Compatibility Pack, and you can ensure that the new Open XML Formats of the 2007 Office system don't cause you compatibility...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Fri, Sep 29 2006
  • Compatibility Chart for Windows Small Business Server 2003 (Product, Server applications and desktop)

    A great new set of pages that shows what works and does not work with SBS 2003. using a simple traffic light system = The product is an integrated component of Windows SBS, or it is known to be compatible with Windows SBS. The product was tested and you can obtain support for this configuration. = The product has not been fully tested on Windows SBS and support for this configuration is not available from the Windows SBS product support team. Other groups may offer support for this configuration; contact the appropriate group for information. Some product features may not be fully functional in a Windows SBS environment. = Not compatible. The product is known not to work and you should not install the product in a Windows SBS environment. Product Technologies Compatibility Chart for Windows Small Business Server 2003 An at-a-glance compatibility chart for installing and running standalone versions of SBS 2003 technology on a server running Windows Small Business Server 2003. Server Application Compatibility Chart...
  • E-Bitz - SBS MVP the Official Blog of the SBS "Diva" : Upgrading to SQL 2005 workgroup from SQL 2000

    Upgrading to SQL 2005 workgroup from SQL 2000 When upgrading from SQL 2000 to SQL 2005 workgroup there's a couple of things you should read up ahead of time... the first being the "official" upgrade guide . the second is the "Susan" version of the document that just covers the needed steps for upgrading SQL 2000 to SQL 2005. For more information, go to E-Bitz - SBS MVP the Official Blog of the SBS "Diva" : Upgrading to SQL 2005 workgroup from SQL 2000
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 2 2006
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  • Windows Vista RC2 can be downloaded now

    Thank you for your interest in Windows Vista. This page includes information to help you download Windows Vista RC2, a new test build. This build (5744) has a number of improvements and updates from previous builds, and has been through daily testing processes to refine quality and performance. We are making this release available for a limited time only (and only by download) in order to get broad distribution and testing in a variety of PC configurations. Please note: This build may not have the same level of support or servicing via Windows Update as RC1, and you may not be able to upgrade from this build to the final version of Windows Vista Source: Windows Vista RC2
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Sat, Oct 7 2006
  • Vlad Mazek - explains why Work Life Balance is so important

    I came across this on Vlad's blog - I think Vlad finally has a handle on Work Life Balance - have a look at his blog to see the picture and realise what he is saying when getting ready to walk down the Aisle and someone wants him to do just one more thing ;-) Congrats to Vlad as he is now a married man!! Dear Vlad, I am really running on a tight deadline here and as much as I can appreciate that you’re out of town I REALLY need an ETA on <SBS Show, Shockey Monkey, Vladfire>… I am running out of time. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Here is your ETA. Provided in 4MP resolution just in case you can’t see my ETA guarantee: Source: Vlad Mazek - Vladville Blog » Blog Archive » Can I have an ETA?
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 9 2006
  • Office Rocker! : the launch is not canceled

    Darren Strange wanted to make sure everyone knew that the Office launch is on schedule, so he wrote a blog entry called " the launch is not cancelled " and says: My days now seem to consist of queues of wild people, frothing at the mouth running at me like some sort of marketing shaun of the dead scene screaming "cancel the launch!". People, hear me, take a chill pill, we are launching and we are on track. :-) Things will go wrong when you run a launch. Customer projects deploying the beta are fraught with politics and yes sometimes bugs, shock horror, can crop up when you least need it. But we will launch. We will get our events together, we will sort out who attends, we will get that PO sorted, that content will get written, that speaker briefed, that customer PR form signed, that video will get recorded and edited and how can I be so sure??? ttfn David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 9 2006
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  • KB for SBS and your customers - MS06-055: Vulnerability in Vector Markup Language could allow remote code execution

    I almost feel that I don't need to publish this, but even though the next round of patches is just a day away, you need to think about this one too. MS06-055: Vulnerability in Vector Markup Language could allow remote code execution View products that this article applies to. Article ID: 925486 Microsoft has released security bulletin MS06-055. The security bulletin contains all the relevant information about the security update. This information includes file manifest information and deployment options. To view the complete security bulletin, visit one of the following Microsoft Web sites: IT professionals: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-055.mspx Source: MS06-055: Vulnerability in Vector Markup Language could allow remote code execution ttfn David
  • Small Business News : SME leasing identified as means to growth

    Just saw this on the bCentral news site - always useful to know!! Of course, this can include IT solutions and of course, the MS Finance offers found at http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner/sales_and_marketing/promotions/default.aspx?page=product can be used to cover the whole solution, so your fees, SBS server and desktops with Office... ;-) SME leasing identified as means to growth Thu, 05 Oct 2006 12:05:05 GMT Leasing has been identified as a cost effective option for smaller businesses, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB). Leasing has been identified as a cost effective option for smaller businesses, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB). Source: Small Business News : SME leasing identified as means to growth
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 9 2006
  • The UsefulTechnology Blog : The Joys of International Working

    The video on this blog is just amazing - this can be what it is like here, but a bit of planning and you can easily delay things to get time.. of course that delay might hit a product ;-) Link to The UsefulTechnology Blog : The Joys of International Working
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Tue, Oct 10 2006
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  • Are you a techie who needs to learn more about Sales and Marketing and are willing to commute to Manchester for 1 day...

    We are always being asked to help our partners more and one area is on sales and marketing assistance. If you know how to do sales and marketing, this is not for you. If you don't think you need to know about sales and marketing 'cos it doesn't apply to you, then you probably need to attend the course. Don't believe me, go read Susanne's blog Getting the message out there and then tell me this is not the type of thing you need. OK, so the sales pitch is over, what is on offer? Click this link to get the booking details for a 1 day course on sales and marketing on 8th November. The course is called "Accelerating Sales and Profitability in the Small Business Channel" ttfn David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 16 2006
  • Small Business News : Small firms 'overlooking' networking benefits

    From bCentral : Small firms 'overlooking' networking benefits Thu, 12 Oct 2006 16:21:12 GMT Many of Britain's small businesses could be losing out to competitors because they are not making enough of networking opportunities. Many of Britain's small businesses could be losing out to competitors because they are not making enough of networking opportunities. The latest research report from Lloyds TSB Business and the SERTeam at the Open University found that two fifths of small firms do not believe that networking can boost their businesses' chance of growth and success. It also shows that one in ten small firms say they do not devote any time to networking, while 42 per cent admit they only get involved a few times a year. Lloyds TSB believes that those businesses that do become adept at networking are likely to gain significant benefits. It reveals how almost three quarters of firms have won new customers over the past year as a direct result of marketing, while two fifths have found new suppliers. more at Small...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 16 2006
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  • Partner Perspectives : Microsoft Financing - commit £1 only!

    Microsoft Financing - commit £1 only! I recently met Nohra Currie who works in the Microsoft Financing team. The service launched just over a year ago and it's proving highly popular with customers. I asked Nohra to explain what it is and how partners can get involved... You're fairly new to Microsoft - what's your initial impression? I have been here for 4 months now! My impressions? Great people, great partners, great customers but how complicated is this organisation! I know why you ask now, it's because you will only get a glowing response during the 'honeymoon period' ask me again in 7 years. What do you add to Microsoft Financing? (i.e. what's your role) I am the Programme Manager for Microsoft Financing, my role is to ensure that we help customers to buy the IT solution they need. Microsoft Financing provides Financing for software, hardware and Partner services. We work together with partners to offer the solutions. Source: Partner Perspectives : Microsoft Financing - commit £1 only!
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 16 2006
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  • Virtual PC Guy's WebLog : Virtual PC 2007 Beta now available!

    FYI - I use this for all my testing, including my WSS v3 on SBS 2003!! Virtual PC 2007 Beta now available! Good news - the Virtual PC 2007 Beta is now available. You can sign up for it here: https://connect.microsoft.com/programdetails.aspx?ProgramDetailsID=874 . Major changes include: Support for hardware virtualization (Intel and AMD) Support for Windows Vista as a host operating system Support for Windows Vista as a guest operating system Note: No support for Aero Glass though - just Aero Basic Support for 64-bit host operating systems Note: Virtual machines are 32-bit only Improved performance There are also a plethora of bug fixes. Some notable ones include: Lots of work to allow Virtual PC to play better with laptop power management Fix for IntelPPM issue ( http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2005/10/24/484461.aspx ) Virtual PC now supports greater than 2.2GB ISO images Source: Virtual PC Guy's WebLog : Virtual PC 2007 Beta now available!
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 16 2006
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  • Daily Telegraph - Story of how SBS and a retail system has greatly enhanced an amazing Manchester Arts and Crafts shop

    I have been to visit Fred Aldous in Manchester - the range of arts and crafts items was baffling to me, a non-artist, however with their help I was able to find the perfect things for my wife. The reason I was there though, was not to buy some paint, but to meet with the current family owners. They are an amazing showcase of what technology can do without damaging the fabric of what makes a family run business great. I have spoken about them before and yesterday someone asked me to provide the references, but the great success has been written up in the Daily Telegraph in the UK, so it is not something I can send out. A quick search of the Telegraph site has produced two stories on Fred's transformation - one as it was happening and one six months later. I strongly suggest a read to learn more! Victorian ledgers give way to age of Epos (Filed: 12/09/2005) A city craft shop founded in 1880 is going for the latest retail software to provide 21st century service, says Selina Mills Source: Telegraph | Money | Victorian...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Tue, Oct 17 2006
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  • Office 12 / 2007 - if you do have any Beta hints, tips or stories about how it is changing the way you do things...

    From the Office Pioneers blog ... Reaching the Pioneers Forgot to let you know, if you do have any Beta hints, tips or stories about how it is changing the way you do things, please drop an email to [email protected] to reach Gill and me :-) Source: Office Pioneer : Reaching the Pioneers
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Tue, Oct 17 2006
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  • Steve Job's Bloopers

    This happens to everyone - I've certainly had my demos die - especially at SMBNation in Amsterdam, so ho hum. However, so many people enjoy seeing others in pain, I thought I would share :-) http://soapbox.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=ac651701-cd09-4021-9008-bbc5950107f1 ttfn David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Thu, Oct 19 2006
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  • On holiday

    I almost forgot to say, but I will be on holiday for a week, so the blog will be very quiet. I have just popped into an internet cafe and have 8 minutes to go before I get kicked off, so don't expect more from me just now. ttfn David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Oct 23 2006
  • Back from holiday and ploughing through mail

    Howdy folks, I am well and truly back at my desk, but I received a little over 2,000 mails while I was away, so I am closing them down before I do lots of blog posts. Will be soon. thanks David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Tue, Oct 31 2006
  • Microsoft blocks 'Black Hat' Vista hack

    I remember when this story 1st broke - that someone had found a way to use cpu virtualisation technology to provide the ultimate "root kit" to steal information from Vista (although this would work for any / every operating system). One little niggle was that the user had to install the nasty, which required admin access, so a UAC security prompt was part of the "process" of the seamless install. Then came the uproar about the 2-yr old technology of PatchGuard, which stops the hooking and replacing of certain x64 kernel APIs to make it harder to attack the system and blocks another set of routes for non-virtualisation based root kits. The noise about this was because some Anti-Virus vendors felt it was their right to modify the kernel in anyway they wanted and this access would obviously be used by both good and bad people. A compromise has been reached, so hopefully systems will be protected and AV vendors will be happy. The final piece is the changes that have been made to stop the virtualisation attack. Once...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Nov 8 2006
  • Important Sneak Peak – UK Small Business Symposium coming

    I can't reveal all the details, although I am sure others will, however we are working on special event for SBSC members. This event design incorporates your feedback and suggestions as to what you want to hear about, share as a community as well as information Microsoft needs to share with you. Expect useful information, the opportunity to network with your peers, Microsoft and partners and the ability to socialise too J The timeframe for this event is February 2007, in Reading, Manchester (or Leeds) and Edinburgh, although more sessions will happen in the afternoon in Reading due to availability of speakers and rooms. The ROUGH agenda looks like this Morning: UK Exec who actually cares about Small Business (such as Natalie Ayres - Director of SMS&P*) talking about: What's the view from the top? Why does everything you've heard matter? What's the opportunity for partners? Aileen Hannah – responsible for SBSC programme in the UK, talking about: Highlights & lowlights of the program so far Latest resources...
  • Windows Defender released to market - free Anti-Spyware product

    Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive. Now with 2 free support incidents for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Source: Windows Defender home The product has the following features: A redesigned and simplified user interface – Incorporating feedback from our customers, the Windows Defender UI has been redesigned to make common tasks easier to accomplish with a warning system that adapts alert levels according to the severity of a threat so that it is less intrusive overall, but still ensures the user does not miss the most urgent alerts. Improved detection and removal – Based on a new engine, Windows Defender is able to detect and remove more threats posed by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Real...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Nov 8 2006
  • Help test Centro - MS's beta &/or TAP that requires 3 x64 machines and includes Longhorn and Exchange?

    From the SBS Blog: We are looking for a few good testers to help influence the direction of this new Microsoft® Windows Server Solutions Product. Do you have three 64 bit machines that you can spare to test some of the most exciting technology Microsoft is working on? I know the system requirements are a daunting one, but this is the only way we can test "Centro". So, if you are already on the Longhorn Beta or the Exchange Beta, then you are already two thirds of the way there. For more information, codes to access the beta, how to sign up etc, go look at The SBS and Centro Community Lead Blog : So, what is "Centro" you ask...........?
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Nov 8 2006
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  • Windows Vista Released to Manufacturing - i.e. RTM - aka Shipping, done, finished, out the door to be made into DVDs

    The product is finished, millions of downloads, 60,000 machines in Microsoft, a huge amount of feedback and the product is out the gate. We still need to produce millions of boxes, but if you have Volume Licensing you can get the product at the end of the month, otherwise we have the product launch in January. I am upgrading my laptops as we speak. They are over 2 years old and run Vista like a dream. No fancy hard disks, one has 1GB, one 2GB of memory, one has a 64MB ATI graphics card and it still makes Vista look amazing. Jim Alchin made a very long post here - http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2006/11/08/it-s-time.aspx and simply said "It's Time", however more information can be found at http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2006/11/08/windows-vista-releases-to-manufacturing.aspx including a video of Jim's announcement. ttfn David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Nov 8 2006
  • Restoring SBS 2003 to different hardware

    I saw this internal comment from Mark Stanfill and thought it was too good not to share. When moving to new hardware, this article is a good reference point: 249694 How to move a Windows installation to different hardware http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;249694 This article pre-supposes that they know a lot of details about their server (ACPI settings, filter drivers, HAL, etc) that they may not have access to. You should set the expectation that they will likely have to change some BIOS settings and that failures are likely and will have to be troubleshot on a case-by-case basis. If they have any concerns, this is a case where a call to CSS is highly advisable. Mark Stanfill, MCSE+I, MCSE 2000/2003, MCDBA Technical Lead, SBS http://blogs.technet.com/sbs One really important item in the mail - " If you have any concerns - call the support desk " - in the UK this might cost a couple of hundred pounds, but when doing a recovery and you are having problems, it might save you days of sweat,...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Nov 8 2006
  • Microsoft Packaging for Vista and Office 2007 Revealed - Gizmodo

    I just like the pictures - cool looking packaging :-) Microsoft Packaging for Vista and Office 2007 Revealed Microsoft, planning to lure you into using Windows Vista and Office 2007 for the rest of your life, today reveals the packaging for the upcoming products, going with a rounded design reminiscent of a 1950s toaster. Let's let the Microsoftians damn us with their faint prose: Designed to be user-friendly, the new packaging is a small, hard, plastic container that's designed to protect the software inside for life-long use. It provides a convenient and attractive place for you to permanently store both discs and documentation. The new design will provide the strength, dimensional stability and impact resistance required when packaging software today. Our plan is to extend this packaging style to other Microsoft products after the launch of Windows Vista and 2007 Office system. Take a look at close-ups of a couple of the new boxes, after the jump. – Charlie White Announcing New Packaging [Windows Vista Blog...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Thu, Nov 9 2006
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