David Overton's Blog : Support and Tools, Windows XP

Windows and other products coming End of Support information

David Overton — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:26:33 GMT

Microsoft has an industry leading support lifecycle for it's products with business software generally getting 10 years support and consumer products 5 years, but even then the end of support surprises some individuals and you need to be aware to ensure you are not caught out. Our support also requires people to adopt service packs within 12-24 months of them being released, depending on the products.

here along with all the obsolete products here.

Why do I mention all this now, after all, this is not new information, well, we have some significant Windows End of Support (EoS) dates coming up.

With these date looming reminding your customers that moving to Windows 7 and utilizing the many features built into the product can help you achieve simplier support and them a more secure and compliant platform for your users, reduce your help desk costs, and increase performance and reliability for your end users. Remember that a Windows 7 user can record the steps of a problem and send them through to you using the Problem Step Recorder which simplifies support.

Here are some key dates to remember:

March 1, 2010 – Windows 7 RC pre-expiration shut downs begin.

Beginning March 1, the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) will start to shut down every two hours in preparation for its expiration on June 1, 2010. That means you will need to migrate your RC systems to a released to manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7; or your previous operating system. Remember to back up all your data as either option will require a clean installation. For more information, read this post on the Windows Team blog.

April 13, 2010 – Support for Windows Vista RTM ends.

To help ensure your Windows Vista PCs stay secure and up to date, make sure they are running Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Service Pack 2 (SP2).

July 13, 2010 – Support for Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2000 ends.

If you are running Windows XP, stay more secure by moving to Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) or migrating to Windows 7. Updating your Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista–based PCs before the end of mainstream support dates will ensure that your PCs stay supported and receive security updates. Migrating to Windows 7 provides the longest support lifecycle for your organization, helping to ensure protection, support, and timely updates.

http://www.microsoft.com/eos.

If you or your customer needs more time to test your application and hardware compatibility in Windows 7? If so, the Windows 7 Enterprise 90-Day Trial provides a great opportunity for you to finish critical testing with a full version of Windows 7 Enterprise.

Also, don't forget that you have the ability to deploy Windows 7 through your partner program memebership. The exact details depend on your level, but more details can be found here along with other benefit information.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Windows,Window 7,Windows XP,Windows Vista,Support

Performance monitoring tools to go with Windows Vista Magazine article

David Overton — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:11:16 GMT

In my latest article for Windows Vista Magazine I spoke about performance tuning a system and more importantly how to diagnose performance issues. One of the tools I recommend using to do this is the Windows Performance Tools kit. This can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/sysperf/perftools.mspx. It includes a getting started document. The tools are described as:

The Windows Performance Tools (WPT) Kit contains performance analysis tools that are new to the Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5. The WPT Kit is useful to a broad audience, including system builders, hardware manufacturers, driver developers, and general application developers. These tools are designed for measuring and analyzing system and application performance on Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and later.
The tools currently include an xperf trace capture tool, an xperfview visualization tool (also known as Performance Analyzer), and an xbootmgr boot trace capture tool. The tools are designed for the analysis of a wide range of performance problems including application start times, boot issues, deferred procedure calls and interrupt activity (DPCs and ISRs), system responsiveness issues, application resource usage, and interrupt storms. The MSIs containing these tools are available in the SDK bin directory (one per architecture).

The tools are built on top of the Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) infrastructure. ETW enables Windows and applications to efficiently generate events. Events can be enabled and disabled at any time without requiring system or process restarts. ETW collects requested kernel events and saves them to one or more files that are referred to as "trace files" or "traces."
These kernel events provide extensive details about the operation of the system. Some of the most important and useful kernel events that are available for capture and analysis are context switches, interrupts, DPCs, process and thread creation and destruction, disk I/Os, hard faults, processor P-state transitions, registry operations, and many others.

<snipped>

What's new in Version 4.1.1
This version is an update to WPT Kit v.4.1.0, which was released as part of the Windows Server 2008 SDK. Version 4.1.1 contains a fix for the following issue:

Windows Performance Analyzer does not perform power state transition analysis.

On/Off Transition Performance Analyzer

Using this tools you can get a huge amount of information, but at the same time, it can be very confusing. I got plenty of my useful information from these articles from Pigs Can Fly : XPerf Articles:

Xperf, a new tool in the Windows SDK
The SDK team just shipped the latest version of the Windows SDK which supports Windows Server 2008 and Vista SP1. The SDK now includes an important new tool; the Windows Performance Tool Kit from the Windows performance team (we call them the xperf tools for short...)
Xperf Tools Landing Page and Update
The WHDC folks now have web page setup for the Windows Performance Toolkit (aka the 'xperf tools'). The page includes downloads for updates to the versions that ship in the SDK. In the near future, this page will include pointers to updated documentation, and discussion forums.
Using Xperf to take a Trace (updated)
Lets get to it! Here is how to take a basic trace then look at CPU and disk utilization. Its really simple, just three commands to turn on tracing, turn it off, and then view the trace.
Xperf support for XP
"Do the xperf tools support XP or Windows Server 2003?" is a frequently ask question. The answer is no mostly, and yes for a few things.
Using the Windows Sample Profiler with Xperf
Using the xperf tools, ETW, and the kernel sample profile interrupt all together provides a very effective and easy to use sample profiler for the analysis of both application and system wide performance. At each sample interrupt, the ETW sub-system captures the instruction pointer and the stack. This data is lazily and efficiently logged to an ETL file. Once the data is saved, it can be analyzed with Performance Analyzer.
So just what is in a trace? Using the xperf trace dumper
There is a lot of information in a typical kernel trace. While the Performance Analyzer tool is quite powerful and makes it easy to view a trace graphically, sometimes you just need to see what is in the trace directly. Xperf makes this easy.

Besides these, I can recommend the articles at Windows Performance Toolkit (WPT)

Trace Capture, Processing, and Command-Line Analysis tool
Xperf.exe
Captures traces, post-processes them for use on any machine, and supports command-line (action-based) trace analysis.

Visual Trace Analysis tool
Xperfview.exe
Presents trace content in the form of interactive graphs and summary tables.

On/Off Transition Trace Capture tool
Xbootmgr.exe
Automates on/off state transitions and captures traces during these transitions.
This documentation introduces procedures that guide you to use these tools to capture and analyze traces. It contains a complete reference of the commands that are used in the command-line environment to perform various tasks. It also covers the Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) subsystem.

I hope this helps, but if not, let me know.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Windows Vista, Windows Server, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Performance, Windows XP, Performance Tuning, Microsoft

Upgrade Windows Search to Version 4.0 and improve your PC (for Windows Vista, XP, Server 2003 and 2008)

David Overton — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:41:52 GMT

If you have have Office 2007 or a Windows Vista or Windows Desktop Search (WDS) then you probably have V2.6 or V3 of this fantastic search product. Version 4 has a wealth of updates, but most importantly, is more stable and faster. One of the things I love about this is that if you put this on a client and server, and then search a network share, if the contents are indexed on the server then WDS uses the remote index to search, making it super fast. It can even be used with SBS 2003 / 2008 to speed up access to the shares there too.

Description of Windows Search 4.0 and the Multilingual User Interface Pack for Windows Search 4.0

Windows Search 4.0
Windows Search 4.0 lets you perform an instant search of your computer. Windows Search 4.0 helps you find and preview documents, e-mail messages, music files, photos, and other items on the computer.
The search engine in Windows Search 4.0 is a Microsoft Windows service that is also used by programs such as Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 and Microsoft Office OneNote 2007. You can use this search engine to index a program's content and to obtain instant results when you search in a particular program.
Windows Search 4.0 includes the following improvements:

Support for indexing encrypted documents of local file systems
Reduced affect on Microsoft Exchange when you index e-mail in online mode, and there is no local cache (.ost)
Support for indexing online delegate mailboxes
Support for client-to-client remote query to shared indexed locations
Improved indexing performance
Faster previewer updates for Windows XP
Per-user Group Policy settings
Windows software updates for Watson errors
Support for the following new enterprise Group Policy objects:

Computer policies

Prevent adding Universal Naming Convention (UNC) locations to index from Control Panel
Prevent customizing indexed locations in Control Panel
Prevent automatically adding shared folders to the index
Allow for indexing of encrypted files
Disable indexer back-off
Prevent clients from querying the index remotely
Allow for indexing of online delegate mailboxes
Prevent adding user
Specified locations to the All Locations menu
Enable throttling for online mail indexing

Per-user policies

Prevent adding UNC locations to the index from Control Panel
Prevent customizing indexed locations in Control Panel
Prevent indexing certain paths
Default indexed paths
Default excluded paths

Windows Search 4.0 Administrator's Guide
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/f98696ed-6e3e-47b7-ab38-511439bce7ae1033.mspx?mfr=true
Windows Search 4.0 Troubleshooting Guide
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/84c1c305-baaa-4352-b55a-45daaebf18df1033.mspx?mfr=true
The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

Download the 32-bit Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 package now.

Download the 64-bit Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 package now.

Download the 32-bit Windows XP package now.

Download the x64-based Windows XP package now.

Download the 32-bit Windows Server 2003 and Windows Home Server package now.

Download the x64-based Windows Server 2003 package now.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Windows Vista, Windows Client, Windows XP, Windows, Windows Server, Windows Home Server, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Desktop Search, Search, Windows Desktop Search, Support and Tools, Microsoft

Latest news, events and downloads in the Security world from Microsoft - Windows Server 2008, Mobile, employee habits, Antigen, IPSEC, ForeFront, NAP, XP Firewall, System Center

David Overton — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:55:40 GMT

Each month the TRM blog product this great summary of the Microsoft world in various product areas. The blog can be found here http://blogs.technet.com/trm/

News

Help your customers securely deploy Windows Server 2008 with the Windows Server 2008 Security Guide! http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=92550
Every day, adversaries attempt to invade your customers’ networks and access their servers—to bring them down, infect them with viruses, or steal information about customers or employees.
Your customers are looking to Microsoft and Windows Server® 2008 to help them address these threats. To assist customers in taking full advantage of the rich security features in Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has developed the Windows Server 2008 Security Guide.
The Windows Server 2008 Security Guide provides IT professionals with best practices, predefined security templates, and an automated deployment tool to help strengthen the security of servers running Windows Server 2008.
Supporting Your Family, Friends, and Neighbours http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8287993
By Steve Riley, Senior Security Strategist, Trustworthy Computing Have you become a support professional outside of the workplace? Read this article and learn how to discuss security with your family, friends, and neighbours to better help them stay safe and secure online.
More Security and Control for Mobile Devices http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8287995
Learn how to add, manage, secure, and update Windows Mobile devices like you do Windows-based laptops and PCs. Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 provides robust security features and a comprehensive device management solution that helps safeguard your corporate data, reduce the cost and complexity of mobile deployments, and centralize and simplify Windows Mobile device management.
Island Hopping: The Infectious Allure of Vendor Swag http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8287996
The technique of island hopping -- penetrating a network through a weak link and then hopping around systems within that network -- has been around for years, but it continues to take on new dimensions. This article discusses the beginning steps of using a USB flash drive to attack a network and why the least privilege approach really matters.
Help Employees Develop Better Security Habits http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8287997
Your biggest vulnerability is not necessarily your computers. It's your users. See how to educate them.
Get a Free Trial of Forefront Security for SharePoint http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8250906
Find out how to help protect your Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 collaboration environments with Forefront Security for SharePoint with SP1, and download free trial software.
Learn About Forefront Edge Security and Get Free Trial Software http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8250907
The Forefront edge security and access products provide enhanced network edge protection and application-centric, policy-based access to corporate IT infrastructure. Find out more by visiting the Forefront edge security Web site. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8250953

Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for February, 2008
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-feb.mspx
Security Bulletin Feed http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992479 RSS http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992480

Events/WebCasts

Microsoft Security Webcast Series: Upcoming and On-Demand
Security Webcast Calendar http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=37910
Find security webcasts listed in an easy-to-use calendar format.
Upcoming Security Webcasts
http://www.microsoft.com/events/security/upcoming.mspx
Register for the following Webcasts on the link above
IT Manager Webcast: Dynamic IT and Security (Part 5 of 5): Data Protection (Level 200)
Tuesday, March 04, 2008 11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Information About Microsoft March Security Bulletins (Level 200)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Pacific Time
On-Demand Security Webcasts
http://www.microsoft.com/events/security/ondemand.mspx

Documents

Help Friends and Family Prevent Identity Theft, Spyware, and Viruses http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8287998
Microsoft Security at Home provides easy-to-understand guidelines to help people protect their computers, themselves, and their families.
Security Quiz http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8287999
Know a friend or family member with a small business? Help them assess what they know and what they ought to know about protecting their businesses from security risks.
Virus Protection and Security Checklist http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8288000
Virus protection is a two-stage process. First, you need to educate your users, and then strengthen your network's security defenses. Review this checklist to see if your employees and systems are covered.
Strong Passwords: How to Create and Use Them http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8288001
This article discusses what makes a strong password, password strategies to avoid, the importance of keeping passwords secret, and how to create a strong, memorable password in six easy steps.
Password Checker http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8288002
Use this tool to help you gauge the strength of your password.
Malicious Software Removal Tool http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8288003
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software -- including Blaster, Sasser, and MyDoom. It also helps remove any infection you find. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8288004
Detect computer vulnerabilities with the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer, a free tool that you can download and use to scan your stand-alone or networked computers for security vulnerabilities.
Partner Security: Establish a Strategy to Protect Shared Data http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8288005
Although many companies focus on the security of their internal systems, it's important to examine the external supply chain as well. Here's how to work with business partners to establish a comprehensive security strategy.
Data Encryption Toolkit for Mobile PCs http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8288006
Learn how to optimize two key encryption technologies already available to you in Windows XP and Windows Vista: the Encrypting File System (EFS) and Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption.

Downloads

Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server with Service Pack 1
Help protect your Exchange server from viruses and other malware.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2ceb14d4-404b-4d8f-8a21-ebfc71b2e82b&DisplayLang=en
EHS Filtering Datasheet
This datasheet outlines the Filtering service from Exchange Hosted Services.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7793ba73-50c0-4e07-9cd9-211558cbd890&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Antigen 9 with SP1 Readme
The Messaging Security Suite includes Antigen for Exchange, Antigen for SMTP Gateways, and Antigen Spam Manager, and provides server-level protection against the latest e-mail threats.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7793ba73-50c0-4e07-9cd9-211558cbd890&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft IPsec Diagnostic Tool
Microsoft IPsec Diagnostic Tool assists Network administrators with troubleshooting network related failures, focusing primarily on IPsec. It is applicable on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1d4c292c-7998-42e4-8786-789c7b457881&DisplayLang=en
Security Configuration Wizard Manifest for Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
Security Configuration Wizard (SCW) is an attack surface reduction tool introduced with Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0ab396e0-4333-4621-95fa-313230dcd946&DisplayLang=en
ILM 2007 Password Management Collection
The Password Management Collection introduces users to the Password Change Notification Service (PCNS) in ILM 2007.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ae09d2f5-8ac2-4769-ab6a-48fe35a25c63&DisplayLang=en
ILM 2007 Design Concepts
The ILM 2007 Design Concepts document set provides discussions and recommended solutions for specific challenges that are encountered during the design phase of ILM 2007.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=40a52201-a297-4c35-82e9-f0b4ca05daeb&DisplayLang=en
Office Communications Server 2007 Document: Security Guide
The security guide provide guidelines for assessing and managing security risks to your Office Communications Server 2007 deployment.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2d1ea693-25e0-43d9-8c5c-0822ef83955a&DisplayLang=en
Office 2007 Security Certificates
This download includes security certificate (.cer) files and a Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 package definition (.sms) file for the Microsoft 2007 Office system.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=590b8eb2-9eda-441b-a972-b38e17883063&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Forefront Server Security Management Console Documentation
Forefront Server Security Management Console allows administrators to easily manage Forefront Security for Exchange Server, Forefront Security for SharePoint, and Microsoft Antigen.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ae4ce23b-9e1e-455c-87a4-36167fe43107&DisplayLang=en
Internet Protocol Security Enforcement in the Network Access Protection Platform
This white paper describes the Network Access Protection (NAP) platform, how IPsec protects traffic, and how IPsec Enforcement in NAP provides system health policy enforcement for IPsec-secured communication.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=144cc69f-790f-4f52-8846-3f3b8584d7cd&DisplayLang=en
Introduction to Network Access Protection
Read this white paper for an overview of the NAP business scenarios, an outline of the components of NAP, and a description of how NAP works.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5d5e243a-23a8-479c-9f2d-37d6d79153e7&DisplayLang=en
IEEE 802.1X for Wired Networks and Internet Protocol Security with Microsoft Windows
This white paper examines and compared 802.1X for wired networks and IPsec.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d9aef757-f528-41be-a01f-99a60c9a855d&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Antigen SP1 Documentation
Microsoft Antigen SP1 Documentation
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7d00160e-4d15-4459-98a3-89f393ac008e&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server with SP1 Documentation
Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server with SP1 Documentation
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5cd4e36e-2dab-44d6-990e-3b8184b1cb1b&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint with SP1 Documentation
Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint with SP1 Documentation
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=125efb1e-7ff8-4cc8-934a-28fc7c7e59f0&DisplayLang=en
Protecting Your Business from Online Threats
Prescriptive advice on how businesses can protect their domains, customers, and assets
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=53903d69-9449-426b-b393-e031716a7368&DisplayLang=en
Committed to Protecting Your IT Infrastructure - Microsoft Investments In Security
Committed to Protecting Your IT Infrastructure - Microsoft Investments In Security
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e4e0d998-ba3e-4865-a4bb-09d812c0244c&DisplayLang=en
Screencast: Deploying SSTP Remote Access
This screencast provides detailed information about how you can use three computers to create a test lab with which to configure and test virtual private network (VPN) remote access with Windows Server® 2008 and Windows Vista® with Service Pack 1 (SP1).
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=fc4d7d3f-0376-45bf-9544-ec35329a2fc1&DisplayLang=en
Network Access Protection Platform Architecture
Read this white paper for a detailed description of the components of the NAP architecture and how it allows third-party software vendors and system integrators to create complete solutions for system health validated network access.
http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/4/6/946958ef-7b86-4ddc-bfdb-c7ed2af4ce51/TCPIP_Fund.pdf
Deploying Windows Firewall Settings for Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2
Windows XP Service Pack 2 provides Windows Firewall, an enhanced firewall that is enabled by default. This white paper describes the methods used to deploy Windows Firewall settings in a managed environment.
http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/4/6/946958ef-7b86-4ddc-bfdb-c7ed2af4ce51/TCPIP_Fund.pdf
Deploying Windows Firewall Settings for Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2
Windows XP Service Pack 2 provides Windows Firewall, an enhanced firewall that is enabled by default. This white paper describes the methods used to deploy Windows Firewall settings in a managed environment.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=4454e0e1-61fa-447a-bdcd-499f73a637d1&DisplayLang=en
Troubleshooting Windows Firewall in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
This article describes how Windows Firewall works, the common problems with using Windows Firewall, and the set of tools used to troubleshoot Windows Firewall issues.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a7628646-131d-4617-bf68-f0532d8db131&DisplayLang=en
Network Access Protection Policies in Windows Server 2008
You configure NAP health requirements and enforcement behaviors with Network Policy Server in Windows Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8e47649e-962c-42f8-9e6f-21c5ccdcf490&DisplayLang=en
System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 System Requirements
DPM 2007 System Requirements lists the minimum DPM hardware and software requirements for the DPM server and the computers and applications it is going to protect.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=961659c7-a66c-410d-a69d-064888db05b3&DisplayLang=en
Deploying System Center Data Protection Manager 2007
Deploying DPM 2007 provides information about installing and configuring DPM 2007.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2812640f-a4a7-4ff8-b4c9-0d73b828328d&DisplayLang=en
System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 Operations Guide - English
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ffa07fd4-bdee-418b-a228-ed8c76c97ab4&DisplayLang=en
Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate NAP IPsec Enforcement in a Test Lab
Test lab to demonstrate NAP IPsec enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=298ff956-1e6c-4d97-a3ed-7e7ffc4bed32&DisplayLang=en
Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate NAP DHCP Enforcement in a Test Lab
Test lab to demonstrate NAP DHCP enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ac38e5bb-18ce-40cb-8e59-188f7a198897&DisplayLang=en
Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate NAP 802.1X Enforcement in a Test Lab
Test lab to demonstrate NAP 802.1X enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8a0925ee-ee06-4dfb-bba2-07605eff0608&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft DPM 2006 Management Pack
This DPM management pack for Operations Manager 2007 supports monitoring for Data Protection Manager 2006. Requires OpsMgr 2007 MOM 2005 Backward Compatibility MP Update 6.0.5000.16
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a3e0a46d-aad9-4ebf-9ce8-c5242d0e596c&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server with SP1 Documentation
Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server with SP1 Documentation
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5cd4e36e-2dab-44d6-990e-3b8184b1cb1b&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint with SP1 Documentation
Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint with SP1 Documentation
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=125efb1e-7ff8-4cc8-934a-28fc7c7e59f0&DisplayLang=en
Extended Security Update Inventory Tool
The Extended Security Update Inventory Tool is used to detect security bulletins not covered by MBSA including MS04-028, February 2005 bulletins, and future security bulletins that are exceptions to MBSA.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2c93da1d-48a0-4e5c-991f-87e08954f61b&DisplayLang=en
Deploying System Center Data Protection Manager 2007
Deploying DPM 2007 provides information about installing and configuring DPM 2007.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2812640f-a4a7-4ff8-b4c9-0d73b828328d&DisplayLang=en
System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 System Requirements
DPM 2007 System Requirements lists the minimum DPM hardware and software requirements for the DPM server and the computers and applications it is going to protect.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=961659c7-a66c-410d-a69d-064888db05b3&DisplayLang=en
Backup Operations Service for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 with Data Protection Manager 2007 Datasheet
This offering helps customers to validate, envision, and plan the architecture and the design for an effective, rapid, and reliable recovery of their Office SharePoint Server farms.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d423e7dd-4029-447c-ad26-031adfa41265&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server Best Practices Analyzer (BPA) Tool
The ISA Server Best Practices Analyzer Tool is designed for administrators who want to determine the overall health of their ISA Server computers and to diagnose current problems. The tool scans the configuration settings of the local ISA Server computer and reports issues that do not conform to the recommended best practices.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d22ec2b9-4cd3-4bb6-91ec-0829e5f84063&DisplayLang=en
Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate NAP VPN Enforcement in a Test Lab
Test lab to demonstrate NAP VPN enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=729bba00-55ad-4199-b441-378cc3d900a7&DisplayLang=en
Network Access Protection Platform Architecture
Read this white paper for a detailed description of the components of the NAP architecture and how it allows third-party software vendors and system integrators to create complete solutions for system health validated network access.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2f37651e-1749-45c3-996e-53de05d44ef7&DisplayLang=en
Introduction to Network Access Protection
Read this white paper for an overview of the NAP business scenarios, an outline of the components of NAP, and a description of how NAP works.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5d5e243a-23a8-479c-9f2d-37d6d79153e7&DisplayLang=en
Internet Protocol Security Enforcement in the Network Access Protection Platform
This white paper describes the Network Access Protection (NAP) platform, how IPsec protects traffic, and how IPsec Enforcement in NAP provides system health policy enforcement for IPsec-secured communication.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=144cc69f-790f-4f52-8846-3f3b8584d7cd&DisplayLang=en

thanks

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Security, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, ISA, ForeFront, SharePoint, IIS, Firewall

Technical RollUp : March 2008 - Technical Rollup Mail - Platforms (Windows, virtualisation, Active Directory, Core, Debugging, Terminal Services, Vista SP1 changes / new / implementation guides)

David Overton — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:37:03 GMT

As always, from the Technical RollUp : March 2008 - Technical Rollup Mail - Platforms blog posting. I've removed all the KB article stuff and it is worth pointing out that towards the end of the list are all the docs associated with what has changed with Windows Vista SP1:

Blogs and information

Windows Virtualization Team Blog
http://blogs.technet.com/virtualization/
The World Simplified is a Virtual World
http://blogs.technet.com/virtualworld/
Ask the Directory Services Team
http://blogs.technet.com/askds/
Ask the Performance Team
http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/
Microsoft Enterprise Networking Team
http://blogs.technet.com/networking/
Ask the Core Team
http://blogs.technet.com/askcore/
Microsoft Advanced Windows Debugging and Troubleshooting
http://blogs.msdn.com/ntdebugging/
Terminal Services Team Blog
http://blogs.msdn.com/ts/
The Hot Blog
http://blogs.technet.com/hot/

Downloads

Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP1
Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 1 (WSUS 3.0 SP1) delivers updates to corporate environments from Microsoft Update. This release fixes issue found since the release of the product.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=1&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3df87b4c5e-4161-48af-9ff8-a96993c688df%26displaylang%3den
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP1 Overview
This paper introduces Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 1 (WSUS 3.0 SP1) and provides information about features, and server and client computer requirements.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=2&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d1b5eac37-bd48-41fd-869b-f9b06fa64a61%26displaylang%3den
Release Notes for Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP1
These release notes describe known issues affecting Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 1 (WSUS 3.0 SP1) and include recommendations and requirements for installing the application.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=3&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d8a283ea4-1545-47d5-a86c-5ca379bafb9c%26displaylang%3den
Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP1
This guide provides instructions for getting started with Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 1 (WSUS 3.0 SP1).
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=4&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dc8fa2fd1-72f6-4f19-a1b0-f689dae14be6%26displaylang%3den
Deploying Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP1
This paper describes how to deploy Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 1 (WSUS 3.0 SP1).
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=8&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d208e93d1-e1cd-4f38-ad1e-d993e05657c9%26displaylang%3den
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP1 Operations Guide
This paper documents the major tasks involved in administering and troubleshooting Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 1 (WSUS 3.0 SP1).
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=9&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d66d250fa-670f-4a49-95ec-2ffda7691f55%26displaylang%3den
Volume Activation 2.0 Technical Guidance
Technical documentation for planning, deployment, and operations of Volume Activation 2.0 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Includes the Volume Activation 2.0 Overview Guide, Planning Guide, Deployment Guide, Operations Guide, Resources, FAQ and Technical Attributes.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=11&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d9893f83e-c8a5-4475-b025-66c6b38b46e3%26displaylang%3den
TCP/IP Fundamentals for Microsoft Windows
This online book describes the fundamentals of TCP/IP in Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=12&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dc76296fd-61c9-4079-a0bb-582bca4a846f%26displaylang%3den
Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework version 3.5
The Windows SDK for Windows Server® 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5 provides documentation, samples, header files, libraries, and tools designed to help you develop Windows applications using both native (Win32®) and managed (.NET Framework) technologies.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=13&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3de6e1c3df-a74f-4207-8586-711ebe331cdc%26displaylang%3den
Windows Server 2008 Step-by-Step Guides
These step-by-step guides help IT Professionals learn about and evaluate Windows Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=17&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d518d870c-fa3e-4f6a-97f5-acaf31de6dce%26displaylang%3den
Changes in Functionality from Windows Server 2003 with SP1 to Windows Server 2008
Describes features and technologies in Windows Server 2008 added or changed since Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1).
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=18&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d173e6e9b-4d3e-4fd4-a2cf-73684fa46b60%26displaylang%3den
Infrastructure Planning and Design
The Infrastructure Planning and Design (IPD) guides are the next version of Windows Server System Reference Architecture. The guides in this series help clarify and streamline design processes for Microsoft infrastructure technologies, with each guide addressing a unique infrastructure technology or scenario.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=19&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dad3921fb-8224-4681-9064-075fdf042b0c%26displaylang%3den
Windows Media Services for Windows Server 2008
These Microsoft Update Standalone Package (MSU) files install the latest version of Windows Media Services and related remote administration tools for the Windows Server 2008 operating system.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=20&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d9ccf6312-723b-4577-be58-7caab2e1c5b7%26displaylang%3den
Windows Server 2008: Release Notes and Installation Information
Release documentation that contains known issues for the Windows Server 2008 operating system.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=22&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d1087a498-40ad-46ba-9ada-f32a58a94a85%26displaylang%3den
Microsoft IPsec Diagnostic Tool
Microsoft IPsec Diagnostic Tool assists Network administrators with troubleshooting network related failures, focusing primarily on IPsec. It is applicable on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=23&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d1d4c292c-7998-42e4-8786-789c7b457881%26displaylang%3den
Windows Server 2008 Security Guide
This Solution Accelerator helps organizations efficiently create, deploy, and maintain a secure environment for a variety of servers running Windows Server® 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=24&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dfb8b981f-227c-4af6-a44b-b115696a80ac%26displaylang%3den
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise
Windows Server 2008 helps IT professionals to increase the flexibility and reliability of their server infrastructure while offering developers a more robust web and applications platform for building connected applications and services.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=25&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d13c7300e-935c-415a-a79c-538e933d5424%26displaylang%3den
Group Policy Settings Reference for Windows Server 2008
This spreadsheet lists the policy settings for computer and user configurations included in the Administrative template files (.admx/.adml) delivered with Windows Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=26&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d2043b94e-66cd-4b91-9e0f-68363245c495%26displaylang%3den
Demonstrate NAP DHCP Enforcement in a Test Lab
Test lab to demonstrate NAP DHCP enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=30&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dac38e5bb-18ce-40cb-8e59-188f7a198897%26displaylang%3den
Planning and Deploying Group Policy
This guide provides the information needed to successfully plan and deploy Group Policy using Windows Server 2008 and the Group Policy Management Console.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=32&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d73d96068-0aea-450a-861b-e2c5413b0485%26displaylang%3den
Windows Server 2008 Technical Overviews
These technical overviews provide IT Professionals with information about how a Windows Server 2008 technology works.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=33&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d46dc26d6-af47-43f0-b3de-521831fe09d6%26displaylang%3den
Windows Server 2008 Standard
Windows Server 2008 helps IT professionals to increase the flexibility and reliability of their server infrastructure while offering developers a more robust web and applications platform for building connected applications and services.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=37&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3db6e99d4c-a40e-4fd2-a0f7-32212b520f50%26displaylang%3den
Demonstrate NAP 802.1X Enforcement in a Test Lab
Test lab to demonstrate NAP 802.1X enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=40&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d8a0925ee-ee06-4dfb-bba2-07605eff0608%26displaylang%3den
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2007
This download comes as a pre-configured VHD. This download enables you evaluate Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2007.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=41&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dd4e8bc52-3c3b-4bae-b937-987da892fad7%26displaylang%3den
Demonstrate NAP IPsec Enforcement in a Test Lab
Test lab to demonstrate NAP IPsec enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=42&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d298ff956-1e6c-4d97-a3ed-7e7ffc4bed32%26displaylang%3den
Windows Server 2008 KMS Setup Demonstration
This video demonstrates how to implement the Key Management Service (KMS) in your organization. The demo walks through setting up the KMS host on a Windows Server 2008 computer, how KMS clients activate with the KMS host, and how to review activation status using the slmgr.vbs command.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=43&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dbbf2eb61-2b30-4f2d-bccd-df53e220b8e9%26displaylang%3den
Internet Protocol Security for Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Intenet Protocol security (IPSec) support in Windows Server 2003 allows you to secure network traffic at the Network layer.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=45&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3de6590330-d903-4bdd-9655-81b86df655e4%26displaylang%3den
IEEE 802.1X for Wired Networks and Internet Protocol Security with Microsoft Windows
This white paper examines and compared 802.1X for wired networks and IPsec.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=47&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dd9aef757-f528-41be-a01f-99a60c9a855d%26displaylang%3den
Network Access Protection Policies in Windows Server 2008
You configure NAP health requirements and enforcement behaviors with Network Policy Server in Windows Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=48&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d8e47649e-962c-42f8-9e6f-21c5ccdcf490%26displaylang%3den
Demonstrate NAP VPN Enforcement in a Test Lab
Test lab to demonstrate NAP VPN enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=49&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d729bba00-55ad-4199-b441-378cc3d900a7%26displaylang%3den
Introducing Windows HPC Server 2008
Learn more about Windows HPC Server 2008, and how it brings the power of high-performance computing (HPC) to mainstream while enhancing end users' and cluster administrators' productivity.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=50&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d360b83fb-4000-43e2-b6e8-be4373ad9c94%26displaylang%3den
SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1 Beta for ADO.Net Entity Framework Beta 3
SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1 Beta release for the Windows Desktop platform to support the ADO.Net Entity Framework Beta 3 and the ADO.Net Entity Framework Tools December 2007 CTP
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=6&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d68539fae-cf03-4c3b-aeda-769cc205fe5f%26displaylang%3den
Windows XP SP3 RC2
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release Candidate 2 is available to the public. Specific registry settings will allow you to be offered SP3 via Windows Update. You can also choose to download standalone update packages.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=1&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d114f3599-12af-42b2-aab1-b969a62c68a7%26displaylang%3den
Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
Release documentation that contains known issues for Windows XP Service Pack 3.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=2&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d60807c3a-8969-4ddf-beb2-8bfac9ed416b%26displaylang%3den
Microsoft Assessment and Planning
The Microsoft Assessment and Planning Solution Accelerator is a tool that makes it easy for you to assess your current IT infrastructure for a variety of technology migration projects. It includes the features previously provided with the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Solution Accelerator.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=5&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d67240b76-3148-4e49-943d-4d9ea7f77730%26displaylang%3den
Deploying Windows Firewall Settings for Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2
Windows XP Service Pack 2 provides Windows Firewall, an enhanced firewall that is enabled by default. This white paper describes the methods used to deploy Windows Firewall settings in a managed environment.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=13&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d4454e0e1-61fa-447a-bdcd-499f73a637d1%26displaylang%3den
Troubleshooting Windows Firewall in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
This article describes how Windows Firewall works, the common problems with using Windows Firewall, and the set of tools used to troubleshoot Windows Firewall issues.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=16&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3da7628646-131d-4617-bf68-f0532d8db131%26displaylang%3den
GPOAccelerator
The GPOAccelerator creates all the Group Policy objects (GPOs) that you need to deploy recommended security settings for your environment to save you hours of work that you would otherwise need to configure these settings. This Solution Accelerator includes guidance to assist you with this tool.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=18&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3da46f1dbe-760c-4807-a82f-4f02ae3c97b0%26displaylang%3den
Microsoft App Virt 4.5 Trial Guides
Trial guide that walks a user through the setup and use of the Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.5 system in standalone mode or with full infrastructure
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=22&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3daa787491-8d08-4d2f-8960-9e9f00226c7e%26displaylang%3den
Notable changes in Windows Vista SP1
Notable changes in Windows Vista SP1
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=1&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dd69c4e1b-c81a-41be-b1f5-66e615ba5912%26displaylang%3den
Overview of Windows Vista SP1
Overview of Windows Vista SP1
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=3&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d39b802ea-b2cf-4585-8cea-2cc6a6247cb3%26displaylang%3den
Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008
The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) is designed to help corporate IT professionals customize and deploy the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 family of operation systems.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=4&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d94bb6e34-d890-4932-81a5-5b50c657de08%26displaylang%3den
Windows Vista SP1 Guides for IT Professionals
These guides provide instructions for evaluating and deploying Windows Vista SP1.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=5&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3de71f0083-1013-4f9c-a3f9-c56e7120a5e9%26displaylang%3den
Update for Windows Vista (KB943302)
Install this update to resolve a set of known application compatibility issues with Windows Vista.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=7&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d4758433b-11dd-49fc-9529-f8d7a914e1bf%26displaylang%3den
Update for Windows Vista (KB937287)
Install this update to enable future updates to install successfully on all editions of Windows Vista.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=8&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d5639710d-dfbf-4527-806e-9a1634d0cc8e%26displaylang%3den
Release Notes for Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Release documentation that contains known issues for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1).
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=9&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3db5b681f5-f366-4ad2-ba10-6a7d209de7bd%26displaylang%3den
Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization MCS Sequencing Guide
MCS Guidelines on sequencing with Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=40&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d1c6a73b8-5da8-4a1a-838b-a41ca492c488%26displaylang%3den
TCP/IP Registry Values for Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008
Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 allow you to modify TCP/IP behavior with registry values.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=41&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d12ac9780-17b5-480c-aef7-5c0bde9060b0%26displaylang%3den
Windows Server 2008 Developer Story
An executable containing the Windows Server 2008 Developer Story
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=46&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d056bb5f7-65ff-4c42-bdae-65754d96b021%26displaylang%3den
Windows AIK 1.1 Readme Document (February 2008 Update)
Updated readme document for Windows Automated Installation Kit 1.1 (Windows AIK) for Windows Vista.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=49&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d051091e8-51ea-4d2c-96b3-dc9863edebd9%26displaylang%3den
Testing Prep and Implementation
Setting up a testing environment, known issues and tools available - 2 page PowerPoint Presentation
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=50&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d02e01c4d-49a2-43e6-a9c5-8b174d1f089a%26displaylang%3den

thanks

David

Technorati Tags: Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista SP1, Vista SP1, Virtualisation

Post Install Issues with MS07-069 (IE6 on XPSP2) - Internet Explorer 6 crashes on launch

David Overton — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:53:38 GMT

Just a quick one for those of you on XP SP2 with the latest security updates. There is a risk of seeing IE start crashing following this update. You have two choices:

Don't install the security update - always a bad idea
Install the update and deploy a registry fix to solve the problem.

The IE team have documented it at Post Install Issues with MS07-069 (IE6 on XPSP2)

After downloading the Internet Explorer Cumulative Security Update for December 2007, some customers using IE6 on Windows XP Service Pack 2 have experienced an unexpected crash or hang upon launching Internet Explorer.
This might occur while navigating to a website hosting considerable media content (for example: http://msn.com) resulting in Internet Explorer displaying a dialog that states “Internet Explorer has experienced a problem and needs to close”. If you experience this issue, implement the applicable workaround provided in the following knowledge base article:

Microsoft Knowledge Base article 946627

For your security, we strongly recommend that you deploy the Internet Explorer Cumulative Security Update for December 2007.
Terry McCoy
Program Manager
Internet Explorer Security

The KB article has the following information in it (Internet Explorer 6 crashes after you install security update 942615 on a computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 2)

Internet Explorer 6 crashes after you install security update 942615 on a computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 2

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To work around this problem, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.

Locate and then click the following registry subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\

On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click Key.

Type FEATURE_PROTECT_DECOMPRESSION_FILTER_FROM_ABORT_KB942367, and then press ENTER.

Right-click FEATURE_PROTECT_DECOMPRESSION_FILTER_FROM_ABORT_KB942367, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.

Type an asterisk (*), and then press ENTER.
Note The asterisk (*) represents any process name that uses the Urlmon.dll file. If you want to make this change for an individual application that uses the Urlmon.dll file, use the name of that application instead of the asterisk. For example, use Appname.exe.

Right-click the asterisk, and then click Modify.

In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.

Exit Registry Editor.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Internet Explorer, IE, IE6, XP, XP SP2, Windows XP, MS07-069, Security Update

How to enable / disable / change the Task Manager on Windows Vista

David Overton — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:20:39 GMT

This question was asked in the forum, but after a bit of research I thought I would share this more broadly. Here is what I discovered:

There is a group policy object to enable / disable task manager
You can also replace the file that gets run when Task Manager is requested, but this is done using the debug options

Group Policy to enable / disable

For the Group Policy options, a quick search on Live Search takes me to http://www.infopackets.com/channels/en/windows/gazette/2003/20030821_enable_taskmanager_for_windows_2000_and_xp.htm which basically points to:

Open Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ System.
Look for: DisableTaskMgr.

Click on REG_DWORD.

Value: 1=Enable this key (disables TaskManager)
Value: 0=Disable (actually enables TaskManager)

Replace Task Manager with another program

Then for the how to replace the program you basically need to set the options for taskmgr.exe to replace it with another program using the debug options. This means that you want to do the following:

Open Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Image File Execution Options \ taskmgr.exe
Look for: Debugger - if it exists then the program listed gets executed, if it is not present then taskmgr.exe is executed

eg "Debugger"="C:\SOFTWARE\TOOLS\PROCESSEXPLORER\PROCEXP.EXE"

Now while this sounds simple, if you have UAC on and the program you are calling requires elevation then you will hit problems. http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/replacing-task-manager-with-process-explorer-in-vista discusses how to work around them.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Windows, Vista, Task Manager

Windows Client (Vista and XP) - Active X installer service, Volume Activation Tool, Diagnosing XP crashes, modifying the boot configuration parameters

David Overton — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:32:00 GMT

If you use volume licensing with Windows Vista then you need to be aware of the tools to manage them - it is not as simple as it used to be as you now need a management tool inside the business. VAMT answers this as does Desktop Management. Then we have some webcasts on slow networks, diagnosing crashes in Windows XP (although many of the techniques work for Vista too), backup and restore in Vista, using the ActiveX installer Service and Boot config parameters

VAMT 1.0 (x86)

The Volume Activation Management Tool enables IT professionals to automate and centrally manage the volume activation process using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). VAMT v1.0 is only available as a US-EN (x86) release.

Best Practices on Managing Windows Vista Desktops

Get best practice guidance for managing Windows Vista desktop operations. Windows Vista Service Life-Cycle Management (WVSLM) provides concise guidance to help minimise the total cost of ownership of desktop infrastructure. Process guidance and document templates help make service management concepts from the IT Infrastructure Library and the Microsoft Operations Framework tangible and easily implementable by focusing on a single and common IT service.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7137227

TechNet Webcast: "The Network is Slow": Identifying the Cause of Slow Network Communications (Level 200)

The Offline Crash Diagnostic tool for Windows XP is available - http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=923800

TechNet Magazine: The ActiveX Installer Service in Windows Vista

How do you secure the desktop against malicious ActiveX controls without limiting application compatibility? We'll take you on a tour of the ActiveX Installer Service (AxIS) in Windows Vista that addresses this issue with a new way to manage ActiveX controls.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7137204

Discover How to Modify Boot Configuration Parameters

In the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Editor FAQ, find out what the BCD store is, why it was created, where it's located in the registry, how to modify it and more.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7137205

TechNet Webcast: Backup and Restore in Windows Vista (Level 300)

Wednesday, August 29, 2007 11:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7138605

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Windows Vista, Windows XP, BCD Parameters, Backup and Restore, Vista, VAMT

Windows XP and Windows Vista feature comparison for small businesses

David Overton — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:45:20 GMT

I saw this at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/products/wowpc/CompareWindows.aspx and thought this would be a great sales tool. While Vista has many new and unique features people often want to discuss how it compares to previous versions - this is a good place to start to go down that list.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Comparison, Small Business

If you want Windows XP Pro on a new machine, buy Windows Vista (Business or Ultimate) and then downgrade

David Overton — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 22:03:00 GMT

I’m not sure how many people are aware of this, but if you buy a Windows Vista Business or Ultimate then you can use a Windows XP CD (which you have legal access to) to load Windows XP onto that machine.

When you need the product key / or need to activate, this will potentially fail, but a quick call to the activation centre with your Vista product key should give you all the details you need. Then when you are ready to put Vista onto that machine, you can do without the cost of buying it anew. Alternatively you can buy Windows XP today and should you ever want to load Vista, you can give more money to a shop to get a copy again.

For further information go to http://oem.microsoft.com/script/sites/public/licensing.htm

More information can be found in this one page document OEM Downgrade from Vista to Windows XP

ttfn

David

Please Note the following (in legalese)

Windows Vista Downgrade Rights Clarification

Per the EULA and OEM DTOS Agreement, the end user customer is responsible for supplying media for the OEM or customer to create the downgrade product image on the customer system. Neither Microsoft, the OEMs, nor the system builders are responsible for supplying this media. VL customers already have the necessary media. For non-VL customers, the easiest way to obtain this media is to buy a single FPP copy of Windows XP Pro or use an existing FPP copy of Windows XP Pro if they already own one. That media can then be used to downgrade Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate machines to Windows XP Pro. If the customer uses a product key for Windows XP Pro that they’ve previously activated, that machine will likely fail activation. If the downgraded machine fails activation the customer will be prompted to call the product activation call center to request a key that will enable them to pass activation. The customer should mention that they’re exercising their downgrade rights to the customer service representative in the activation call center.

Microsoft says PCs may need DRAM upgrade (to ECC RAM)

David Overton — Wed, 23 May 2007 07:16:22 GMT

I have looked at many system crashed and often ended up concluding that RAM is at fault (random causes of BSODs is a very good pointer to this). It now appears that single bit errors is being considered as a major system failing. obviously, when spec'ing a server or computer perhaps you should consider ECC RAM as a standard to improve reliability.

For about four years Microsoft has been collecting data through its Online Crash Analysis (OCA) tool that reports system crashes to a Microsoft Web site. About 18 months ago it began sharing OCA data and the white paper with systems and chip makers. According to one source, the report said single-bit error rates in DRAM are now among the top ten causes of systems failures

Source: EETimes.com - Microsoft says PCs may need DRAM upgrade

Technorati Tags: BSODs, ECC RAM

May security updates for Server DNS and Office 2003/2007 and IE7. Also Quicktime needs an update

David Overton — Tue, 08 May 2007 20:16:00 GMT

I did a quick scan and it seems that this month Office is the main target of updates, along with one critical one for Windows Server (for DNS RPC attack) and one for IE7. Worth a quick download and install :-)

I also got this in the mail today: Apple QuickTime 7.x must be upgraded to 7.1.5 or higher.

On the security updates:

Microsoft is releasing the following new security bulletins for newly discovered vulnerabilities:

Bulletin Number Maximum Severity Affected Products Impact

MS07-023 Critical Microsoft Excel (all currently supported versions) Remote Code Execution

MS07-024 Critical Microsoft Word 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 (Mac) Remote Code Execution

MS07-025 Critical Microsoft Office (all currently supported versions) Remote Code Execution

MS07-026 Critical Microsoft Exchange (all current versions) Remote Code Execution

MS07-027 Critical Internet Explorer - all current versions on all currently supported versions of Microsoft Windows Remote Code Execution

MS07-028 Critical CAPICOM, BizTalk Server Remote Code Execution

MS07-029 Critical Windows 2000 (server), Windows Server 2003 Remote Code Execution
Summaries for these new security bulletins may be found at the following pages: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms07-May.mspx Customers are advised to review the information in the bulletins, test and deploy the updates immediately in their environments, if applicable.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal ToolMicrosoft is releasing an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update (WU) and the Download Center. Note that this tool will NOT be distributed using Software Update Services (SUS). Information on the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool can be located here: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=40573 High-Priority Non-Security Updates on Microsoft Update (MU), Windows Update (WU), Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Software Update Services (SUS)Microsoft is also releasing High-Priority NON-SECURITY updates today on WU, MU, SUS and WSUS. For complete details on non-security updates being released today please review the following KB Article: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=894199 TechNet Webcast:

Title: Information about Microsoft May Security Bulletins (Level 200)

When: Wednesday, 9 May 2007 11:00 AM (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)

URL: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032327015

Replay: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032327015

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: Security, Office 2007, Office 2003, IE7, SBS 2003

Deploying Vista to many desktops from Small Business Server 2003 with SP2 (R2 or R1) using Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) tools

David Overton — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 07:56:49 GMT

A nice man named Zack dropped me a mail asking about the Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) tools and "real" documentation, which led to Matt in the PTS team writing about all the great tools (see below). I then installed SP2 for Windows Server 2003 and realised that my SBS 2003 system now has the capabilities of BDD to deploy Vista desktops (in my case, pre-configured with Office 2007 too).

Wow. I went and checked and the Windows Deployment Services admin controls are there on my SBS SP2 system, so you can use this information to enable PXE deployments of Windows if you want. These can include other programs such as Office and anti-virus products and also be pre-configures to join the domain etc.

Business Desktop Deployment 2007 - Resources
Posted Wednesday, March 14, 2007 11:43 AM by mattmcspirit

For those of you out there who have an interest in the different ways that you can deploy Windows Vista, Office 2007 and your other applications, you may be interested in the Business Desktop Deployment Workbench, or BDD for short.
So, what is it?
Well, the BDD is essentially, your one-stop-shop for deployment when it comes to our new wave of technology. Want to customise your Vista install? Want to inject drivers for hardware into images? Want to customise WinPE 2.0? Want to easily create Unattend.xml files? Want next week's winning lottery numbers? OK, BDD can't help you with that last one, but it can allow you to do all the others!

Source: Peering through Windows...

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: BDD, Business Desktop Deployment, SBS 2003, Service Pack 2, SP2, SBS 2003 SP2

Microsoft tool to transfer programs from a Windows XP machine to a Windows Vista machine - Windows Easy Transfer Companion (WETC)

David Overton — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 16:01:30 GMT

This tools works alongside the Easy Transfer Wizard using an Easy Transfer Cable, however it has a list of known programs that it will transfer should you so desire.

The Windows Easy Transfer Companion (WETC) is a program that you can use to help transfer programs from a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) to a computer that is running Windows Vista. WETC does not replace Windows Easy Transfer. Instead, WETC is an independent program that complements Windows Easy Transfer. You can use WETC to transfer many kinds of programs between two computers that are connected by an Easy Transfer Cable or by a network connection.

For more information click onto http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=931696

IIS and SSL troubleshooting tools from Microsoft

David Overton — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 00:25:34 GMT

WFetch 1.4

A tool aimed at helping resolve problems where the browser is unable to connect to a Web site.

SSL Diagnostics Version 1.1 (x64)

Download this troubleshooting tool for Internet Information Services (IIS).

SSL Diagnostics Version 1.1 (x86)

Download this troubleshooting tool for Internet Information Services (IIS).

Technorati tags: IIS, support tools, SSL, browser

Microsoft software for Charities in the UK

David Overton — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 21:31:54 GMT

OK, so once upon a time I used to give out software for charities, but those days are gone. However, there is a fantastic deal available for charities via the Charity Exchange. The software is donated by Microsoft (and others) and then an administration charge is added. There are various criteria to be met to use the Charity Technology Exchange, but the overall pricing is VERY good for charities - and of course, if the software is discounted as this is the right thing to do, perhaps so should the services too ;-)

Anyway, the site can he found at http://www.ctxchange.org/ctx/browse_products/microsoft/default.asp and the prices include software assurance, so the Office 2003 and Windows XP prices entitle the charity to Office 2007 and Windows Vista Enterprise (as it is a Volume License).

An example would be a 50 seat SBS Premium solution with Windows XP and Office 2003 (both upgradable - also note that a previous Windows OS is required on the PC to load the Windows OS - it is an upgrade, not a version that can be installed on a bare hard disk)

SBS - £37

5 CAL Pack x 9 - £11 x 9 = £101

Windows XP Upgrades x 50 - £4 x 50 = £200

Office 2003 Pro x 50 - £11 x 50 = £550

Grand Total = £888 - +VAT - including Software Assurance

While I don't have UK prices, SBS would be $1,500, the CAL packs would be 9 x $495, Office is around $450 I think - so this marks a HUGE saving. These were the prices yesterday.

Now, tell me why every Charity can't upgrade?

ttfn

David

Get the Application Compatibility Toolkit to ensure applications will work with Vista

David Overton — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:16:00 GMT

So you have Vista, not how do you make sure you applications will run? Use this toolkit (which will also sort out things for Windows XP SP2 too:

Are Your Existing Applications Compatible with Your New Windows Operating System?

Use the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit and additional application compatibility resources to find out if your applications are compatible with Windows Vista or Windows XP Service Pack 2.

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: vista, microsoft, small business

Debug Diagnostic Tool v1.1 - troubleshoot hangs, slow performance, memory leaks and crashes in any Win32 user-mode process

David Overton — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 23:31:21 GMT

I saw this and thought of you :-) Seriously, if you are trying to resolve these issues then these tools can be very useful indeed.

Debug Diagnostic Tool v1.1

The Debug Diagnostic Tool (DebugDiag) is designed to assist in troubleshooting issues such as hangs, slow performance, memory leaks or fragmentation, and crashes in any Win32 user-mode process. The tool includes additional debugging scripts focused on Internet Information Services (IIS) applications, web data access components, COM+ and related Microsoft technologies.

Source: Download details: Debug Diagnostic Tool v1.1

ttfn

David

Download details: Business Desktop Deployment 2007 (BDD) - Deployments for Vista and Office made simpler - not for very simple / very small customers

David Overton — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:51:04 GMT

In theory, BDD is not for what MS calls small business customers - i.e. less than 25 PCs, but for some the tools are amazing. The BDD is described as:

"A tool that provides the depth of guidance and tooling to make the Windows Vista and 2007 Office system deployment process predictable and scalable. Many of the tools and guides within BDD 2007 can even be used throughout the desktop management life cycle to provision new users, maintain images, and centrally manage drivers and applications.

BDD 2007 also introduces the new Deployment Workbench, which enables users to build and manage multiple OS configurations, define network deployment points and network shares, inject drivers, attach language packs, and chain applications. It even helps generate ISO and WIM images using Windows PE that can be deployed in a networked environment or using DVDs offline. BDD 2007 also alleviates much of the scripting requirements of previous BDD versions by incorporating a stand-alone task sequencer derived from System Center Configuration Manager 2007. BDD continues to offer the flexibility for Zero Touch Installation with Systems Management Server 2003 and Lite Touch Installation with minimal infrastructure requirements."

The Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) is best-practice guidance for desktop deployment. BDD is targeted at companies that want to reduce deployment time, effort, and cost by increasing the level of automation. It allows administrators to deploy desktops with Zero Touch and Lite Touch interaction at the target PCs. This solution also helps organizations move to a managed environment with standardized desktop images.

BDD 2007 is offered in two versions to support Solution Accelerator component installation on x64 or x86 hosts. Select the version that corresponds with your host hardware type. Both versions of BDD 2007 support deployment of x86 and x64 client operating systems.

To view this solution online at TechNet, click here.

System Requirements

Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista; Windows XP; Windows XP 64-bit; Windows XP Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 2

Client: Windows Vista Business, Professional, Ultimate, or Windows XP Professional
Server: Windows Server 2003 with Windows Deployment services (Windows DS) and Active Directory

Microsoft Word or a Word reader is required to view the documentation.
MMC 3.0 is required to run the Workbench and view the documentation on Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP.
Note: MMC 3.0 is included in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 and in Windows Vista.
Windows Script Host (WSH) 5.6.
The tools portion of BDD relies on several Windows Vista deployment tools. After installation of the BDD.msi and start-up of the BDD Workbench, the Workbench will enable the user to choose to automatically download and install the following major tools:

Windows Automated Installation Kit
Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0
User State Migration Tool 3.0
MSXML 6.0

Source: Download details: Business Desktop Deployment 2007

Bulletin Number	Maximum Severity	Affected Products	Impact
MS07-023	Critical	Microsoft Excel (all currently supported versions)	Remote Code Execution
MS07-024	Critical	Microsoft Word 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 (Mac)	Remote Code Execution
MS07-025	Critical	Microsoft Office (all currently supported versions)	Remote Code Execution
MS07-026	Critical	Microsoft Exchange (all current versions)	Remote Code Execution
MS07-027	Critical	Internet Explorer - all current versions on all currently supported versions of Microsoft Windows	Remote Code Execution
MS07-028	Critical	CAPICOM, BizTalk Server	Remote Code Execution
MS07-029	Critical	Windows 2000 (server), Windows Server 2003	Remote Code Execution