Microsoft has released the following update rollup for Exchange Server 2007:

• Update Rollup 7 for Exchange Server 2007 SP3 (KB2655203)

If you’re running Exchange Server 2007 SP3, you need to apply Update Rollup 7 for Exchange 2007 SP3 to address the issues listed below.

Remember, you only need to download the latest update for the version of Exchange that you’re running.

Here is a list of the fixes included in update rollup 1:

1. 2617514 Old spelling rules on the Brazilian Portuguese dictionary in OWA in an Exchange Server 2007 SP3 environment
2. 2645789 MAPI_E_NOT_FOUND error when a MAPI application calls the GetProps method on an Exchange Server 2007 mailbox server
3. 2654700 Certain mailbox rules do not work automatically after you move a mailbox from an Exchange Server 2007 server to an Exchange Server 2010 server and then move it back
4. 2677583 Move operation is not completed and 100 percent of CPU resources are consumed on an Exchange Server 2007 Mailbox server
5. 2677979 MSExchangePOP3 service crashes in an Exchange Server 2007 environment
6. 2680793 Free/busy lookups between Lotus Notes and Exchange Server 2007 users stop responding
7. 2682570 Store.exe crashes on Exchange Server 2007 servers when a public folder that contains an empty PR_URL_NAME property is replicated in a mixed Exchange Server 2007 and Exchange Server 2010 environment
8. 2690628 Pre-reform spelling rules are used in the Portuguese (Portugal) dictionary in Outlook Web Access in an Exchange Server 2007 environment
9. 2694267 MSExchangeRepl.exe process crashes when Active Directory returns the LDAP_PARAM_ERROR value in an Exchange Server 2007 environment
10. 2694274 User who has the Full Access permission cannot open another user’s mailbox by using Outlook Web App in a mixed Exchange Server 2007 and Exchange Server 2010 environment
11. 2694291 The autocomplete=”off” parameter is missing in Outlook Web Access in an Exchange Server 2007 environment
12. 2696628 You receive duplicate read receipts from a user who is using an IMAP4 client in an Exchange Server 2007 environment

Download the rollup here.

Installation Notes:

If you haven’t installed Exchange Server yet, you can use the info at Quicker Exchange installs complete with service packs and rollups to save you some time.

Microsoft Update can’t detect rollups for Exchange 2010 servers that are members of a Database Availability Group (DAG). See the post Installing Exchange 2010 Rollups on DAG Servers for info, and a script, for installing update rollups.

Update Rollups should be applied to Internet facing Client Access Servers before being installed on non-Internet facing Client Access Servers.

If you’re installing the update rollup on Exchange servers that don’t have Internet access, see “Installing Exchange 2007 & 2010 rollups on servers that don’t have Internet access” for some additional steps.

Also, the installer and Add/Remove Programs text is only in English – even when being installed on non-English systems.

Note to Forefront users:

If you don’t disable Forefront before installing a rollup or service pack, and enable afterwards, you run the risk of Exchange related services not starting. You can disable Forefront by going to a command prompt and navigating to the Forefront directory and running FSCUtility /disable. To enable Forefront after installation of a UR or SP, run FSCUtility /enable.

Microsoft has released the following update rollup for Exchange Server 2010:

• Update Rollup 2 for Exchange Server 2010 SP2 (KB2661854)

If you’re running Exchange Server 2010 SP2, you need to apply Update Rollup 2 for Exchange 2010 SP2 to address the issues listed below.

Remember, you only need to download the latest update for the version of Exchange that you’re running.

Here is a list of the fixes included in update rollup 2:

1. 2519806 A meeting request that is sent by an external user or by using a non-Microsoft email system is stamped as Busy instead of Tentative in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
2. 2556766 Slow performance when you create many contacts by using Exchange Web Services in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
3. 2592398 Email messages in the Sent Items folder have the same PR_INTERNET_MESSAGE_ID property in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
4. 2601301 Customized contact objects revert to the default form after a public folder database replication in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
5. 2625450 You cannot generate an OAB file that is larger than 2GB in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
6. 2630808 A user can log on to a mailbox by using Outlook for Mac 2011 unexpectedly in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
7. 2632201 MAPI_E_INVALID_PARAMETER errors occur when a MAPI application receives notifications in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
8. 2635223 A hidden user is still displayed in the Organization information of Address Book in OWA in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
9. 2636387 Event ID 3022 is logged and you cannot replicate a public folder from one Exchange Server 2010 server to another
10. 2636883 Returned message items can disappear from the search results view when you use Outlook in online mode in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
11. 2641249 Error message when you use the “Folder.Bind” method in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
12. 2641753 An email message from an Exchange Server 2003 user is forwarded incorrectly to an external recipient of an Exchange Server 2010 user mailbox
13. 2644144 A read receipt is not sent when a receiver does not expand a conversation to preview the message by using OWA in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
14. 2644920 The Get-FederatedDomainProof cmdlet fails in an Exchange Server 2010 SP1 environment
15. 2645587 An external email message is not delivered to mail-enabled public folders and you do not receive NDR messages in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
16. 2649499 Updates for a meeting request are sent to all attendees directly in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
17. 2649679 Text in tables is displayed incorrectly in the Conversation view in Outlook Web App in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
18. 2652730 You encounter failures when you run the Test-EcpConnectivity cmdlet to test Exchange Control Panel connectivity in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
19. 2657103 CPU resources are used up when you use the Set-MailboxMessageConfiguration cmdlet in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
20. 2660178 “More than one mailbox has the same e-mail address” error message when you try to manage a mailbox in a tenant organization in an Exchange Server 2010 SP1 Hosting mode environment
21. 2661277 An ActiveSync user cannot access a mailbox in an Exchange Server 2010 forest
22. 2661294 An email address policy does not generate the email addresses of recipients correctly in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
23. 2663581 OK button is not displayed when you change your password in Outlook Web App by using Firefox in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
24. 2664365 Certain MailboxStatistics properties are not updated when a user uses a POP3 or IMAP4 client to access a mailbox in an Exchange 2010 environment
25. 2664761 DPM protection agent service may stop responding on Exchange Server 2010 servers that are protected by System Center DPM 2010
26. 2665806 Error message when you open an RTF email message that has inline attachments in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
27. 2672225 A user in a trusted account forest cannot use the EMC to manage an Exchange Server 2010 SP2 server
28. 2673087 Error message when you try to copy the Inbox folder to another folder in Outlook in online mode in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
29. 2677847 The Microsoft Exchange File Distribution service consumes large amounts of memory in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
30. 2678361 The user-agent information about an Exchange ActiveSync device is not updated in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
31. 2678414 The display name of a contact in address book is empty in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
32. 2681464 An EWS application crashes when it calls the GetStreamingEvents operation in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
33. 2685996 Error message when a user who does not have a mailbox tries to move or delete an item that is in a shared mailbox by using Outlook Web App Premium
34. 2688667 W3wp.exe consumes excessive CPU resources on Exchange Server 2010 Client Access servers when users open recurring calendar items in mailboxes by using Outlook Web App or EWS
35. 2693078 EdgeTransport.exe process crashes in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
36. 2694280 Whatif switch does not work in the Set-MoveRequest or Resume-MoveRequest cmdlet in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
37. 2694289 Resource mailbox does not forward meeting request to delegates after one of the delegates’ mailbox is disabled in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
38. 2694414 The update tracking information option does not work in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
39. 2694473 File name of a saved attachment is incorrect when you use OWA in Firefox 8 in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
40. 2694474 Incorrect delivery report when you send an email message to a recipient who has configured an external forwarding address in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
41. 2696857 EdgeTransport.exe process crashes without sending an NDR message when you send a message to a distribution group in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
42. 2696905 Day of the week is not localized in MailTips in Outlook Web App in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
43. 2696913 You cannot log on to Outlook Web App when a proxy is set up in an Exchange Server 2010 environment

Download the rollup here.

Installation Notes:

If you haven’t installed Exchange Server yet, you can use the info at Quicker Exchange installs complete with service packs and rollups to save you some time.

Microsoft Update can’t detect rollups for Exchange 2010 servers that are members of a Database Availability Group (DAG). See the post Installing Exchange 2010 Rollups on DAG Servers for info, and a script, for installing update rollups.

Update Rollups should be applied to Internet facing Client Access Servers before being installed on non-Internet facing Client Access Servers.

If you’re installing the update rollup on Exchange servers that don’t have Internet access, see “Installing Exchange 2007 & 2010 rollups on servers that don’t have Internet access” for some additional steps.

Also, the installer and Add/Remove Programs text is only in English – even when being installed on non-English systems.

Note to Forefront users:

If you don’t disable Forefront before installing a rollup or service pack, and enable afterwards, you run the risk of Exchange related services not starting. You can disable Forefront by going to a command prompt and navigating to the Forefront directory and running FSCUtility /disable. To enable Forefront after installation of a UR or SP, run FSCUtility /enable.

News

Premier

OpsVault – Operate and Optimize IT http://www.opsvault.com

Microsoft Premier Support UK – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/mspremuk/

Antigen & Forefront

Forefront Team Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/forefront

Forefront Server Security Support Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/fssnerds

Exchange

Exchange Team Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/

MCS UK Unified Communications Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/msukucc

1. Demystifying the CAS Array Object – Part 2 http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2012/03/28/demystifying-the-cas-array-object-part-2.aspx
2. Demystifying the CAS Array Object – Part 1 http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2012/03/23/demystifying-the-cas-array-object-part-1.aspx
3. Exchange Server Deployment Assistant Update for Exchange 2010 SP2 and Office 365 Hybrid Deployments http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2012/03/21/exchange-server-deployment-assistant-update-for-exchange-2010-sp2-and-office-365-hybrid-deployments.aspx
4. Check out Microsoft Script Explorer for Windows PowerShell (pre-release) http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2012/03/14/check-out-microsoft-script-explorer-for-windows-powershell-pre-release.aspx
5. Exchange Client Network Bandwidth Calculator Beta 2 http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2012/03/09/exchange-client-network-bandwidth-calculator-beta2.aspx
6. Introducing: Log Parser Studio http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2012/03/07/introducing-log-parser-studio.aspx
7. MEC is Back! http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2012/03/06/mec-is-back.aspx

Lync

NextHop – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/

DrRez: Microsoft Lync Server Technical Reference Hub http://blogs.technet.com/b/drrez/

1. Lync Server 2010 Updates Now Available: March 2012 http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/archive/2012/03/28/lync-2010-updates-now-available-march-2012.aspx
2. Lync Server Documentation Update: March 2012 http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/archive/2012/03/15/lync-server-documentation-update-march-2012.aspx
3. Lync Wikis—Start a Wild and Wooly Conversation http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/archive/2012/03/15/lync-wikis-start-a-wild-and-wooly-conversation.aspx
4. Deploying and Troubleshooting Lync Server 2010 MSPL Applications http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/archive/2012/03/14/deploying-and-troubleshooting-lync-server-2010-mspl-applications.aspx
5. Lync 2010 Training Release Updates http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/archive/2012/03/09/lync-2010-training-release-update.aspx

Outlook

Outlook Blog http://blogs.msdn.com/b/outlook/default.aspx

Other

The Master Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/themasterblog

Documents

Exchange

Exchange Server 2010 SP2 Help
This download contains a standalone version of Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 SP2 Help. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=28207

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Install Guide Templates
You can use these templates as a starting point for formally documenting your organization’s server build procedures for servers that will have Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 server roles installed on them. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=17206

Best Practices for Virtualizing Exchange Server 2010 with Windows Server® 2008 R2 Hyper V
The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance and best practices for deploying Microsoft® Exchange Server 2010 in a virtualized environment with Windows Server® 2008 R2 Hyper V technology. This paper has been carefully composed to be relevant to organizations of any size. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=2428

Migrate from Exchange Public Folders to Microsoft Office 365
This document outlines these considerations, discusses the most common public folder scenarios and how they are represented in Office 365 services. It also provides the information you need to decide whether Office 365 is a good match for you based on your current public folder usage. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=27582

Lync

Unified Communications Phones and Peripherals Datasheets
These datasheets list the phones and peripheral devices that are qualified to display the “Optimized for Microsoft Lync” logo. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=16857

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Protocol Workloads Poster
This poster shows each workload in Microsoft Lync Server 2010 communications software, describing relationships, dependencies, flow of information, and certificate requirements. Version 5.11 corrects minor errors. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=6797

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Device Management and Troubleshooting Guide
The purpose of the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Device Management and Troubleshooting Guide is to provide guidance on how to manage and update devices. It is also intended to answer frequently asked questions. This document identifies supported topologies, configurations, and scenarios described in detail in the Lync Server device deployment and planning documentation. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=16277

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Mobility Guide
This document guides you through the process of deploying the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Mobility Service and the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Autodiscover Service. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=28355

Troubleshooting Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Clients: Help Desk Resource
This resource is for first-level help desk agents who support Microsoft Lync Server 2010 clients. Note: The .zip file contains both the print documentation and the Help file. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=7373

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Reference: Call Data Recording and Quality of Experience Database Schema
This document describes the call detail recording (CDR) and the Quality of Experience (QoE) databases schemas in Microsoft Lync Server 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=18099

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Reference: Group Chat Database Schema
This document describes the Group Chat database schema in Microsoft Lync Server 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=21632

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Security Guide
The Security Guide provides guidelines for assessing and managing security risks to your Lync Server 2010 deployment. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=2729

Migrating from Office Communications Server 2007 R2 to Lync Server 2010
This document provides guidance from migration from Office Communications Server 2007 R2 to Microsoft Lync Server 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=9109

Migrating from Office Communications Server 2007 to Lync Server 2010
This document provides guidance from migration from Office Communications Server 2007 to Microsoft Lync Server 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=7327

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Supportability Guide
This guide provides a central, high-level reference for supported server topologies and configurations and supported client configurations. It is also intended to answer frequently asked questions. This document identifies supported topologies, configurations, and scenarios described in detail in the Lync Server deployment and planning documentation. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=13148

Enabling Quality of Service with Microsoft Lync Server 2010
If your Windows Server network supports Quality of Service (QoS) management, you can take advantage of this functionality to optimize media traffic in your Microsoft Lync Server 2010 deployment. This guide shows you how. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=12633

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Monitoring Deployment Guide
This document guides you through the process of deploying Lync Server 2010 Monitoring Server. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=8207

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Standard Edition Deployment Guide
This document guides you through the process of deploying Lync Server 2010 Standard Edition and configuring dial-in conferencing. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5317

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Voice Deployment Guide
This download contains two documents: Deploying Enterprise Voice at Central sites and Deploying Branch Sites http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=4816

Deploying Lync Server 2010 in a Multiple Forest Environment
This document explains how to deploy Lync Server 2010 in a multiple forest environment. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11300

Microsoft Lync Server 2010: Deploying Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition by Using the Planning Tool
This document describes the how to deploy Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition by using the Planning Tool. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=8692

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Group Chat Deployment Guide
This document guides you through the process of migrating and deploying Lync Server 2010 Group Chat Server and the related components that are required to let organizations set up searchable, topic-based chat rooms that persist over time, allowing geographically distributed teams to better collaborate with one another while preserving organizational knowledge. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=9735

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Remote Call Control Deployment Guide
This document describes the how to deploy remote call control in a Lync Server 2010 deployment. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=16598

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Edge Server Deployment Guide
This document guides you through the process of deploying Lync Server 2010 edge servers and Directors. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11379

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Response Group Deployment Guide
This download guides you through the process of configuring the Response Group feature for Enterprise Voice. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=6233

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Active Directory Guide
This document guides you through the process of preparing Active Directory for Microsoft Lync Server 2010 and includes the Active Directory schema reference. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=9448

Backing Up and Restoring Lync Server 2010
This document describes a methodology for backing up and restoring the data that is required for full recovery of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 services. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=3364

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition Deployment Guide
This document guides you through the process of deploying Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition and configuring dial-in conferencing for Lync Server 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=9596

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Client and Device Deployment Guide
This download guides you through the process of deploying client software and devices for Lync 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=15985

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Group Chat Administration Guide
This document guides you through the process of administering Lync Server 2010 Group Chat Server and the related components that are required to let organizations set up searchable, topic-based chat rooms that persist over time, allowing geographically distributed teams to better collaborate with one another while preserving organizational knowledge. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=6126

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Announcement Deployment Guide
This download guides you through the process of configuring the Announcement call management feature for Enterprise Voice. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=9823

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Documentation Help File
This download contains a compiled help file (chm) of all the available Lync Server 2010 IT professional documentation on the Technical Library. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=23888

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Archiving Deployment Guide
The purpose of the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Archiving Deployment Guide is to guide you through the process of deploying Lync Server 2010 Archiving Server and the related components that are required to support archiving of instant messaging and web conferencing (meeting) content. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=4711

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Administration Guide & Windows PowerShell Supplement
The Lync Server Administration Guide and the Windows PowerShell Supplement contain procedures and guidance for administering a Lync Server 2010 deployment. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=13161

Uninstalling Microsoft Lync Server 2010 and Removing Server Roles
To maintain any system, you need to modify the deployment over time. An important part of maintenance is the retiring or decommissioning of existing components that you replace with different or newer components. “Uninstalling Lync Server 2010 and Removing Server Roles” includes procedures for removing server roles and decommissioning a deployment. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=18692

Microsoft Lync Server 2010: Using Monitoring Server Reports
This document describes the how to use Monitoring Server Reports in a Lync Server 2010 deployment. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=890

Live Meeting-To-Lync Transition Resources
Resources included in this download package are designed to support your organization’s Live Meeting Service to Lync (Server or Online) transition planning. This download will be updated with additional resources as available. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=26494

Microsoft Lync 2010 Conferencing and Collaboration Training
Learn how to schedule, join, and manage online meetings with Microsoft Lync 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=7606

IM an Expert for Microsoft Lync Server 2010
IM an Expert is an instant messaging question and answer service that you can set up within your organization. With the IM an Expert service, you can use Microsoft Lync or the IM an Expert Welcome page to submit a question to the service. The IM an Expert service will locate an expert for you within your company and initiate an IM session between you and the expert who can answer your question. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=8475

A Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multi-tenant Pack for Partner Hosting Reference Architecture Case Study
Describes a case study of a real world implementation of a reference architecture for the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multi-tenant Pack for Partner Hosting. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=29044

Microsoft Lync 2010 Phone Edition for Polycom CX500, Polycom CX600 and Polycom CX3000
Microsoft® Lync 2010 Phone Edition for Polycom® CX500, Polycom® CX600 and Polycom® CX3000 is the first generation of software designed specifically for the phones from Polycom to interoperate with Microsoft® Lync Server 2010. Lync Phone Edition provides traditional and advanced telephony features, integrated security, manageability and much more. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=23866

Microsoft Lync 2010 Phone Edition for Aastra 6721ip and Aastra 6725ip
Microsoft® Lync 2010 Phone Edition for Aastra 6721ip and Aastra 6725ip is the first generation of software designed specifically for the phones from Aastra to interoperate with Microsoft® Lync Server 2010. Lync Phone Edition provides traditional and advanced telephony features, integrated security, manageability and much more. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=18390

Microsoft Lync 2010 Phone Edition for HP 4110 and HP 4120
Microsoft® Lync 2010 Phone Edition for HP 4110 and HP 4120 is the first generation of software designed specifically for the phones from HP to interoperate with Microsoft® Lyncâ„¢ Server 2010. Lync Phone Edition provides traditional and advanced telephony features, integrated security, manageability and much more. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=28158

Microsoft Lync 2010 Phone Edition for Polycom CX700 and LG-Nortel IP Phone 8540
Microsoft® Lync 2010 Phone Edition for Polycom® CX700 and LG-Nortel IP Phone 8540 is the next generation of software designed for the phones from Polycom and LG-Nortel to interoperate with Microsoft® Lync Server 2010. Lync Phone Edition provides traditional and advanced telephony features, integrated security, manageability and much more. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=21644

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multi-tenant Pack for Partner Hosting Deployment Guide
The Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multi-tenant Pack for Partner Hosting is an extension of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 software that is designed to allow service providers and system integrators to customize a Lync Server 2010 deployment and offer it as a service to their customers. This guide describes how to deploy and configure a basic architecture. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=28587

Reference Architecture for the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multitenant Pack for Partner Hosting
Describes a reference architecture for the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multitenant Pack for Partner Hosting. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=29045

Downloads

1. Lync Lync Server 2010 Hotfix KB 2493736 This download includes all available updates for Lync Server 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11551
2. Lync 2010 Hotfix KB 2684739 (64 bit) This download includes all available updates for Lync 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=14490
3. Lync 2010 Hotfix KB 2684739 (32 bit) This download includes all available updates for Lync 2010. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=25055
4. Microsoft Lync 2010 Training Download Package This zipped folder contains all of the available training and user education resources for Microsoft Lync 2010. The included Lync Training Plans workbook helps you choose the resources that will work best for your users. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=9642
5. IM an Expert for Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Documentation Version 1.5 This download provides documentation for the IM an Expert for Microsoft Lync Server 2010 service http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=16104

Events/Webcasts

Core presents An Introduction to the Microsoft Cloud (Office 365 and Windows Intune)

Starts: 18 April 2012 09:30
Ends: 18 April 2012 12:45
Time zone: (GMT) GMT, London
Welcome Time: 09:00

Cloud technology – it’s all you hear about right now! But for many, it can be confusing. Core can help you make sense of it all. Join us at our Introduction to the Microsoft Cloud seminar to learn how your organization can take advantage of Microsoft’s latest cloud offerings to transform your IT infrastructure and drive your business forward! Reduce your capital expenditure and save money by paying only for the computing power you need! https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032502492&culture=en-GB

New KBs

Antigen & Forefront Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server: Some default deletion messages in Forefront Security for Exchange Server may mislead a user or an administrator to assume that an error occurred or that a virus was found http://support.microsoft.com/kb/961385

Exchange

Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Enterprise Edition

1. Exchange Server experiences performance issues when a PDC emulator is used for DSAccess or ADAcess http://support.microsoft.com/kb/298879

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Enterprise Edition

1. An Exchange Server 2007 Transport Rule does not work as expected http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673160

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 3

1. Exchange ActiveSync does not synchronize some Outlook contact information as expected http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2692134

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition

1. Message  when you try to open an attachment in Outlook Web Access or Outlook Web App: “Right-click the link, and then click ‘Save Target As’ to save the attachment.” http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2688092

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Coexistence

1. Error message when you try to use Outlook Web App to access an Exchange Server 2010 mailbox: “There was a problem opening your mailbox” http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2606268
2. You cannot add mailbox database copies in Exchange Server 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2627725

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Enterprise

1. Event 1000, 1001, or 1002 occurs when SCOM is monitoring Exchange Server 2007 or Exchange Server 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2681932
2. Chat feature missing in Outlook Web App for Exchange 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2688771

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Standard

1. You cannot synchronize an Exchange ActiveSync device with a mailbox when external URLs are not resolved on an Exchange Server 2010 Client Access server http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2679228
2. Users cannot use Outlook to access their mailbox after migration to Exchange 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2688982

Lync

Microsoft Lync 2010

1. A user whose display name is in Korean cannot be found in Lync 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2661952
2. You receive a System.UnauthorizedAccessException exception when you disconnect a call in a Lync 2010 SDK-based application http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2664812
3. The Windows logoff process is delayed when Lync 2010 is started http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666324
4. A customized Lync 2010 Help URL does not work in Lync 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666338
5. A RTF header is displayed instead of the conversation history in the Conversation tab of Lync 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666340
6. The time stamp that is displayed in the IM conversation windows is truncated in Lync 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666702
7. You cannot use client policy to exclude a folder from contact search in Lync 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666704
8. Help with Lync Server 2010 configurations for very small business http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2667699
9. Description of the cumulative update for Lync 2010: February 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2670326
10. The typing status message is not displayed when you use an IME to type double-byte characters in Lync 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672922
11. A contact is displayed with an incorrect picture and incorrect presence information in Lync 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672944
12. Double-byte text is transparent in desktop alerts on a computer that is running Windows XP and that has Lync 2010 installed http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672945
13. Description of the cumulative update package for Lync 2010 for iPad: March 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673225
14. The conversation list is not displayed correctly in the chats window after you delete a conversation in Lync 2010 for iPad http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673304
15. Users have to manually input the user name every time that they sign in to the Lync 2010 client http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2681509

Microsoft Lync 2010 for iPhone

1. A user whose SIP URI address only contains numbers is displayed as a telephone contact in Lync 2010 for iPhone http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672940
2. Description of the cumulative update package for Lync 2010 for iPhone: March 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673223
3. Meetings are not shown in the Meetings tab in Lync 2010 for iPhone http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673298
4. A deleted contact group is still displayed in Lync 2010 for iPhone http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673303
5. “Me:” and “Missed:” are translated incorrectly in the chats window in a Korean version of Lync 2010 for iPhone http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2677215
6. Discovery address text strings are translated incorrectly on the sign-in page of the Chinese Version of Microsoft Lync 2010 for iPhone http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2677216

Microsoft Lync 2010 for Windows Phone

1. Lync 2010 for Windows Phone displays Japanese text in the Microsoft Yahei font unexpectedly http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666321
2. Description of the cumulative update package for Lync 2010 for Windows Phone: March 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673226
3. Lync 2010 mobile clients always prompt the user for a mobile phone number http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2685372

Microsoft Lync 2010 Group Chat

1. Description of the cumulative update for the Lync Server 2010, Group Chat Administration Tool: February 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672318
2. Description of the cumulative update for Lync 2010 Group Chat: February 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672325

Microsoft Lync 2010 Phone Edition

1. Description of a new feature that lets users set or change their presence information by using a telephone in Lync 2010 Phone Edition http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666706
2. Lync 2010 Phone Edition enabled phones report 10 Mbps network link speed http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2686136

Microsoft Lync 2010 Phone Edition for Aastra 6721ip and Aastra 6725ip

1. The maximum ringer volume is too low on certain telephone products that are running Lync 2010 Phone Edition http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666323

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition

1. “The owner of the object passed does not match the original owner.” error message when a Lync 2010 user calls a CAA access number to join a conference http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2500431

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition

1. Error message when you run the “Enable-CsAdDomain” command in a Lync Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672929

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Software Development Kit

1. A user cannot add a custom location to their contact information by using an application that is developed by using Lync Server 2010 SDK http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672943

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Standard Edition

1. “Please verify your logon credentials and try again” error message when a user signs in to Lync Server 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2637105
2. You cannot add a DFS file share as a file store in Topology Builder of Lync Server 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666344
3. Delay processing incoming calls in Lync Server 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666349
4. Error message when you run the Set-CsRegistrar command in Lync Server Management Shell in a Lync Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666710
5. Error message when you run the “CsFileTransferFilterConfiguration” command in a Lync Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666711
6. Description of the cumulative update for Lync Server 2010, Conferencing Attendant: February 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2670540
7. Text that is typed by using the right-to-left reading order is displayed by using the left-to-right reading order in the sent message pane in Lync 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672924
8. A global client policy in which the “EnableExchangeContactSync” parameter is set to False does not work in Lync Server 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672933
9. Federated users do not receive a meeting invitation in Lync Server 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2672935
10. A delegate cannot perform operations on behalf of the manager in a Lync Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673299
11. A user cannot call a number that matches a normalization rule that begins with optional digits in a Lync Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2673302
12. Description of the cumulative update for Lync Server 2010, Mobility Service: February 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2675053
13. A Front End Server does not route network traffic to Lync 2010 Mobile clients if the Collocated Mediation Server option is enabled in Lync Server 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2675221
14. The Address Book service does not synchronize user information when data in the RTC database is corrupted in a Lync Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2675222
15. Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Group Chat
16. A user does not receive an invitation when the user is added to a distribution list that is a member of a chat room in Lync Server 2010, Group Chat http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666341
17. The Channel service stops when a user signs in to a Group Chat client in Lync Server 2010, Group Chat http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666342
18. Description of the cumulative update for Lync Server 2010, Group Chat: February 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2670342

Outlook

Microsoft Office Outlook 2003

1. Description of the Outlook 2003 Junk Email Filter update: March 13, 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2598246
2. Description of the policy for how e-mail is filtered by the junk e-mail filters in Outlook or in Exchange Server http://support.microsoft.com/kb/954199

Microsoft Office Outlook 2007

1. Description of the Outlook 2007 hotfix package (Outlook-x-none.msp): March 7, 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2597964
2. Description of the Outlook 2007 Junk Email Filter update: March 13, 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2597970
3. Outlook Anywhere cannot be disabled in Outlook 2007 and in Outlook 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2686042

Microsoft Outlook 2002 Standard Edition

1. You cannot use Outlook to complete a Microsoft Word Mail Merge http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2149769

Microsoft Outlook 2010

1. An email message body contains text that is added from previously opened email messages when you access a mailbox by using an IMAP4 client in Outlook 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2597991
2. Description of the Outlook 2010 hotfix package (x86 Outexum-x-none.msp, x64 Outexum-x-none.msp): February 28, 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2598024
3. Outlook 2010: Leave a copy of the message on the server is missing http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2671941
4. How to deploy a default email signature in Outlook http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2691977

 

Description

When deploying Database Availability Groups (DAGs) with Exchange 2010, multiple network are generally used. You’ll have a client or “MAPI” network and at least a replication network. I’ve seen some organizations that also deploy backup networks. Each has their own NICs or NIC teams. Only the client network should have a default gateway defined. The rest should not. Static routes are added for the others using the NETSH command.

Setting the NIC properties is sometimes  a manual task, and sometimes a scripted task via PowerShell. On a large project, I needed to run a validation script to ensure that the servers were consistent and ready for the Exchange build, and fix those that could be done via script. I noticed that servers were coming with gateways defined on all of the NIC teams, so I need to resolve this. Turns out, it was a little challenging to do it via PowerShell.

There is apparently no easy way to just remove the gateway. We can easily set it, but my assumption that setting it to $null would work was incorrect. What I ended up doing, with the assistance of Serkan Varoglu, was to change the NIC from static to DHCP, then back to static, defining only the IP address and subnet mask. Not the most direct method, but it works. And, it appears to leave other parameters intact, including DNS servers, suffixes, WINS, etc.

First we use WMI to grab the NIC by name ($NicName):

$Adapter = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_NetworkAdapter -Filter "NetConnectionID='$NicName'"

Then we get the configuration for the NIC by calling it using the index number of the NIC we got from above:

$Nic = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_NetworkAdapterConfiguration -Filter "Index=$($Adapter.Index)"

Next, we need to grab the NIC’s IP and subnet mask so we can assign them again later:

$NicIP = $Nic.IpAddress[0]
$NicMask = $Nic.IpSubnet[0]

The, we set the NIC to DHCP,

$Nic.EnableDhcp() | Out-Null

And then back to static, using the IP and mask we retrieved from above:

$Nic.EnableStatic($NicIp,$NicMask) | Out-Null

We can wrap this into a function and call it in our validation scripts.

function Remove-NicGateway	{
<#
.SYNOPSIS
	Removes the default gateway on a specified network interface card (NIC)

.DESCRIPTION
	Removes the default gateway on a specified network interface card (NIC) by first setting the NIC to DHCP, and then setting it back to static and not specifying the gateway - just the IP and subnet mask

.NOTES
  Version      				: 1.0
  Rights Required			: Local admin on server
  										: ExecutionPolicy of RemoteSigned or Unrestricted

	Author       				: Pat Richard, Exchange MVP
	Email/Blog/Twitter	: pat@innervation.com 	https://www.ucunleashed.com @patrichard
	Dedicated Blog			: https://www.ucunleashed.com/152

	Author       				: Serkan Varoglu
	Email/Blog/Twitter	: N/A	http://www.get-mailbox.org	@SRKNVRGL

	Disclaimer   				: You running this script means you won't blame me if this breaks your stuff.
	Info Stolen from 		: 

.EXAMPLE
	Remove-NIcGateway -NicName [name of NIC]

.INPUTS
	None. You cannot pipe objects to this script.

#Requires -Version 2.0
#&gt;
	[cmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess = $true)]
	param(
		[parameter(ValueFromPipeline = $true, ValueFromPipelineByPropertyName = $true, Mandatory = $true, HelpMessage = "No NIC name specified")]
		[ValidateNotNullOrEmpty()]
		[string]$NicName
	)
	$Adapter = Get-WmiObject -Class&nbsp;Win32_NetworkAdapter -Filter "NetConnectionID='$NicName'"
	$Nic = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_NetworkAdapterConfiguration -Filter "Index=$($Adapter.Index)"
	$NicIP = $Nic.IpAddress[0]
	$NicMask = $Nic.IpSubnet[0]
	Write-Verbose "$NicIP $NicMask"
	$Nic.EnableDhcp() | Out-Null
	Start-Sleep -s 5
	Write-Verbose "Setting $NicName to $NicIP $NicMask"
	$Nic.EnableStatic($NicIp,$NicMask) | Out-Null
} # end function Remove-NicGateway

And call it via:

Remove-NicGateway -NicName [NIC/Team Name]

such as

Remove-NicGateway -NicName "Replication"

Hopefully, this will be useful to you.

Donations

I’ve never been one to really solicit donations for my work. My offerings are created because *I* need to solve a problem, and once I do, it makes sense to offer the results of my work to the public. I mean, let’s face it: I can’t be the only one with that particular issue, right? Quite often, to my surprise, I’m asked why I don’t have a “donate” button so people can donate a few bucks. I’ve never really put much thought into it. But those inquiries are coming more often now, so I’m yielding to them. If you’d like to donate, you can send a few bucks via PayPal at https://www.paypal.me/PatRichard. Money collected from that will go to the costs of my website (hosting and domain names), as well as to my home lab.

I have to admit I didn’t think I’d see this day. But MEC, the Microsoft Exchange Conference, is returning after a 10 year absence, according to Microsoft’s Michael Atalla, Director, Exchange Product Management.

If you’ve heard of the mysterious MEC, the rumors are true. A dedicated conference centered around Microsoft’s flagship messaging product. In depth technical sessions from Microsoft product group members giving you the very best bang for your conference buck. And a great chance for some social interaction with other messaging professionals.

I firmly believe that MEC is by far the best conference for a messaging professional using Microsoft products.

For more details, see the product group’s blog post at http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2012/03/06/mec-is-back.aspx. And, see the website www.MECisback.com.

I’ll see you there!

Description

Here’s a simple function to change the label of a drive.

function Set-DriveLabel	{
	<#
	.SYNOPSIS
	  Sets the label on a drive.

	.DESCRIPTION
	  Sets the label on a drive to a user specified value

	.NOTES
	    Version      			: 1.0
	    Rights Required			: Local admin on server
	    					: ExecutionPolicy of RemoteSigned or Unrestricted
	    Exchange Version			: N/A
            Author     				: Pat Richard, Exchange MVP
            Email/Blog/Twitter	                : pat@innervation.com 	https://www.ucunleashed.com @patrichard
            Dedicated Blog			: https://www.ucunleashed.com/1097
            Disclaimer   			: You running this script means you won't blame me if this breaks your stuff.

	.EXAMPLE
		Set-DriveLabel -DriveLetter "d:" -DriveLabel "Data"

	.INPUTS
		None. You cannot pipe objects to this script.

	#Requires -Version 2.0
	#>
	[cmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess = $true)]
	param(
		[parameter(Position = 0, ValueFromPipeline = $true, ValueFromPipelineByPropertyName = $true, Mandatory = $true, HelpMessage = "No drive letter specified")]
		[string]$DriveLetter,
		[parameter(Position = 1, ValueFromPipeline = $true, ValueFromPipelineByPropertyName = $true, Mandatory = $true, HelpMessage = "No drive label specified")]
		[string]$DriveLabel
	)
	Write-Host "Setting drive label - drive $DriveLetter"
	$drive = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Volume -Filter "DriveLetter = '$DriveLetter'"
	Set-WmiInstance -input $drive -Arguments @{Label="$DriveLabel"} | Out-Null
	If ((Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Volume -Filter "DriveLetter = '$DriveLetter'").Label -eq $DriveLabel){
		return $true
	}else{
		return $false
	}
} # end function Set-DriveLabel

You would then call it as such:

Set-DriveLabel -DriveLetter [drive] -DriveLabel [label]

such as

Set-DriveLabel -DriveLetter d: -DriveLabel "Data"

Comment based help is available via

Get-Help Set-DriveLabel

Donations

I’ve never been one to really solicit donations for my work. My offerings are created because *I* need to solve a problem, and once I do, it makes sense to offer the results of my work to the public. I mean, let’s face it: I can’t be the only one with that particular issue, right? Quite often, to my surprise, I’m asked why I don’t have a “donate” button so people can donate a few bucks. I’ve never really put much thought into it. But those inquiries are coming more often now, so I’m yielding to them. If you’d like to donate, you can send a few bucks via PayPal at https://www.paypal.me/PatRichard. Money collected from that will go to the costs of my website (hosting and domain names), as well as to my home lab.

News

Premier

OpsVault – Operate and Optimize IT http://www.opsvault.com

Microsoft Premier Support UK – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/mspremuk/

Antigen & Forefront

Forefront Team Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/forefront

Forefront Server Security Support Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/fssnerds

Exchange

Exchange Team Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/

MCS UK Unified Communications Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/msukucc

Lync

Lync Team Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/lync/

Hosted Messaging Collaboration

None

Office Communication Server & LiveMeeting

NextHop – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/

Outlook

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/outlook/default.aspx

Other

NextHop – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/nexthop/

The Master Blog – Site Home – TechNet Blogs http://blogs.technet.com/b/themasterblog

New KBs

Antigen & Forefront

Microsoft Forefront Online Protection for Exchange:

1. You cannot change the primary SMTP address for a user in Exchange Hosted Archive http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2649288/
2. Messages take a long time to be displayed on the Review tab of Archive Viewer in Exchange Hosted Archive http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2664389/
3. “550 5.1.8 Access Denied, bad sender” nondelivery report (NDR) error code in Forefront Online Protection for Exchange http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666743/

Exchange

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Enterprise Edition

1. Public folder replication stops working in Exchange Server 2007 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2653072/

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 3:

1. You cannot set the “Country/region” attribute of a user mailbox to “Curaçao,” “Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba,” or “Sint Maarten (Dutch part)” by using the Exchange Management Console on an Exchange Server 2007 server http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2667912/

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Enterprise

1. Exchange Server 2010 OAB download fails when redirection is configured incorrectly in IIS 7 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2290340/
2. Exchange 2010 ActiveSync users cannot synchronize an EAS device for the first time http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2579075/
3. “Junk e-mail validation error” error message when you manage the junk email rule for a user’s mailbox in an Exchange Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2591572/
4. The Exchange RPC Client Access service crashes when you send an email message in an Exchange Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2599663/
5. Event ID 4999 when the Exchange Mailbox Assistants service crashes in Exchange 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2619237/

Lync

Microsoft Lync 2010

1. The “Lync New Online Meeting” button in Outlook does not work in a Lync Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2665270/
2. Lync Server 2010 certificate requirements for user access http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2667698/

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition

1. Description of the update for Lync Server 2010, Mobility Service: February 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2665325/

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Standard Edition

1. Calls do not always connect if you have a DNS balancer and multi-homed network deployed in a Lync Server 2010 environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2658817/

Office Communication Server & LiveMeeting

Microsoft Office Communicator 2007

1. Description of the update package for Office Communicator 2007: February 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2666140/

Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2

1. Office Communicator 2007 requests authentication information when you use a smart card to unlock a computer http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2665724/

Outlook

Microsoft Office Outlook 2003

1. Description of the Outlook 2003 Junk Email Filter update: February 14, 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2597968/
2. Description of the Outlook 2003 post-Service Pack 1 hotfix package: September 17, 2004 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/867824/

Microsoft Office Outlook 2007

1. An Outlook 2007 meeting organizer is changed to an attendee in an Exchange Server cross-forest environment http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2220899/

Microsoft Outlook 2010

1. Outlook 2010 not responding, hangs, or freezes http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2652320/
2. Information about the Calendar Checking Tool for Outlook (CalCheck) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2678030/

 

I travel a LOT. 200 days away last year – nearly all of them weekdays. I am continuously streamlining my travel process, from how/what I carry to how I dress, to when/where to arrive and park. Doing so has made the travel process much easier. And easier means more time at home or client sites, and less time frustrated at airports.

Last October, the TSA and some airlines rolled out a program called Known Traveler Screening. This program uses the Customs and Border Patrol’s (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs and allows those in the program to go through much quicker security screening by prescreening them. Four airports were in the original pilot, including my home airport, Detroit Metro (DTW). The program is now being expanded to dozens more airports throughout the country.

CBP has several programs that help streamline travel for those going between the U.S. and other countries. Global Entry deals with entry into the U.S. by U.S. citizens from abroad. Nexus focuses on travel between the U.S. and Canada. And SENTRI focuses on travel between the U.S. and Mexico. In order to be a Trusted Traveler, you need to be enrolled in at least one of the programs.

Here is the process I went through:

January 15th, 2012 (Day 0): I enrolled in CBP’s Global Entry and Nexus programs using the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES). My company has an office in London, plus there are always some conferences in other countries, and, who knows, maybe a client or two. So Global Entry made sense. I live near Detroit, which is just across the river from Windsor Canada – home of some nice dinner establishments and a big casino and entertainment venue. So that program made sense.

Enrollment requires a fairly detailed form submission, including passport and drivers license info, residence and contact info, and employment info going back ~7 years. It also requires a $50 application fee. Once submitted, you’re advised to check the status of the application regularly. In my case, I checked every couple of days, and each time, the status read “Pending Review”.

February 24th (day 40): I received an email stating there had been a change in status for my application. Upon logging into the GOES site, my application had a link for “conditional approval notification”. Clicking the link showed a form letter stating my application had been processed, and I was “invited” to visit a Nexus Enrollment Center for an interview. To my surprise, I was able to electronically schedule my interview for the following day, a Saturday (really – the government – on SATURDAY?!). The local Nexus Enrollment Center was at the foot of the infamous Ambassador Bridge, the main crossing between Detroit and Windsor.

February 25 (day 41): I arrived about a 1/2 hour early for my interview. The Enrollment Center is in a string of office trailers near the bridge. It is staffed by agents from both CBP and the Canadian border service. When I entered, there were about 8 others who had just watched a video. As the video played for me, the others were processed through their interviews. The video was a quick tutorial on how to use the Nexus card for border crossings via auto and air.

Following that, I waited about 5 minutes before I was called. By then, nearly everyone else was already gone. I was asked a few questions about the nature of my travel, as well as some info on the restrictions of traveling into Canada for work purposes. A decal was affixed to my passport for Global Entry. A quick photo and electronic fingerprinting, and I was on my way with some pamphlets. Total time at the building was about 1/2 an hour.

By the time I got home, I had another change in status email. This one was for “Approval Notification” and contained a Nexus number. The same number showed on the main GOES page next to my Trusted Traveler Program link. It is referred to as “Membership Number / PASS ID”. This is where it gets a little confusing.

In doing some more research, it was frustrating to determine the next step, and I thought maybe I had enrolled in the wrong programs. Between CBP, TSA, and the airlines, no one used the same terminology, including program names, processes, requirements, etc. Through some trial and error, as well as reading some travel related forums, I determined that I needed enter a “Known Traveler Number” in the Secure Flight Passenger Data section of my Delta profile. Turns out, the Known Traveler Number is your Trusted Traveler Number, essentially the PASS ID mentioned above.

Further research indicated that it may only be valid for reservations made after the number is added to your profile.

February 26th (day 42): I left for a previously scheduled flight. Going through the Priority security line, I mentioned to the TSA agent performing the credential screening that I had submitted my PASS ID the previous day. She confirmed that the reservation must be made after the PASS ID is added for it to work. So, the normal Priority line for this flight.

March 1st (day 46): My Nexus card arrived in the mail. I was pleasantly surprised. It was less than a week since visiting the Enrollment Center. When it arrives, you must go back to the GOES web site and activate the card, similar to how you activate a new credit card. The card also came with a protective sleeve that prevents the RFID chip from being read while it’s in your wallet.

Friday, March 2nd (day 47): I booked a work related flight for two days later. During the booking process, I confirmed the Secure Flight Passenger Data screen did contain my PASS ID number.

Sunday, March 4th (day 49): When I went through the credential checkpoint, the device that scans my cell phone boarding pass now also displayed a “LLL” to the TSA agent (I believe that was it – but I only got a quick glimpse). I was directed down the Trusted Traveler line instead of the normal backscatter / magnetometer screening area. The Trusted Traveler area was MUCH faster and far more convenient. For one, there was only one other person in line, and I never had to wait for them as the process is too fast. I immediately noticed that there were no white bins – the bane of many a traveler. I was not required to remove my jacket, shoes, or belt, and did not need to empty paper or other items from my pockets – something the normal process requires. I was told to toss my wallet and cell phone into my bag. I walked through a magnetometer (metal detector), and waited MAYBE 15 seconds for my bags to go through x-ray. Entire time from the credential check point to past the entire security area was under 60 seconds. This was VERY cool.

Other than having an overly confusing enrollment process, it was worth the streamlined security line process. I look forward to seeing this rolled out into more of the airports that I travel through.

If you’re with another airline and have gone through the process, let me know your experience.

While implementing some Response Groups, I noticed that users who went to Tools>Response Group Settings in the Lync client would land at a page that said “You are not a member of any group. For assistance, contact your support team“. The happened for all users of all response groups. It’s critical that users be able to access this page, especially if they are agents of a response group set for a formal participation policy, as this is the page a user goes to to sign into and out of a response group.

I found some info by Drago Totev, who mentioned that some settings in the topology builder file are now case sensitive. The RTM and later versions of Lync require “urn:application:RGS” – notice the case, but some RC versions used lower case. This environment never had RC code in place – migrating from OCS 2007 R2 directly to Lync RTM code. I exported the topology to a .tbxml file anyways, made a copy for backup, and opened it in XML Notepad 2007*, and I searched for and found several instances of “urn:application:Rgs” (see screenshot below). I replaced all four of the instances of the lower case “urn:application:Rgs” with the upper case RGS version.

Then I re-imported the file into Topology Builder and published it. Once I verified that replication had completed via Get-CsManagementStoreReplicationStatus, I restarted the Response Group service on my front end servers.

After restarting the Lync client, going to Tools>Response Group Settings now takes the user to the correct page showing the response groups that the user is a member of.

 

Users now also see the notification in the Lync client notifying them they’ve been added to a Response Group:

* Note: Do not use Notepad to edit the topology XML. Doing so can result in system instability.

Recently, some testing on some new Exchange 2010 hub transport servers yielded some less than expected performance results. Processor utilization was much higher during sustained load testing of message throughput in some dedicated message journal sites.

A colleague worked to determine a solution, and came up with adding two keys and respective values to the EdgeTransport.exe.config file in [Exchange installation folder]\bin. This caused a substantial drop in processor utilization, but caused another problem – how to deploy this solution easily, in a repeatable fashion? We certainly don’t want to have to manually edit dozens of XML files across the production environment.

Our deployment method was entirely scripted, so I set out to find a way to incorporate the fix into the server provisioning scripts. Having not had to deal with editing XML files before, I did a fair amount of searching online, but had trouble with nearly everything I found. Obscure errors, and overly complex code had me just cobbling some things together until it worked. I finally came up with the New-AppSetting function below. It’s lean and mean, but it works.

function New-AppSetting {
	<#
	.SYNOPSIS
	  Adds keys and values to the EdgeTransport.exe.config file for Exchange 2010 	

	.DESCRIPTION
	  Adds user defined keys and values to the EdgeTransport.exe.config file for Exchange 2010 and restarts MSExchangeTransport service 

	.NOTES
	Version      			: 1.0
	Rights Required			: Local admin on server
	    				: ExecutionPolicy of RemoteSigned or Unrestricted
	Exchange Version		: 2010 SP1 UR6
    	Author(s)    			: Pat Richard (pat@innervation.com)
	Dedicated Post			: https://www.ucunleashed.com/1055
	Disclaimer   			: You running this script means you won't blame me if this breaks your stuff.
	Info Stolen from 		:	

	.EXAMPLE
		New-AppSetting -key [key] -value [value]

	.INPUTS
		None. You cannot pipe objects to this script.

	#Requires -Version 2.0
	#>

	[cmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess = $true)]
	param(
		[parameter(Position = 0, ValueFromPipeline = $false, ValueFromPipelineByPropertyName = $true, Mandatory = $true, HelpMessage = "No key specified")]
		[string]$key,
		[parameter(Position = 0, ValueFromPipeline = $false, ValueFromPipelineByPropertyName = $true, Mandatory = $true, HelpMessage = "No value specified")]
		[string]$value
	)
	[string]$configfile = $env:ExchangeInstallPath+"bin\EdgeTransport.exe.config"
	if (Test-Path $ConfigFile){
		[xml]$xml = Get-Content $ConfigFile
		[string]$currentDate = (get-date).tostring("MM_dd_yyyy-hh_mm_s")
		[string]$backup = $configfile + "_$currentDate"
		Copy-Item $configfile $backup
		$new = $xml.CreateElement('add')
		$new.SetAttribute('key', $key)
		$new.SetAttribute('value', $value)
		$xml.configuration.appSettings.AppendChild($new) | Out-Null
		$xml.Save($ConfigFile)
	}
	Restart-Service MSExchangeTransport
} # end function New-AppSetting

You call it via:

New-AppSetting -key [key name] -value [value]

such as

 New-AppSetting -key "RecipientThreadLimit" -value "20"

And it will add the key at the bottom of the list in EdgeTransport.exe.config and restart the transport service for the change to take effect. Prior to making the change, it creates a backup copy of EdgeTransport.exe.config for safe keeping.

One caveat – I didn’t have a lot of time to add some error checking or validation. The script does not check to see if the key is already present in the list (in our case, it’s not). So if you run the function multiple times with the same key name, you’ll end up with that key appearing multiple times in EdgeTransport.exe.config. I worked around this quickly in my script by using the following:

if ((Get-Content ($env:ExchangeInstallPath+"bin\edgetransport.exe.config")) -notmatch "RecipientThreadLimit"){
	New-AppSetting -key "RecipientThreadLimit" -value "20"
}

If I get some free cycles, I’ll streamline this a little more. But it works, and we’re able to continue deploying dozens of hub transport servers.