Update Manager fails with “SQL installation was not successful”

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Issue: Installing VMWare Update Manager with embedded Microsoft SQL 2012 database fails with error "SQL installation was not successful" Cause: Your server must meet the system requirements of Microsoft SQL 2012 Express.  If you're running Windows 2008 R2 you must have Service Pack 1.  If you're running Windows 2008 then you need Service Pack 2. Additional: If you attempt to install SQL 2012 Express manually by downloading from Microsoft, it will give more error output.  In my case it complained Read more [...]

IP-based AUTD failed to initialize, Error 0x80004005

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Issue:  You are experiencing timeout issues migrating email from Exchange 2003 using MigrationWiz Circumstances: You observe the following event errors: Event Type: Error Event Source: Server ActiveSync Event ID: 3015 Description: IP-based AUTD failed to initialize because the processing of notifications could not be setup.  Error code [0x80004005].  Verify that no other applications are currently bound to UDP port [2883], or try specifying a different port number. Event Type: Error Event Read more [...]

free up space on servers with small C drives

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If you have the option of expanding the C drive, that's often the quickest way to get back up and running, but is often only possible in virtualized environments.  If you're reading this, that's probably not an option for you.  This article was originally intended for physical servers that were built with small C drives, however it can also be useful when you need to free up some disk space quickly in order to get a server back up and running. Quick ways to clear some C space: Run Disk Cleanup, Read more [...]

Proper way to install Windows (or other) OS on Dell PowerEdge Server

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If you have an 11G or newer Dell Server (for example R61x, R71x, R81x) then you should use the Dell LifeCycle Controller: Step 1) Update the LifeCycle controller OS drivers pack: The Dell LifeCycle controller keeps a set of up to date drivers that will be used by the operating system during install. Step 2) Install the OS: launch the Dell LifeCycle Controller, select the OS you wish to install and follow the onscreen instructions.  The LifeCycle controller will slipstream Dell drivers into the Read more [...]

How to decline a Windows Update via WSUS

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Issue: You need to decline or exclude an update from WSUS, for example the bad MS Outlook Update KB3114409. Background: Declining an update will stop it from being deployed to desktops and servers associated by WSUS (Windows Server Update Services). What is WSUS: WSUS is an in-house Windows Update Server that machines will use to download updates, rather than reaching out to Microsoft directly.  This repository saves bandwidth and allows granular control via policies in terms of what updates Read more [...]