Windows Server

Windows Server

Frozen Exchange Server? How to shut it down safely

Here is what I do on a frozen unresponsive Windows Server to help protect any active database application services that may be running on the server, like Microsoft Exchange or SQL.  These steps are worth trying before you initiate a dirty shutdown (turn off the server w 'the power button') 1) Open services.msc on a different server, then connect to the server that is going to be shutdown. Stop critical database services like the Information Store (it may get stuck in a stopping state, but its Read more [...]

Exporting SSL Certificate (.pfx) from Windows Server and IIS

Issue:  You need to export the SSL Certificate and Private Key from your Windows Server (IIS).  Note: these instructions are valid for Windows Server 2003, 2008 R2 and 2012 (IIS 6, IIS 7.5, IIS 8). Solution: You will export the certificate and private key using the MMC console 1. Click start > run 2. Type MMC and click OK 3. Click on File > Add/Remove Snap-in... 4. Select Certificates and click Add 5. Select Computer Account, click Next 6. Leave Local Computer selected, click Finish 7. Read more [...]