I have recently seen an error message appear during the first logon following a Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Below is information on how the problem manifests itself, the underlying technology (hardcore Group Policy knowledge) and how to work around... Read More
Configuring Chrome and Firefox for Windows Integrated Authentication
Windows Integrated Authentication allows a users’ Active Directory credentials to pass through their browser to a web server. Windows Integrated Authentication is enabled by default for Internet Explorer but not Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Users who use the... Read More
A smart alternative to SCCM
Are you looking for a smart and simple alternative to System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)? Specops Deploy automates the installation of operating systems, software, and applications in your Microsoft Active Directory environment. Specops Deploy extends the functionality of Group... Read More
Cannot Deploy Applications via Normal Group Policy Software Installation (GPSI)
A client ran into an issue that prevented them from deploying any application (including our Specops Deploy CSE) via normal Microsoft Windows GPSI. This was happening on a Windows 2008 R2 Domain and Windows 7 x86 clients, but I believe it... Read More
Keep your corporate golden image golden
Trying to keep a golden image up-to-date is a challenge many IT administrators struggle with. But it’s a necessity since updating the image with patches and settings means you shorten the time your users need to wait. There’s a... Read More
Add users to an Active Directory group based on user attributes
A while back I visited a company to help install Specops Password Reset. They wanted a Group Policy configured for password resets using SMS to be applied to users with a corporate mobile phone. All other users should be reached... Read More
Custom Attribute Mobile
Overview Specops Password Reset (SPR) leverages mobile devices for resetting passwords, and receiving new, possibly temporary, passwords from the Service Desk. When organizations choose to use Mobile Devices, the mobile numbers must be available to the Service Desk. SPR... Read More
Orphaned Deployments
I have been known to say “Group Policy comes without a this may be a career limiting configuration change you are about to make, are you sure!? message.” You can do a lot of things with GP that can cause... Read More
Passphrases: Why Should I Care?
Longer passwords are stronger passwords. It really is just math. The comic below shows the value. Stronger passwords are harder to crack and easier to remember. They increase security while improving end-user productivity and satisfaction. The following image is... Read More
Gpupdate Prof: Read Remote Registry
Gpupdate Professional is a remote management tool that allows a desktop administrator to manage his or her desktop environment from a single location. You essentially get a remote administration center for your client machines through a menu extension in... Read More