Install error: OffCAT doesn’t install on Windows Server 2012 R2…. really?

Earlier I talked about OffCAT in-detail which helps to find out any known issues with Microsoft Office suite/apps. Based on this one of my customer tried and reported when they tried downloading from Microsoft downloads, running OFFCAT utility’s setup/.msi on their Windows Server 2012 R2; it doesn’t let them to install it. During the debugging we noticed the setup throws the following error:

   

If you look at the error, it will provide you the pointers how to install – “it needs to be installed with elevated permissions on Windows Server”. We tried the following steps to over the come the issue.
– Tried saving the .MSI file in their physical drive
– Open an elevated prompt or run the .msi file with elevated permissions/as Administrator
– Now we see that OffCAT utility installed without any issue.

Hope this helps.

Registration starts – Redmond Interoperability Protocols Plugfest 2014!!

Microsoft-hosted protocol plugfests provide software developers with the opportunity to learn more about the Microsoft protocols and to test their implementations of the Microsoft Open Specifications. Hosted on the Microsoft Redmond campus, each plugfest focuses on a specific task or technology area. Presentations are conducted by Microsoft engineers, who are also available for one-on-one and group discussions and to provide necessary assistance with configuration and running of the interoperability tests.  Testing includes the use of protocol test suites that help evaluate whether an implementation’s protocol communications conform to the relevant Microsoft Open Specifications.

This time the Windows Server, Office and SQL Interoperability Teams are hosting a five day event at the Microsoft Redmond Campus. The event will cover topics such as; Windows File Sharing, SharePoint, Exchange, and SQL protocols.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:
– Listen to presentations from Microsoft Subject Matter Experts
– Windows, SharePoint, Exchange and OData session tracks 
– Meet with members of the Microsoft product teams
-Leverage “internal” protocol test tools to test protocol implementations
-Provide feedback on Microsoft’s Open Specification documentation
-Get answers directly from our product teams and Microsoft Support

Hurry, you can Register book your clicking the link. On a first come, first serve basis, the first companies to register that plan to test will be provided with a private office/lab for use during the event (these fill up quickly)!!

Note:
The event starts @ Monday, June 16, 2014 9:00 AM and Ends @ Friday, June 20, 2014 7:00 PM; 
Time zone: (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) ;
Location: Microsoft Building 25 , Microsoft Redmond Main Campus

DNS Issue: Cannot join domain–Windows Server 2008 R2 Server

Recently I tried joining my Windows Server 2008 R2 with the targeted domain controller (as part of new Exchange install), but it thrown the following error:

In order to move ahead, I tried the following step to move ahead… Try temporarily setting the IP address of domain controller as your first DNS server or Preferred DNS Server, join the domain (later you can change the DNS Server setting back).

Here it goes:
Step 1: In Windows Server 2008 R2 > View Network Connections > Network Connection > Active Connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4) > Preferred DNS Server > Update the IP address of primary domain controller > OK
Step 2: Now try join your domain. (In addition, after successful joining domain, I change DNS servers back to earlier). It made the trick.

Enjoy!!

Download: Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate (RC)

Now you can download and try the next release of Windows Server, Windows Server 2012, will offer businesses and hosting providers a scalable, dynamic, and multitenant-aware, cloud-optimized infrastructure. It securely connects across premises and helps IT Professionals to respond to business needs faster and more efficiently.

+ Download the 64-bit ISO: GET STARTED NOW

+ Download the VHD: GET STARTED NOW

+ Register: Register to access technical product resources—forums, solution accelerators, white papers and webcasts—at the Windows Server 2012 RC Resource Page.