Sometimes, if you can't use the graphical Event Viewer (e.g. on Windows Server Core), it is handy to list the latest Event Viewer entries via Powershell:
Get-EventLog System -Newest 10 | fl
or
Get-EventLog Application -Newest 10 | fl
This is also much quicker than starting Event Viewer.
When I wanted to install CU11 for Exchange 2016, at the Prerequisites Check, I got the following error message:
"There is a pending reboot from a previous installation of a Windows Server role or feature."
I restarted the server twice, but still got the same message. After messing around with some registry keys and still no luck, I looked at the error message in more detail. The key part is "installation of a Windows Server role or feature". So this was not talking about a normal pending reboot
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You can use the following command line to test an NTP Time Server (Telnet over port 123 does not work as it is using TCP and NTP servers use UDP):
w32tm /monitor /computers:pool.ntp.org
"pool.ntp.org" is just an example, you can use any other time server.
If you need to synchronize the time via the Internet on a Windows Server, it is best to configure this via command line. Find below the commands you need (Open CMD as Administrator):
w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:"pool.ntp.org" /reliable:YES /update
w32tm /config /update
w32tm /resync
"pool.ntp.org" is just an example, of course you can use other time servers.
If you are not sure if the time of your Windows Server or Client is synchronized properly or if you would like to know which is the time source, you can use the following command lines (Start cmd with Administrator privileges):
net start w32time
w32tm /resync
w32tm /query /status
You should see something like this:
C:\Users\Administrator>w32tm /query /status
Leap Indicator: 0(no warning)
Stratum: 2 (secondary reference - syncd by (S)NTP)
Precision: -6 (15.625ms per tick)
Root
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To avoid the picture on the Win Server Lock and Logon Screen, use the following procedure:
Start the Group Policy Editor: gpedit.msc
Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization
Open Force a spcific default lock screen and logon image
Enable it and set the path to the lock screen image to:
C:\Windows\Web\Screen\img105.jpg
Tick Turn off fun facts
Click on OK to save the changes
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My experience with servers, networks and gadgets.
