ESXi 5.5: How to install an update via SSH Online

In this previous post, I have explained how to install an update to ESXi when you are offline. Find below the instructions to use when your ESX host is connected to the internet: Login to ESX via SSH (e.g. with PuTTY) Run the command to allow the traffic to the Internet esxcli network firewall ruleset set -e true -r httpClient Run the command to install the update esxcli software profile update -d https://hostupdate.vmware.com/software/VUM/PRODUCTION/main/vmw-depot-index.xml -p ESXi-5.5.0-20140902001-standard Wait Read more [...]

SQL: How to rename a database, including file names

It happens sometimes that we need to rename a database. It is good to know that what happens behind the scenes is different from what you may be expecting. The SQL Server renames the presenting name of the DB only, but not the file names. To rename the files, you need to use the following script to rename the files of OldDB to NewDB. USE [OldDB]; ALTER DATABASE OldDB MODIFY FILE (NAME = OldDB, FILENAME = 'C:\...\NewDB.mdf'); ALTER DATABASE OldDB MODIFY FILE (NAME = OldDB_log, FILENAME = Read more [...]

SQL Server 2012 Express: How to get access to the DB when you have lost all passwords

It can happen that you lose all passwords or that you delete the users in a DB, so you have no access or limited access to the database instance. There are many articles on the Internet that talk about SQL password crackers or other strange methods (some cost you money) to sort this out, but there is a much better and simpler method. For this to work, you need access to the server console (for example via RDP). The trick is to activate and reset the password for the sa account, then login with Read more [...]

SQL Server 2012 Express: How to install on a Windows 2012 R2 Domain Controller

While it is not recommended (mostly due to security reasons), SQL can be run on a Domain Controller. But the following 2 points have to be considered: The order is important: SQL can be installed on a DC. But a SQL server cannot be made a DC. So: DC first, then SQL You cannot use the following 3 accounts for the SQL service: Local Service, Network Service, MSSQL$SQLEXPRESS Although I used these guidelines, it did not work for me. Near the end of the install, when the SQL service is started Read more [...]

Windows Updates to avoid 2: Telemetry send loads of data to Microsoft

As I have already written here, Microsoft released a lot of unwanted updates for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 recently to promote the update to Windows 10. Now they want to get more data out of your system. By releasing a couple of "Telemetry" updates, they hope to get the same data from you as they get with Windows 10. In addition, these updates slow down your machine and use disk space. Here is the list you need to uninstall KB3022345 KB3068708 - Replaces KB3022345 KB3075249 KB3080149 To Read more [...]

Blackberry KB03112: BES 5.0: How to move the BlackBerry Configuration Database to a new Microsoft SQL Server instance

Last modified: 05-05-2015 Environment BlackBerry Enterprise Server 2.1 to 5.0 SP4 BlackBerry Enterprise Server for Office 365 Microsoft SQL Server 2000 SP3 to 2012 Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) Overview Confirm that the Database version is compatible with the Microsoft SQL Server version before moving the BlackBerry Configuration Database to a new Microsoft SQL Server instance. Refer to compatibility matrix at: BlackBerry Enterprise Server Compatibility Read more [...]

Windows Updates to avoid: Adware to promote Windows 10: KB3035583

On Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1, you might recently have got the update KB3035583. It installs folders and functions to promote the launch of Windows 10 and of course, it calls home to do that. See more details in this article. Luckily, you can un-install this update, or, if you have not installed it already, hide it in the "recommended updates" screen. If you are on Windows 7 and don't plan to upgrade to Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 you can also uninstall: KB2952664 KB2990214 KB3068708 Read more [...]

Windows: Schannel error 40 and Internet Explorer

When I needed to access a secure page (HTTPS) from Internet Explorer 11 on a Windows 2008 R2 server, I always got a "Page cannot be displayed" error. I could, though, access that page from another machine or another browser on the same server. Looking in the Event Viewer I saw: Log Name: System Source: Schannel Date: 05.01.2015 12:11:58 Event ID: 36887 Task Category: None Level: Error Keywords: User: SYSTEM Description: The following fatal alert was received: 40. Schannel error 40 means: Read more [...]

ESXi 5.5: How to install an update via SSH Offline

Download the current update (i.e. ESXi 5.5 Update 2) from MyVMWare. For HP Servers, download the special HP Version. Download the .zip file, not the .iso file. Copy the .zip file to the datastore via vSphere client. Login to ESX via SSH (e.g. with PuTTY) Run the command to install the update esxcli software vib update -d "/vmfs/volumes/datastore1/Install/VMware-ESXi-5.5.0-Update2-2068190-HP-5.77.3-Nov2014-depot.zip" Shut down all guests. Put host in Maintenance Mode. Reboot VMWare Read more [...]

Apple iOS8: How to download iOS updates manually

If you need to download the Apple iOS manually, do the following. Go to: http://www.ipswdownloader.com Choose the hardware model (e.g. iPad4 (GSM) Then download the .ipsw file (this can be 2GB in size or more). Place this file in the following directory (that's for Windows 7): C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPad Software Updates When you connect your iOS device to your computer and start iTunes, you can directly load the update. Read more [...]

My experience with servers, networks and gadgets.