Network related issues - Tech Support - Common errors and FAQs

NETWORK FAQS

I can't connect to my network drive anymore?

Verify that the network cable is properly connected to the back of the computer. In addition, when checking the connection of the network cable, ensure that the LED's on the network are properly illuminated. For example, a network card with a solid green LED or light usually indicates that the card is either connected or receiving a signal. Note: generally, when the green light is flashing, this is an indication of data being sent or received.

How do I map a network drive?

Open Microsoft Explorer. From Explorer, click the Tools drop down menu and click the option "Map Network Drive." Specify the network drive or network computer as the folder. If the computer's name was hope, to map to that computer, type \\hope If you wished to map to a shared folder on the hope computer such as a mp3 folder, you would type \\hope\mp3. If a different username or login is required to connect to this computer or drive it must be specified in this window before clicking the finish.

How do I determine my computer's name?

Right-click My Computer. Click Properties. In the Properties window, click the Computer Name tab. Within this tab you'll be able to see the full computer name, workgroup and also a description. If you wish to change the name or workgroup, click the Change button.

Windows related issues - Tech Support - Common errors and FAQs

WINDOWS FAQS

How do I get into safe mode?

To get into the Windows 7 / 10 Safe mode, as the computer is starting up press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu". Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

I can't delete a file because it is being used by Windows?

Close all programs running on the computer and try again. If after closing all programs running on the computer you are still encountering the same issue when attempting to delete files, load the computer into Safe Mode and delete the files.

How can I update my Microsoft Windows computer?

If you are running Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 10, or a later version of Microsoft Windows, you are eligible to update Microsoft Windows, and in some cases, your computer hardware with the latest drivers through Microsoft's update site, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. In most cases your computer should be set to automatically update when a new update becomes available.

Is it safe to turn off a Windows computer without doing a shut down?

Users should not simply press the power button or restart the computer while Windows is still running unless there is an issue with the computer. Microsoft has included the shutdown feature because it enables a computer to go through all the necessary steps that are required before turning off the computer. In fact many versions of Microsoft Windows will check the computer for any problems if the computer is not shut down properly.

How can I recover a file from the recycle bin?

Double click the recycle bin icon on your desktop, here you will see all of the files within your bin. Select the files you wish to recover, right click and choose restore.

Printer related issues - Tech Support - Common errors and FAQs

PRINTER FAQS

My printer is printing smudged/distorted pages?

When printing on untraditional paper your printer may experience smudges, un-even or crooked text, and/or text that runs off the edges of the paper. Your printer may be printing fuzzy, blurry, and/or other faint text because of dirty print heads. All modern printers have some type of printer cleaning, self-test, and/or diagnose mode that can be performed to check and clean the printers print heads and other internal equipment used to print.

How do I fix a paper jam?

Turn off the printer. Inspect the location or tray the printed paper ejects to. If the stuck paper is visible manually remove it. Remove all paper trays and any paper that may be stuck between the tray and the printer. If the stuck paper is visible manually remove it. Open the printer door that allows you access to the printer ink cartridges or toner and look for any stuck paper. If the stuck paper is visible manually remove it. Turn the printer back on.

I lost my printer installation disk, how can I install my printer?

Thankfully a missing printer installation disk or disc is not the end of the world and will not require you to wait until a new diskette or CD can be sent to you. Today all printer and other hardware manufacturers are providing downloads on the Internet to their software programs and drivers that are included with their products.

E-mail related issues - Tech Support - Common errors and FAQs

EMAIL FAQS

I am unable to send or receive email?

Verify that your computer is able to see the Internet and/or other computers to ensure that your computer is not encountering a connection issue, which would be causing your e-mail issue. Ensure that your Internet e-mail server or your Network e-mail server is not encountering issues by contacting either your Internet Service Provider or your Network administrator.

I can't receive any email attachments?

If the e-mail box is full of other e-mail messages, and/or your storage space is only a few megabytes, it's possible that the attachment being sent cannot be received. Often if this problem is occurring the person sending the e-mail should get a response back from your e-mail server indicating that your mailbox is full and/or has exceeded its allocated size. Because computer viruses and other malware are best distributed through e-mail, many e-mail service providers, companies, and e-mail programs prevent certain types of file extensions from being distributed or received through e-mail. For example, Microsoft Outlook protect its users by automatically disabling certain file extension types from being received in e-mail.

Are spaces allowed in email addresses?

Just like an Internet URL no spaces are allowed in an e-mail address. However, names can be broken up using a period; for example, John Smith may have an e-mail address: john.smith@example.com or john.s@example.com because no spaces are allowed in the e-mail address.

Mouse and Keyboard related issues - Tech Support - Common errors and FAQs

MOUSE & KEYBOARD FAQS

Why is my mouse acting erratically?

Users who have an optical mechanical mouse (most common mouse for desktop computers) are likely experiencing erratic behaviour because the mouse is not clean or is dirty. If you've cleaned the mouse and continue to encounter issues and this mouse has worked in the past fine unfortunately your mouse is likely defective. One additional test that can be done to help determine if this is the case or not is to connect the mouse to another computer. Otherwise we suggest replacing the mouse.

The wheel on my mouse isn't working properly, what do I do?

If you're running any version of Microsoft Windows and are encountering issues with the mouse wheel, first attempt to adjust the mouse settings through the Mouse Properties window. This window can be accessed by opening the Control Panel and double-clicking the Mouse icon.

How can I clean my keyboard?

The keys on a keyboard are only clipped on, with a knife or other thin object, carefully pop the keys off, this will allow you to clean under the keys as well as cleaning the keys themselves (make sure you remember where they went!).

Monitor Related Issues-Tech Support - Common errors and FAQs

MONITOR FAQS

There is no display on the monitor, what do I do now?

Make sure the monitor is on. If no power light (green or orange light) is seen on the monitor display try pressing the power button until it comes on. If your computer monitor was on and you stepped away from the computer and upon returning it was black, it's likely that the computer is asleep. Try moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, and/or pressing any key (space bar) on the keyboard to wake it up. Make sure that the monitor is connected properly to the back of the computer.

What do I do if the image on screen is distorted or skewed?

You may receive a distorted image when the cable is loose or defective. Disconnect the video cable going from the back of the computer and verify that no pins are bent, burnt or broken. Once verified re-connect the monitor cable. If the refresh rate is not properly set the monitor may have a wavy or an appearance that lines are going down or across the monitor slowly or fast, this may also cause a flickering affect. A distorted image can be caused by magnetic or other types of interference. Verify no speakers, fans or other magnetic devices are close to the monitor.

I get a 'no signal input' message, what do I do?

Verify that the monitor is properly connected in the back of the monitor as well as to the back of the computer. If the monitor appears to be connected properly, verify that a cable is not loose by disconnecting all cables that can be disconnected in the back of the monitor (generally the data cable cannot be disconnected). Next, disconnect the data cable connected to the back of the computer and then reconnect the cable. When connecting the cable in the back of the computer ensure the cable connection is tight. Most Computers will also have screw ends that can be screwed in to hold the connector in place.

There are black borders on my screen, what do I do?

If the resolution was recently changed it is possible for the monitor to not auto adjust or shift to the correct size. If this occurs, the resolution can be changed back to the original setting or you can manually adjust the monitor. If a black border exists on the monitor it can generally be resolved by manually adjusting the horizontal or vertical width. Because each monitor is different, the method of adjusting this setting will vary; consult your monitor documentation.

Computer related issues-Tech Support - Common errors and FAQs

Being in IT support we are often asked similar questions a lot of the time. We have therefore compiled a list of common questions and possible solutions to help aid you in solving your own computer issues. Please click on a section to the left to find faq's about certain areas of IT.

COMPUTER FAQS

My computer does not turn on, what do I do now?

First check the computer's power cord to make sure it is completely plugged into the wall socket. If you are using a plug strip, make sure it is completely plugged into the wall socket and that the power switch on the plug strip is turned on. Some plug strips also have a built in circuit breaker which usually looks like a black or red button near the power switch. Press the button to reset it and see if that solves the problem.

What do I do when my computer crashes?

There are many reasons why a computer may just stop working or "freeze". Most of the time there isn't much we can do about it, it is a fact of life that computer programs have become so complex that occasionally users will experience problems even when performing common tasks. When your computer no longer responds to keyboard commands your best bet is to restart the computer.

What do I do if my hard disk fails to work?

As with most computer errors, your first step is to shut down your computer and restart it. This will help you determine whether or not you actually have a hard disk problem. If the disk is severely damaged then your computer will probably fail to restart properly. If this is the case then contact MCWare IT Solutions, this is a job for the professionals.

MS Office & Mail Merge Training Topics for HR Professionals (Automobile Industry)

1. MS Word – HR Documentation Excellence

Core Skills

• Formatting professional HR documents
• Creating templates: offer letters, appointment letters, transfer letters, promotion letters
• Advanced formatting: headers/footers, tables, TOC
• Version control & document comparison (useful for policy updates)

25 Questions on Active Directory

1) Mention what is Active Directory?

An active directory is a directory structure used on Microsoft Windows based servers and computers to store data and information about networks and domains.

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft and used to store objects like User, Computer, printer, Network information, It facilitate to manage your network effectively with multiple Domain Controllers in different location with AD database, able to manage/change AD from any Domain Controllers and this will be replicated to all other DC’s, centralized Administration with multiple geographical location and authenticates users and computers in a Windows domain

2) Mention what are the new features in Active Directory (AD) of Windows server 2012?

• dcpromo (Domain Controller Promoter) with improved wizard: It allows you to view all the steps and review the detailed results during the installation process
• Enhanced Administrative Center: Compared to the earlier version of active directory, the administrative center is well designed in Windows 2012. The exchange management console is well designed
• Recycle bin goes GUI: In windows server 12, there are now many ways to enable the active directory recycle bin through the GUI in the Active Directory Administrative Center, which was not possible with the earlier version
• Fine grained password policies (FGPP): In windows server 12 implementing FGPP is much easier compared to an earlier  It allows you to create different password policies in the same domain
• Windows Power Shell History Viewer: You can view the Windows PowerShell commands that relates to the actions you execute in the Active Directory Administrative Center UI

3) Mention which is the default protocol used in directory services?

The default protocol used in directory services is LDAP ( Lightweight Directory Access Protocol).

4) Explain the term FOREST in AD?

Forest is used to define an assembly of AD domains that share a single schema for the AD.  All DC’s in the forest share this schema and is replicated in a hierarchical fashion among them.

5) Explain what is SYSVOL?

The SysVOL folder keeps the server’s copy of the domain’s public files.  The contents such as users, group policy, etc. of the sysvol folders are replicated to all domain controllers in the domain.

6) Mention what is the difference between domain admin groups and enterprise admins group in AD?

Enterprise Admin Group	Domain Admin Group
Members of this group have complete control of all domains in the forest By default, this group belongs to the administrators group on all domain controllers in the forest As such this group has full control of the forest, add users with caution	Members of this group have complete control of the domain By default, this group is a member of the administrators group on all domain controllers, workstations and member servers at the time they are linked to the domain As such the group has full control in the domain, add users with caution

7) Mention what system state data contains?

System state data contains

• Contains startup files
• Registry
• Com + Registration Database
• Memory page file
• System files
• AD information
• SYSVOL Folder
• Cluster service information

8) Mention what is Kerberos?

Kerberos is an authentication protocol for network.  It is built to offer strong authentication for server/client applications by using secret-key cryptography.

9) Explain where does the AD database is held? What other folders are related to AD?

AD database is saved in %systemroot%/ntds. In the same folder, you can also see other files; these are the main files controlling the AD structures they are

• dit
• log
• res 1.log
• log
• chk

10) Mention what is PDC emulator and how would one know whether PDC emulator is working or not?

The PDC Emulator (Primary Domain Controller) - This role is the most used of all FSMO roles and has the widest range of functions. The domain controller that holds the PDC Emulator role is crucial in a mixed environment where Windows NT 4.0 BDCs are still present.

PDC Emulators: There is one PDC emulator per domain, and when there is a failed authentication attempt, it is forwarded to PDC emulator.  It acts as a “tie-breaker” and it controls the time sync across the domain.

These are the parameters through which we can know whether PDC emulator is working or not.

• Time is not syncing
• User’s accounts are not locked out
• Windows NT BDCs are not getting updates
• If pre-windows 2000 computers are unable to change their passwords

11) Mention what are lingering objects?

Lingering objects can exists if a domain controller does not replicate for an interval of time that is longer than the tombstone lifetime (TSL).

12) Mention what is TOMBSTONE lifetime?

Tombstone lifetime in an Active Directory determines how long a deleted object is retained in Active Directory.  The deleted objects in Active Directory is stored in a special object referred as TOMBSTONE.  Usually, windows will use a 60- day tombstone lifetime if time is not set in the forest configuration.

13) Explain what is Active Directory Schema?

Schema is an active directory component describes all the attributes and objects that the directory service uses to store data.

14) Explain what is a child DC?

CDC or child DC is a sub domain controller under root domain controller which share name space

15) Explain what is RID Master?

RID master stands for Relative Identifier for assigning unique IDs to the object created in AD.

16) Mention what are the components of AD?

Components of AD includes

• Logical Structure: Trees, Forest, Domains and OU
• Physical Structures: Domain controller and Sites

17) Explain what is Infrastructure Master?

Infrastructure Master is accountable for updating information about the user and group and global catalogue.

source

18) What is LDAP and how the LDAP been used on Active Directory(AD)?

 http://www.windowstricks.in/ldap-and-ldap-query

19) What is Schema?

Active directory schema is the set of definitions that define the kinds of object and the type of information about those objects that can be stored in Active Directory

Active directory schema is Collection of object class and there attributes

Object Class = User

Attributes = first name, last name, email, and others

Can we restore a schema partition?

http://www.windowstricks.in/2014/01/can-i-restore-schema-partition.html

20) Tel me about the FSMO roles?

Flexible Single Master Operation

Schema Master

Domain Naming Master

Infrastructure Master

RID Master

PDC

Schema Master and Domain Naming Master are forest wide role and only available one on each Forest, Other roles are Domain wide and one for each Domain

AD replication is multi master replication and change can be done in any Domain Controller and will get replicated to others Domain Controllers, except above file roles, this will be flexible single master operations (FSMO), these changes only be done on dedicated Domain Controller so it’s single master replication

21) Tel me about Active Directory Database and list the Active Directory Database files?

NTDS.DIT

EDB.Log

EDB.Che

Res1.log and Res2.log

All AD changes didn’t write directly to NTDS.DIT database file, first write to EDB.Log and from log file to database, EDB.Che used to track the database update from log file, to know what changes are copied to database file.

NTDS.DIT: NTDS.DIT is the AD database and store all AD objects, Default location is the %system root%\nrds\nrds.dit, Active Directory database engine is the extensible storage engine which us based on the Jet database

EDB.Log: EDB.Log is the transaction log file when EDB.Log is full, it is renamed to EDB Num.log where num is the increasing number starting from 1, like EDB1.Log

EDB.Che: EDB.Che is the checkpoint file used to trace the data not yet written to database file this indicate the starting point from which data is to be recovered from the log file in case if failure

Res1.log and Res2.log:  Res is reserved transaction log file which provide the transaction log file enough time to shutdown if the disk didn’t have enough space.

22) What is use Active Directory Partitions? And

How to find the Active Directory Partitions and there location?

Schema Partition – It store details about objects and attributes. Replicates to all domain controllers in the Forest

DN location is CN=Schema,CN=Configuration,DC=Domainname, DC=com

Configuration Partition – It store details about the AD configuration information like, Site, site-link, subnet and other replication topology information. Replicates to all domain controllers in the Forest

DN Location is CN=Configuration,DC=Domainname,DC=com

Domain Partitions – object information for a domain like user, computer, group, printer and other Domain specific information. Replicates to all domain controllers within a domain

DN Location is DC=Domainname,DC=com

Application Partition – information about applications in Active Directory. Like AD integrated DNS is used there are two application partitions for DNS zones – ForestDNSZones and DomainDNSZones, see more