When installing service pack 2 for SQL 2005, sometimes a bug presents itself where the installer needs access to some files that are inside the C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA folder. The bug is that these files do not have the correct permissions set. Even the Administrator does not have permission on these files. If you set the permissions for the data folder to the administrator being the owner, it will not propagate down into all the files. You have to go into each file in the data folder and make sure that Administrator is the owner and has full control of all of them. You then log in as administrator and the service pack will install successfully.

You know the situation… you’re keeping lots of plates spinning, multi-tasking, generally having a productive day when you look down and realize that you have 87 windows open on your task bar…the Windows Weeds. In my particular situation I was about to install a Proliant Support Pack (a conglomeration of driver updates approved by HP for a particular server model). The order of events was as follows: Read More...

PCWorld published an article yesterday titled "Holiday Travel Tips: Protect Your Laptop and Privacy" - http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/154676/holiday_travel_tips_protect_your_laptop_and_privacy.html.  It is a good and timely article; however, a few additional tips you might find handy include:

1. Cable lock your laptop anytime it will be out of your possession (in your car, hotel, etc.).  Cable locks are relatively inexpensive and provide an excellent additional layer of protection.
2. Encrypt any confidential information on your laptop - it is best to utilize full-disk encryption.
3. Shut down your laptop when you are not using it - some encryption software can still be compromised if a laptop is stolen while logged in or in "sleep" mode.

We hope you have a fun, safe, and secure Holiday season!

Computer Security Day (CSD) is a worldwide, annual security awareness event.  It started in 1988 to help raise awareness of security concerns and remind people to protect their computers.  CSD is officially November 30th; however, when November 30th falls on a weekend or Holiday, it is usually observed the next business day.  The theme of CSD for 2008 is "A Good Defense"

To learn more, visit the official CSD website at http://www.computersecurityday.org

There is a limit on how many rules you can create in Outlook.  This limit is actually based on how much space the rules take up.  The error message says “"There is not enough space on the Microsoft Exchange Server to store all of your rules", even though there is plenty of space on the drive, in the Exchange databases, etc.  According to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/241325, this is a limitation and applies to Exchange 5.0 through Exchange 2003 and Outlook 97 through Outlook 2002.  It looks like Exchange 2007 and Outlook 2007 are not affected.  That article has a few (virtually useless) pointers on how reduce the amount of space the rules take up.

Whilst troubleshooting an issue with a server, it was noticed that the link from one of the interfaces which should have been connecting at gigabit speed, was only connecting at 100 Mbps.  Both the server interface and switch interface were set to autonegotiate.  The server interface was reset, but it did not fix the problem.  A new cable was installed and VOILA!  Gigabit speeds.  Upon examination of the removed cable, which was a premade cable, it was noticed that two wires were switched.