Using an iPhone with SBS 2003

iphone_emailYes, you’re on the right blog. Don’t freak.

Not too long ago, a customer with a shiny new iPhone called and wanted to get it hooked up to their Small Business Server 2003 server.  No biggie, right?  Well, POP3 is one thing, but little did I know then that IMAP on SBS with an iPhone was pretty much uncharted territory. 

It took a fair amount of research, lots of experimentation, plenty of help from
Eriq Neale [SBS-MVP], and an enormous amount of patience since the client with the phone was 500 miles away and we were doing this blind.  (Yikes!)

I’m happy to report that the iPhone does work with SBS using IMAP with SSL.
(Although Windows Mobile 5 or 6 with Small Business Server is still the preferred tool for mobile SBS Warriors).

Want to set this up for yourself?  No problemo – there are two phases:

Phase 1 – Setting up IMAP with SSL on the SBS box
(complete with screen shots).

"Configuring IMAP over SSL with SBS 2003 Standard"

Co-authors: Eriq Neale & Tim Barrett

http://www.smallbizserver.net/Default.aspx?tabid=266&articleType=ArticleView&articleId=231

As a reminder, make sure you open ports 143 (TCP) and 993 (TCP) in your firewall and forward it back to your SBS box.

These instructions are for SBS 2003 Standard.

UPDATE: Eriq has also completed the ISA version of the instructions for SBS 2003 Premium.

Phase 2 – Setting up your iPhone to work with SBS and IMAP
(complete with screen shots stolen from UW and modified).

Disclaimer: This document and what comes with it are provided as-is with blunt warning: Use at your own risk, buyer beware. You break your system; you own the resolution as well. We have no liability for what you do, or can’t do, or fail to do with this information. Your entire protection is to start over again with a protected backup, or from protected system. If you don’t want to accept this idea, please don’t use this document.

Create a New Account in iPhone Mail

  1. Select Settings on the home screen

    iphone01 

  2. Select Mail to start iPhone Mail

    iphone02 

  3. Touch Add Account, select Other and then IMAP

    iphone03   iphone04  

    iphone05

  4. Fill in your account information as follows:

      Account Information:

    Name: Your Real Name
    Address: username@domain.com
    Description: SBS Email (Just a suggestion)

      Incoming Mail Server:

    Host Name: server.domain.com
    User Name: username (Not domain\username)
    Password: yourSBSpassword

      Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP):

    Host Name: server.domain.com (:587)
    User Name: username (Not domain\username)
    Password: yourSBSpassword

    This page should now look like this:

    iphone08 

  5. Touch Advanced to configure security options.

    iphone09

  6. The following screen will appear.

    iphone11 

    I used the following settings for SSL on the iPhone:

    Incoming Uses SSL – On
    Outgoing Uses SSL – On

UPDATE: Props to Levent for reminding me that you need to make sure that both ports 143 and 993 open and forwarded to the SBS box. The instructions are in the whitepaper, but I didn’t have inbound 993 turned open in my initial configuration, which is why I couldn’t get the iPhone to pull down email via IMAP with the ‘Incoming uses SSL’ turned on initially. Thanks for catching that Levent!

So there you have it.  Thanks to Eric Neale for his amazing patience and Mac & SBS know-how!  And thanks to Susan for the link. 🙂

If you have suggestions or comments, hit the feedback button below.  And before folks ask, my "Running FolderShare as a Windows Service on SBS" is coming next.

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Cougar Beta 1 DVD is Here

The friendly DHL guy stopped by today, and he always brings the good stuff.

Today he delivered the Windows Server Code Name “Cougar” Beta 1 DVD.  

Windows Server Code Name "Cougar" Beta 1 May 2007

And no, I’m not leaking any news – CRN announced Cougar back in January.  But I am posting the info here to thank Kevin Beares and the Microsoft Windows Server team for listening to feedback and really working with the SMB community.  You guys rock!!

And if you haven’t done so already, you can thank the team yourself by filling out the SBS WW Community Survey – the deadline has been extended.  It takes 2 minutes to fill it out and they really appreciate the feedback.

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Invitation – Live TS2 and KYSBSUG Events Next Week

You know him and love him from the 2005 & 2006 SBS Tours, the 70-282 Exam Prep Series 1 & 2, and numerous webcasts and live events.  And once again, I’m happy to announce that our favorite Microsoft TS2 Presenter, Ronald Grattopp, is coming back to Kentucky!

  • TS2 Live Seminar – Lexington, KY
    Tuesday June 19, 2007
    Start time:  1:00 PM Eastern

    Venue: Regal Hamburg Pavilion 16
    1949 Starshoot Parkway
    Lexington Kentucky 40509
    Registration URL:  Click here

  • June 2007 KYSBSUG Meeting – Louisville, KY
    Wednesday June 20, 2007
    Start time:  6:30 PM Eastern

    Venue: Money Concepts
    323 Townepark Circle
    Louisville, KY 40243
    Start time:  6:30 PM Eastern
    Registration URL:  Click here

  • TS2 Live Seminar – Louisville, KY
    Thursday June 21, 2007
    Start time:  1:00 PM Eastern

    Venue: Cinemark Tinseltown USA
    4400 Towne Center Drive
    Louisville Kentucky 40241
    Registration URL:  Click here

More Details on the June 2007 KYSBSUG Meeting Next Wednesday!

This month Ron Grattopp will be joined by Tim Barrett, and they will be co-presenting a deep dive on Windows SharePoint Services version 3 (WSS3).  Come learn the best practices for installing WSS3 on SBS, shortcuts to deploy the “Fabulous 40” templates, and other tips and tricks on WSS3.

“How deep is this deep dive” you may ask?  We have over 8 hours of content on WSS3, so we’re prepared to talk about all aspects; from deployment, to extending, to business value.  (The event is only 90-120 minutes long, so we’ll cover the content that the audience wants to hear.)

As always, there will be excellent networking opportunities and Ron is bringing some cool swag.

This Live event is FREE to attend, but registration is required:
http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=119143

The venue is a little tricky to find, since it’s so new it doesn’t show up on most maps, but fortunately there is a map available on Map Quest:

Map to KYSBSUG Meeting at Money Concepts – 323 Townepark Cir Louisville, KY 40243, USA

And if you get lost, just call my cell (502) 817-3456 and I’ll give you directions.

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Major Website Upgrade Complete

Last year, after much prodding from Chris and Vlad, I made the switch from Blogger to WordPress for the website engine.  And there was much rejoicing!

Now, over a year later, I’m happy to announce that today marks another major upgrade to the www.nogeekleftbehind.com website. 

BEFORE

AFTER

Here is a short list of the changes and some of the new features added:

  • WordPress upgraded to v 2.2
  • Integrated Search (finally)
  • Instant Messenger Status
  • Snap Shot images (now you can see a website thumbnail before clicking on it)
  • Blog Calendar Navigation
  • Recent Comments Section
  • Flickr Pictures
  • RSS Feeds for iTunes and Podcast (NGLB Videos coming soon!)
  • Site is now PDA-friendly
  • Links for del.icio.us
  • New Theme (courtesy of Adam Walker)
  • Wider layout (helpful for wide screen LCDs)
  • And more features like Digg, YouTube integration and TS2 Events coming soon!

I hope you enjoy the update.  Please feel free to leave any comments or feedback about the new site and features! 🙂

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How to Web-Enable LOBs on SBS

Do your clients have employees and remote workers who want to access mission-critical line-of-business (LOB) apps that weren’t designed to work across the web?  Now they can, and you can learn how install it on top of their existing Microsoft SBS 2003 infrastructure:

Webcast #1:  Web-enabled Line of Business Applications Automatically with Small Business Server and Citrix Access Essentials

Event Dates:  4/10/20075/8/2007 or 6/12/2007 (same content)
Presenter: J.J. Antequino & Augie Gonzalez
Event Time:  1:30 PM Eastern, USA & Canada (DST) = GMT – 05:00
Duration: 60 minutes
Course Level: 100

Description:
Sure, we’d all love to have our line of business applications rewritten for the Web. But what can we do right now, quickly and inexpensively, while we wait on the original developer to pull it off? It’s actually pretty straightforward using Citrix Access Essentials software. And you don’t have to write a line of code. Learn what you can achieve for under $250 per user including Windows Terminal Server CALs.

Citrix Access Essentials enables small organizations to access their central business systems over the Internet from home, hotels, airports, customer sites, wireless hotspots and across firewalls. The software makes it possible for remote and mobile personnel to run line-of-business applications on a central Windows server as if right at the main computer site.

Webcast #2: Citrix Access Essentials and Small Business Server – Behind the Scenes

Event Dates:  4/12/20075/10/2007, or 6/14/2007 (same content)
Presenter:  J.J. Antequino & Augie Gonzalez
Event Time:  1:30 PM Eastern, USA & Canada (DST) = GMT – 05:00
Duration: 60 minutes
Course Level: 100

Description:
In Webcast #1 You heard what Citrix Access Essentials can do. Now see it from the system administrator’s perspective. We’ll start with a basic configuration that builds on Windows Terminal Services to get you off the ground, and then move into an advanced environment that kicks in must-have features for a rich, secure, responsive Web experience.  

Source:  Ron Grattopp – TS2 Presenter Extraordinaire

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SharePoint PDF Icon Tool Gets Even Better

acrobat_pdf_iconDoes your SharePoint http://companyweb site running on SBS 2003 or R2 still show missing icons for PDF files you’ve uploaded?  Tsk-tsk.

Solutions:

GOOD – Back in the day we used to fix this problem manually by uploading the 16×16 PDF icon, updating the XML file, and restarting IIS.  Tedious, but effective.

BETTER – Then in 2004 Chad Gross [SBS-MVP] created a cool ZIP / batch file to automate the PDF insertion process for Windows SharePoint Services 2.0.

BEST – Skip forward to 2007 and Chad’s super-handy tool has gotten WAY better.  The new version works with WWS 2.0 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0!  Chad’s rewritten it in VBS, updated the icon to a newer PNG, and it creates an output logfile at C:\pdficon.log so you can make sure everything went smoothly.  Mega sweet!  Download the NEW PDF icon tool and try it out today!

I carry it on a USB drive keychain with my other must-have utilities.  Getting a PDF icon to display in SharePoint has never been easier.  Thanks Chad! You rock!!

Source:  Chad’s Blog

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Win2K3 SP2 Live on Microsoft Update Today

From the SBS Diva via IM today:

Susan says (2:26 PM):
  btw give your gang a heads up
  win2k3 sp2 is on mu
  and there’s a “SBSers read this KB”
  that is not yet live
  yet the sucker is on MU right now
  they should have done it next week

Here’s the Service Pack she’s talking about…

DON’T install it on SBS yet!

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (32-bit x86)
Date last published: 3/13/2007
Typical download size: 120 MB

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) is a cumulative service pack that includes the latest updates and provides enhancements to security and stability. In addition, it adds new features and updates to existing Windows Server 2003 features and utilities. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

System Requirements
  Recommended CPU: Not specified.
  Recommended memory: Not specified.
  Recommended hard disk space: Not specified.

More information

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Eric and Tram’s Excellent Adventure

By popular request, here’s the saved Q&A from the MAPS webcast Wednesday.  Brace yourself:

(Questions of particular interest in bold.)

==========

1) Question: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Will Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Will Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 be included in the next Action Pack update (for use with Windows Server R2(?

Answer: the most recent update included sharepoijt portal server, as the contents are updated, you will see the product listed heree: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40013779

==========
2) Question: As a single user IT company, I support home users and small businesses. Over 60+ percent of my business is home users. being a single user I have a limited budget – but need to be proficient in home user software – particularly now all versions of Windows Vista — it would be extremely helpful if the Home & Ultimate versions of Vista were included in the Action Pack. Is there any chance of this?

Answer: Thakns for the feedback Bill – we are hearing this request and appreciate your taking the time to shrae it with the team here – this feedback is important so we can maximize the value of the MAPS offering for you

==========
3) Question: Can you provide a layman’s explaination of any licensing and use differences between SBS2003 from Action Pack, Certified Partner MSDN fulfillment, Empowerment MSDN and Technet Plus?

Answer: The Action Pack is valid for you to use to run YOUR business and use in your operations during the time the Action Pack subscription is active, the other offerings are provided for testing and development, not for production – hope this helps to clarify it

==========
4) Question: SBS 2003 R2 should really be in the Action Pack, it is listed in the first paragraph of the included letter, but was not included, the Technet people get it. Shouldn’t it be there?

Answer: Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Premium Edition, R2, in all supported language is provided in the current Action Pack subscription – if you did not receive it, pelase contact your MAPS Regional Service Center for a replacement

==========
5) Question: Do you have an idea what the current turnaround time is for questions submitted to the maps-na email address? I have an Action Pack subscription problem that I emailed in yesterday.

Answer: You should receive an answer within two business days

==========
6) Question: If MAPS does not provide software requested by its users, will MS provide NFR options to supplement those products?

Answer: Hopefully, the MAPS subcription will include the product you need – if something is not included, you can request it in a future shipment from the MAPs team

==========
7) Question: Why do the product key yellow tags not contain the product name that they are a key for. I have often gotted the dvd and envelope separated and had to do a trial and error guess to get the proper key with the proper dvd?

Answer: That is a great suggestion Bill!

==========
8) Question: How do you request products to be included in future shippments?

Answer: you can forward your reequest to your regional Action Pack Resource Center

==========
9) Question: What methods do you currently use to obtain feedback from partners on what should be included in MAPS?

Answer: We currently receive feedback from the Action Pack regional service center, as well as feedback posted into the partner managed newsgroups

==========
10) Question: I am a first year subscriber. When I renew, will I get the whole package, or just continue to receive updates. I have a couple of disks that got scratched…

Answer: Hi Stephen! You should get the contents listed here, then updates going forward (https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40013779)

==========
11) Question: what is the address of the newsgroups?

Answer: You will find the partner managed newsgroups (after logging into the partner portal) here: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/supportsecurity/technicalsupport/onlinesupport/newsgroups

==========
12) Question: Where do we report illeagle AP users

Answer: You can report them to the Action Pack Resource Desk

==========
13) Question: Which partner managed newsgroups are you referring to with respect to getting MAPS feedback?

Answer: The partner private newsgroups here: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/supportsecurity/technicalsupport/onlinesupport/newsgroups  – – the Partner Feedback newsgroup

==========
14) Question: When I asked if MS would provide NFR, I meant like the past where I could buy certain products NFR from wholesale houses…

Answer: The decisions to offer NFR products is not made by the Action Pack team, but if there are specific products you would like ot see, we would love ot hear about it

==========
15) Question: So there is not one specific newsgroup for MAPS?

Answer: not at this time

==========
16) Question:
With the Windows Upgrade Anytime that is offered in the Action Pack, my understanding that cost is on a PER PC basis. OK, but does paying that fee convert the license to a permanent status rather than a subscription basis?

Answer: yes – once you pay and receive the upgrade to Ultimate, you are under the Windows Vista Ultimate EULA and it is not tied to the subscription

==========
17) Question: I generally reformat and reload several of the desktops that have action pack software installed every 6 – 12 months just to clear out the accumulated junk and to make them runn faster. I have found that with the new upgrade Vista I can do a clean install without using the key and then do an upgrade to get a clean installation. Is that legal?

Answer: It is not recommended, but useful when you are using a system that will be formatted and reinstalled regularly.. it will eventually prompt for activation

==========
18) Question: Will the Windows Desktop Component be available in MAPS? We can’t show Bitlocker to clients. If not what about the inclusion of Vista Enterprise in Maps

Answer: The components of the various versions of Widows Vista re not transferrable from one version to the other

==========
19) Question: Is there currently any place where the information being presented and the questions being answered can be found in an “official” document?

Answer: The presentation can “Print to PDF” from your file menu – FAQ information will be added here: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016472

==========
20) Question: If I pay for the ultimate upgrade, is that for 1 Business to Ultimate upgade, or does it update all 10 of my licenses?

Answer: It is one upgrade per license, and it no longer tied to the Action Pack subscription

==========
21) Question: Vista Business is great for a business, but SYSTEM BUILDERS who also work with home clients/customers need other versions for Vista so they can talk with their customers about versions.

Answer: Have you looked at the System Builder benefits?

==========
22) Question: I’ve heard that Vista Business does not have the codecs for DVD. Is that true?

Answer: Vista Home and Ulitmate provide this feature

==========
23) Question: Thanks for the changes, allowing us to use prior versions in our business after renewal, critical to experience and test what our customers are experiencing. Also appriciate change to ppgrade only to be clear what licensing rights are and prevent piracy. Main feedback is that Bitlocker should be part of vista business, or be available as a separate upgrade at lower cost than going to ultimate.

Answer: Thanks Marco and Thanks for teh feedback – the development team selected the featurs for the various Windows Vista versions

==========
24) Question: Is it possible to get disks that have been damaged or lost?

Answer: Yes, you can call you r Regional Service Center to request a replacement : https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016492?PS=3

==========
25) Question: Whilst totally supporting MS cracking down on illegal users, switching the XP\Vista licences to upgrade only versions penalises the genuine legal users of MAPS. Perhaps tightening up on who can receive MAPS subscriptions would prove the best solution for Microsoft and its Partners.

Answer: Thank you for taking the time to attend todayand provide your feedback on it Al

==========
26) Question: He’s speaking too quickly and coming across garbled.

Answer: thanks Bob – I will let him know

==========
27) Question: can you repeat what eric said about ultimate not being in the AP please?

Answer: The target for the Action Pack is small and medium business – the best fit for the Windows Vista Business edition – maybe not a fit for ALL customers, but a best fit for most

==========
28) Question: If I upgrade my MAPS Vista Business to Ultimate do I get a DVD? If not, what do I use for re-installs?

Answer: Itis curerntly a download

==========
29) Question: i am a system builder upgrades are useless!

Answer: Thanks Jim – have you looked at the system builder offerings?

==========
30) Question: We often load OS and software for testing. We would REALLY like to ‘deactivate’ a license so we can use that license on a new or reloaded machine, up to our licensed limit.

Answer: i am not aware that this is possible at this time

==========
31) Question: When did the MAPS renewal price increase from $199.00 to $299.00?

Answer: The subscription cost is evaluated on a regional basis and maychange

==========
32) Question: Since there is no reduced cost for renewal, and the issue ends up being that the folder/binder gets full, etc. Other than the issue that you have to quit using the software, why not let your license lapse and then sign up for a new MAPS license and get a new full kit every year?

Answer: You can request a binder and should get on with your shipment

==========
33) Question: error on site link above “upgrade’,, Windows Anytime Upgrade is not available in your country/region at this time. You can purchase the edition of Windows Vista you are interested in at a Microsoft authorized merchant.

Answer: The offer is not valid in all regional areas

==========
34) Question: I am getting a lot of questions about what is included in the Ultimate Extras portion of Ultimate. So far it appears to be a simple game like 홈카지노 and a background. Is that all? How long will new Extras be created? Do I have to renew to get next years extras?

Answer: You will see info on the different versions of Vista on the Vista web site

==========
35) Question: wil there be a transcript available for this? or a replay type session for this?

Answer: There is a Print to PDF from your File menu, as well as a recording that you can listen to afterwards

==========
36) Question: post the 800 number again … my Internet audio is breaking up; ks.

Answer: 800-231-5712 pin 9469

==========
37) Question: I ordered Partner Demo Readiness Toolkit and it was due 2/04, but has not shown up yet — Anyone know if it is delayed due to supply?

Answer: If you do not see by end of next week, please give a call

==========
38) Question: When Partners have questions about the Partner Program and MAPS, which source does Microsoft deem as most accurate and “official”?

Answer: The Action Pack team is available for feedback at any of the regional service cetners: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016492?PS=3

==========
39) Question: Just some feedback. I still have not received my January AP. I have called about five times and each time I have received a different answer about when it was shipped or will be shipped and the way it will be shipped. I called last Friday and was told it had not shipped and was told it would be shipped via DHL 2-day on the 12th. Today I found out it was shipped via UPS Ground and will not be here until the 19th. Very frustrating that I got different answers and that the AP was shipped Ground instead of what I was told 2-day DHL. Is there any discussion about allowing MAPS to be downloaded instead of shipped?

Answer: Hi Rich – there is not a download option at this time, if you do not see your kit, please call to request a replcaement

==========
40) Question: So the Windows Vista Business Upgrade is a misnomer becuase you can’t upgrade from any other version of Vista, correct? Once all new PCs ship with Vista, there won’t be any case where you could actually upgrade to Vista Business.

Answer: The Windows Vista Business upgrade is a upgrade from the previous OS

==========
41) Question: It seems a little silly that we get 10 Terminal Services CALS and now Office 2007 will not run on it. Any plans to change this. Can we get a different license key?

Answer: please submit your request to a regional service center & the team will get your fedback/request: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016492?PS=3

==========
42) Question: Yes, understood. What I am pointing out is that I could not renew Action Pack nor can I continue as Certified as I do not have 2 MCPs on staff. Am I now penalized and denied the grandfather clause even though Microsoft prevented me from maintaining an active Action Pack subscription?

Answer: There are two offerings for each partner type. Without two MCPs on staff, you would still be considered a Registered level partner – please give the partner service center a call to get your partner account sorted

==========
43) Question: Do you have a link for the system builder offerings please?

Answer: my pleasure : https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016164?PS=3

==========
44) Question: You keep saying “have you looked at the system builder offerings?” What do you mean? I haven’t looked, but do I have other options via the SYSTEM BUILDER site? Thanks.

Answer: Please have a look here: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016164?PS=3

==========
45) Question: If I eventually get out of the MAPS program is there a tool I can run on my network to find all the MAPS installed software vs OEM, Retail, NFR from Microsoft events, and Volume license products I might have installed so I can see what I have to replace?

Answer: not that I am aware of

==========
46) Question: Since the old OEM offer expired, how can I get ahold of the new OEM offering?

Answer: Since it is no longer an Action Pack offering, you may get a similar offering through the EOM/System Builder benefits: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016164?PS=3

==========
47) Question: Why no X64 version in the MAPS?

Answer: It is not curerntly shipping in the Action Pack, but would be a great suggestion to send to your Regional Service Center : https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016492?PS=3

==========
48) Question: Is there a reason the response was sent as a private response?

Answer: not particularly – items that appear to interest the general audience are posted publicly

==========
49) Question: MSDN does not allow use in business righ, just testing?

Answer: corrent – not supportewd in a production environment

==========
50) Question: are there any plans to increase the number of server liscenses so we can run all of the products in the action pack on seperate systems ie: isa, exchange, SQL, etc. ?

Answer: not at this time, but there is Virtual Server that may help in this area. Please provide this feedback to the Regional Service Center: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016492?PS=3

==========
51) Question: So when you go from Registered to Certified, you have to pay a high annual fee AND you have to go out on the open market to get software to run your business?

Answer: Certified and Gold Certified partnesr are eligible for MSDN rather than the Action Pack. You will also have access to Volume Licensing as well

==========
52) Question: I did not get a Exchange 2007 in my Jan MAPS. Does that mean that SBSC’s should not try to sell Exchange 2007 to ne customers?

Answer: Exchange 2007 did not ship until December – to request this into an upcoming Action Pack update, please forward your request to a regional service center: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016492?PS=3

==========
53) Question: cant you block or not allow pirated licenses from avtivating rather make glabal changes that affect us all that abide to licensng agreement?

Answer: global offerings can have unintentional impact sionce the fferinga re not uniform across geographies. This is a complex subject and we would love to get your ideas in the Action Pack service center : https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016492?PS=3

==========
54) Question: I would like to see Trialware of ALL products so we can either install say MS Money to test ourselves or have something to give to a customer not ready for MSBA a product they can at least get a feel for. This would be helpful instead of having to hunt all over MS’s site for downloadable trials.

Answer: Thanks James – you will find many of the downloads by querying on the download site

==========
55) Question: Slightly off topic – latest UK MAPS update arrived OK but allthe content folder locking plastic d-rings were broken at the snap in point. May be something you need to look at for future releases

Answer: Thank you Al – please contact theservice center for a replacement

==========
56) Question: Is it possible to save the text of this chat Q&A?

Answer: not at this time, but the common Q&A will be added to the Action Pack FAQ here: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016472

==========
57) Question: i thought that certified partners got a MAPS like subscription with 25 licences (not 10) AND an full MSDN (gold was 100 licences).

Answer: Only registered partners can subscribe to the Action Pack

==========
58) Question: If I have to actually uninstall my SBS2003 server and 10 client workstations and laptops if I become a Certified partner and reinstall the Certificed Partner distribution I am going to stop any effort to become Certified. That is a ton of work and show not be reguired.

Answer: I can understand Bill – a part of the Action Pack agreement is that it is only valid while your subscription is current

==========
59) Question: You referred to an OEM system builder link, however all I see is the listing for Gold and Certified partners on this page: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/program/competencies/oemsolutions/40013349  Please since Eric just mentioned putting info on his blog about specific offerings being reference for registered partners in the system builders program.

Answer: rEric will add info on this to his blog for you all 🙂 http://blogs.msdn.com/mssmallbiz/

==========
60) Question: i SAID a maps LIKE program i dont remember what it was called but it was 25 licences.

Answer: It is the toolkit: Microsoft Certified Partner Program Toolkit: Your toolkit helps you get started in the program. It includes a membership plaque to display your Certified Partner status, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition with MSDN Premium Subscription, TechNet subscriptions, Sales and Marketing Toolkit, Technical Demonstration Toolkit, and more. Plus, you will receive updated resources through regular monthly toolkit shipments.

==========
61) Question: My system crashed and I had to reoot. I have lost the earlier question and answers. Is there any way to get those Q & As?

Answer: Information fro the Q&A will be posted to the Action Pack FAQ: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016472

==========
62) Question: If we take advantage of the MAPS Ultimate $139 offer, do we get an upgrade key or a full version key?

Answer: you will receive a download that will upgrade one copy fof Vista

==========
63) Question: Is there any way now or in the foreseeable future to get an ACTUAL stand-alone disc of Vista Ultimate through MAPs?

Answer: Please submit your request through your Action Pack Regional Service Center to make it to the team making the subscription updates

==========
64) Question: so if we were to upgrade 5 of our AP Vista licenses to Ultimate, we can free 5 licenses for use under the AP license agreement?

Answer: The 5 licenses that you upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate are yours an no longer tied to the Action Pack

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65) Question: I have been getting Action pack for over 5 years and I have let the actual binder contents get somewhat cluttered. Is there a detailed table of contents of what should be in a well groomed action pack kit?

Answer: Hi again Bill ! This will depend on what you find valuable int he kit – if you are using downgrade rights, you may wish to have those as your dcurrently hand binder contents and swap out the media as you are using/not using it

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66) Question: Can private schools subscribe to Action Pack?

Answer: Microsoft Registered partners can subscribe : “Registered Members are organizations with any level of expertise in Microsoft technologies who are interested in aligning themselves more closely with Microsoft.”

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67) Question: The webcast MOnday asked how many PC’s the subscribers were running in their business. At least one participant specified > 500!

Answer: that is an unusual case with Regsitered partners

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68) Question: I’ll send this suggestion to the RSC, but I’d like to say once again that Office Live Premium subscriptions should be part of MAPS (but maybe just as an SBSC benefit).

Answer: Than kyou David!

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69) Question: Re: Vista Business Upgrade – it’s an upgrade from previous OS, but not any currently shipping product, correct? In other words, in a few months when you can’t buy XP Pro anymore, what is the value of a Vista Business Upgrade since there will be no platform you can upgrade from?

Answer: it will upgrade any of the already installed operating systems that are technically able to upgrade to Windows Vista Business

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70) Question: Will any of the Live Q&A be available for download?

Answer: Sorry, Clive – but the most frequently asked questions will be available at the Action Pack FAQ site: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016472

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71) Question: With the upgrade anytime to Ultimate for $139, are we able to get a DVD and upgrade key? I do not want to upgrade to business then again do a online upgrade.

Answer: The $139 gives you an downloadable upgrade

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72) Question: Is there a maps type product for Dynamics CRM verticals?

Answer: Dynamics CRM 3.0 is included in the MAPs subscription, there is not a separate MAPs offering for Dynamics products

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73) Question: the bdd is a free download

Answer: – it is being recorded

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74) Question: You said”The $139 gives you an downloadable upgrade “, can that be burned for later use?

Answer: Thanks – Tram is addressing this now

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75) Question: what do you get when you download? Is it an ISO that I can burn and then reinstall later?

Answer: this was just addressed – thanks Alex

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76) Question: If I am supporting a customer that has a Windows XP system and they have partitioned their 120G disk into a 10G system partition and 110G data and applicatin partition. If they purchase VISTA Business Upgrade can I reformat and repartition their system into a single 120G drive to get the require space to install VISTA and install the Upgrade?

Answer: This is more of a technical questions tha I would request you post to the partner managed newsgroup s:)

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77) Question: can Eric some of the links discussed in the verbal discussions on the blog?

Answer: Thanks for hte request – Eric iwll review the Q&A and you can also Print to PDF for obtain the links from the deck

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78) Question: My interpretation is that the offer to upgrade to Ultimate provides me with an additional, mine to keep, license and in no way effects the 10 licenses in the AP. Is this a correct interpretation?

Answer: yes – it upgrades one of the Windows Vista Business licenses, but it is yours – even if your Action Pack subscription expires

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79) Question: The demo toolkit has a problem in that it will not run with LCD due to the refresh setting, and requires a reformat of the hard drive before install. It is not the fix for many demo situations.

Answer: That would be great feedback to the Technical Demo Toolkit team – they monitor a partner managed newsgroup “TDT” and would love to get this feedback there

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80) Question: So if I were a new Partner and just signed up with MAPS, I would have to purchase XP in order to get into my business testing? Taht is rediculous!

Answer: You could install on a system you currently have running Windows XP 🙂

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81) Question: Volume Tools – I’m not a system builder, just looking to save my volume customer’s time to rebuild crashed systems without me sitting infront of a machine for 2-4 hours

Answer: understand completely

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82) Question: So if a PC blows up, I have to install XP, then Vista business, and then run anytime upgrade again? Having the iso available for reimage would be better?

Answer: Thanks for the feedback Keith

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83) Question: When we receive our renewal kit, are we supposed to throw away our previous discs?

Answer: The updates are in addition to your welcome kit

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84) Question: Are we then licensed for 10 Win XP and 10 Vista?

Answer: The current contents are licenses for 10 Windows XP systems that can be upgraded to 10 Windows Vista Business systems

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85) Question: I would like to get involved with MS Dynamics accounting software to sell/support to my customers. Is there a way to obtain the software at a reduced cost such as we do with MAPS?

Answer: Although Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2007 (US only) is currently included, other products such as Great Plains are not currently included. You can contact MBS Dynamics VOICE team to info on obtaining other MBS and Dynamics products

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86) Question: TDT on the partner site has it’s last update in 2005. What is the URL for the current version? Old URL https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40024027?PS=95000140

Answer: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40024027?PS=95000140

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87) Question: If you get replacement computers can you take a reasonable amount of time to transfer the software and data from the old computer to the new computer if you are moving the license to the new computer?

Answer: yes – as you know your subscription is coming up to end, that is the time be get prepared 🙂

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88) Question: I’ve been listening to the remarks about piracy. But I’m confused why Canada got a full version of Vista but the US got the upgrade

Answer: the decision of the shipment contents are determeined by the team by geography

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89) Question: If using MAPS in Certified and Gold, is not allowed, then why was ultimate not included in MAPS. It appears that MAPS is only for Registered partners, but eariler it was stated ultimate was not included cause it would issues with the Gold & certified licensing. This makes the registered partners more in line with the home / small business enviorments.

Answer: The Vista Business edition was selected as a best fit for Registered partners and their customers in the small business space

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90) Question: Will there be a 64 bit version in the Action pack anytime soon?

Answer: Thanks Orlando – this would be a good request to send up to your Action Pack regional service center for an upcoming update: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40016492?PS=3

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91) Question: ok i have NOW have 10 x32 vista and 10 x64 XP.

Answer: there are 10 licenses per product provided

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92) Question: So if I have to reformat my Vista Ultimate machine. I would have to install XP, then use the Vista Business upgrade to install Vista. Then I would use my new ultimate key and it would install Ultimate from the Business DVD?

Answer: yes – at this time

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93) Question: Do we have a date for 64bit Vista?

Answer: no at this time

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94) Question: It was touched on earlier and with 50% of those listening being SBSC I think you can tell from the Yahoo groups that the SBSC’s would like to see some tools, added software, etc for the SBSC’s,

Answer: thanks James – the SBSC team is very intersted in your feedback and what you find valuable in the SBSC partner program

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95) Question: I don’t know if this was answered or not since I was disconnected several times. Is there information that steps up through how to do a clean install with the Vista Business Upgrade without loading the old OS first? When I tried it, I received a message stating that this must be run from an existing Windows operating system.

Answer: My understanding is that you can install without the product key to run for short time, but you will be required to activate

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96 Question: thanks guys great job !!

Answer: Thanks so much for joining us today!!!

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97) Question: Is it true? Canada recieved the full version of Vista.

Answer: Yes. The US and parts of Western Europe received upgrade editions of Windows Vista as it was determined that these areas were at higher risk for abuse and piracy of the Action Pack.

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70-282 Exam Prep Webcast PDFs

Quite a few people have asked where they can get a PDF copy of the slide decks for all 5 days of the 70-282 Exam Prep Series with Ron Grattopp and Bea Mulzer (Jan 8 – Jan 12, 2007). 

Here you go! 🙂

Thanks so much to Bea, RonKevin Clarke & the Microsoft TS2 Team for providing this webcast series for the SMB community!

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When AOL Blocks Your SBS Email

AOL is pretty much the bane of IT Pros existence.  Like garlic to a vampire, even the name AOL invokes a guttural response.  People devote blogs, websites and write songs about hating AOL (some songs as bad as AOL itself).  But, like Kmart, somehow AOL keeps plugging along.

So what do you do when SBS users complain that they can’t email their contacts / friends / mom / etc. on AOL anymore?  Cheer?  Well, I had an interesting AOL email situation today, and I’d like to share the experience with everyone.  Maybe this will save you some AOL pain down the road.

SBS Network in question:
One SBS 2003 Premium box, about 2 years old, ISA 2004 installed, completely patched, the only major change was switching ISPs about a month ago.  No major hiccups reported in the migration to the new iSP.

Reported Issue:
The SBS network users complains that any email sent to AOL users is not being received on the other end.  Users can get email FROM AOL, but can’t send it TO AOL.  Frustrations are high, people are fussy, yada yada yada.

It’s gotta be you:
I send a test email to a normal AOL user.  It bounces with the following error:

“There was a SMTP communication problem with the recipient’s email server. Please contact your system administrator. <domainxyz.com #3.3.0 smtp;554-: (RLY:CH)   http://postmaster.info.aol.com/errors/554rlych.html>”

Gut reaction:
In plain English, that error message means that some time in the past one or more AOL user clicked the “Um, I think this is spam” button and now this SBS box is probably on the spam list.  You’ve gotta love AOL users! 

1) Contacting AOL
On the  AOL Postmaster Contact Information page is a link to the Before you call page that wants you to have 3 things before you call:
 1) your IP address (Checked)
 2) make sure your reverse DNS is working (Ignored)
 3) your AOL error message (Checked)

I ignore #2 because I think “Hey, the dumb AOL user clicked the spam button – not me.  This is an AOL problem, not something on my end, right?”

So I call the AOL postmaster (888-212-5537) to resolve the issue.  They get my error # and IP address.  Then check my Reverse DNS and say that it isn’t setup for this IP address.  DOH!  Now I have to get that fixed first and then call them back.  I get my case number and hang up.

2) Checking Your Reverse DNS
First, I go to http://www.dnsstuff.com.  I enter the server IP address in the “Reverse DNS Lookup” box, and click RevDNS button.  Sure enough, there is no PTR record setup.  The test results says:

“No PTR records exist for xxx.xxx.xx.xxx.  (Neg TTL=3600 seconds)”

Thinking to self – “Oh yeah… this SBS box is on a different ISP now.  They probably didn’t setup the PTR” (smacks forehead).

M’kay.  So I double-check the AOL Reverse DNS Lookup tool at http://postmaster.info.aol.com/tools/rdns.html.  Same deal: 

RDNS Results
——————————
DNS Server Response:
NXDOMAIN

Failure! Unfortunately we were unable to resolve Reverse DNS for the IP address you entered. Contact your ISP or e-mail administrator to modify these settings. Also please note the following points:

  • AOL does require that all connecting Mail Transfer Agents have established reverse DNS, regardless of whether it matches the domain.
  • Reverse DNS must be in the form of a fully-qualified domain name. Reverse DNSes containing in-addr-arpa are not acceptable, as these are merely placeholders for a valid PTR record. Reverse DNSes consisting only of IP addresses are also not acceptable, as they do not correctly establish the relationship between domain and IP address.”

Okey doke – so we need a PTR record setup for this box.  No problemo.

3) Contacting the ISP (for a PTR)
I call the ISP (Time-Warner in this case), give my info and hang up.  I wait a while and a Tier 2 tech calls me back.  He sets up the PTR record on his end and now it’s just a waiting game.  Since the TTL is 3600 seconds I wait an hour and then check the Reverse DNS Lookup on DNSStuff.com

Answer:
xxx.xxx.xx.xxx PTR record:  mail.domain.com.  [TTL 7200s]  [A=xxx.xxx.xx.xxx]

Bingo!  I double-check the AOL page next – Success!

4) Setup a Feedback Loop Request (FBL)
The Postmaster at AOL mentioned that I should setup a Feedback Loop Request (FBL) after I get the Reverse DNS working.  In a nutshell, a Feedback Loop will forward any mail reported as spam back to a specific email address (more info on the AOL FBL click here). 

Example.  When Employee A forwards an internet hoax virus warning to AOL User B, and the AOL User B flags it as spam, the SBS administrator is going to know that people at AOL are manually kicking out some email.  Due to member privacy restrictions, AOL won’t tell you WHO complained, but the email from SCOMP@aol.net will let you know that you’re being reported as sending spam so you can take appropriate action on your part.

Note:  The best practice when setting up a FBL is to create a separate email alias, like feedback@domain.com or some other clever method (maybe a mail-enabled public folder).  Totally up to you.  Anyway, I setup the email alias on the Exchange server and I fill out the AOL Feedback Loop Request Form to setup the FBL.  Moving on…

5) Contacting AOL Again
I pickup the phone again and give the AOL Postmaster a ring.  They take the case number from Step 1 and check the reverse DNS.  It’s all good.  I give them the original email error number (554 RLY:CH) and they manually approve the server IP address.  Easy stuff.

The tech says it’ll take 24-48 hours before it bakes completely, so don’t expect any immediate action on the email front.  Think of it like domain name propagation.  Just hang tight for a day or so before telling everyone “The AOL email issue is fixed”. 

And your done.  You should be ready to email those AOL soccer moms and home-based businesses at will now. 🙂

6) Optional Final Step – Apply for the AOL Whitelist
If you email a LOT of customers that are on AOL, it may be a good idea to apply for the AOL Whitelist.  To be on the Whitelist you have to have Reverse DNS setup (duh), you have to send a minimum of 100 emails to AOL per month, and you have to meet some other conditions.  Like I said, it’s totally optional and not for everyone, but if you send a ton of email to AOL you may want to check it out. 

Footnote:  I do have to give some props by saying that the techs at the AOL Postmaster helpdesk were very professional and my wait time was minimal (under 2 minutes).  They called me sir more times than the kid at the video store.  And Time-Warner tech support wasn’t too bad today either (also under 2 minutes).  Nuf said.

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