Charlie’s Haus

Double post day =D 

I was having a problem with my SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) server syncing with the WSUS update point.  I just installed SCCM and am in the process of setting it up to take over the SMS 2003 server.  But no matter what I did, I couldnt get it to sync.  WSUS synced fine if I ran a sync from there, but SCCM wouldnt sync.  I checked logs and everything looked ok.  I had the SMS_WSUS_SYNC_MANAGER log open and the error was really helpfull: 

SMS WSUS Synchronization failed.
 Message: WSUS server not configured.
 Source: CWSyncMgr::DoSync.
  The operating system reported error 2147500037: Unspecified error

Unspecified error.  Real nice.  After playing with everything I could find on the problem, I still didnt have it fixed.  I accidentally closed that log and went back to open it up, and found the SMS_WSUS_CONFIGURATION_MANAGER service had errors.  I opened up that log and got a much better error:

SMS WSUS Configuration Manager failed to configure upstream server settings on WSUS Server “COLOSSUS”.

I went to my favorite problem solving site/forums ( http://www.myitforum.com ) and did a search and found the answer right away.  Did I mention I love that site?  (that site is why I know about and went to the MMS conference in Vegas)  So the problem was pretty simple to solve, and it only applies if you have your SCCM server and WSUS server on the same box.  Here are the instructions:

1.Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2.In Registry Editor, locate and then click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
3.Right-click Lsa, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
4.Type DisableLoopbackCheck, and then press ENTER.
5.Right-click DisableLoopbackCheck, and then click Modify.
6.In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
7.Quit Registry Editor, and then restart your computer.

Worked like a charm!  Hopefully this helps someone else.

Day 2 at MMS was awesome.  A little backlog to day 1 opening party, it was crazy.  Everyone was all about getting free swag from the vendors and getting food/drink.  It was pretty fun.  I managed to snag myself a myitforum.com button for the party tonight. 

Today I learned a lot of cool things.  I mostly attended sessions on SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager….aka SMS).  I somehow managed to be in Wally Mead’s classes all day long.  He is a good guy and very knowledgeable.  I got a good idea of stuff I will be implementing once I do the upgrade at work. 

I also saw a demonstration on the new System Center Virtual Machine Manager.  VERY cool.  You can manage both hyper-v and vmware servers from it.  They really have a good thing going.  You can provision new servers automatically if it detects a bottleneck, move servers from vmware to hyper-v with a few clicks, etc.  I cant wait to see the finished product.

They also announced a cross platform management pack for Operations Manager.  Now operations manager can get alerts from linux, unix, solaris and a few others.  It can also fix problems on those systems.  Like I said, they really are getting their stuff together!

Tomorrow is more fun sessions with lots to learn.  I have met a lot of cool people during the day, but nobody to hang out with at night (lots of people have their spouses here).  So I feel a little lame at night with nothing to do.  Tomorrow Im thinking of going out at night and taking some pics on the strip.  Gotta put the camera to use!

I found out about this software because of a MS press release.  The guy was actually hired by Microsoft, so he is now giving the software away free.  Its extremely awesome.  It basically lets you control all your media center features from a webpage.  Lets you record shows, see what you have recorded, see whats scheduled, view pictures and videos, and stream recorded shows and live tv!  This is the best software I have used for this functionality to date.  Combine it with a dynamic DNS service like no-ip.com and its way easy to use.  This is highly recommended!  Check it out!

http://www.asciiexpress.com/webguide/

I am finishing up my week long training at Inacom.  I was in the Microsoft Active Directory class.  Its been pretty boring, but mostly because the instructor isnt that good.  We have some cool people in class though and its fun just chatting.    Its always interesting to see how other organizations do things.  We did do a few things in class that were good to know, although hopefully I wont have to ever use them…heh.   Anyways, we should be done anytime now…just finishing up with a few extra things not technically in the class.

I was able to acquire an engine for my truck this week.  I picked up a 350 out of a ‘89 blazer.  It has around 110,000 miles on it.  I got it for a great price…..$300.  Hopefully I will be able to get it in soon so I can cross 1 of my vehicles off of my list.  Still not sure what to do with the Prix.  Its running fine now, but I dunno how long the torque converter is gonna hold up. 

The only question Im thinking right now is…….Whats for lunch? 

Today I sat through a licensing presentation by Microsoft.  It was to “clear up confusion” about the new licensing models.  I think its great that even Microsofts own employees who do this for a living get confused and dont know.  It got to the point where people stopped asking questions because they were in vain.  All I have to say is Microsofts licensing models suck.  If they simplified them, they could cut half their staff who works on the licensing, increase the price of the product, no more stupid CAL’s, and they would probably be just as well off.  Plus people wouldnt have to worry if they are in compliance all the time.   Unbelievable.

 Anyways, as much as their licensing sucks, they are about innovation, thats for sure.  Today at WinHEC (a computer geek conference) they showed off a new technology called Windows Rally. It basically simplifies connecting devices on your network, and allows them all to talk.  It was pretty cool.  I actually would love to get a picture frame with this technology.  It can do a slideshow from your Vista computer.  How cool is that.

Speaking of computers, I added a new section last week.  I will be updating it when I have a chance, but it shows some troubleshooting steps to take when your computer wont boot.  I plan on adding a bunch more stuff that I get asked all the time.