First go to Administrative Tools on a Windows Server and open Event Viewer. There are many categories in the Event Viewer depending on what is installed on your server. We will focus on Application, Security and System for now.

Windows Server 2008 Event Viewer

There are 3 types of events, Informational, Warning and Error for each category.

Most of the time the Information events are things to be aware of, but do not require action. An example of an Information event from the Application Log is Event ID 1704. This is stating that Group Policy Objects have been applied. Good information to know and no action required.

Windows Server Event Viewer Application Information Logs

A Warning event is something to be aware of, look into and potentially act upon. An example of a warning from the System Log is Event ID 36. This warning event is one that is very important to be aware of and may actually require attention. It indicates that the Time Service has not synchronized in a certain amount of time. This may not sound important in the very beginning, but a Windows Domain requires Time Synchronization for many services to function. If the event is continually logged than action will be required. A slight delay in Time Sync can happen from time to time.

Windows Server 2008 Event Viewer System Warning Logs

An Error event is usually something that requires immediate attention and may be prohibiting the server from function normally. One example of an error message taken from the System Log is Event ID 1059. This error is referring to the DHCP Server not being Authorized. Definitely an important message to pay attention to, however this may not be an emergency. If a server has DHCP installed, but is not authorized because another server or device handles DHCP then this message can be ignored. If it is the only source for DHCP than attention is necessary.

Windows Server Event Viewer System Error Logs

Another example of an error taken from the System Log is Event ID 5719. This is normally a critical error indication some type of network problem because the computer could set up a secure session with a Domain Controller. This will in most cases require immediate attention.

Windows Server Event Viewer System Error Logs

These are just a few among many Events from a Windows Server 2008 Event Viewer. To be an effective IT Professional you must know your environment; be aware of what services are installed on your network and what systems they reside on. Look at the logs each day to know what is going on within the environment. It’s all right there at your finger tips.

USB brought us the world of Plug and Play simplicity and with the ability to effortlessly install devices, the peripherals market exploded. Now you can use anything from webcams to coffee warmers and even charge your phone via USB. But what happens when USB goes awry? What happens when your devices won’t install the way they should? Allow me to suggest a solution to a woe you may be experiencing.

Generic USB devices rely on basic drivers that Microsoft builds directly into Windows. This driver is referred to as USBStor, short for USB Storage. Need to use a mouse, keyboard, external hard drive or various other common USB devices? USBStor has you covered on the driver front.  Unfortunately, USBStor can get corrupted just like any other driver on your computer. Where is the disc to reinstall the driver when that happens, you might ask? That’s the beauty of USBStor, you don’t need one. Read on.

Here’s a common example of when USBStor is corrupted. You plug your device in and are immediately greeted with Windows asking for an administrator username and password to install the device. Every time you plug a device in, the same thing happens. You’re either in a position to continue entering the administrator password or you’re fed up and want to use your devices as effortlessly as they were intended. You can resolve this issue by re-creating the USBStor drivers on your computer. Here’s how! If you’re not big on step-by-step processes, I’ve created a script that will automate the whole process that can be downloaded at the end of the article for your convenience.

1. Open control panel –> Administrator Tools –> Services (shortcut: Windows+R, services.msc)

2. Right click Cryptographic Services and Stop it

3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 and delete the catroot2 folder

4. Go back to the Services window, right click Cryptographic Services and Start it

5. Plug in your USB device

Here’s the script to automate the process, as promised: *script link*

Step 1 – Reboot

Rebooting your computer can solve a variety of problems including a frozen computer, unresponsive programs and wierd error messages. Rebooting can also free up resources on your computer to make it run faster. Even as IT Professionals, rebooting a computer is typically our first step for resolving most computer issues.

To reboot your computer, click the start button and choose Shut Down. After the display turns black, power the computer back on by pressing the Power button on the front of the computer tower.

If the start button is innaccessible due to a frozen computer or other issue, pressing and holding the Power button on the computer tower for 5-10 seconds can shut the computer down as well, although this method should only be used in cases where the first method is completely inaccessible.

Step 2 – Duplicate the Issue

After your computer has been rebooted, it’s time to see if the problem has been resolved. Please check the status of the issue by trying to duplicate exactly how you originally encountered the problem. If the issue cannot be duplicated, IT Support generally considers the issue resolved. Is the issue intermittant? Does it happen only once in a while? Please let us know and we’ll revisit the issue as it occurs. The key is to contact support as the issue happens.

Step 3 – Document the Procedure

Gathering information about the problem is best way to have your issue resolved quickly. The more information you gather, the faster your issue will get resolved. What task are you trying to accomplish? What application(s) are you using? What steps do you go through that yield a problem? What do the error messages say when the pop up? Having this information readily available allows us to cut directly the heart of the issue and immediately begin implementing solutions.

Step 4 – Determine the Urgency

Is this problem an annoyance, critical to the function of your job or somewhere in between? Please determine a timeframe for when this issue needs to be resolved. The level of urgency will let you know if a call to our support line is necessary or if a ticket can be submitted via email to our helpdesk system. Regardless of the urgency determined, please make it clear as you contact us so we can best manage our resources in assisting you.

I would open a dialog with the owner of the IT services company. If the owner does not take your concerns seriously or the staff doesn’t step up their service after your conversation, then its time to begin your transition.

It sounds like there’s a trust issue, so quietly gather your documentation and ensure you have administrative access to all of your systems. If you don’t have a handle on what systems your company has, or how to access them, you might want to consider bringing in a professional to perform a network audit, develop a plan and execute a graceful migration. If you do bring someone in, make sure they understand the delicacy of the situation.

Regardless of if you transition to another provider, you should have full documentation of all of your systems. If your service provider is withholding information or does not share all of their client data with you, it’s time to have a frank conversation with them about transparency.

Hope this helps. We handle transitions all the time, just shoot me a message if you have any specific questions or concerns.

1. Start your browser and try to visit any website.
   • If you are unable to access the website, this means that the connection is not alive.
2. Try restarting your cable modem or DSL modem.
3. If you use a wireless connection, try to restart the wireless router.
4. You can also contact Front Desk Los Angeles Tech Support to get the necessary help to fix the problem or contact your Internet service provider (ISP).

Advanced:

Make sure you have the correct IPS scheme for the particular network. This includes: IP address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, DNS servers. There are few ways to find out what IPS address was assigned.

1. Windows 2000/Vista/Xp->Start ->Run->CMD. Run IPCONFIG/All
2. On the screen the IP address would be displayed along with many other numbers.
3. If you have a router, the common examples of IP address is like: 192.168.0.x, 192.168.1.x or 10.0.0.x
4. If your computer is directly connected to the cable modem or DSL, the IP address will be there which will correspond to the information provided by ISP.
5. Once, the IP address is found out, the next piece of information that is required is the Subnet Mask. The most common Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0.
6. Make sure to have the correct IP address for Default Gateway. If it is with router, then it might have the IP address of the router only.
7. DNS servers can also be similar to the Gateway IP.

There can be few possible reasons for not getting the correct IP address like:

1. One may have a defective cable, port or network card on the router. One needs to make sure that all the components are in working condition.
2. The other possible reason might be that the router might not be configured to DHCP.

You can also double check if the router is properly connected to the internet. You can check the status of the router with the help of web browser. One can also turn off the power of the cable modem/DSL & the router for a minute and reconnect after a minute or so and then restart the computer.

In case you are not able to get the internet connection working, contact either your ISP or Front Desk Tech Support to help fix the problem.

1. Click here
2. Then click "Sign up now"
3. On the left hand side, plug in a domain name you’re interested in registering
4. Once you find an available address, then you can finish signing up for an account
5. Once you have signed up for an account, please email us the username and password (or just forward the welcome email) and we’ll take it from there

Find a micro fiber cloth & alcohol-free electronic cleaning solution and follow the steps below (this can also be used for PC laptops):

1. First remove the battery from the MacBook. This is done to prevent electrical damage.
2. After this, put some of the cleaning solution on the micro fiber cloth.
3. Fold the micro cloth into a square, so that one side can be used for holding the solution and the other for drying the cleaning solution.
4. Clean the front side of the (mac and pc) in the small circular motions to make sure that the water marks are not left on the mac and PC.
5. After this step, open the computer and follow the same steps to clean the keyboard. Do not forget to clean the space bar as this is the most used along with the palm rest & track pad.
6. Clean the bottom of the Mac too, though it will not be as dirty as the front.
7. After this step, you can replace the battery and resume your work.

The screens of both Macs and PCs can be cleaned in the following manner:

1. Purchase or make a mild alcohol-free cleaning solution. The best way is to use distilled water (plain) or use a solution of 50:50 of distilled water and white vinegar if heavy cleaning is required.
2. You can put this solution in a spray bottle. Make sure that you do not directly spray on the screen.
3. A little amount of this solution is put on the cotton cloth (microfiber or any old t shirt can also be used). Make the cloth only moist, not wet, because a wet cloth can damage the system by leaving the water inside the system.
4. Wipe the cloth across the screen in circular motions. You can use gentle pressure to remove streaks. Remember not to use excessive force while cleaning the screen, as it can damage the LCD matrix.

If you live in Los Angeles, Westwood, Brentwood, West Hollywood or Hollywood, Front Desk Tech Support can help fix all the hardware and software related issues with the system. GeekTek Local Tech Support is available to provide you services for cleaning the computer professionally.

1. Update Windows regularly. You can do this by going to the Start Menu and clicking Windows Update or by clicking on All Programs -> Accessories -> System tools. It is very important to get the updates regularly related to security.
2. Set Windows to update automatically. Click Control Panel -> Performance & Maintenance -> System -> then click tab for Automatic Updates.
3. Make sure that cookies are deleted regularly. Do this by going to Start-> Control panel -> Internet Options. Click second row and click the option for delete cookies. Then click Temporary Files. You do not need to delete the offline folder; just “Delete Temporary files."
4. One needs to do the disk clean up too. Go to Start ->All programs -> Accessories -> System tools -> Disk cleanup then click on more options. User needs to select all the following components: Installed Programs, Windows Components & System restore. Click on the respective tabs to clean up.
5. Defragmenting the computer will move all the files at their specified locations.
6. One needs to remove all the malware, spyware & malware and install the anti-virus software. We recommend Kaspersky Anti-Virus. Free products are also available online, such as AVG, Avast antivirus, Bit defender.
7. Many applications start automatically whenever the PC is turned on. Many programs which are included in the Windows start up are wanted or required but there are many programs which are not required and slow down the speed of a computer.
8. Go to the Control Panel and delete the unwanted programs.

If you have difficulty with any of the steps above then one may contact Front Desk, Los Angeles Tech and Network Support.