Ask the Experts
Ask the Experts
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How can I disable file transfer in MSN Messenger?
Sometimes, you might not want to allow messenger programs like MSN Messenger to allow file transfer. Find out how to use firewall rules to block ports and secure file transfer in messenger programs. Continue Reading
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Locked out of Windows 2000 computer
Several things can cause you to be locked out of a Windows 2000 machine. Windows security expert Kevin Beaver details a few of them. Continue Reading
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Prevent copying files from shared folders to remote computers
It's a tricky issue -- how to stop users from copying files from shared folders. Learn how to manage a user's file and folder copying rights with this advice from Windows security expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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Delete write-protected folders
Some folders are write protected and are a nuisance to delete. Find out how to get rid of write-protected folders with this advice from Jonathan Hassell. Continue Reading
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Selectively set read and write permissions
Manage the read and write permissions of certain hardware devices like Bluetooth headsets and external drives with this advice from Jonathan Hassell. Continue Reading
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Restricted Web sites
Spyware infections can possibly restrict your favorite Web sites. Find out how to avoid this with this advice from Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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Hack into a multiple hard drive system
If you have ever needed to hack into a Windows system for lost information, you could use the advice and system-hacking tools suggested here by Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 encryption for Remote Desktop
Learn best practices for encryption of Remote Desktop in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 with this advice from Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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Restricting user permissions in folders
If you have a question about managing the permissions of a folder in your domain, this advice from Jonathan Hassell tells you how to set those permissions and prevent users from deleting that folder. Continue Reading
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Cracking a hard drive password
Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell explains what to do if you can't boot up a system equipped with Windows software and how to crack Windows passwords for hard drives. Continue Reading
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Windows XP folder permissions management
Windows XP administrators can keep users from moving vital folders with this advice from Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell. Continue Reading
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Tools for storing passwords
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver offers a suggestion on some tools for storing passwords. Continue Reading
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Disabling CMD in Group Policy
Windows networking security expert Wes Noonan explains how to fully disable CMD in Group Policy. Continue Reading
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Making a Windows folder read-only
Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell explains how to make a Windows folder that multiple users share read-only. Continue Reading
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What can cause Windows Firewall to automatically shut down?
If your Windows Firewall automatically shuts down, find out how using multiple security measures can reduce its functionality from Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell. Continue Reading
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Prevent users from deleting files in shared folders
Jonathan Hassell explains one of the functions of using Advanced Permissions. Continue Reading
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A proper set of antivirus tools?
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver analyzes a set of tools and their potential antivirus capabilities, and suggests that more is needed to keep viruses at bay. Continue Reading
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Managing multiple firewalls
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver gives one suggestion on how to deal with multiple firewalls. Continue Reading
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Virus causing sound and video problems?
Are your sound and video problems a result of a virus? Even though anything is possible with malicious code, says site expert Kevin Beaver, that might not be the problem you're experiencing. Continue Reading
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Copying files across drives
If you're having trouble copying Windows XP files across multiple drives, follow this advice from Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell. Continue Reading
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I reinstalled my OS and lost all my files!
Windows hardening expert offers a few suggestions on what to do if you can't find old files after reinstalling your operating system. Continue Reading
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Cracking a locked hard drive
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver explains how you can break through a locked down hard drive without having to send it off site for repairs. Continue Reading
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When to use Windows Firewall
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver provides some rules of thumb for using Windows Firewall. Continue Reading
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Can an antivirus program stop phishing attacks?
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver offers some pointers on email security. Continue Reading
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Crack the admin password in Windows XP
Forget your admin password? Wes Noonan explains what to do in this all-too familiar situation. Continue Reading
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Setting permissions for a shared Excel file
Do you get the "read only file" error message when trying to save changes in a shared Excel file? Continue Reading
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Changing and removing the Admin password
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver recommends a tool that can help you crack the Admin password in Windows Server 2003. Continue Reading
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Security risks in Internet Explorer 6
Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell outlines some of the security concerns you need to be aware of when switching from Internet Explorer 7.0 to Internet Explorer 6.0. Continue Reading
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Managing user rights in Group Policy
Jonathan Hassell offers a suggestion about how to manage a user's administrator rights within Group Policy. Continue Reading
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Clear the hard drive BIOS password
Kevin Beaver explains how to clear the hard drive password in the BIOS. Continue Reading
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Hard disk crash!
Kevin Beaver explains provides some instructions on what to do if one hard disk crashes on a multiple hard disk system Continue Reading
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Disable Null Connection
Kevin Beaver explains how to disable Null Connection in a Samba environment. Continue Reading
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I'm locked out of my ThinkPad
Kevin Beaver provides some resources to use when you are locked out of your IBM ThinkPad. Continue Reading
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Error connecting to the Windows Server Update Services database
Patch management expert Jason Chan offers a solution to the error message, "Error connecting to the Windows Server Update Services database". Continue Reading
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Permanently disable USB
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver explains how to permanently disable USB. Continue Reading
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VPN connection issues post Windows XP SP2 upgrade
Networking security expert Wes Noonan explains how to correct VPN connection issues after upgrading to Windows XP service pack 2. Continue Reading
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Removing the NetDevil 1.2 virus
Network security expert Wes Noonan explains how to remove the NetDevil 1.2 virus. Continue Reading
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Handling the dangers of network users with too many rights
Networking security expert Wes Noonan gives advice on how network administrators should handle situations where employees want too many network privileges. Continue Reading
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Penetration testing for Windows systems
Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell tells you what you need to know to give your system a proper penetration test. Continue Reading
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Adjusting security settings in Internet Explorer 6.0
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver helps a user adjust their security settings Internet Explorer 6.0. Continue Reading
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The difference between antivirus and antispyware/malware software
Windows security threat expert Kevin Beaver provides a thorough description of the differences between antivirus and antispyware/malware software. Continue Reading
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Comparing rootkit detection tools
Do you suspect a rootkit has been installed on your computer? Windows security threat expert Kevin Beaver tells you what tools can help you find these rootkits and provides a helpful article to see which detection tool is most effective. Continue Reading
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Adding users to a power user group
Windows security threat expert Kevin Beaver shares helpful articles about how to add users to a local power user group. Continue Reading
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Preventing domain users from accessing every server on the network
Windows network security expert Wes Noonan explains how to block an individual domain user from accessing every server on a network. Continue Reading
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Preventing domain admins from logging onto domain controllers
Windows network security expert Wes Noonan explains how to control who can log onto domain controllers. Continue Reading
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Cost-effective password security
Have you been looking for a quick and easy, yet cost effective, means of stronger password protection? Jonathan Hassell shares his thoughts on two factor authentication and offers suggestions on how to get the most efficient protection for your ... Continue Reading
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Password weaknesses with LAN Manager
Windows security expert Kevin Beaver answers a user's question about LM hashes and fixing the password weaknesses that come with them. Continue Reading
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Finding hidden files in Windows XP
Expert Jonathan Hassell answers a user's question about revealing a hidden file in Windows XP Home Edition. Continue Reading
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Restricting domain user account access from the network
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How to resolve conflicting Deny/Allow permissions
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Password-protecting shared folders
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'Fail to open Group Policy Object' error
Expert Jonathan Hassell provides a solution for the "Fail to open Group Policy Object' error on a Windows 2000 Server machine. Continue Reading
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Resetting BIOS passwords
The BIOS password has been reset on your computer, affecting your ability to make setting changes -- what can you do? Site expert Kevin Beaver provides suggestions for working around this issue. Continue Reading
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Does your computer reboot when using PowerPoint?
Your computer keeps rebooting -- but only when you run Microsoft Office applications. In this response, site expert Kevin Beaver helps troubleshoot your rebooting computer woes. Continue Reading
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Virus causing your computer to reboot?
If your computer continuously reboots, the cause could be a number of things including a virus, spyware, bad memory, a poorly-seated PCI card, etc. Site expert Kevin Beaver suggests some steps you can take to discover and resolve this issue. Continue Reading
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Setting 'log-on-to machines' in Active Directory
Many enterprise environments need to limit systems access by setting account options. In this response, site expert Jonathan Hassell explains more about the "set log-on-to machines" feature. Continue Reading
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Accessing a Windows 2000 Pro without the password
Learn how to access a Windows 2000 Pro machine without the password in this response from site expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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Limiting access to Web sites with IE's Content Advisor
It's possible give limited Internet access to other users on your Windows XP system. Site expert Kevin Beaver recommends using Internet Explorer's Content Advisor function to do this. Continue Reading
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Why can I access some Web sites and not others?
I have Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6 with all the latest updates. I use Wi-Fi to connect to a wireless router. Everything connects to the Internet, but I cannot connect to certain Web sites. For example, I can connect to eBay, ARRL.org and ... Continue Reading
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Should a server's name reveal its function?
Is the security you gain from giving your servers obscure names worth the productivity cost? Site expert Jonathan Hassell weighs in on this debate. Continue Reading
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Using gpedit.msc without affecting admin rights
Site expert Kevin Beaver explains how you can use local and Active Directory policies to lock down laptops on a WLAN without affecting administrator privileges. Continue Reading
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Default passwords for Windows 2000 and Windows XP
With or without administrator access, resetting a particular account's password could be difficult. Site expert Kevin Beaver suggests Proactive Password Auditor or NTAccess to solve this authentication problem. Continue Reading
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How can I restore my search engine to its default?
I keep getting unwanted search engines appearing as a default when looking for a site. How can I set my default search engine and keep it set that way? Continue Reading
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Best practices for patching AV software
The importance of software patching often gets overlooked in favor of operating system patching. Site expert Jason Chan offers suggestions on the best methods for patching antivirus and other software. Continue Reading
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Creating a testing environment for hotfixes and patches
Testing patches and hotfixes in a live environment ensures a more successful deployment process. Site expert Jason Chan describes how to set up a testing environment. Continue Reading
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Running a poorly written software application
Some software, contrary to Microsoft logo certification, requires administrator rights to function properly. Site expert Wes Noonan provides options for resolving the issue. Continue Reading
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"Failed to Open the Group Policy Object" error
"Failed to Open the Group Policy Object" error could indicate an Active Directory communications issue. Site expert Kevin Beaver gives advice on how to solve this AD problem. Continue Reading
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Agent vs. agentless patch management
Site expert Jason Chan shares some general pros of agent and agentless patch management. Continue Reading
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Allowing rights to edit Group Policy Objects
Site expert Wes Noonan explains how you can allow a security admininistrator rights to edit Group Policy Objects without being a domain administrator. Continue Reading
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Setting NTFS rights to deny Delete permission
Site expert Wes Noonan explains how to set NTFS rights on a Windows 2000 Advanced Server so that users are not able to delete files or folders, but they are able to save and make changes. Continue Reading
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Windows Server 2003 SP1 reliability
Site expert Jonathan Hassell gives his opinion on the reliability of Windows Server 2003, with or without Service Pack 1. Continue Reading
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Establishing a network printer connection without authentication
Authenticating users prior to granting them access to resources is is a cornerstone concept in Microsoft resource access says site expert Wes Noonan. Though not recommended, he does reveal a way to print without using Windows Active Directory. Continue Reading
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Comparing Windows 2003 editions for running AD
Whether you choose Windows 2003 Standard Edition or Windows 2003 Enterprise Edition depends on your hardware and software requirements. Site expert Wes Noonan gives his recommendations in this response. Continue Reading
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Using the SCWCMD utility to check policy settings
Site expert Jonathan Hassell explains how to check whether policy has been successfully applied in a Windows Server 2003 environment in this response. Continue Reading
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Blocking software installation at an Internet cafe
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Security issues associated with LAN and PSTN lines
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Handling file shares: Novell vs. Microsoft
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Preventing 'open relay' on SMTP servers
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When to use automated patch packaging
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Granting access to resources in a multiple domain environment
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Microsoft vs. third-party tools for patching
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Seven reasons to move from a workgroup to a domain
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Seven steps to troubleshoot server access problems
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Resetting the default password policy
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Patching solutions for a LAN environment
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Can a power user install software and allow Windows Updates?
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Access denied to encrypted sites
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In a hurry to get 'Hurri' off my Win2k machine
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Conflicts among multiple GPOs
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My Network Places is not networking
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Approach patch management from a policy perspective
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Tips for keeping up with Microsoft patches
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How do I fix a stop 7A error?
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Active Directory preventing access through map network drive
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Alerting remote users of password expiration
Find out how you can inform users when their passwords expire by following this advice from Windows networking security expert Wes Noonan. Continue Reading
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Why is our mapped drive reverting to previous mapping?
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How can I recover my Win98 desktop and task bar?
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Assigning users proxy settings for ISA Server
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How to add a computer to the domain
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Users included in the "Everyone" group