Windows
When It’s Not the Network: An RDP Investigation That Led Elsewhere
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
In a recent deployment, I was asked to investigate unstable Remote Desktop (RDP) sessions to a remote server accessed over a site-to-site VPN.
At first, the explanation sounded simple: the VPN was unstable. Users were being disconnected, the target server was remote, and all the symptoms seemed to point in the same direction.
On paper, the environment was straightforward:
- Local network:
192.168.115.0/24 - Remote network:
192.168.201.0/24 - Original VPN: IPsec
- Temporary replacement VPN: WireGuard
- Target server:
192.168.201.100 - Multiple users connecting via RDP
But as is often the case in infrastructure work, the first explanation turned out to be the most convenient one — not the most accurate.
This is one of those cases where everything looks like a network issue — until you start proving what is, and is not, actually failing.
How to Connect an iSCSI Target on Windows Server 2022
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) is a protocol that allows you to connect storage devices over a network. This can be useful for sharing storage between multiple servers or for creating a shared storage pool. iSCSI offers a cost-effective way to connect storage devices over a network, and it is widely used in data centers and enterprise environments.
In this guide, we will show you how to connect an iSCSI target on Windows Server 2022.
How to Setup Server Backups on Windows Server 2022
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Backups are an essential part of any server management strategy. They provide a way to recover data and system configurations in case of data loss or system failure. In this guide, we will be setting up server backups on Windows Server 2022. This will allow you to create regular backups of your server's data and system state, which can be used to restore the server in case of data loss or system failure.
In this guide, we will be setting up server backups on Windows Server 2022. This will allow you to create regular backups of your server's data and system state, which can be used to restore the server in case of data loss or system failure.
How to Publish a Remote Application using Windows Server RDS
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
In today’s fast-paced, remote-friendly world, businesses are increasingly relying on tools that enable seamless access to applications from anywhere. Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a robust solution that allows organizations to centralize application management while providing users with secure and efficient access to their work tools. With RDS, you can publish individual applications—referred to as RemoteApps—without exposing the entire desktop environment, making it a versatile choice for IT administrators and end-users alike.
In this guide, titled “How to Publish a Remote Application using Windows Server RDS”, we’ll walk you through the process of configuring RDS and publishing a RemoteApp step-by-step. Whether you’re an IT professional setting up RDS for the first time or looking to fine-tune your deployment, this article will provide the insights you need to get started. From installation to distribution and troubleshooting, you’ll learn how to make RemoteApp an integral part of your organization’s productivity toolkit. Let’s dive in!
How to Install Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2022
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is an essential component for organizations that need centralized desktop and application access. Installing RDS on Windows Server 2022 provides a robust and secure environment for remote work and collaboration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing and configuring Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2022.
How to Join a New Server to an Existing Domain
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Managing servers in an enterprise environment often involves joining new servers to an existing Active Directory (AD) domain. This process ensures centralized authentication and resource management. In this tutorial, we will walk through the steps to successfully join a Windows Server to an existing domain.
Resolving Taskbar Freezing Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
In this blog post, we delve into a common yet frustrating problem faced by many users: the taskbar freezing issue. This problem is often linked to the Tablet Input Service, also known as the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service. If you've encountered this issue, you're in the right place. We'll guide you through the troubleshooting steps to get your taskbar up and running smoothly again.
How to disable Telemetry on Windows 11
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Windows 11, like its predecessors, includes telemetry features that collect data on how you use the operating system. While this data is used to improve Windows performance and services, many users are concerned about privacy and prefer to limit the amount of data shared. This guide will walk you through the steps to disable telemetry features on your Windows 11 system, giving you more control over your data.
How to Uninstall Windows Store on Windows 11
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
With the release of Windows 11, users have experienced a host of new features and a revamped interface. However, not all components may be necessary for everyone. The Windows Store, while a useful portal for apps and updates, may be something you wish to remove, especially if you're looking for a more streamlined or controlled software environment. Whether for personal preference, to reduce resource usage, or for a corporate setup, uninstalling the Windows Store can be done swiftly using PowerShell. This guide will walk you through the steps to remove the Windows Store from your Windows 11 system.
How to prevent user from signing into a Microsoft Account on Windows 11
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
With the integration of Microsoft accounts into Windows 11, users have the ability to sync settings, files, and preferences across devices. However, there may be situations where an administrator needs to restrict this capability for security or policy compliance. Whether you're managing a corporate environment or you simply prefer to use local accounts, Windows 11 provides a way to disable the ability to sign in with a Microsoft account. This article guides you through the steps to configure your system and ensure that users adhere to account policies.
How to disable the Cortana app
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant, is integrated into Windows 10 and Windows 11 to help users with tasks like setting reminders and answering questions. However, not everyone finds Cortana useful, and some may prefer to disable it to increase system performance or maintain privacy. This guide will walk you through the steps to disable Cortana on your Windows device, giving you control over your computing experience.
How to skip the network setup during the initial setup of Windows 11
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Setting up a new Windows 11 computer is an exciting process, but not everyone has immediate access to an internet connection. Whether you're in a remote location, having network issues, or you simply prefer to set up your computer without connecting to the internet, Microsoft has included an option within Windows 11 to bypass the network setup during the initial configuration. This can be particularly useful for users who wish to have control over their network settings or who need to install Windows 11 without being forced to update or sign in to a Microsoft account. In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to skip the network setup and continue with a limited setup.
Fixing CrowdStrike Issue on Windows
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Recently, there was a significant issue involving CrowdStrike and Microsoft Windows. On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike released a routine configuration update for their Falcon sensor software, which led to unexpected system crashes and blue screens of death (BSOD) on Windows systems. The update caused a logic error that corrupted essential system files, triggering widespread outages across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure.
Approximately 8.5 million Windows devices were affected, representing less than 1% of all Windows machines globally. The issue primarily impacted systems running the Falcon sensor for Windows version 7.11 and above that were online between 04:09 UTC and 05:27 UTC on the day of the update. The problem was particularly severe for devices with Windows BitLocker encryption enabled, as recovery required an encryption key often stored on servers that were also affected.
To mitigate the issue, users were advised to boot into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment and delete specific corrupted files from the CrowdStrike directory. CrowdStrike has since rolled back the problematic update and provided manual remediation steps to help affected users restore their systems. They are also conducting a thorough root cause analysis to prevent similar incidents in the future.