Extending the activation grace period

Borrowed from http://blogs.technet.com/johnbaker/

So How’s This Done?

Simple… all we need to do is run a script in the windows\system32 folder called slmgr.vbs. Check the steps below:

1. Bring up a Command Prompt.
2. Type slmgr.vbs –rearm, and press ENTER.
3. Restart the computer.

You computer has now extended the evaluation period 60 days!!! You can re-arm up to 3 times giving you an activation-free trial period of a total of 240 days!!

How Much Time Is Remaining in the Evaluation Period

You can find out by running the same script this time with different switch:

1. Type slmgr.vbs -dli, and the current status of the evaluation period is displayed. (the dli switch means – display license information)

If you want to find out what else you can do with the script type slmgr.vbs –? and you’ll get a full list and explanation of all the switches.

IE8 + WSUS

If you cannot get IE8 to automatically install via WSUS 3.0 try loading KB932823.

"You may be unable to use Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8 to download files on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP"

This hotfix solves the problem. Once this update is loaded the automatic installation of IE8 on your client PC will start at the next shutdown, or at the next scheduled install time.

Security Guide

Must have for admins..

The Microsoft Security Update Guide is “must have” security guidance that walks you through all the terms, processes, and tools to get it all done correctly. What is the difference between a bulletin and an advisory? What things should I consider before deployment? Do I even need this update? What resources are available to assist me? Get this guide. It will make your job a lot easier, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the game.

Microsoft Security Update Guide: Helping IT Professionals Better Understand and Maximize Microsoft Security Update Release Information, Processes, Communications, and Tools.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c3d986d0-ecc3-4ce0-9c25-048ec5b52a4f&displaylang=en#filelist