Kurt Shintaku's Blog

We’ve all accidentally dismissed reminders in Outlook when they appear.  Many times it’s a result of “hitting the “Dismiss All” button in they Reminder dialog box.

In case you didn’t know, you can reenable the Reminders you accidentally dismissed.

REENABLING REMINDERS
If it’s just one or two reminders that you know about, you can open the originating meeting or appointment for the reminder.  In the ribbon, you will see a Reminder field.  (See snapshot to the right)

If you dismissed the reminder then the Reminder field will say None. Change it to a new interval and then click Save & Close. The Reminder should be reenabled.

FINDING DISMISSED REMINDERS
Sometimes however, you might dismiss a lot of reminders and not know what you just dismissed.  (This can happen when you “Dismiss All” and watch 15 reminders disappear from the Reminder dialog box before you get the chance to read any of them)

Outlook Tips has a solution for this involving searching for modified:[date] in order to find any calendar objects that were recently changed by your dismissal of their reminders.  

• Tip 209: Finding Dismissed Reminders
  http://www.outlook-tips.net/tips/tip-209-finding-dismissed-reminders/

We have a lot of digital posters for our products that people can download and print.

If you’d like to take a look at what we offer, check out the links below to the poster libraries for their respective products.

• Azure Infographics
  http://aka.ms/azposters
• Azure Architectural Blueprints
  http://aka.ms/azblueprints 
• Windows Server
  http://aka.ms/serverposters
• System Center
  http://aka.ms/scposters
• SQL Server
  http://aka.ms/sqlposters

We also have an app that makes it easy for Windows 8.1/10 users to view all the posters (and download them) from one single location.

• PosterPedia App
  http://aka.ms/posterpedia

New eBook from Josh Blalock, UC Architect from Deloitte.

This FREE e-book is intended to be a reference, or "handbook", for various topics regarding the planning and implementation of various Hybrid Skype for Business environments. From supported topologies, to step-by-step instructions for configuring Cloud PBX with On-Premises PSTN Connectivity, this e-book is intended to provide an authoritative foundation and single point of reference for all things related to deploying a Hybrid Skype for Business environment.

Grab the 84 page, 2.7MB eBook here:

• DOWNLOAD: Skype for Business Hybrid Handbook, Version 1.2 (.PDF)
  https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Skype-for-Business-Hybrid-9218205e

Well, that was fast.  SharePoint Server 2016 and Project Server 2016 Release Candidate is now out.  Here’s the announcement:

Building on our announcement of SharePoint Server 2016 Beta 2 in November, we’re pleased to announce the availability of SharePoint Server 2016 Release Candidate (RC). SharePoint Server 2016 RC is mostly feature complete and represents an important milestone for customers and partners looking to deploy and evaluate SharePoint Server 2016 before general availability in Spring 2016.

Over 5,000 customers have downloaded the SharePoint Server 2016 previews to date, which, through customer feedback, has resulted in a high-quality Release Candidate.

SharePoint Server 2016 is our most reliable, scalable, secure and high-performant server release ever. With built-in Hybrid Cloud capabilities, it is the premier choice for organizations who are looking to take advantage of the latest innovations in Microsoft Cloud offerings while also maintaining critical content or custom applications on-premises. SharePoint Server 2016 will help organizations unlock breakthrough performance and resiliency as well as quickly build solutions and extend data across on-premises and Office 365 with the confidence that their data will be safe and secure.

…

Read more at the blog for an overview of the new advances:

• BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT: SharePoint Server 2016 and Project Server 2016 Release Candidate available
  https://blogs.office.com/2016/01/20/sharepoint-server-2016-and-project-server-2016-release-candidate-available/
• DOWNLOAD: SharePoint Server 2016 Release Candidate Patch
  (Note: SPS2016 RC is a patch over the existing SPS2016 Beta 2)
  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=50737
• SUPPORT: SharePoint Server 2016 Forums
  https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-us/home?forum=SP2016
• FEEDBACK: SharePoint User Voice Feedback site
  http://sharepoint.uservoice.com/

UPDATE: August 11th, 2016 as taken from “Updates to Silicon Support Policy for Windows”, https://blogs.windows.com/business/2016/08/11/updates-to-silicon-support-policy-for-windows/

Earlier this year, we shared information about Windows 10 embracing silicon innovation and our work with partners to achieve breakthroughs in performance, imaging, connectivity, power, graphics, and more as the Windows platform evolves with them. At the time, we shared our commitment to deliver security, reliability and compatibility to our installed base.

Enterprise customers are moving to Windows 10 faster than any version of Windows. At the same time, we recognize that, in some instances, customers have a few systems that require longer deployment timeframes. We listened to this feedback and today are sharing an update to our 6th Gen Intel Core (Skylake) support policy.* We have extended the support period from July 17, 2018 to the end of support dates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1; and we will provide all applicable security updates.

This policy change primarily applies to our commercial customers who are currently managing deployments with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, and does not apply to customers running Windows 10.

• Today Windows 7 is in extended support and support will end for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, and support for Windows 8.1 will end January 10, 2023.
• 6th Gen Intel Core devices on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will be supported with all applicable security updates until the end of support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
• This change is made possible through the strong partnership with our OEM partners and Intel who will be performing security update validation testing and upgrade testing for 6th Gen Intel Core systems running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 through the end of support dates.
• As previously communicated earlier this year, future silicon platforms including Intel’s upcoming 7th Gen Intel Core (Kaby Lake) processor family and AMD’s 7^th generation processors (e.g. Bristol Ridge) will only be supported on Windows 10, and all future silicon releases will require the latest release of Windows 10.

This change is designed to help our customers purchase modern hardware with confidence, while continuing to manage their migrations to Windows 10. There are now over 350 million devices on Windows 10 and more than 135 billion hours of use since the launch, with enterprise customers deploying Windows 10 to devices every day. We recommend that customers upgrade these 6th Gen Intel Core systems on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 as soon as possible so that they can receive full support along with the great enhancements that come from running modern hardware with modern software.

Our commitment to all of our customers remains strong and we’re grateful for your ongoing support.

Additional information on the topic can be found here.

*Applies to Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Embedded 7, 8, 8.1.

————

UPDATE:  March 18th, 2016 as taken from "Updates to Support Policy for Skylake Devices Running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1"
http://blogs.technet.com/b/windowsitpro/archive/2016/03/18/updates-to-support-policy-for-skylake-devices-running-windows-7-and-windows-8-1.aspx

As we approached Intel’s Business Launch for Skylake in mid-January, we shared more details on our recommendations for enterprise customers on Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, including clarifications to our support policy for new silicon. A key part of this update was our commitment to continuing to lead with a customer-first approach. Since then we’ve received feedback from customers at various stages of planning and deployment of Windows 10. Led by their feedback, today we are sharing a few updates to our Skylake support policy*:

1. To help provide greater flexibility for customers who have longer deployment timeframes to Windows 10, the support period for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices on Skylake systems will be extended by one year: from July 17, 2017 to July 17, 2018.
2. Also, after July 2018, all critical Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 security updates will be addressed for Skylake systems until extended support ends for Windows 7, January 14, 2020 and Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023.

This guidance is designed to help our customers purchase modern hardware with confidence, while continuing to manage their migrations to Windows 10. As our customers upgrade to Windows 10 on Skylake devices, they can benefit from the latest capabilities that come from modern hardware and software. Compared to Windows 7 PC’s, Skylake when combined with Windows 10, enables up to 30x better graphics and 3x the battery life – with the unmatched security of Credential Guard utilizing silicon supported virtualization.

Our commitment to all of our customers remains strong and we’re grateful for your ongoing support. Additional Q&A on the topic can be found here.

*applies to Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Embedded 7, 8, 8.1

Jeremy Korst, General Manager Windows Marketing

————
ORIGINAL POST:

On January 15th Terry Myerson, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Windows and Devices, published the blog entitled Window 10 Embracing Silicon Innovation highlighting the momentum we are seeing with Windows 10 Devices and the innovation we will make available to our enterprise customers in partnership with our silicon partners.

It also provides important details and clarifications on current and future support for Windows on new silicon to ensure continued strong customer satisfaction with Windows.

Summary of Key Points

• Microsoft has been working closely with our silicon partners, including Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm, on collaborative engineering to ensure Windows 10 takes full advantage of new silicon features.
• We are particularly excited about the work we’ve done with Intel on their new 6th generation Intel Core processors (code named “Skylake”). Compared to Windows 7 PCs, Skylake when combined with Windows 10, enables up to 30x better graphics and 3x the battery life – with the unmatched security of Credential Guard utilizing silicon supported virtualization.
• We’re excited to hear the feedback from our customers on their rapid move to Windows 10.  We also know many customers continue to rely on Windows 7 for its well understood reliability and compatibility; however, Windows 7 on modern silicon is likely to see regressions with ongoing servicing.
• Microsoft wants to continue to help you prepare for your Windows 10 upgrade. To do that, we are working with our OEM partners to deliver a list of specific new Skylake devices we will support to run Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 through July 17, 2017. It will contain a robust range of options for customers including Dell Latitude 12, Dell Latitude 13, Dell XPS13, HP EliteBook Folio, HP EliteBook 1040 G3, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Lenovo ThinkPad P70, Lenovo ThinkPad T460s, and many more. This approach will ensure you can upgrade now to new devices while preparing for a Windows 10 upgrade.  We will post this list next week and it will continue to be updated as we work closely with our partners.

Clarifications to the Windows lifecycle support policy

• With Windows 7 now in extended support, we are focused on our commitment to deliver security, reliability, and compatibility to our installed base on their current systems.
• Windows 7 will continue to be supported for security, reliability, and compatibility through January 14, 2020 on previous generation silicon. Windows 8.1 will receive the same support through January 10, 2023. This includes most of the devices available for purchase today by consumers or enterprises.
• Going forward, as new silicon generations are introduced, they will require the latest Windows platform at that time for support. This enables us to focus on deep integration between Windows and the silicon, while maintaining maximum reliability and compatibility with previous generations of platform and silicon. For example, Windows 10 will be the only supported Windows platform on Intel’s upcoming “Kaby Lake” silicon, Qualcomm’s upcoming “8996” silicon, and AMD’s upcoming “Bristol Ridge” silicon.
• Through July 17, 2017, Skylake devices on the supported list will also be supported with Windows 7 and 8.1. During the 18-month support period, these systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. After July 2017, the most critical Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 security updates will be addressed for these configurations, and will be released if the update does not risk the reliability or compatibility of the Windows 7/8.1 platform on other devices.

In clarifying this policy, we are prioritizing transparency on where to find the highest reliability and best supported Windows experience:  Windows 10 on any silicon, Windows 7 on the down-level silicon it was designed for, or a device on the support list.

You love the daily locksreen rotation of Windows Spotlight, but desperately can’t find a good way to download those beautiful pictures permanently? Well, then this is an app just for you!

• Download of Windows Spotlight wallpapers in Full HD resolution (landscape & portrait)
• Easy usage and download of the pictures in just 2 clicks
• Optional periodical updates of the Live Tile, Desktop and lockscreen background
• Optional notifications when new pictures arrive
• Also works when Windows Spotlight is disabled in the system settings!

(Removing ads requires stepping up to SpotBright Pro for $.99 which is an in-app purchase)

Grab this tool for free at:

• DOWNLOAD: “SpotBright” – Spotlight picture downloader for Windows 10
  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/apps/spotbright/9nblggh5km22

Yesterday, a customer asked:

“Are updates to Office 365 ProPlus (the version of Office that is made available to Office 365 E3/E4/E5 subscribers) pulled down via our ExpressRoute connection?”

According to my coworker, Allan Bourne:  (Office 365 Technology Specialist)

Office ProPlus downloads are not included in the scope of Express Route circuits, the same goes for any data hosted on public CDN’s.

It is however possible to create local on-premises distribution points for Office ProPlus packages and have clients pull from those distribution points to minimize egress bandwidth (references below).

What Office 365 services can be accessed over an ExpressRoute connection?

The following Office 365 services are not supported:

• Yammer
• Office 365 ProPlus client downloads
• On-premises Identity Provider Sign-In
• Office 365 (operated by 21 Vianet) service in China
• You can connect to these services over the internet.

(taken from https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/articles/expressroute-faqs/)

Managing Updates for Office 365 ProPlus – Part 2

• https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/office_resource_kit/2014/01/28/managing-updates-for-office-365-proplus-part-2/

Choose how to apply updates to Office 365 ProPlus

• https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn761707.aspx

(Thanks to coworker, Matt Jackson, for passing on this information from Holly Todd)

AC Power Cords for the Microsoft Surface Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro 2, and certain Microsoft Surface Pro 3’s

Microsoft has initiated a voluntary recall for AC power cords (the cord that plugs into an electrical outlet) supplied with the Microsoft Surface Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro 2, and with any Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (North America: pre-March 15, 2015 Surface Pro 3’s; Rest of World purchased prior to July 15, 2015.

If these AC cords are sharply and repeatedly bent or wrapped tightly over an extended period of time, they may become damaged. Damaged AC power cords can overheat, posing a potential fire or shock hazard.

Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2, and pre-July 15, 2015, Surface Pro 3 customers will receive a replacement AC power cord at no cost.

Please visit this website for more details: www.surface.com/powercord

What to do:

1. Stop using your AC power cord (the cord that you plug into an electrical outlet) if you have a Surface Pro or Surface Pro 2, or a pre-July 15, 2015, Surface Pro 3.
2. Visit the Microsoft Surface Pro AC Power Cord Recall website at www.surface.com/powercord to request a free replacement AC power cord.
3. Review the cord care instructions on the Surface support page at Power Cord Care (http://www.microsoft.com/surface/support/performance-and-maintenance/clean-and-care-for-your-surface).

For more information:

Contact Customer Support: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/support/warranty-service-and-recovery/powercordcontact

This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

The nomination portal for Skype for Business Macintosh client has been opened:

• Skype for Business Pre-release Test Drive Enrollment
  http://www.skypepreview.com

The site has a new re-design and is set up as a customer self-service site.  Enterprise customers with Microsoft representation will want to sign up under “Does your Organization have a valid Microsoft NDA”.  Note that this is a nomination process only.

Timeline:

• After you complete the nomination form, the Product Group will take 2 weeks for review and decision
• The Skype for Business Mac Client will be released to accepted customers the first week of March
• All future emails will come from the Product Group to the customer. 

Interested in Microsoft’s new Operations Management Suite?

This is a free 430 page e-book (17.4MB) written by Microsoft MVPs Tao Yang, Stanislav Zhelyazkov and Pete Zerger, along with Anders Bengtsson, Principal PFE for Microsoft, some of the most active members of the OMS community.

Description: This preview release of "Inside the Microsoft Operations Management Suite" is an end-to-end deep dive into the full range of Microsoft OMS features and functionality, complete with downloadable sample scripts. This early edition is being shared with the community while final edits are being completed.

The chapter list in this edition is shown below:

• Chapter 1: Introduction and Onboarding
• Chapter 2: Searching and Presenting OMS Data
• Chapter 3: Alert Management 
• Chapter 4: Configuration Assessment and Change Tracking
• Chapter 5: Working with Performance Data
• Chapter 6: Process Automation and Desired State Configuration
• Chapter 7: Backup and Disaster Recovery
• Chapter 8: Security Configuration and Event Analysis
• Chapter 9: Analyzing Network Data
• Chapter 10: Accessing OMS Data Programmatically
• Chapter 11: Custom MP Authoring
• Chapter 12: Cross Platform Management and Automation

Please send questions, comments or errata to insidemscloud aht outlook dawt com

Grab it here:

• DOWNLOAD: Free eBook, “Inside the Microsoft Operations Management Suite (Preview Release)” (17.4MB, 430pgs)
  https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Inside-the-Operations-2928e342