Category: Microsoft
Category Archives: Microsoft
Managed Metadata in new MS List in SharePoint
Just noticed the new change to the SharePoint lists moving to MS List. Only some of my lists were updated and some were not so I attempted to recreate a simple list with 1 managed metadata column and a couple of people columns.
The first thing I noticed what that I couldn’t paste into the Managed Metadata column in grid edit mode. The hover over suggests that these fields can only be edited in the popup form.
Quite a limiting feature if you ask me.
Just noticed the new change to the SharePoint lists moving to MS List. Only some of my lists were updated and some were not so I attempted to recreate a simple list with 1 managed metadata column and a couple of people columns. The first thing I noticed what that I couldn’t paste into the Managed Metadata column in grid edit mode. The hover over suggests that these fields can only be edited in the popup form. Quite a limiting feature if you ask me. Read More
Il mio OneDrive è bloccato su iPhone e iPad.
Il mio OneDrive è bloccato su iPhone e su Ipad, non su computer. Microsoft non mi invia il codice necessario per resettare la password di accesso. Su OneDrive ho 244 giga di file
Il mio OneDrive è bloccato su iPhone e su Ipad, non su computer. Microsoft non mi invia il codice necessario per resettare la password di accesso. Su OneDrive ho 244 giga di file Read More
Value filters on multiple value columns in a Pivot Table
Greetings,
I know how to utilize the ‘Value Filters’ functionality in order to filter Pivot Table data. Is there a way to filter on the values in 2 separate columns? I need my Pivot table results to show rows that have a counts >1K AND an Index comparison value <1.00. Currently, I can only do one filter or the other, but not both – is there a way to do this?
Thank you!
Greetings, I know how to utilize the ‘Value Filters’ functionality in order to filter Pivot Table data. Is there a way to filter on the values in 2 separate columns? I need my Pivot table results to show rows that have a counts >1K AND an Index comparison value <1.00. Currently, I can only do one filter or the other, but not both – is there a way to do this? Thank you! Read More
Attachment confusion – .pdf/.crdownload
I’ve got a quandary with one user who is attaching a .pdf to an email, using the “Attach File” menu, but when the file is attached and sent/delivered, the attachment has been renamed with a .crdownload postpended (i.e., changing the file’s type). So, email now has “somefile.pdf.crdownload” attached rather than the original file of “somefile.pdf”.
Any idea what’s causing this oddity? The attached file was recently downloaded from another system, but clearly shows the filename as ending in .pdf. The impact is that recipients get the, perhaps unknown filetype, unless the .crdownload has been previously associated with an application (Acrobat Reader in our case).
Thanks for any guidance or suggestions!
Edited to clarify that this is Windows 10 environment with installed MS 365 apps.
I’ve got a quandary with one user who is attaching a .pdf to an email, using the “Attach File” menu, but when the file is attached and sent/delivered, the attachment has been renamed with a .crdownload postpended (i.e., changing the file’s type). So, email now has “somefile.pdf.crdownload” attached rather than the original file of “somefile.pdf”.Any idea what’s causing this oddity? The attached file was recently downloaded from another system, but clearly shows the filename as ending in .pdf. The impact is that recipients get the, perhaps unknown filetype, unless the .crdownload has been previously associated with an application (Acrobat Reader in our case). Thanks for any guidance or suggestions! Edited to clarify that this is Windows 10 environment with installed MS 365 apps. Read More
Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26236
Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26236
Hello Windows Server Insiders!
Today we are pleased to release a new build of the next Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview that contains both the Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition (for VM evaluation only). Branding has been updated for the upcoming release, Windows Server 2025, in this preview – when reporting issues please refer to Windows Server 2025 preview. If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically.
What’s New
Delegated Managed Service Accounts (dMSA)
A new account type known as delegated Managed Service Account (dMSA) is now available that allows migration from a traditional service account to a machine account with managed and fully randomized keys, while disabling original service account passwords.
Authentication for dMSA is linked to the device identity, which means that only specified machine identities mapped in AD can access the account. Using dMSA helps to prevent harvesting credentials using a compromised account (kerberoasting), which is a common issue with traditional service accounts.
To learn more about dMSA, visit https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/delegated-managed-service-accounts/delegated-managed-service-accounts-overview.
Windows Server Flighting is here!!
If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically later today. For more information, see Welcome to Windows Insider flighting on Windows Server – Microsoft Community Hub.
The new Feedback Hub app is now available for Server Desktop users!
The app should automatically update with the latest version, but if it does not, simply Check for updates in the app’s settings tab.
Known Issues
[RESOLVED] Secure-boot Gen2 VMs created using ISO media may not boot: Some users may encounter boot issues when creating secure-boot Gen 2 VMs. Disabling secure-boot allows the Gen2 VM to boot successfully. This will be addressed in a future release.
Upgrade does not complete: Some users may experience an issue when upgrading where the download process does not progress beyond 0%. If you encounter this issue, please upgrade to this newer build using the ISO media download option. Download Windows Server Insider Preview (microsoft.com)
Access denied error when using Diskpart –> Clean Image on Winpe.vhdx VMs created using WinPE: Create bootable media | Microsoft Learn. We are working to resolve this issue and expect to have it fixed in the next preview release.
Download Windows Server Insider Preview (microsoft.com)
Flighting: The label for this flight may incorrectly reference Windows 11. However, when selected, the package installed is the Windows Server update. Please ignore the label and proceed with installing your flight. This issue will be addressed in a future release.
Setup: Some users may experience overlapping rectangle voids following mouse clicks during “OOBE” setup. This is a graphics rendering issue and will not prevent setup from completing. This issue will be addressed in a future release.
WinPE – Powershell Scripts: Applying the WinPE-Powershell optional component does not properly install Powershell in WinPE. As a result, Powershell cmdlets will fail. Customers who are dependent on Powershell in WinPE should not use this build.
If you are validating upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022, we do not recommend that you use this build as intermittent upgrade failures have been identified for this build.
This build has an issue where archiving eventlogs with “wevetutil al” command causes the Windows Event Log service to crash, and the archive operation to fail. The service must be restarted by executing “Start-Service EventLog” from an administrative command line prompt.
If you have Secure Launch/DRTM code path enabled, we do not recommend that you install this build.
Available Downloads
Downloads to certain countries may not be available. See Microsoft suspends new sales in Russia – Microsoft On the Issues
Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel Preview in ISO format in 18 languages, and in VHDX format in English only.
Windows Server Datacenter Azure Edition Preview in ISO and VHDX format, English only.
Microsoft Server Languages and Optional Features Preview
Keys: Keys are valid for preview builds only
Server Standard: MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH
Datacenter: 2KNJJ-33Y9H-2GXGX-KMQWH-G6H67
Azure Edition does not accept a key
Symbols: available on the public symbol server – see Using the Microsoft Symbol Server.
Expiration: This Windows Server Preview will expire September 15, 2024.
How to Download
Registered Insiders may navigate directly to the Windows Server Insider Preview download page. If you have not yet registered as an Insider, see GETTING STARTED WITH SERVER on the Windows Insiders for Business portal.
We value your feedback!
The most important part of the release cycle is to hear what’s working and what needs to be improved, so your feedback is extremely valued. Beginning with Insider build 26063, please use the new Feedback Hub app for Windows Server if you are running a Desktop version of Server. If you are using a Core edition, or if you are unable to use the Feedback Hub app, you can use your registered Windows 10 or Windows 11 Insider device and use the Feedback Hub application. In the app, choose the Windows Server category and then the appropriate subcategory for your feedback. In the title of the Feedback, please indicate the build number you are providing feedback on as shown below to ensure that your issue is attributed to the right version:
[Server #####] Title of my feedback
See Give Feedback on Windows Server via Feedback Hub for specifics. The Windows Server Insiders space on the Microsoft Tech Communities supports preview builds of the next version of Windows Server. Use the forum to collaborate, share and learn from experts. For versions that have been released to general availability in market, try the Windows Server for IT Pro forum or contact Support for Business.
Diagnostic and Usage Information
Microsoft collects this information over the internet to help keep Windows secure and up to date, troubleshoot problems, and make product improvements. Microsoft server operating systems can be configured to turn diagnostic data off, send Required diagnostic data, or send Optional diagnostic data. During previews, Microsoft asks that you change the default setting to Optional to provide the best automatic feedback and help us improve the final product.
Administrators can change the level of information collection through Settings. For details, see http://aka.ms/winserverdata. Also see the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
Terms of Use
This is pre-release software – it is provided for use “as-is” and is not supported in production environments. Users are responsible for installing any updates that may be made available from Windows Update. All pre-release software made available to you via the Windows Server Insider program is governed by the Insider Terms of Use.
Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26236
Hello Windows Server Insiders!
Today we are pleased to release a new build of the next Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview that contains both the Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition (for VM evaluation only). Branding has been updated for the upcoming release, Windows Server 2025, in this preview – when reporting issues please refer to Windows Server 2025 preview. If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically.
What’s New
Delegated Managed Service Accounts (dMSA)
A new account type known as delegated Managed Service Account (dMSA) is now available that allows migration from a traditional service account to a machine account with managed and fully randomized keys, while disabling original service account passwords.
Authentication for dMSA is linked to the device identity, which means that only specified machine identities mapped in AD can access the account. Using dMSA helps to prevent harvesting credentials using a compromised account (kerberoasting), which is a common issue with traditional service accounts.
To learn more about dMSA, visit https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/delegated-managed-service-accounts/delegated-managed-service-accounts-overview.
Windows Server Flighting is here!!
If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically later today. For more information, see Welcome to Windows Insider flighting on Windows Server – Microsoft Community Hub.
The new Feedback Hub app is now available for Server Desktop users!
The app should automatically update with the latest version, but if it does not, simply Check for updates in the app’s settings tab.
Known Issues
[RESOLVED] Secure-boot Gen2 VMs created using ISO media may not boot: Some users may encounter boot issues when creating secure-boot Gen 2 VMs. Disabling secure-boot allows the Gen2 VM to boot successfully. This will be addressed in a future release.
Upgrade does not complete: Some users may experience an issue when upgrading where the download process does not progress beyond 0%. If you encounter this issue, please upgrade to this newer build using the ISO media download option. Download Windows Server Insider Preview (microsoft.com)
Access denied error when using Diskpart –> Clean Image on Winpe.vhdx VMs created using WinPE: Create bootable media | Microsoft Learn. We are working to resolve this issue and expect to have it fixed in the next preview release.
Download Windows Server Insider Preview (microsoft.com)
Flighting: The label for this flight may incorrectly reference Windows 11. However, when selected, the package installed is the Windows Server update. Please ignore the label and proceed with installing your flight. This issue will be addressed in a future release.
Setup: Some users may experience overlapping rectangle voids following mouse clicks during “OOBE” setup. This is a graphics rendering issue and will not prevent setup from completing. This issue will be addressed in a future release.
WinPE – Powershell Scripts: Applying the WinPE-Powershell optional component does not properly install Powershell in WinPE. As a result, Powershell cmdlets will fail. Customers who are dependent on Powershell in WinPE should not use this build.
If you are validating upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022, we do not recommend that you use this build as intermittent upgrade failures have been identified for this build.
This build has an issue where archiving eventlogs with “wevetutil al” command causes the Windows Event Log service to crash, and the archive operation to fail. The service must be restarted by executing “Start-Service EventLog” from an administrative command line prompt.
If you have Secure Launch/DRTM code path enabled, we do not recommend that you install this build.
Available Downloads
Downloads to certain countries may not be available. See Microsoft suspends new sales in Russia – Microsoft On the Issues
Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel Preview in ISO format in 18 languages, and in VHDX format in English only.
Windows Server Datacenter Azure Edition Preview in ISO and VHDX format, English only.
Microsoft Server Languages and Optional Features Preview
Keys: Keys are valid for preview builds only
Server Standard: MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH
Datacenter: 2KNJJ-33Y9H-2GXGX-KMQWH-G6H67
Azure Edition does not accept a key
Symbols: available on the public symbol server – see Using the Microsoft Symbol Server.
Expiration: This Windows Server Preview will expire September 15, 2024.
How to Download
Registered Insiders may navigate directly to the Windows Server Insider Preview download page. If you have not yet registered as an Insider, see GETTING STARTED WITH SERVER on the Windows Insiders for Business portal.
We value your feedback!
The most important part of the release cycle is to hear what’s working and what needs to be improved, so your feedback is extremely valued. Beginning with Insider build 26063, please use the new Feedback Hub app for Windows Server if you are running a Desktop version of Server. If you are using a Core edition, or if you are unable to use the Feedback Hub app, you can use your registered Windows 10 or Windows 11 Insider device and use the Feedback Hub application. In the app, choose the Windows Server category and then the appropriate subcategory for your feedback. In the title of the Feedback, please indicate the build number you are providing feedback on as shown below to ensure that your issue is attributed to the right version:
[Server #####] Title of my feedback
See Give Feedback on Windows Server via Feedback Hub for specifics. The Windows Server Insiders space on the Microsoft Tech Communities supports preview builds of the next version of Windows Server. Use the forum to collaborate, share and learn from experts. For versions that have been released to general availability in market, try the Windows Server for IT Pro forum or contact Support for Business.
Diagnostic and Usage Information
Microsoft collects this information over the internet to help keep Windows secure and up to date, troubleshoot problems, and make product improvements. Microsoft server operating systems can be configured to turn diagnostic data off, send Required diagnostic data, or send Optional diagnostic data. During previews, Microsoft asks that you change the default setting to Optional to provide the best automatic feedback and help us improve the final product.
Administrators can change the level of information collection through Settings. For details, see http://aka.ms/winserverdata. Also see the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
Terms of Use
This is pre-release software – it is provided for use “as-is” and is not supported in production environments. Users are responsible for installing any updates that may be made available from Windows Update. All pre-release software made available to you via the Windows Server Insider program is governed by the Insider Terms of Use. Read More
Keeping your AI out of trouble
One thing is true for most AI Applications – it’s easy to get yourself in trouble if you’re not careful. AI is all about probability, and the probability of it being incorrect, or behaving unexpectedly for a new input is practically never zero. In the classic chatbot days, this often meant getting an answer about something you’re not asking about, or the good old “I did not understand” default answer we all “love” to see when we’re having an issue. But with Generative AI, mistakes are much more nuanced, and may take the appearance of plain misinformation and, even worse, harmful content!
In this article, we’ll cover some of the guidelines you can adopt to minimize risk on AI Apps. Each section is composed of a set of actions you can take, followed by good and bad examples to illustrate their role in keeping your users – and you! – safe from unexpected AI behavior.
1. User interface guidelines
Starting with UI tips – these are simple changes to the way your end-users engage with your AI application that can go a long way in preventing misuse.
Guideline
Description
Reasons
Include disclaimer text
In order to interact with the AI, end-users should acknowledge the rules and limitations of the tool. A good disclaimer should mention:
The information provided may be generated by AI
The information provided may be incorrect
The user is responsible for verifying the correctness of information against sources provided
Any additional industry specific disclaimers
Users expect to see correct information on the platforms you provide them. The concept of a tool that can provide incorrect information is new and needs to be explicitly called out.
Visually separate Generated and Retrieved content into sections
Generated content is the output of the language model, and as such can be incorrect
Retrieved content is directly extracted from trusted sources, and can be expected to be correct, but possibly not relevant
This distinction should be clear to the end user. The generated content can be grounded on retrieved content, but you should always provide an original source the user can read directly.
In addition, you may want to refrain from answering a question when no content was retrieved.
Once you establish some content must be verified by the user, you need to define a clear boundary of what information needs verification, and what can be trusted without doubt.
Providing both pieces of information side by side makes it easy for the user to check the information at a glance, without leaving the app.
Having that separation in the application also allows you to override the generated content. Even if the AI says something, you can choose not to display it through app logic if there are no sources to support it.
Add a feature to report issues and provide feedback
Users should be able to provide feedback whenever they face issues or receive unexpected responses.
If you decide to let users include chat history with their feedback, make sure to get confirmation that no personal or sensitive data was shared.
Feedback forms provide a simple way for users to tell you if the app is meeting expectations.
Establish user accountability
Inform the user that the content they submit may be subject to review when harmful content is detected.
Having users be accountable for exploiting the tool may dissuade them from repeatedly attempting to do so.
Good examples
Let’s start with the original ChatGPT interface – Notice all elements are present:
Disclaimer text at the bottom
Per-message feedback option
Clearly distinct Retrieval and Generation sections
Terms and Conditions – though hidden under the question mark on the bottom right.
All these elements are crucial to ensure the user is aware how things can go wrong, and sets the right expectations for how to use the tool.
Microsoft Copilot for M365 has its disclaimer and all links right below the logo. Straight to the point!
Don’t worry about writing a huge disclaimer that contains everything – you can link the full terms and keep a clean UI.
Bad examples
Common mistakes when setting up a UI include:
Not having the required disclaimers, sources or highlighting
Overstating the chatbot’s usefulness – e.g. “can help with anything about [topic]”
While some of these safeguards may seem like they are understating the chatbot’s usefulness, they are indispensable to setting the right expectations given the inherent limitations of the technology.
2. System message guidelines
Next, we have system message guidelines. These are instructions that are not visible to the user, but guide the chatbot to answer questions with the right focus or style. Keep in mind that these can be somewhat overridden by user prompts, and as such only prevent accidental or simple misuse.
Guideline
Description
Reasons
Define a clear scope of what the chatbot should assist with
The assistant should not attempt to help with all requests. Establish a clear boundary as to what conversations it should engage in.
For all other topics, it should politely decline to engage.
Failing to specify a scope will make the bot behave as a generic utility, like out-of-the-box ChatGPT. Users may take advantage of that fact to misuse the application or API.
Do not personify the chatbot
The chatbot should present itself as a tool to help the user navigate content, rather than a person.
Behaving as an employee or extension of the company should also be avoided.
When users make improper use a personified chatbot, it may give the impression of manipulation/gullibility, rather than simple misuse.
Good example
“You are a search engine for Contoso Technology. Your role is to assist customers in locating the right information from publicly available sources like the website. Politely decline to engage in conversations about any topic outside of Contoso Technology”
Bad example
“You are Contoso’s AI Assistant. You are a highly skilled customer service agent that can help users of the website with all their questions.”
3. Evaluation guidelines
Next, we have evaluation guidelines. These tools will help quantitatively measure the correctness of responses – and the possibility of manipulating the app into generating harmful content.
Guideline
Description
Reasons
Evaluate the chatbot’s accuracy, and other metrics for quality of information
Define a set of “critical” questions your chatbot should be able to answer reliably.
Regularly submit this dataset for inference and either manually or automatically evaluate its accuracy. Prefer a combination of manual and automatic validations to ensure best results.
As chatbots evolve to meet your customer’s expectations, it’s common to lose track of answers which it supposedly already knows. Updating the prompt or data sources may negatively impact those responses, and these regressions need to be properly tracked.
Evaluate the chatbot’s ability to avoid generating harmful content
Define a set of “red-team” requests that attempt to break the chatbot, force it to generate harmful content, or leave its scope.
As with accuracy, establish a regular re-submission of this dataset for inference.
Unfortunately, chatbots can always be misused by an ill-intended user. Keep track of the most common “jailbreaking” patterns and test your bot’s behavior against them.
Azure OpenAI comes with built-in content safety, but it’s not foolproof. Make sure you objectively measure harmful content generation.
Good examples
Leveraging Azure AI Studio to evaluate Groundedness, Relevance, Coherence, Fluency and Similarity. More information can be found in the docs!
Using Prompt Shields for Jailbreak and Harmful Content detection.
Bad examples
Trying to capture exact matches when evaluating accuracy.
Not considering evaluation as part of the release cycle.
4. Data privacy guidelines
Finally, we cover some data privacy guidelines. Data privacy is about how you receive, process, persist and discard end-user information through your applications. Be aware that this is an overview and does not cover every aspect of data privacy, but is a good place to start considering privacy concerns.
Guideline
Description
Reasons
Don’t audit all model inputs and outputs unless absolutely necessary
There is typically no need to log all user interactions. Even when instructed not to, users may submit personal information which is then at risk of exposure.
Debugging and monitoring tools should focus on response status codes and token counts, rather than actual text content.
Persisting messages often poses a more severe data privacy risk than simply not doing so.
Microsoft only ever persists messages which are suspected of breaking terms and conditions. They may be then viewed by Microsoft for the sole purpose of evaluating improper use. Review with your Data Privacy team if you require this feature to be turned off.
Good examples
Capturing HTTP response codes and error messages for debugging.
Logging token usage related metrics to Azure Application Insights.
Capturing user intent for continuous improvement.
Expiring user conversation logs and metrics once they are no longer relevant for the purpose of providing the experience, as disclosed in its Privacy Statement
Bad examples
Capturing verbatim prompt / completion pairs.
Persisting user information for longer than necessary.
Failing to adhere to the Privacy Statement.
Wrap up
Remember, AI misuse will happen in your applications. Your objective is to safeguard your legitimate users so they know what the applications can and cannot do, while giving ill-intended users an experience that gives less the impression of a failed / fragile tool, and more like a robust toolset being used incorrectly.
We hope this cheat sheet provides a good overview of the tools available in Azure to help bring safety and responsibility to the use of AI. Do you have other tips or tools to safeguard AI Applications? Let us know in the comments!
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
Partner Blog | Join us on July 10 for MCAPS Start for Partners
Earlier this year, we shared that we are evolving the partner event formerly called Microsoft Inspire to align with our flagship customer event, Microsoft Ignite. For the first time ever, this year’s Microsoft Ignite event will have partners join key customers and leading industry executives for an in-person experience in Chicago, Illinois on November 18-22, 2024. Participants will also be able to join digitally.
In preparation for Ignite and the start of our fiscal year, we are inviting our partners to join us for a digital event starting July 10, 2024, called MCAPS Start for Partners. I’m pleased to share more details about this partner invitation in this blog.
Each fiscal year at Microsoft begins with an event called MCAPS Start, designed for sellers in the global Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS) organization. Partners are essential to our overall market strategy and can amplify sales efforts in ways we could never achieve alone. This year, we’re expanding our annual meeting with Microsoft sellers to include a partner-focused digital readiness event that we are calling MCAPS Start for Partners. By involving our partners in our go-to-market strategy from the beginning of the fiscal year, we can create synergy and drive collective success.
We invite you to save the date and join us virtually on July 10, 2024, to hear about how we are empowering customers and partners through AI transformation, our strategic investments, new priorities, and key program changes, as well as to celebrate the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award winners.
Continue reading here
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
New MS Teams Update Process
Hi,
I have a question about new MS Teams update process.
I have installed the new MS Teams on few computers in the test environment using teamsbootstrapper.exe (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/new-teams-bulk-install-client)
The app installed correctly for all users.
I noticed that every user on the computer can update the application and when that happens, the application is updated for all users on that computer, not just for the user who ran the update.
Since, the users don’t have administrative rights, I’m wondering what process is involved to elevate their permissions to be able to update the application?
I can’t seem to find any documentation about how that update process for new MS Teams work or in general how MSIX applications update process works.
Any clarification on this would be appreciated.
Thanks
Hi,I have a question about new MS Teams update process. I have installed the new MS Teams on few computers in the test environment using teamsbootstrapper.exe (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/new-teams-bulk-install-client) The app installed correctly for all users. I noticed that every user on the computer can update the application and when that happens, the application is updated for all users on that computer, not just for the user who ran the update.Since, the users don’t have administrative rights, I’m wondering what process is involved to elevate their permissions to be able to update the application? I can’t seem to find any documentation about how that update process for new MS Teams work or in general how MSIX applications update process works. Any clarification on this would be appreciated. Thanks Read More
Quick Way to Convert OST to PST Format
Want to Convert OST to PST? Download and intstall Advik OST to PST Converter. This software will help you to convert OST to PST format. The software will maintain folder hieraechy and email attributes as well. The software support OST file created from MS Outlook 2016, 2013, 2019.
Steps to Convert OST to PST file
Run Advik OST to PST Converter.Click Select Files and add OST file.Select mailbox folders and click Next.Select PST as saving option.Click convert button.
Done! This is how you can convert OST to PST Without Outlook.
Want to Convert OST to PST? Download and intstall Advik OST to PST Converter. This software will help you to convert OST to PST format. The software will maintain folder hieraechy and email attributes as well. The software support OST file created from MS Outlook 2016, 2013, 2019. Steps to Convert OST to PST fileRun Advik OST to PST Converter.Click Select Files and add OST file.Select mailbox folders and click Next.Select PST as saving option.Click convert button.Done! This is how you can convert OST to PST Without Outlook. Read More
Cisco Meraki Nonprofit Discount
Hi everyone!
My name is Celeste and I work for Telecom4Good, a nonprofit that provides discounted technologies for other nonprofits. I just wanted to share with everyone that we are Cisco Meraki’s largest nonprofit partner and they are currently having their year-end sale. Typically by working with us, we save nonprofits 50% but with the year-end sale, we negotiate with Cisco to provide even more of a discount.
We have worked with nonprofits such as ASPCA, different Goodwill Locations, and Samaritan’s Purse. If you have time feel free to check out our Cisco Meraki Nonprofit Discounts. We also offer free remote training to employees so you aren’t left confused about what to do.
Feel free to ask any questions we would love to help! P.S. This isn’t related to fundraising I just had to add a label. I am just sharing information about how we can help.
Hi everyone!My name is Celeste and I work for Telecom4Good, a nonprofit that provides discounted technologies for other nonprofits. I just wanted to share with everyone that we are Cisco Meraki’s largest nonprofit partner and they are currently having their year-end sale. Typically by working with us, we save nonprofits 50% but with the year-end sale, we negotiate with Cisco to provide even more of a discount. We have worked with nonprofits such as ASPCA, different Goodwill Locations, and Samaritan’s Purse. If you have time feel free to check out our Cisco Meraki Nonprofit Discounts. We also offer free remote training to employees so you aren’t left confused about what to do. Feel free to ask any questions we would love to help! P.S. This isn’t related to fundraising I just had to add a label. I am just sharing information about how we can help. Read More
Edge no longer autofill’s username and password after installing update KB5039312.
After installing update KB5039312, edge quit autofill of username and password. Every web site I use I have to manually enter username and password. Very annoying
After installing update KB5039312, edge quit autofill of username and password. Every web site I use I have to manually enter username and password. Very annoying Read More
The use of audit logs for Copilot in an educational setting
Microsoft’s decision to offer “commercial data protection” will, I am sure, be welcomed by schools. However, it raises an issue related to auditing the use of Copilot, which may not be a feature of the business/commercial sector.
It will become important that schools are able to access the questions their students submit to Copilot and the answers it produces. This is part of the normal auditing process of classroom teachers, who are interested in any errors/misconceptions that their students develop as a result of using their teaching resources, which will include Copilot.
My question, then, is to inquire whether the audit logs for Copilot will include access the questions submitted to Copilot and the answers it produces.
Microsoft’s decision to offer “commercial data protection” will, I am sure, be welcomed by schools. However, it raises an issue related to auditing the use of Copilot, which may not be a feature of the business/commercial sector. It will become important that schools are able to access the questions their students submit to Copilot and the answers it produces. This is part of the normal auditing process of classroom teachers, who are interested in any errors/misconceptions that their students develop as a result of using their teaching resources, which will include Copilot. My question, then, is to inquire whether the audit logs for Copilot will include access the questions submitted to Copilot and the answers it produces. Read More
User can’t access Private Teams Channels files
Hello,
I have a user who is a member of all private team channels (all on separate SharePoint sites). However, they are unable to access files to certain private teams channels.
They receive this error message every time (see below). Clicking on ‘Open in SharePoint’ opens a web page and shows Access Denied.
I’ve tried the following:
– re-adding the user a member
– adding the user as an owner
– clearing Teams cache
– reset Teams
– reinstalled Teams
– signed out of account
– using different browsers
– using private/incognito mode
None of these have worked, and I’ve raised a ticket with Microsoft support, but they have been unhelpful, insisting that it’s a permission issue. Even though, I did a remote session with them and showed that the user is a member of all private teams channels.
Any advice/solutions would be great 🙂
Hello, I have a user who is a member of all private team channels (all on separate SharePoint sites). However, they are unable to access files to certain private teams channels. They receive this error message every time (see below). Clicking on ‘Open in SharePoint’ opens a web page and shows Access Denied. I’ve tried the following:- re-adding the user a member – adding the user as an owner- clearing Teams cache- reset Teams- reinstalled Teams- signed out of account- using different browsers- using private/incognito mode None of these have worked, and I’ve raised a ticket with Microsoft support, but they have been unhelpful, insisting that it’s a permission issue. Even though, I did a remote session with them and showed that the user is a member of all private teams channels. Any advice/solutions would be great 🙂 Read More
Best Practices
Hello All:
This question is for those of you who develop in .Net/Visual Studio. When building web facing user interfaces, what are your preferred tools for speeding up development time (and why)?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Hello All:This question is for those of you who develop in .Net/Visual Studio. When building web facing user interfaces, what are your preferred tools for speeding up development time (and why)?Thanks in advance for your feedback. Read More
How to Backup Offiice 365 Emails to PST File?
First of all you have to download and install Advik Office 365 Backup Tool. This software is designed to backup Office 365 emails with attachments. You can export Office 365 mailbox to PST , EML, MBOX, and multiple other file formats. The software is capable enough to download emails from mulitiple Outlook 365 accounts.
Steps to backup Office 365 emails to PST file
Launch Advik Office 365 Backup Tool in your PC.Enter credentials to sign in.Select mailbox folders to export.Choose PST as saving option.Click Convert button.
Finished! The software will download or backup Office 365 mailbox to PST in no time.
First of all you have to download and install Advik Office 365 Backup Tool. This software is designed to backup Office 365 emails with attachments. You can export Office 365 mailbox to PST , EML, MBOX, and multiple other file formats. The software is capable enough to download emails from mulitiple Outlook 365 accounts. Steps to backup Office 365 emails to PST fileLaunch Advik Office 365 Backup Tool in your PC.Enter credentials to sign in.Select mailbox folders to export.Choose PST as saving option.Click Convert button.Finished! The software will download or backup Office 365 mailbox to PST in no time. Read More
Add or remove people from your form response notification emails
Allowing only the form owner to receive response notifications has long been a pain point for many users. But that’s no longer a problem! You can now add or remove people or groups from the response notification emails, for forms or quizzes, keeping everyone in the loop! Let’s check how it works together.
Add recipients
To add others, first go to the form’s settings and click “Get email notification of each response”. Then you can proceed to add your desired recipients with a name, email address or a group in your organization.
Add recipients for response notification
Selected recipients get notified
When a new response is submitted, all those listed under “Response receipts” will receive an email notification. They can simply click “view results” to access the form’s result page for more details or sync to Excel for always up-to-date information without needing to return to the Forms site.
All the recipients get email notifications
Remove recipients
If someone has left your organization or you wish to exclude them from notifications, you can effortlessly remove them from the list. Simply access the “…” icon next to the recipients list and remove the individuals by clicking the “trash can” icon.
Remove recipients
Visit forms.office.com now to manage your response notification emails! You can also try it out using this template.
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
Copilot is now available in classic Outlook for Windows
Last Ignite we showed our plans for Copilot in Outlook and how the new Outlook for Windows would get the most recent features first.
We also know that our customers still rely on the classic version of Outlook for a lot of their work and to improve their Copilot experience we have been rolling out Copilot features into classic Outlook over the last few months.
For future Copilot features, we will continue to release first in the new Outlook for Windows and web, with Mac and mobile fast following, and classic releasing between 3 and 12 months after the first roll out.
Copilot in classic Outlook for Windows is already available for most customers in Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel.
Available features include:
Summarize by Copilot Imagine sending an email, taking a short break and coming back to a very active thread with multiple replies. You could scroll back to the first response and start reading or Copilot can quickly summarize the thread for you, so you can catch up on what happened in with a few bullet points in minutes. Copilot even points out where it got the information so you can get more details if needed. To access summarize, select the “Summarize” button on the top right of the reading pane after you open a message. This feature is available in build 16.0.17028.10000 in Current Channel and Monthly Enterprise Channel.
Image of classic Outlook for Windows showing the message list and an open email thread
Summarize in classic Outlook for Windows
Coaching by Copilot An additional set of eyes on an important email you are writing can help you make sure you are communicating the right ideas. When busy schedules and due dates mix up, coaching by Copilot can be that set of extra eyes and provide suggestions to help you communicate your ideas with the right tone, clarity, and make sure the reader sentiment is the intended. To get coaching, once you have drafted a message, select the Copilot icon in the ribbon and then “Coaching by Copilot”. Available in build 16.0.17231.20182 in Current Channel and Monthly Enterprise Channel.
Image of a compose window in classic Outlook showing how coaching by Copilot appears in the UI
Coaching by Copilot in classic Outlook for Windows
Draft with Copilot helps you easily draft emails starting from a prompt. To start a draft, select “New Email” or reply to a message, then select the Copilot icon in the ribbon, and choose “Draft with Copilot” – When you enter the prompt you can also adjust the length and tone before it is drafted. Draft with Copilot is available in build 16.0.17425.20174 in Current Channel and Monthly Enterprise Channel.
Tone and length can be adjusted when drafting with Copilot
Once the message is drafted, you can also adjust it with further instructions to Copilot.
Starting in June, Copilot for Microsoft 365 chat experience (Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 388753) is coming to classic Outlook for Windows. Copilot in Outlook allows you to draft emails, ask questions, summarize multiple email conversations, and connect across your enterprise data including chats, documents, meetings, and emails without leaving Outlook. This feature will start rolling out for classic Outlook for Windows in June for Current Channel and August for Monthly Enterprise Channel, when it’s rolled out it will be pinned by default on the left app bar.
Copilot can be accessed in classic Outlook on the left app bar
Copilot in Outlook requires a Copilot for Microsoft 365 license.
We understand that classic Outlook is an important tool for many people, and we hope to bring more Copilot features into classic Outlook. While each platform has its own dev time, we expect that key Copilot features that come to new Outlook for Windows, web, mobile, and Mac will also come to classic Outlook within a reasonable follow-up timeline depending on the feature.
We always enjoy reading your feedback and comments, please leave us your thoughts in the comments.
Thanks!
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
Copilot Dashboard update – Features and data interpretation guide
Since the Microsoft Copilot Dashboard became generally available on March 27th we’ve seen a huge amount of interest and usage from customers seeking to understand the impact of their Copilot for Microsoft 365 investments.
We’ve listened to your feedback, and today we’re pleased to share a set of feature announcements and best practices to help you maximize your Copilot Dashboard usage.
As a reminder, starting in 2024 Q3, the Copilot Dashboard will no longer require a Viva license to access, and will be included in your Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscription.
To access the Copilot Dashboard, simply navigate to aka.ms/CopilotDashboard from your browser or open the Viva Insights app in Microsoft Teams.
Copilot Dashboard Data Interpretation Guidance
Before we dive into features and roadmap, let’s begin with a set of 7 best practices gathered from customers and our internal data analytics team at Microsoft.
1. Understand the dashboard metrics and how they are calculated
It’s well worth your time to read the Copilot Dashboard online documentation so you can articulate the inputs that feed into dashboard metrics. This resource is continually updated and will help you tell the Copilot ROI story with deep dives on metrics like Assisted hours. See also our recent Worklab article on how we measure the value of AI at work.
2. Pair Copilot usage data with sentiment analysis
If your surveyed users are reporting high satisfaction with Copilot and telling you how it enables them to be more agile and synthesize more information, that’s a powerful signal. Keep in mind that surveys are a leading indicator of benefits. Habits take time to develop and reflect in the data as behavioral changes. Utilize the sentiment analysis capabilities of Copilot Dashboard to get an early pulse on benefits while waiting for developing behavioral adaptations.
3. Understand that Copilot usage metrics and behavioral metrics are not causally related
The behavioral metrics included in Copilot Dashboard are influenced by a wide range of work and personal factors for each measured employee. Especially at the beginning of this transformation when volume of usage is still picking up, it is important to remember that Copilot is very likely not solely responsible for any behavioral metric (i.e. meetings hours, emails sent, etc) differences shown in the dashboard.
4. Ensure measured Copilot users have received skilling and adoption resources
We should not expect Copilot to drastically change user behavior or output without the proper skilling and adoption enablement. Has your organization clearly communicated, with leadership support, Copilot availability and expectations to users? Delivered skilling content to new Copilot users around prompt engineering and scenario guidance? Set up early adopter communities to share best practices?
As with any new tool, users require resources to accelerate adoption. The Viva Suite contains a set of purpose-built tools to do exactly this:
• Copilot Academy in Viva Learning to drive AI and Copilot user upskilling
• Copilot community templates in Viva Engage to enable best practice sharing and answer questions
• Copilot communication templates in Viva Amplify to quickly get the word out on Copilot availability and expected actions
• Copilot Dashboard in Viva Insights to measure Copilot adoption and impact
5. CSV upload & classifying organizations
To get the most out of the Copilot Dashboard, consider making an organizational data upload to customize the attribute filters visible in the dashboard. An organizational data upload is required to access the Job function filter within the dashboard.
6. Ensure licenses have been assigned for sufficient time before conducting analyses
Like all new technology, employees will utilize features more effectively as usage and familiarity increases. Ideally, we recommend allowing 2-3 months after adoption, per our research, before conducting analysis of Copilot impact. We recommend refraining from transferring licenses between users during the time of study as this makes it challenging to compare groups to determine impact.
7. Leverage custom reports from Viva Insights analyst workbench to go deeper
Custom reports available through Viva Insights analyst workbench provide an opportunity to deep dive into areas of Copilot reporting that may not be available from the Copilot Dashboard.
Note: you must be assigned the Viva Insights Analyst Role to access analyst workbench.
Some advantages of utilizing analyst workbench include:
Ability to pull usage data older than 28 days
Ability to slice usage data for groups smaller than 10
Ability to pull in custom organizational data – for example sales performance or geography – to identify business impact correlations
Get row level data for weekly Copilot usage so you can build custom views and dashboards
Ability to customize the definition of active Copilot users and explore usage intensity
For a walkthrough on how to utilize analyst workbench for Copilot analysis, see this video.
Hopefully the 7 best practices above are a helpful guide as you leverage the Copilot Dashboard. Now, let’s take a look at some recently released and upcoming features.
Recently released and upcoming features
Copilot assisted hours with calculation breakdowns – [generally available now]
Copilot assisted hours is an estimate of the total time employees were assisted by Copilot over the past 28 days. The metric is computed based on your employees’ actions in Copilot and multipliers derived from our research on Copilot users. The metric should be viewed as a general estimate based on the most relevant Copilot usage data and research currently available. The underlying calculation methodology will evolve over time as new information becomes available. Select ‘How do we estimate this’ to see a breakdown of how the total figure is calculated.
Date ranges – [generally available now]
In the Copilot Dashboard you will now see a specific date range identified in the upper right corner to clarify the measurement timeframe. This date range reflects a trailing 28 day period and is not configurable. For a custom date range analysis, use analyst workbench.
Minimum aggregation group size threshold – [generally available now]
On the Adoption and Impact pages, you can view aggregated user-level metrics for groups that meet or exceed the minimum aggregation size set by your Viva Insights admin. By default, this is set to 10 employees. The minimum it can be set to is 5.
For tenant level metrics in the dashboard, minimum group size restrictions have been removed.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 metrics for custom reports – [generally available now]
Available from analyst workbench in Viva Insights, you can now add Copilot for Microsoft 365 metrics to custom reports. Analysts can now find these metrics in the metric library and in the “add metrics” step in a person query under the “Microsoft 365 Copilot” section. As part of this update, the Copilot-related metric names have also been updated to be more intuitive.
Note: if you have a custom Power BI report built based on a query including Copilot metrics, you may have to rerun your query (in the case of a non-recurring query) and update the logic in your Power BI report to reference the updated Copilot metric names. All Copilot metric names can be found in the documentation: Person query | Microsoft Learn.
Trendlines – [available by end of July 2024]
6-month lookback trendline views will now be available from the Adoption and Impact pages. The Adoption page trendline shows Copilot adoption trends across the trailing 6 months, filterable by either # of Copilot active users, % of active Copilot users, # of Copilot licensed employees, or % of Copilot licensed employees.
Note: Active Copilot users are defined as the number of users who actively used Copilot at least once in any of the following Microsoft 365 apps during the last 28 days: Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Loop, and Copilot chat (formerly Microsoft 365 Chat). More apps will be added over time.
The Impact page trendline allows you to deep dive into a trailing 6-month view for Copilot impact metrics (e.g. Meeting hours summarized by Copilot) with filters available associated with the impact metric selected.
Delegate access – [available by end of June 2024]
Users with access to the Copilot Dashboard will soon be able to delegate access to other people within their company. By doing so, someone else such as a chief of staff or one of your direct reports, would have the same access you do to Copilot Dashboard.
Adoption PBI template – [available by end of June 2024]
Available from analyst workbench in Viva Insights, the new Adoption PBI template enables a deeper look into adoption trends, including a dynamic date slicer, trendlines, and highlight section calling out top actions.
Impact PBI template – [available by end of June 2024]
Available from analyst workbench in Viva Insights, the new Impact PBI template enables a deeper look into impact areas, including a dynamic date slicer, Copilot assisted hours and value calculator, group comparisons, and the ability to customize active usage definitions.
We hope you find the guidance and updates above useful. As always, we value your feedback! Please leave your comments below.
For additional information to get started, please read our technical documentation at
Not a Viva Insights customer? Check out our latest features, demos, and pricing. Please reach out to your Microsoft representative for more information.
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
Webinars: live translated captions
Hi all,
Quick question on the live translated caption feature for team premium. Does this feature work if I organize a webinar and I have a premium license? Thanks.
Hi all, Quick question on the live translated caption feature for team premium. Does this feature work if I organize a webinar and I have a premium license? Thanks. Read More
