Our company has been split and one portion is being sold to another company. The buying company wants to import emails using CodeTwo. Is there a way to create an admin account on Microsoft 365 Exchange Admin Center that only can administer selected users, namely users who will be going to the new company? I want to give that admin account to the buying company’s I.T. person so that he can setup CodeTwo migration.

Something like a service account.

Thanks!

​Our company has been split and one portion is being sold to another company. The buying company wants to import emails using CodeTwo. Is there a way to create an admin account on Microsoft 365 Exchange Admin Center that only can administer selected users, namely users who will be going to the new company? I want to give that admin account to the buying company’s I.T. person so that he can setup CodeTwo migration. Something like a service account. Thanks!  Read More

​

Hi I’m trying to find a way to have access database find an address on a specified spreadsheet ( there is one for each record in the database but they are all slightly different to each other ) that contains a cell with a unique bit of text specified by the search.

   The text I’m looking for is “Date” and “Next Due Date.” These are column headings but are not the first row on the spreadsheet. I also have to find the last recorded date on each column but I have already managed find the formula to do that.

  Fortunately the word “Date” will always be in the first column ( ie column A ) so I’ve found the formula to find that no matter which row it starts at but the text “Next Due Date” can be in any column to the right of column F but will always be in the same row as the “Date” text.

  Is there a way to index across and find that column address so that access can read the last date in both columns off the specified spreadsheet of the record in the database? 

   I can’t modify the spreadsheets there are literally thousands of them and the rows where the information will be may change. The only thing that’s common to all is that the word “Date” is in column A and is unique to that column and that “Next Due Date” will be on the same found row of “Date” and will be unique to it’s column too.

  Both bits of text are unique to each spreadsheet.

   I’m using excel 2007 (and access 2007)

Can anyone help me with this puzzle ?

​Hi I’m trying to find a way to have access database find an address on a specified spreadsheet ( there is one for each record in the database but they are all slightly different to each other ) that contains a cell with a unique bit of text specified by the search.   The text I’m looking for is “Date” and “Next Due Date.” These are column headings but are not the first row on the spreadsheet. I also have to find the last recorded date on each column but I have already managed find the formula to do that.   Fortunately the word “Date” will always be in the first column ( ie column A ) so I’ve found the formula to find that no matter which row it starts at but the text “Next Due Date” can be in any column to the right of column F but will always be in the same row as the “Date” text.   Is there a way to index across and find that column address so that access can read the last date in both columns off the specified spreadsheet of the record in the database?     I can’t modify the spreadsheets there are literally thousands of them and the rows where the information will be may change. The only thing that’s common to all is that the word “Date” is in column A and is unique to that column and that “Next Due Date” will be on the same found row of “Date” and will be unique to it’s column too.   Both bits of text are unique to each spreadsheet.    I’m using excel 2007 (and access 2007) Can anyone help me with this puzzle ?  Read More

​

I would like to create a pop3 account for outlook.com manually. For this I need the OAuth identification method. But this is not offered to me in the server settings. Is there a solution for this? I know that it works with Exchange.

​I would like to create a pop3 account for outlook.com manually. For this I need the OAuth identification method. But this is not offered to me in the server settings. Is there a solution for this? I know that it works with Exchange.  Read More

​

Hi all

I have an Email template that I want an Auto Update field that automatically adds 21 days onto days date how can I do this? I tried the Formula =DATE()+21 and =TODAY()+21 but both come back as a Syntax error

any suggestions?

​Hi allI have an Email template that I want an Auto Update field that automatically adds 21 days onto days date how can I do this? I tried the Formula =DATE()+21 and =TODAY()+21 but both come back as a Syntax error any suggestions?  Read More

​

Hi All, 

Have started seeing duplicate settings appearing recently.

Anyone else?

Thanks

​Hi All,  Have started seeing duplicate settings appearing recently.   Anyone else? Thanks   Read More

​

Hi, I’m trying to setup Azure datafactory to Azure Devops on-prem Server integration setup in Azure Government. I’m able to create a Azure DevOps Server in Virtual Machine using single server deployment. However I’m unable to integrate the ADF to the on-prem server. Has anyone done this setup ?

CC: @Jason Ingram @Steve Michelotti 

​Hi, I’m trying to setup Azure datafactory to Azure Devops on-prem Server integration setup in Azure Government. I’m able to create a Azure DevOps Server in Virtual Machine using single server deployment. However I’m unable to integrate the ADF to the on-prem server. Has anyone done this setup ? CC: @Jason Ingram @Steve Michelotti   Read More

​

Hi everyone, good morning!

I’m working on setting up a logic flow in Power Automate that will delete VMs from my Virtual Machine Scale Set (VMSS) when we have a low number of items to process. I’ve already managed to create a logic that checks the number of items in my database and, based on that, I can successfully increase or decrease the capacity in my VMSS – this part is working well.

The issue is… when reducing resources, I need to check if the VM I intend to delete is still running any flow (to avoid the risk of deleting it while it’s mid-process).

I think I can determine this by looking at some table in Dataverse or something similar.

Now, my goal is to delete certain VMs. Is it possible to ensure that the VM completes whatever it’s currently executing before deletion?

This way, I could be sure that the VM has finished its task before proceeding with deletion. I know other automation platforms offer options like “Immediate STOP,” which stops the VM immediately, and “Request STOP,” which essentially means “finish what you’re doing, then stop.”

This would be when I decrease the number of instances, right?

Do you think I could achieve something like this via Power Automate or Azure?

​Hi everyone, good morning! I’m working on setting up a logic flow in Power Automate that will delete VMs from my Virtual Machine Scale Set (VMSS) when we have a low number of items to process. I’ve already managed to create a logic that checks the number of items in my database and, based on that, I can successfully increase or decrease the capacity in my VMSS – this part is working well. The issue is… when reducing resources, I need to check if the VM I intend to delete is still running any flow (to avoid the risk of deleting it while it’s mid-process).I think I can determine this by looking at some table in Dataverse or something similar.Now, my goal is to delete certain VMs. Is it possible to ensure that the VM completes whatever it’s currently executing before deletion? This way, I could be sure that the VM has finished its task before proceeding with deletion. I know other automation platforms offer options like “Immediate STOP,” which stops the VM immediately, and “Request STOP,” which essentially means “finish what you’re doing, then stop.”This would be when I decrease the number of instances, right? Do you think I could achieve something like this via Power Automate or Azure?  Read More

​

​Latest Threat Intelligence (October 2024) 

Microsoft Defender for IoT has released the October 2024 Threat Intelligence package. The package is available for download from the Microsoft Defender for IoT portal (click Updates, then Download file).  

 
Threat Intelligence updates reflect the combined impact of proprietary research and threat intelligence carried out by Microsoft security teams. Each package contains the latest CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), IOCs (Indicators of Compromise), and other indicators applicable to IoT/ICS/OT networks (published during the past month) researched and implemented by Microsoft Threat Intelligence Research – CPS.
 
The CVE scores are aligned with the National Vulnerability Database (NVD). Starting with the August 2023 threat intelligence updates, CVSSv3 scores are shown if they are relevant; otherwise the CVSSv2 scores are shown. 
 
Guidance
Customers are recommended to update their systems with the latest TI package in order to detect potential exposure risks and vulnerabilities in their networks and on their devices. Threat Intelligence packages are updated every month with the most up-to-date security information available, ensuring that Microsoft Defender for IoT can identify malicious actors and behaviors on devices.
 
 
Update your system with the latest TI package
The package is available for download from the Microsoft Defender for IoT portal (click Updates, then Download file), for more information, please review Update threat intelligence data | Microsoft Docs. 
 
MD5 Hash: 0e92a7718f9f6b78738c8a6ee6c7ba89
 
For cloud connected sensors, Microsoft Defender for IoT can automatically update new threat intelligence packages following their release, click here for more information.    Read More

​

Hello everyone,

I’m dealing with thousands of images with confusing, auto-generated names like ‘IMG_1234’ and ‘DSC_5678’ that are difficult to sort or locate when needed. I’m looking for a reliable way to rename all of them in a clear and consistent format in batches on my PC. Ideally, I’d like to be able to:

Add prefixes, suffixes, or specific titles to groups of images.Insert sequential numbering for easy organization.Possibly keep some metadata intact, like the date and location, if available.

I’ve tried renaming some images manually, but with such a large collection, it’s just not practical. I’d really appreciate any advice on Windows software, scripts, or built-in features that can batch rename images in Windows. Ease of use and batch processing speed would be a big plus!

Thanks for the help!

​Hello everyone, I’m dealing with thousands of images with confusing, auto-generated names like ‘IMG_1234’ and ‘DSC_5678’ that are difficult to sort or locate when needed. I’m looking for a reliable way to rename all of them in a clear and consistent format in batches on my PC. Ideally, I’d like to be able to: Add prefixes, suffixes, or specific titles to groups of images.Insert sequential numbering for easy organization.Possibly keep some metadata intact, like the date and location, if available. I’ve tried renaming some images manually, but with such a large collection, it’s just not practical. I’d really appreciate any advice on Windows software, scripts, or built-in features that can batch rename images in Windows. Ease of use and batch processing speed would be a big plus! Thanks for the help!  Read More

​

Hello Everyone, I’m Mohamed Faraazman bin Farooq S, a student of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador from BSA Crescent University, Chennai, India. My journey toward passing the Microsoft Fabric Certification exam was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador (MLSA) program played a huge role in my success. It provided access to valuable resources, tools, and a vibrant community that helped me throughout my preparation. From hands-on experience with Power BI and Azure Synapse to the various workshops and learning paths, the MLSA program gave me a solid foundation and confidence to take on the exam.

In this blog, I’ll share how I prepared for the exam and the strategies I used to ace it. Whether you’re just starting or looking for tips, I hope my approach can guide you toward certification success! Let’s dive into how the MLSA program and other resources helped me conquer the Microsoft Fabric exam.

1. Understanding the Exam Blueprint: Your First Step to Success

Before you even crack open a study guide or begin practicing in Power BI, your first step should always be to understand the exam blueprint. The Microsoft Fabric exam is designed to test your knowledge across a variety of domains that encompass both data engineering and analytics.

Some of the core areas covered in the exam include:

Data Integration: The ability to combine and cleanse data from various sources.
Data Pipeline Management: Creating, orchestrating, and troubleshooting data pipelines.
Analytics Reporting: Building and delivering detailed reports and dashboards that derive meaningful insights from large datasets.
Data Visualization Techniques: Knowing how to represent data graphically in a way that’s both impactful and informative.
Optimization and Security: Understanding how to optimize queries, improve performance, and secure data.

Microsoft provides a detailed list of objectives and topics that the exam will cover. I studied this blueprint thoroughly and made sure to allocate time to each section based on my strengths and weaknesses. This ensures that you aren’t just studying randomly but focusing on the areas that matter most.

Tip: Make a checklist of each domain and subtopic. As you go through your preparation, cross off the areas you feel confident in and revisit the ones you find difficult.

2. Hands-On Experience with Microsoft Tools: The Most Important Preparation

Passing a certification like Microsoft Fabric isn’t just about reading books or watching tutorials; it’s about doing. Since the exam focuses heavily on real-world application, having hands-on experience with Microsoft tools like Power BI, Azure Synapse, and SQL Server is crucial.

As a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, I had a unique opportunity to conduct workshops on Power BI, which gave me invaluable hands-on experience. Creating dashboards, transforming data, and working with real datasets helped me deeply understand the concepts that were tested in the exam.

For those who might not have direct work experience, I strongly recommend creating your own projects. Here are a few ways you can get hands-on practice:

Use Power BI to Create Dashboards: Download public datasets and try creating different types of reports and visualizations.
Work with Azure Synapse: Use Azure’s free tier to practice data integration and pipeline management.
Build Data Pipelines: Use Azure Data Factory to create a data ingestion process from a SQL database to Azure Data Lake.

Remember, reading about Power BI’s features is one thing, but actually building a report with slicers, dynamic measures, and calculated columns will cement that knowledge.

3. Utilizing Microsoft Learn and Documentation: Structured Learning for the Win

While hands-on practice is essential, structured learning modules are equally important. Microsoft Learn offers a series of free learning paths specifically tailored to Microsoft Fabric. These modules are incredibly helpful because they’re divided into bite-sized lessons that cover every component of the exam, from data integration to analytics and visualization.

What I loved most about Microsoft Learn is its interactive nature. The modules aren’t just long walls of text; they offer quizzes, knowledge checks, and even hands-on labs where you can practice directly in the Azure environment.

For example, if you’re preparing for the exam’s data pipeline section, Microsoft Learn provides specific paths that focus on orchestrating data pipelines using Azure Data Factory or Synapse Pipelines. The lessons also often mirror real-world scenarios, which is exactly what the exam tests.

In addition to Microsoft Learn, the official Microsoft documentation is a goldmine for deep-dive knowledge. While Microsoft Learn gives you a broad overview, the documentation is where you’ll find the nitty-gritty details of advanced functionalities. Whenever I encountered an unfamiliar term or needed clarification on a particular feature, I’d dive into the documentation for a more in-depth explanation.

Pro Tip: Bookmark key pages from the official documentation for quick reference. If you’re stuck on a particularly tricky area, you can easily revisit those pages later.

4. Joining a Study Group: The Power of Collaboration

No matter how prepared you think you are, there’s always value in collaborating with others. I joined an online study group dedicated to Microsoft certifications, and it was one of the best decisions I made during my exam prep.

Study groups provide several advantages:

Sharing Resources: Other members might have access to study guides, notes, or tips that you don’t.
Problem-Solving Discussions: Sometimes, explaining a concept to someone else helps solidify it in your mind. I also benefited greatly from others explaining their approaches to complex problems.
Accountability: Knowing that you have a study group can keep you on track and motivated.

I highly recommend finding or joining a community that focuses on Microsoft Fabric or related topics. You can find study groups on platforms like LinkedIn, Microsoft Teams or Microsoft’s own forums.

5. Taking Mock Exams: The Ultimate Readiness Test

Once I felt comfortable with the material, I began taking mock exams to gauge my readiness. These practice exams mirror the format and difficulty of the real test, allowing you to see which areas you’re excelling in and which still need improvement.

There are several online platforms that offer mock exams. Some even come with timed simulations to give you a feel for how you’ll perform under actual exam conditions. I found that taking these mock tests helped alleviate a lot of anxiety about the timing and structure of the real exam.

Strategy Tip: After each mock exam, carefully review the questions you got wrong. Even if you get the correct answer by chance, make sure you understand the reasoning behind it.

6. Focusing on Visualization Techniques: Power BI Mastery is Key

One of the standout sections of the Microsoft Fabric exam is data visualization. While much of the exam focuses on the technical aspects of data engineering and integration, a large portion is dedicated to your ability to present data effectively using Power BI resources.

As someone who has led Power BI workshops, I can’t stress enough how important it is to master the art of data visualization. In my preparation, I focused on the following:

Chart Selection: Knowing when to use specific charts (e.g., bar charts, line charts, scatter plots) based on the type of data being analyzed.
Data Cleansing and Preparation: Ensuring that your data is optimized for reporting. This includes handling missing values, optimizing data types, and creating calculated columns or measures.
Building Dashboards: Practice building full-scale dashboards with multiple visuals, slicers, and dynamic data. Ensure that each element of your dashboard tells a story.

Final Thoughts: My Key Takeaways

Passing the Microsoft Fabric exam was a challenging but rewarding journey. It’s a certification that tests not only your theoretical knowledge but your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Here are my final takeaways for anyone preparing for this exam:

Be Methodical: Don’t just dive into random study materials. Follow a structured plan based on the exam objectives.
Get Hands-On: Real-world practice with Microsoft tools like Power BI, Synapse, and Azure is the key to success.
Use Available Resources: Microsoft Learn, official documentation, and study groups are all invaluable assets.
Practice Makes Perfect: Take mock exams and review your mistakes to fine-tune your knowledge. 
Master Data Visualization: Power BI is a big part of the exam, so make sure you’re proficient in visualizing data effectively.

By following these steps, I was able to pass the exam with confidence, and I’m sure you can too. Good luck on your journey to becoming Microsoft Fabric certified! 

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