Tag Archives: microsoft
The All-Inclusive Update for Everything TLS on App Service
This article will provide you with an all-inclusive update around all App Service TLS related features. In the past year, we have announced a couple of updates in this area, and to keep things simple, this article will be broken down to these different areas/features:
TLS 1.3 Updates
Min TLS Cipher Suite (Preview)
End-to-end (E2E) TLS Encryption (Preview)
TLS 1.3 Updates
As an update to the previous article about the upcoming TLS 1.3 changes on App Service, we have now fully rolled out TLS 1.3 globally. If you require all your inbound requests to be TLS 1.3, you can also set your “Minimum Inbound TLS Version” to be “TLS 1.3” on any client (ie. Portal, CLI, ARM).
Configuring Min TLS Version to TLS 1.3
Azure Portal
CLI
az webapp config set –min-tls-version “1.3” -g RG-NAME -n APP-NAME
TLS 1.3 Cipher Suites
With the new TLS 1.3 updates, you will also see new TLS cipher suites in your “Minimum TLS Cipher Suite” feature. This will include two cipher suites at the top of the cipher suite order.
TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
Refer to the “Min TLS Cipher Suite (Preview)” section of the article for further updates on that feature.
App Service Environment (ASE) V3 with Cluster Setting “FrontEndSSLCipherSuiteOrder”
For ASE customers who have “FrontEndSSLCipherSuiteOrder” cluster setting configured, you will need to update your cluster settings to include our two TLS 1.3 cipher suites in the cluster setting (listed below) and to reboot your front-ends afterwards. You must still include the two required cipher suites as mentioned in the docs.
TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
Min TLS Cipher Suite (Preview)
In a previous article about Min TLS Cipher Suite (Preview), we had called-out that we will be updating the cipher suite priority ordering based on the recommendations in TLS Cipher Suites in Windows 2022. You can expect this cipher suite priority order change to be completed by May 17th. Keep in mind that while the list of supported cipher suites along with its priority order may still be updated later, we don’t expect this to happen frequently.
This feature is currently still only available to Premium App Service Plans. We have plans to open this for Basic plans and above in the coming months – stay tuned!
Understanding Impact of Update
The main change that’s happening is that the “TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256” is moving to a lower priority to be consistent with Windows cipher suite ordering. Despite the change with the ordering, the front-end’s OS would still pick the most secure cipher suite that is supported by both App Service and the client. In general, we expect this change to be a non-issue for almost all customers. If your clients have a hard dependency on a specific TLS cipher suite being chosen, you may want to review this as soon as possible.
Previous TLS Cipher Suite Priority Order
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
New TLS Cipher Suite Priority Order
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
Example Scenario 1
Depending on your app’s configured minimum TLS cipher suite, your app might end up disabling “TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256” cipher suite (#2 from previous list; #5 from new list) after the cipher suite order update. As an example, if your app’s current configured minimum is set to “TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256” (#5 from previous list; #4 from new list), your web app will allow client requests that uses “TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256”. However, after the update, your app will no longer allow client requests that use “TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256” cipher suite because that cipher suite would be less secure than the set minimum cipher suite.
Example Scenario 2
If you selected “TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256” TLS cipher suite (#2 from previous list; #5 from new list) as the minimum, your app would end up enabling more TLS cipher suites after this change. As an example, if your current minimum is set to the said TLS cipher suite, your web app will allow client requests that uses either of the top two TLS cipher suites from the previous list. After the update, your web app will allow client requests that uses one of the top five TLS cipher suites from the new list.
TLS 1.3 Cipher Suites
As mentioned in the previous section of this article, with the new support of TLS 1.3, we will be supporting two new TLS 1.3 cipher suites. You can reference the complete list of cipher suites below which will include TLS 1.3 cipher suites along with the newest update of cipher suite ordering as mentioned earlier in this section. This order will start from the strongest cipher suite on the list down to the weakest one.
TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
Min TLS Cipher Suites with App Service Environment (ASE) Cluster Setting “FrontEndSSLCipherSuiteOrder”
If your App Service Environment (ASE) already has cluster setting “FrontEndSSLCipherSuiteOrder” configured, it is not recommended to also enable min TLS cipher suite for your web app. Doing so could lead to issues with conflicting cipher suites between the two configurations. You should only configure one or the other.
End-to-end (E2E) TLS Encryption (Preview)
In a previous article about E2E TLS Encryption (Preview) feature, we mentioned that this feature is only supported on Linux multi-tenants. We are excited to announce that this feature is now available for Windows multi-tenant web apps as well! It is available to Standard App Service Plans and above.
As a quick refresher, without E2E TLS encryption, incoming HTTPS requests would have TLS terminated on our front-ends and continue as HTTP to the workers running the application workloads. Once you enable this feature, front-end intra-cluster traffic between App Service front-ends and the workers running application workloads would now be encrypted. Below is a simple diagram to help you understand how the feature works.
Configuring E2E TLS Encryption (Preview)
Azure Portal
Sample API Call
PUT https://management.azure.com/subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.Web/sites/{name}?api-version=2022-03-01
{
“location”: “<region>”,
“properties”: {
“endToEndEncryptionEnabled”: true
}
}
Conclusion
This wraps up all the latest for App Service TLS feature area. Don’t forget that Build 2024 is happening next week to catch all the other announcements for our other features/areas!
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
** HELP ** Need to Join Text but also have superscript
Hi All,
@Hans Vogelaar / @Sergei Baklan
Wondering if you can help here and will walk you through what im trying to achieve
Step 1:
In Columns D, we have the name of a Feature/Product but i need to merge Column F then E with Column D but the content in Column F needs to be superscripted.
Step 2:
On tab Formulas, i would like to create XLookup/Filter/Search whereby it pulls through results based on the value of Column A, B & C on “Clean Tab” e.g If i wanted to see everything that was assigned to Global Platform > Launches >New Operators it would pull through the top 9 and so on Global Platform > Launches > New Operators etc etc again the challenge i have is i still need Columns F to be superscripted from Clean tab to be superscripted.
Step 3:
The objective is to essentially be able to pull these data from excel and easily insert into a PowerPoint document as such:
Hi All,@Hans Vogelaar / @Sergei Baklan Wondering if you can help here and will walk you through what im trying to achieveStep 1:In Columns D, we have the name of a Feature/Product but i need to merge Column F then E with Column D but the content in Column F needs to be superscripted. Step 2:On tab Formulas, i would like to create XLookup/Filter/Search whereby it pulls through results based on the value of Column A, B & C on “Clean Tab” e.g If i wanted to see everything that was assigned to Global Platform > Launches >New Operators it would pull through the top 9 and so on Global Platform > Launches > New Operators etc etc again the challenge i have is i still need Columns F to be superscripted from Clean tab to be superscripted.Step 3:The objective is to essentially be able to pull these data from excel and easily insert into a PowerPoint document as such: Read More
🌟 Partner Community Spotlight: Townhall &Survey Initiative 🌟
Dear Partners,
We’re excited to bring you the latest opportunities for engagement and feedback:
Monthly Partner Townhalls: Your Gateway to the Latest Insights
Our Partner Townhalls, held on the Cloud Champion platform, are a cornerstone for staying connected and informed. To participate, ensure you have an account set up where you’ll find the schedule for upcoming townhalls and access to past event recordings.
Upcoming Townhall: A Session Not to Be Missed
Anticipate an engaging session on May 28th 9:30AM CET, as we convene for the next Partner Townhall. We are happy to have Wael Elkabbany, GPS VP EMEA, joining us for this townhall, sharing valuable insights on how to remain at the forefront of industry developments and innovative initiatives.
Why Attend?
Stay Updated: Receive the most recent news and updates directly from the source.
Engage with Campaigns: Discover new and exciting campaigns that can benefit your business.
Network: Connect with peers and Microsoft experts to expand your professional network.
Learn and Grow: Gain insights that can propel your business and personal growth.
Your Voice Matters: Help Us Enhance the Townhall Experience
We’re dedicated to making our Partner Townhalls as impactful and beneficial as possible. That’s why we’re conducting a survey to gather your valuable feedback. Your input is crucial in helping us shape future townhalls to better serve your needs and ensure they are informative and useful. Please take a moment to share your insights and contribute to the continuous improvement of our events.
We look forward to your active participation and input!
Together, let’s continue to foster a vibrant and collaborative partner ecosystem.
Warm regards,
Your MS Switzerland Team
Dear Partners,
We’re excited to bring you the latest opportunities for engagement and feedback:
Monthly Partner Townhalls: Your Gateway to the Latest InsightsOur Partner Townhalls, held on the Cloud Champion platform, are a cornerstone for staying connected and informed. To participate, ensure you have an account set up where you’ll find the schedule for upcoming townhalls and access to past event recordings.
Upcoming Townhall: A Session Not to Be MissedAnticipate an engaging session on May 28th 9:30AM CET, as we convene for the next Partner Townhall. We are happy to have Wael Elkabbany, GPS VP EMEA, joining us for this townhall, sharing valuable insights on how to remain at the forefront of industry developments and innovative initiatives.Why Attend?
Stay Updated: Receive the most recent news and updates directly from the source.
Engage with Campaigns: Discover new and exciting campaigns that can benefit your business.
Network: Connect with peers and Microsoft experts to expand your professional network.
Learn and Grow: Gain insights that can propel your business and personal growth.
Your Voice Matters: Help Us Enhance the Townhall ExperienceWe’re dedicated to making our Partner Townhalls as impactful and beneficial as possible. That’s why we’re conducting a survey to gather your valuable feedback. Your input is crucial in helping us shape future townhalls to better serve your needs and ensure they are informative and useful. Please take a moment to share your insights and contribute to the continuous improvement of our events.
We look forward to your active participation and input!
Together, let’s continue to foster a vibrant and collaborative partner ecosystem.
Warm regards,
Your MS Switzerland Team Read More
How can Set up Intuit Data Protect to Backup Company Files effectively?
Encountering issues with Intuit Data Protect to Backup Company Files. How can I troubleshoot this problem effectively to ensure my data is securely backed up?
Encountering issues with Intuit Data Protect to Backup Company Files. How can I troubleshoot this problem effectively to ensure my data is securely backed up? Read More
What steps can be taken to resolve Intuit Data Protect Backup Failed due to Low Disk Space?
I’m encountering an issue with Intuit Data Protect Backup Failed due to Low Disk Space. How can I address this problem and ensure successful backups without running out of disk space?
I’m encountering an issue with Intuit Data Protect Backup Failed due to Low Disk Space. How can I address this problem and ensure successful backups without running out of disk space? Read More
Engage Community Pinned Section
Trying to remove previously pinned items from Pinned section, but after clicking on cross (x) icon and if we refresh, deleted pinned items are still visible. This is observed pinned section for each communities.
Kindly look into this and provide the solution.
Trying to remove previously pinned items from Pinned section, but after clicking on cross (x) icon and if we refresh, deleted pinned items are still visible. This is observed pinned section for each communities. Kindly look into this and provide the solution. Read More
How to Enable Mobile Print on Mobile Clients (iOS, Android)
Troubleshooting Solutions: Mobile Print on Mobile Clients (iOS, Android)
Mobile printing on both iOS and Android devices can greatly enhance productivity, but setting it up may encounter some challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and enabling mobile print on mobile clients:
Check Printer Compatibility: Ensure your printer supports mobile printing. Not all printers are compatible with mobile devices. Look for printers that support AirPrint for iOS devices and Google Cloud Print for Android devices.
Update Printer Firmware: Outdated printer firmware can cause compatibility issues with mobile printing. Check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates and install them if available.
Connect Printer to Network: Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device. Mobile printing relies on a network connection to communicate with the printer.
Install Printer Apps: Some printer manufacturers provide dedicated mobile apps for printing. Install the appropriate app for your printer model from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to streamline the printing process.
Enable AirPrint (iOS): If you’re using an iOS device, ensure AirPrint is enabled on your printer. Navigate to the printer settings menu and enable AirPrint functionality. This allows iOS devices to discover and connect to the printer wirelessly.
Set Up Google Cloud Print (Android): For Android devices, set up Google Cloud Print to enable mobile printing. Access your printer’s settings through a web browser, navigate to the Google Cloud Print section, and follow the on-screen instructions to register your printer with Google Cloud Print.
Verify Printer Connection: Once you’ve configured the printer settings, verify that your mobile device can detect the printer on the same network. Open the printing settings on your device and search for available printers. Your printer should appear in the list of available devices.
Install Mobile Printing Apps: If your printer doesn’t support AirPrint or Google Cloud Print, you can use third-party mobile printing apps. Install apps like PrinterShare or HP Smart from the App Store or Google Play Store, which offer broader printer compatibility and additional features.
Ensure Sufficient Printer Supplies: Check the printer’s ink or toner levels and paper supply to avoid printing errors or interruptions. Low ink or toner levels can affect print quality, while insufficient paper can cause print jobs to fail.
Troubleshoot Printing Issues: If you encounter printing errors or issues, try the following troubleshooting steps:
Restart your printer and mobile device.Update your device’s operating system to the latest version.Forget the printer network on your device and reconnect.Reinstall the printer app or mobile printing app.Check for any error messages on the printer’s display panel and follow the troubleshooting instructions provided.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively enable mobile print on both iOS and Android devices, enhancing your printing capabilities and productivity on the go.
Troubleshooting Solutions: Mobile Print on Mobile Clients (iOS, Android) Mobile printing on both iOS and Android devices can greatly enhance productivity, but setting it up may encounter some challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and enabling mobile print on mobile clients: Check Printer Compatibility: Ensure your printer supports mobile printing. Not all printers are compatible with mobile devices. Look for printers that support AirPrint for iOS devices and Google Cloud Print for Android devices.Update Printer Firmware: Outdated printer firmware can cause compatibility issues with mobile printing. Check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates and install them if available.Connect Printer to Network: Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device. Mobile printing relies on a network connection to communicate with the printer.Install Printer Apps: Some printer manufacturers provide dedicated mobile apps for printing. Install the appropriate app for your printer model from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to streamline the printing process.Enable AirPrint (iOS): If you’re using an iOS device, ensure AirPrint is enabled on your printer. Navigate to the printer settings menu and enable AirPrint functionality. This allows iOS devices to discover and connect to the printer wirelessly.Set Up Google Cloud Print (Android): For Android devices, set up Google Cloud Print to enable mobile printing. Access your printer’s settings through a web browser, navigate to the Google Cloud Print section, and follow the on-screen instructions to register your printer with Google Cloud Print.Verify Printer Connection: Once you’ve configured the printer settings, verify that your mobile device can detect the printer on the same network. Open the printing settings on your device and search for available printers. Your printer should appear in the list of available devices.Install Mobile Printing Apps: If your printer doesn’t support AirPrint or Google Cloud Print, you can use third-party mobile printing apps. Install apps like PrinterShare or HP Smart from the App Store or Google Play Store, which offer broader printer compatibility and additional features.Ensure Sufficient Printer Supplies: Check the printer’s ink or toner levels and paper supply to avoid printing errors or interruptions. Low ink or toner levels can affect print quality, while insufficient paper can cause print jobs to fail.Troubleshoot Printing Issues: If you encounter printing errors or issues, try the following troubleshooting steps:Restart your printer and mobile device.Update your device’s operating system to the latest version.Forget the printer network on your device and reconnect.Reinstall the printer app or mobile printing app.Check for any error messages on the printer’s display panel and follow the troubleshooting instructions provided.By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively enable mobile print on both iOS and Android devices, enhancing your printing capabilities and productivity on the go. Read More
VBA to Concatenate rows based on another cells value
Hi,
I have a table of data from a system I use. some rows contain jobs and rows directly below each job contain the separate tasks that need to be completed (including the name of the person delegated for that task)
I’m trying to use VBA to modify the table to show the Job and a cell with the delegates, separated by a comma or line break.
e.g.
Job1Title1Due Date Job1Task1 JohnJob1Task2 JohnJob1Task3 MikeJob2Title2Due Date Job2Task1 BradJob2task2 MikeJob3Title 3Due Date
converted to
Job1Title1Due Date
John
John
Job2Title2Due Date
Brad
Mike
job3Title3Due Date
The actual table has over 200 jobs and most have several tasks each, and I have other VBA elements that modifies other columns. I can do the basic VBA for the rest of the table, but this has me stumped.
Can anyone point me in the right direction please.
Leon.
Hi, I have a table of data from a system I use. some rows contain jobs and rows directly below each job contain the separate tasks that need to be completed (including the name of the person delegated for that task)I’m trying to use VBA to modify the table to show the Job and a cell with the delegates, separated by a comma or line break.e.g.Job1Title1Due Date Job1Task1 JohnJob1Task2 JohnJob1Task3 MikeJob2Title2Due Date Job2Task1 BradJob2task2 MikeJob3Title 3Due Date converted toJob1Title1Due DateJohnJohnJob2Title2Due DateBradMikejob3Title3Due Date The actual table has over 200 jobs and most have several tasks each, and I have other VBA elements that modifies other columns. I can do the basic VBA for the rest of the table, but this has me stumped. Can anyone point me in the right direction please.Leon. Read More
** HELP ** Need help creating a PowerPoint VBA to convert certain values into SuperScript
Hi All,
Is there anyone that can help create a VBA code to convert a certain value to superscript?
e.g Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4. Below highlighted yellow id like to be able to automatically convert this to superscript if possible?
Hi All,Is there anyone that can help create a VBA code to convert a certain value to superscript?e.g Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4. Below highlighted yellow id like to be able to automatically convert this to superscript if possible? Read More
Lesson Learned #487: Identifying Parallel and High-Volume Queries in Azure SQL Database
Today, I worked on a service request that our customer needs to monitor and optimize queries that can significantly impact performance. This includes both queries running in parallel and those that, although executed with a single thread (MAXDOP 1), have a high volume of executions. In this article, we will explain a query that helps us identify these two types of queries in an Azure SQL Database.
The provided SQL query uses Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) in SQL Server to group and analyze execution statistics for queries. Let’s break down and explain each part of this query:
WITH QueryStats AS (
SELECT
query_hash,
SUM(total_worker_time) AS total_worker_time,
SUM(total_elapsed_time) AS total_elapsed_time,
SUM(execution_count) AS execution_count,
MAX(max_dop) AS total_dop
FROM
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
GROUP BY
query_hash
)
SELECT
qs.query_hash,
qs.execution_count,
qs.total_worker_time,
qs.total_elapsed_time,
qs.total_dop,
SUBSTRING(st.text,
(qs_statement.statement_start_offset/2) + 1,
((CASE qs_statement.statement_end_offset
WHEN -1 THEN DATALENGTH(st.text)
ELSE qs_statement.statement_end_offset
END – qs_statement.statement_start_offset)/2) + 1) AS query_text
FROM
QueryStats qs
CROSS APPLY
(SELECT TOP 1 *
FROM sys.dm_exec_query_stats qs_statement
WHERE qs.query_hash = qs_statement.query_hash) qs_statement
CROSS APPLY
sys.dm_exec_sql_text(qs_statement.sql_handle) AS st
ORDER BY
qs.total_worker_time DESC;
Breakdown of the Query
Common Table Expression (CTE): QueryStats
This part aggregates statistics from the sys.dm_exec_query_stats view, which contains performance statistics for cached query plans.
query_hash: A hash value used to identify queries that are similar in structure.
total_worker_time: Total CPU time used by the query.
total_elapsed_time: Total time taken for the query to execute.
execution_count: Number of times the query has been executed.
total_dop: Maximum degree of parallelism (DOP) used by the query.
Main Query:
qs.query_hash, qs.execution_count, qs.total_worker_time, qs.total_elapsed_time, qs.total_dop: These columns are selected from the CTE QueryStats.
query_text: Extracts the text of the query using the substring function, which extracts a portion of the query text from the sys.dm_exec_sql_text.
CROSS APPLY:
qs_statement: Retrieves the top row from sys.dm_exec_query_stats where the query_hash matches, providing detailed information for each query hash.
st: Retrieves the SQL text of the query using sys.dm_exec_sql_text with the SQL handle from qs_statement.
ORDER BY:
The final result is ordered by total_worker_time in descending order, showing the most CPU-intensive queries at the top.
How This Helps Identify Performance-Impacting Queries
Parallel Queries: Queries with a high total_dop value indicate parallel execution. While parallel execution can speed up individual queries, it can also lead to resource contention, especially if many queries run in parallel simultaneously.
High-Volume Queries: Queries with a high execution_count value but low total_dop are typically executed with MAXDOP 1. If these queries are executed frequently, they can still significantly impact the overall performance of the database.
By identifying both types of queries, database administrators can take actions such as query optimization, indexing, or adjusting the degree of parallelism settings to improve overall database performance.
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
Formula for Countif
Good Morning Guys
I’m trying to do a countif formula. I want to count the amount of entrys in B based on the ranges between E&F to be added to total in H. Can any help. I’ve not really done ranges before. Or if anyone can suggest an alternative. I have enclosed a test excel.
Good Morning Guys I’m trying to do a countif formula. I want to count the amount of entrys in B based on the ranges between E&F to be added to total in H. Can any help. I’ve not really done ranges before. Or if anyone can suggest an alternative. I have enclosed a test excel. Read More
excell spreadsheet
I have a problem like i created an excell spreadsheet with details including pictures when i export it picture shows perfectly as i wanted but when i import it on my google site it doesn’t show pictures what can i be missing
Help please
I have a problem like i created an excell spreadsheet with details including pictures when i export it picture shows perfectly as i wanted but when i import it on my google site it doesn’t show pictures what can i be missing Help please Read More
Get metadata activity
I am unable to get the meta data after providing the source of the data
I am unable to get the meta data after providing the source of the data please suggest Read More
How to search for documents on subsites from parent site
Hi there,
I’m creating a SharePoint site structure that has a main site, along with a few sub-sites arranged in categories.
When I search on the main site document library, I want the documents from the sub-sites to show in the search results, but they currently aren’t doing.
Does anybody know how to change this setting? I’m just searching from the top search bar in the SharePoint Document Library on the parent site. Am I doing that wrong?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there, I’m creating a SharePoint site structure that has a main site, along with a few sub-sites arranged in categories. When I search on the main site document library, I want the documents from the sub-sites to show in the search results, but they currently aren’t doing. Does anybody know how to change this setting? I’m just searching from the top search bar in the SharePoint Document Library on the parent site. Am I doing that wrong? Thanks in advance! Read More
Problems network folders linked in excel after migrating to sharepoint (Excel,Sharepoint,PowerPivot)
I’m using Excel, Sharepoint, and PowerPivot with Office365
After migration to Sharepoint I need to redirect links in Excel that refer to other Excels contained in a previously network folder now in Sharepoint.
But I cannot locate the sharepoint connector in my excel, as it seems I should as specified in Microsoft documentation. (See images)
Any idea why it’s not working for me or how it should be done?
Best Regards.
I’m using Excel, Sharepoint, and PowerPivot with Office365 After migration to Sharepoint I need to redirect links in Excel that refer to other Excels contained in a previously network folder now in Sharepoint. But I cannot locate the sharepoint connector in my excel, as it seems I should as specified in Microsoft documentation. (See images) Any idea why it’s not working for me or how it should be done? Best Regards. Read More
Add a calendar ics with Powershell
Hello
I need to add a shared calendar (ics) for around thirty people
The calendar is from a company A, shared with company B.
I want to add this calendar (.ics) automatically for all users in powershell, I can’t find any Microsoft documentation on this subject or much on the internet, could you give me a script that would work?
Thank in advance
Hello I need to add a shared calendar (ics) for around thirty people The calendar is from a company A, shared with company B. I want to add this calendar (.ics) automatically for all users in powershell, I can’t find any Microsoft documentation on this subject or much on the internet, could you give me a script that would work? Thank in advance Read More
How To Ungroup items on the Taskbar in Windows 11
Troubleshooting Solutions: Ungroup items on the Taskbar
Windows 11 introduced several changes to the taskbar, including the grouping of similar items to streamline the user interface. However, if you prefer to have individual taskbar icons for each application, you can explore the following troubleshooting solutions:
Check Taskbar Settings: Start by right-clicking on an empty area of the taskbar and selecting “Taskbar settings” from the context menu. In the Taskbar settings window, look for an option related to taskbar behavior or grouping. Windows 11 might have introduced new settings for taskbar grouping that you can adjust to ungroup items.
Customize Taskbar Behaviors: Within the Taskbar settings, explore the various customization options available. Look for settings related to “Combine taskbar buttons” or “Group similar taskbar buttons.” Adjust these settings to your preference, choosing an option that prevents the taskbar from grouping similar items together.
Registry Editor Modification: For advanced users comfortable with making changes to the Windows Registry, there might be a solution using the Registry Editor. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing “regedit,” and hitting Enter. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
Look for a DWORD value named “TaskbarGlomLevel.” If it doesn’t exist, you can create it. Set the value of TaskbarGlomLevel to 0 to disable taskbar grouping completely. Remember to back up your registry before making any changes and proceed with caution.
Third-Party Taskbar Customization Tools: Consider using third-party software designed for taskbar customization. There are several utilities available that offer extensive customization options beyond what’s provided in Windows settings. Look for reputable software that supports Windows 11 and specifically mentions taskbar customization as one of its features.
Restart Windows Explorer: Sometimes, restarting the Windows Explorer process can resolve taskbar-related issues. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Locate “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes, right-click it, and select “Restart.” This action will refresh the taskbar and might reset any erroneous settings affecting taskbar grouping.
Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows 11 installation is up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft. Sometimes, software updates include bug fixes and improvements that address issues with taskbar behavior. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any pending updates.
Feedback Hub Submission: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and still can’t ungroup taskbar items in Windows 11, consider submitting feedback through the Feedback Hub app. Microsoft values user feedback and might address the issue in future updates based on user reports.
By following these troubleshooting solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue of grouped taskbar items in Windows 11 and customize the taskbar to your preference, with individual icons for each application. Remember to approach advanced solutions, such as Registry Editor modifications, with caution and always backup important data before making changes.
Troubleshooting Solutions: Ungroup items on the Taskbar Windows 11 introduced several changes to the taskbar, including the grouping of similar items to streamline the user interface. However, if you prefer to have individual taskbar icons for each application, you can explore the following troubleshooting solutions: Check Taskbar Settings: Start by right-clicking on an empty area of the taskbar and selecting “Taskbar settings” from the context menu. In the Taskbar settings window, look for an option related to taskbar behavior or grouping. Windows 11 might have introduced new settings for taskbar grouping that you can adjust to ungroup items.Customize Taskbar Behaviors: Within the Taskbar settings, explore the various customization options available. Look for settings related to “Combine taskbar buttons” or “Group similar taskbar buttons.” Adjust these settings to your preference, choosing an option that prevents the taskbar from grouping similar items together.Registry Editor Modification: For advanced users comfortable with making changes to the Windows Registry, there might be a solution using the Registry Editor. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing “regedit,” and hitting Enter. Navigate to the following key:HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvancedLook for a DWORD value named “TaskbarGlomLevel.” If it doesn’t exist, you can create it. Set the value of TaskbarGlomLevel to 0 to disable taskbar grouping completely. Remember to back up your registry before making any changes and proceed with caution.Third-Party Taskbar Customization Tools: Consider using third-party software designed for taskbar customization. There are several utilities available that offer extensive customization options beyond what’s provided in Windows settings. Look for reputable software that supports Windows 11 and specifically mentions taskbar customization as one of its features.Restart Windows Explorer: Sometimes, restarting the Windows Explorer process can resolve taskbar-related issues. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Locate “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes, right-click it, and select “Restart.” This action will refresh the taskbar and might reset any erroneous settings affecting taskbar grouping.Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows 11 installation is up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft. Sometimes, software updates include bug fixes and improvements that address issues with taskbar behavior. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any pending updates.Feedback Hub Submission: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and still can’t ungroup taskbar items in Windows 11, consider submitting feedback through the Feedback Hub app. Microsoft values user feedback and might address the issue in future updates based on user reports.By following these troubleshooting solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue of grouped taskbar items in Windows 11 and customize the taskbar to your preference, with individual icons for each application. Remember to approach advanced solutions, such as Registry Editor modifications, with caution and always backup important data before making changes. Read More
Tenant Restrictions v2 in windows Defender is Insecure
Recently I had a conversation with Microsoft and an implementation partner around direct access from managed laptops to M365 services. My contention was this is inherently insecure as without tenant restrictions in place users can go to their personal tenants and exfiltrate data. As such we bring everything back in our VPN to our corporate proxy and implement tenant restrictions there.
This is not an ideal user experience though as it means the user must have the VPN connected to access M365 and this adds bandwidth load to our VPN and is a generally poorer experience. We do split-tunnel MS teams traffic but only when the VPN is connected.
Both Microsoft and the parent indicated that Global Secure Access might be a future solution but this is not generally available. They also dictated to me that Tenant Restrictions V2 in Windows defender would work i.e. implement it directly in Widows 10
Now when I read the guide here Configure tenant restrictions – Microsoft Entra ID – Microsoft Entra External ID | Microsoft Learn it states
Tenant restrictions V2 on Windows is a partial solution that protects the authentication and data planes for some scenarios. It works on managed Windows devices and does not protect .NET stack, Chrome, or Firefox. The Windows solution provides a temporary solution until general availability of Universal tenant restrictions in Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access (preview).
As such, how can this be secure if a user simply needs to use powershell/.NET or Google chrome to bypass it?
Recently I had a conversation with Microsoft and an implementation partner around direct access from managed laptops to M365 services. My contention was this is inherently insecure as without tenant restrictions in place users can go to their personal tenants and exfiltrate data. As such we bring everything back in our VPN to our corporate proxy and implement tenant restrictions there.This is not an ideal user experience though as it means the user must have the VPN connected to access M365 and this adds bandwidth load to our VPN and is a generally poorer experience. We do split-tunnel MS teams traffic but only when the VPN is connected. Both Microsoft and the parent indicated that Global Secure Access might be a future solution but this is not generally available. They also dictated to me that Tenant Restrictions V2 in Windows defender would work i.e. implement it directly in Widows 10 Now when I read the guide here Configure tenant restrictions – Microsoft Entra ID – Microsoft Entra External ID | Microsoft Learn it states Tenant restrictions V2 on Windows is a partial solution that protects the authentication and data planes for some scenarios. It works on managed Windows devices and does not protect .NET stack, Chrome, or Firefox. The Windows solution provides a temporary solution until general availability of Universal tenant restrictions in Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access (preview). As such, how can this be secure if a user simply needs to use powershell/.NET or Google chrome to bypass it? Read More
How Fix QB Desktop 2022 Keeps Crashing on Windows 11?
Troubleshooting Solutions: QB Desktop 2022 Keeps Crashing
Check System Requirements: Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements to run QB Desktop 2022. Inadequate hardware or outdated operating systems may cause instability. Verify compatibility with your operating system and hardware specifications.
Update QB Desktop: Ensure you’re using the latest version of QB Desktop 2022. Intuit regularly releases updates to address bugs and improve performance. Navigate to the Help menu within QB Desktop and select “Update QB Desktop” to install any available updates.
Verify Data Integrity: Corrupted company files can lead to frequent crashes. Run the built-in Verify and Rebuild Data utilities in QB Desktop to check for and repair data integrity issues. Navigate to File > Utilities > Verify Data, and if issues are detected, follow the prompts to Rebuild Data.
Disable Antivirus/Firewall: Sometimes, overzealous antivirus or firewall settings can interfere with QB Desktop’s functionality, leading to crashes. Temporarily disable these programs and check if QB Desktop continues to crash. If the issue resolves, adjust the settings to whitelist QB Desktop or create exceptions.
Review Event Viewer Logs (Windows): Windows Event Viewer logs can provide insights into the cause of QB Desktop crashes. Open Event Viewer (search for “Event Viewer” in the Start menu), navigate to Windows Logs > Application, and look for any error messages related to QB Desktop. Use these messages to diagnose the underlying issue.
Clean Installation: Perform a clean installation of QB Desktop to ensure that any corrupted installation files are removed. Uninstall QB Desktop, delete any leftover files and folders, then reinstall the software from scratch.
Check for Conflicting Applications: Certain third-party applications may conflict with QB Desktop, causing it to crash. Identify any recently installed software and uninstall or disable them temporarily to see if the crashes cease.
Contact Support: If the issue persists despite trying the above solutions, contact Intuit’s customer support for further assistance. Provide detailed information about the problem, including any error messages received, steps taken, and system specifications, to expedite the troubleshooting process.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the underlying issues causing QB Desktop 2022 to crash, restoring stability to your accounting software.
Troubleshooting Solutions: QB Desktop 2022 Keeps Crashing Check System Requirements: Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements to run QB Desktop 2022. Inadequate hardware or outdated operating systems may cause instability. Verify compatibility with your operating system and hardware specifications.Update QB Desktop: Ensure you’re using the latest version of QB Desktop 2022. Intuit regularly releases updates to address bugs and improve performance. Navigate to the Help menu within QB Desktop and select “Update QB Desktop” to install any available updates.Verify Data Integrity: Corrupted company files can lead to frequent crashes. Run the built-in Verify and Rebuild Data utilities in QB Desktop to check for and repair data integrity issues. Navigate to File > Utilities > Verify Data, and if issues are detected, follow the prompts to Rebuild Data.Disable Antivirus/Firewall: Sometimes, overzealous antivirus or firewall settings can interfere with QB Desktop’s functionality, leading to crashes. Temporarily disable these programs and check if QB Desktop continues to crash. If the issue resolves, adjust the settings to whitelist QB Desktop or create exceptions.Review Event Viewer Logs (Windows): Windows Event Viewer logs can provide insights into the cause of QB Desktop crashes. Open Event Viewer (search for “Event Viewer” in the Start menu), navigate to Windows Logs > Application, and look for any error messages related to QB Desktop. Use these messages to diagnose the underlying issue.Clean Installation: Perform a clean installation of QB Desktop to ensure that any corrupted installation files are removed. Uninstall QB Desktop, delete any leftover files and folders, then reinstall the software from scratch.Check for Conflicting Applications: Certain third-party applications may conflict with QB Desktop, causing it to crash. Identify any recently installed software and uninstall or disable them temporarily to see if the crashes cease.Contact Support: If the issue persists despite trying the above solutions, contact Intuit’s customer support for further assistance. Provide detailed information about the problem, including any error messages received, steps taken, and system specifications, to expedite the troubleshooting process.By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the underlying issues causing QB Desktop 2022 to crash, restoring stability to your accounting software. Read More
Dealing with Intuit Data Protect not working because of Firewall or Connection Issues?
Troubleshooting Solutions: Intuit Data Protect not working because of Firewall or Connection Issues
Intuit Data Protect (IDP) is a critical tool for safeguarding your QuickBooks company files. However, issues with firewalls or connectivity can disrupt its functionality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to resolving these problems.
Firewall Configuration:Check Firewall Settings: Ensure that your firewall isn’t blocking Intuit Data Protect. Navigate to your firewall settings and add exceptions for IDP to allow incoming and outgoing connections.Configure Port Settings: IDP requires specific ports to be open for communication. Configure your firewall to allow traffic through ports 80, 443, 56728, and 55368.Third-Party Firewalls: If you’re using third-party security software, such as Norton or McAfee, adjust their settings to permit IDP traffic.Internet Connectivity:Network Connection: Verify that your computer has a stable internet connection. Weak or intermittent connections can disrupt IDP backups.Router Settings: Check your router’s configuration to ensure it’s not blocking IDP traffic. Port forwarding may be necessary for seamless communication.VPN Considerations: If you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), confirm that it doesn’t interfere with IDP operations. Temporarily disable the VPN or configure it to allow IDP traffic.Software Updates:QuickBooks Updates: Ensure that your QuickBooks software is up to date. Sometimes, compatibility issues arise between QuickBooks updates and IDP versions.IDP Updates: Similarly, make sure that your Intuit Data Protect software is updated to the latest version. Newer releases often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements.Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates for both QuickBooks and IDP to stay current with the latest enhancements and fixes.Antivirus Software:Scan Exclusions: Add IDP-related folders and processes to your antivirus software’s exclusion list. Scanning these files during IDP operations can lead to performance degradation.Real-Time Protection: Configure your antivirus software to avoid interfering with IDP processes. Disable real-time scanning temporarily to determine if it’s causing the issue.Whitelist IDP: If your antivirus offers a whitelist feature, add Intuit Data Protect to ensure it operates without interruptions.System Configuration:User Permissions: Ensure that you have sufficient permissions to run Intuit Data Protect. Administrative privileges may be required for certain operations.Resource Allocation: Check your system’s resource usage during IDP backups. Insufficient system resources, such as disk space or RAM, can impede IDP’s performance.Background Processes: Terminate unnecessary background processes that might compete for bandwidth or system resources during IDP backups.Technical Support:Intuit Support: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps without success, contact Intuit Support for assistance. They can provide personalized guidance and address specific issues related to your setup.Community Forums: Explore Intuit’s community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and found solutions. Peer-to-peer support can be invaluable in resolving complex problems.Professional Help: Consider consulting with a qualified IT professional if you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own. They can perform a comprehensive analysis of your system and network infrastructure to identify and rectify any underlying issues.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address firewall or connection issues affecting Intuit Data Protect. Remember to document any changes made to your system configuration for future reference.
Troubleshooting Solutions: Intuit Data Protect not working because of Firewall or Connection Issues Intuit Data Protect (IDP) is a critical tool for safeguarding your QuickBooks company files. However, issues with firewalls or connectivity can disrupt its functionality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to resolving these problems. Firewall Configuration:Check Firewall Settings: Ensure that your firewall isn’t blocking Intuit Data Protect. Navigate to your firewall settings and add exceptions for IDP to allow incoming and outgoing connections.Configure Port Settings: IDP requires specific ports to be open for communication. Configure your firewall to allow traffic through ports 80, 443, 56728, and 55368.Third-Party Firewalls: If you’re using third-party security software, such as Norton or McAfee, adjust their settings to permit IDP traffic.Internet Connectivity:Network Connection: Verify that your computer has a stable internet connection. Weak or intermittent connections can disrupt IDP backups.Router Settings: Check your router’s configuration to ensure it’s not blocking IDP traffic. Port forwarding may be necessary for seamless communication.VPN Considerations: If you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), confirm that it doesn’t interfere with IDP operations. Temporarily disable the VPN or configure it to allow IDP traffic.Software Updates:QuickBooks Updates: Ensure that your QuickBooks software is up to date. Sometimes, compatibility issues arise between QuickBooks updates and IDP versions.IDP Updates: Similarly, make sure that your Intuit Data Protect software is updated to the latest version. Newer releases often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements.Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates for both QuickBooks and IDP to stay current with the latest enhancements and fixes.Antivirus Software:Scan Exclusions: Add IDP-related folders and processes to your antivirus software’s exclusion list. Scanning these files during IDP operations can lead to performance degradation.Real-Time Protection: Configure your antivirus software to avoid interfering with IDP processes. Disable real-time scanning temporarily to determine if it’s causing the issue.Whitelist IDP: If your antivirus offers a whitelist feature, add Intuit Data Protect to ensure it operates without interruptions.System Configuration:User Permissions: Ensure that you have sufficient permissions to run Intuit Data Protect. Administrative privileges may be required for certain operations.Resource Allocation: Check your system’s resource usage during IDP backups. Insufficient system resources, such as disk space or RAM, can impede IDP’s performance.Background Processes: Terminate unnecessary background processes that might compete for bandwidth or system resources during IDP backups.Technical Support:Intuit Support: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps without success, contact Intuit Support for assistance. They can provide personalized guidance and address specific issues related to your setup.Community Forums: Explore Intuit’s community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and found solutions. Peer-to-peer support can be invaluable in resolving complex problems.Professional Help: Consider consulting with a qualified IT professional if you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own. They can perform a comprehensive analysis of your system and network infrastructure to identify and rectify any underlying issues.By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address firewall or connection issues affecting Intuit Data Protect. Remember to document any changes made to your system configuration for future reference. Read More