Test Layout

I was wanting to collect some performance information on a Windows 2008 R2 domain controller. One of the things you may not realize is that Windows Server includes some predefined data collector sets for common tasks and generates reports based on the data. Since I was having a performance issue on the DC, I wanted to run the Active Directory Diagnostics data collector set. Built-in data collector sets When I attempted to start the Active Directory Diagnostics data collector set (or any of the other predefined data collector sets), they didn't start. There was no error message or any indication of what the error might be. Ultimately my workaround was to create a new data collector set with the same settings. Fortunately, when you create a new data collector set, one of the options is to create from a list of templates, which includes Active Directory Diagnostics. The new data collector set ran without any issues. Selecting a template for a data collector set

When you buy Windows Server 2008 as retail, OEM, or volume licensing you automatically have downgrade rights to use a previous version of Windows server such as Windows Server 2003. This is required because a number of applications are still not certified to run on Windows Server 2008. If you have purchased Windows Server 2008 via volume licensing then the process for downgrading is simple. Contact Microsoft, and they will provide you with a download of the media and a license key to use. If you have purchased Windows Server 2008 as retail product or OEM then the process is more complex as Microsoft will not provide you with the media or a license key. MS basically indicated that you have the right to downgrade but they do not provide the means. You can perform the downgrade by: Obtaining an OEM key and media from any source. The source could be another server you own or another company or your OEM vendor. You do not need to own the OEM key and media used. Obtaining a retail key and me...