I was online checking out the Microsoft Technet Forums a couple of days ago, when I came across a post from someone who was asking how to install, configure and setup Exchange. I responded to the post with the information I had at hand.

Turns out that his problems weren't as simple as setting up a fresh domain and he really needed some help fix the existing infrastructure first, so we decided to collaborate using email, googletalk, LogMeIn, and various other google services to share information and collaborate.

The Pais then took a huge risk... Since I needed to know what I was dealing with to help him, I needed to have a look at the server myself. This is a tricky thing when you dealing with a complete stranger who you met on the internet and has offered his services, at no cost too. A few precautions were taken and using LogMeIn, I was able to access the server in Atlanta and do a quick 5 min assessment of the situation.

Since it was the Pai's system and he seemed interested in learning something, I insisted that he do the actual work and I would simply guide him. Unfortunately, with LogMeIn, only one user is allowed to be logged into the server from a remote station so we had to improvise and I had to come out of the server.

It turns out the person who had setup the server originally did not know much about Windows 2003 A/D Domains and their reliance on DNS to function so first things first, we had to configure his internal DNS. Luckily, I use a Microsoft Virtual Server at home as a lab environment and was able to use this to find the exact screens and locations I needed to tell him to change on his server in Atlanta.

At this point we moved to using Google Talk, to chat in realtime, passing questions and instructions between one another, Email, passing screenshots between one another to confirm correct settings in correct locations, The Pai also suggested using Google Doc's to share documents and information relevant to the exercises we were performing.

Thanks to the time zone differences, me being in Dubai and Pai being in Atlanta, we were only able to collaborate for short periods, 4 hours at the most, once a day. Not to mention I hold a day job as a systems admin this side and since I was helping Pai on the side as a personal favor I obviously couldn't let it cut into my working day.

Turns out, after almost a week of remote support, we finally managed to get everything sorted out, Exchange installed and configured, mail routing both internally and externally and implemented some best practices for maintaining his exchange environment.

A true success for the both of us and proof that remote assistance does pay off! Props to Pai for his patience, excellent will to learn and most of all for not being too scared to play with the configs of his server. Big Up Buddy!

This brings about more concrete to the theme of the SortedIT.net resources, I want to share with everyone, the information they require to troubleshoot, diagnose, implement and support their networks using Microsoft technologies - because there is so much information out there and yet no 1 definitive resource.

Thanks for reading this, I look forward to your continuous support - keep checking back with us, or subscribe to the RSS/Atom feeds. New posts coming soon.