GoDaddy SSL Certificate ReKey Error

I had an issue after re-installing a new certificate. This doesn’t happen often because it happens once a year or even longer depending on how long your certificate lasts. However, we had a rebrand which caused us to change our domain. I had rekeyed the certificate and that subsequently revoked the previous certificate. GoDaddy’s instructions stated that it will in 72 hours (3 days). I failed to read that…

https://www.godaddy.com/help/manually-install-an-ssl-certificate-on-my-iis-7-server-4801

Come Monday morning, users reported issues with accessing our ERP system.

The instructions for GoDaddy are located here but I ran into an issue where it would say “Failed to Remove the Certificate”. My first Google results failed me.
https://www.godaddy.com/community/SSL-And-Security/Install-Godaddy-SSL-on-IIS-10-Windows-Server-2019/td-p/147344

This link led me to a namecheap knowledgebase which worked!
https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/9773/2238/ssl-disappears-from-the-certificate-list-on-windows-server/

The key here is to to type ‘certutil -repairstore my‘ plus your serial number in the certificate as shown in screenshot below. Then you have to bind the new certificate.

Then, restart IIS.

Another reference:
I didn’t actually have this issue but similar problem with Completing the Certificate Request. https://www.godaddy.com/community/SSL-And-Security/Install-Godaddy-SSL-on-IIS-10-Windows-Server-2019/td-p/147344

Windows 10 20H2 Causing Boot Error/Bitlocker Issue

https://www.ghacks.net/2020/12/19/running-chkdsk-on-windows-10-20h2-may-damage-the-file-system-and-cause-blue-screens/?unapproved=4481163&moderation-hash=7c91ab150e08b428e10533c0cf9428a1#comment-4481163

I had recent issue where after rebooting a Dell XPS 13 9380, it was locked out by Bitlocker and I have a hunch it had to do with an issue after running chkdsk /f in command prompt.

Cases are popping up around the issue with ChkDsk but not about Bitlocker besides one commenter from the above link. In the end, the user lost all their local data and I had to do a reinstall. Dell ProSupport was not able to offer any resolution besides finding the Bitlocker key. One that I did not originally configure the machine with.

Lesson Learned: check for Bitlocker Keys before doing additional diagnostics.

The laptop has an NVMe SSD in there and I didn’t have tools to convert that as a secondary or external drive. And I needed to get the laptop functional again so I had to do the most destructive method: wipe and reinstall from USB. Of course, the USB got corrupted a few times w/ Dell SupportAssist’s Recovery and with the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. But recreating the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool finally got me the ability to reinstall over the weekend.

SQL Server 2017 Upgrade to Standard from Evaluation Version

So… my journey to go from an evaluation copy of SQL Server to Standard was confusing. I purchased a Volume License Copy and went to the Volume License page to find my key when it suddenly tells me that this is not required. So I call Microsoft Support and ask about this.

The rep tells me that it isn’t required and I can install it through the ISO provided on the Volume Licensing website.

So I googled the issue and this guy already provided information on a solution. I did receive a warning when changing from Evaluation to Standard stating that it isn’t a valid upgrade path.

How to Change SQL Server License or Product Key?

HP Spectre x360 Automatically Turns Back On After Shutting Down

A friend/coworker of mine had power issues with his Spectre x360 – 15t notebook. His laptop would not turn off even if he had issued the Shut Down command from Windows 10. It would just reboot or stay powered on.

His research had found that resetting his CMOS helped.

This typically means you have to remove the coin cell battery and reconnect it.

HP has a support video on how to remove it. I believe his model was the 15″ model but similar concept. Remove the bottom, remove the main laptop battery, then remove the coin cell.

Boot up the machine with both batteries disconnected. Do so by connecting power source through USB C.

https://supportvideos.ext.hp.com/detail/video/5305102755001/removing-and-replacing-the-real-time-clock-rtc-battery-on-the-hp-spectre-x360-convertible-13-w000-notebook

FILESTREAM ERROR ARGH!!!

We use an ERP system Deltek Vision. In its most recent release 7.1, there was added functionality for Expense Reports; the ability to attach receipts. In order for this to be enabled, FILESTREAM must be enabled. I follow their instructions and encounter the following error.

http://kristofmattei.be/2012/06/18/enabling-sql-filestream-on-your-machine/

http://nfrelat.wordpress.com/2008/12/30/sql-2008-installation-strange-issue/

Enable named pipes, started SQL Server Browser.

Restart MSSQLSERVER service. FAILS

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/sqlserverstorageengine/archive/2008/03/03/filestream-configuration-and-setup-changes-in-sql-server-2008-february-ctp.aspx

To do the same using a vb script, see  the following blog entry for the script published on SQL engine community to do that.

 

SOURCE:

http://blogs.msdn.com/sqlserverstorageengine/archive/2008/06/09/enabling-filestream-post-sql2008-setup-a-known-issue-in-sql-config-manager.aspx

INSTRUCTIONS:

Also, this blog entry describes a known issue in SQL Config Manager UI when configuring FILESTREAM.

 

FILESTREAM Configuration Option in Management Studio 

Using T-SQL Script: 

Use the FILESTREAM configuration option to change the FILESTREAM access level for this instance of SQL Server. For example:

·         In SQL Server Management Studio, click New Query to display the Query Editor.

·         In Query Editor, enter the following Transact-SQL code:

EXEC sp_configure ‘filestream_access_level’, ‘[level_value]’

RECONFIGURE

·         Click Execute.

Here, [level_value] can be:

0 Disables FILESTREAM support for this instance.

1 Enables FILESTREAM for Transact-SQL access.

2 Enables FILESTREAM for Transact-SQL and Win32 streaming access.

 

Using the UI:

Right click on the SQL instance and select properties, Advanced and change the FILESTREAM access level.

 

Before this option has any effect, the Windows administration settings for FILESTREAM must be enabled. You enable these settings when you install SQL Server or by using SQL Server Configuration Manager.

iPhone 11 and Accessories

So, I recently bought an iPhone 11 after many years using my trusty iPhone 6S. Battery issues, slowness, and reaching space capacity finally made me bite the bullet and purchase a new phone.

I didn’t want to spend too much money on an iPhone 11 Pro because the feature-set wasn’t worth it to me: additional camera and better screen were not deal breakers for me.

I am satisfied with my purchase and the no-hassle trade-in with Apple shaves a bit of that cost down also.

Next thing is screen protector and case. I typically use Tech Armor Ballistic Glass. It doesn’t cover the whole screen because of the curved edges but that doesn’t concern me.

I also have been satisfied with Spigen’s thin cases in the past. I chose the Spigen Thin Fit. If I’m nitpicking, I don’t like that it’s totally open on the top and bottom of the frame but it will do.

Spigen Thin Case

Windows 10 Preview Pane Could Not Create the Work File Issue

A user recently came to me about this error after having a new machine set up for him. The preview pane would not show a Word Doc and throw and error.

After Googling, it led me to this forum thread:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/5f9dc79a-5263-4a0f-8cd4-9ecd8b90f612/when-preview-pane-is-enabled-word-documents-give-error-word-could-not-create-the-work-file-check?forum=win10itprogeneral

Preview pane does not work with 32 bit office.

Open regedit.
browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\

Backup the CLSID

Delete keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{00020827-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{65235197-874B-4A07-BDC5-E65EA825B718}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{84F66100-FF7C-4fb4-B0C0-02CD7FB668FE}
Reboot.
Test.

This may also help but I have not tested:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/office/forum/officeversion_other-word/word-could-not-create-the-work-file-check-the-temp/8a184708-ecb8-488a-8438-b7f8d1cdb2c0

Windows 10 and Outlook 2010 Identity Switch Canceled Issue

A common issue I’ve found when installing Office 2010 on workstations is that an error message will pop up if Office 365 is preinstalled.

For whatever reason, the identity doesn’t get properly registered in regedit.

The way to resolve this issue is to copy the string of characters in

Computer\HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-(Random Number)\Identities\{(Random String)}

Copy the key that’s blurred out above.

Create a new String and call it User ID by right-clicking the right pane, New>String Value. Double-click the User ID and paste the value in {} and click OK.

Right-Click>New>String Value

Screenshot of User ID String created

Paste the key for the value and click OK.

You may need to reboot the device but sometimes I’ve found that closing Outlook 2010 and re-opening will work.

Edit: Rebooting seems to erase the registry key… so the error message will appear again. Will have to revisit again some day… or never.

Reference:

If You Build It, They Will Complain (repost)

Stumbled upon this article from an email I subscribe to. Pretty funny and similar to some experiences I have.

Sometimes you build something for someone that’s not perfect but will help save a ton of time. But training, documenting, and providing help when he/she forgets how to use it, personnel change, and fixing bugs is always troublesome.

It’s a dated post but still relevent today:

https://techvibes.com/2015/12/30/if-you-build-it-they-will-complain-2015-12-28

Came from me reading an email from this site: https://www.sqlservercentral.com/forums/topic/the-ongoing-costs-of-building-software

Mac OS Bluetooth Issues

I had been having issues re-connecting my Bluetooth Mouse on my 2013 Macbook Pro. Following the article in the link below resolved my issue. I’ve copy + pasted the article below. It’s been driving me crazy for the past few weeks but this did the trick.

Previously, I had tried removing the device and reconnecting. It would show the spinning wheel and Connect/Disconnecting and then finally give up. I tried removing other Bluetooth Devices which also didn’t fix the issue. But hurray! Google-fu and MacRumor to the rescue.

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/reset-mac-bluetooth-module/

How to Reset Your Mac’s Bluetooth Module

Before proceeding, bear in mind that if your setup relies exclusively on Bluetooth for communicating with your keyboard and mouse, then you’re going to temporarily lose connection to them using the following methods, so you might want to have a backup wired input device option just in case. 

1. Holding the Shift + Option (Alt) keys on your Mac’s keyboard, click the Bluetooth symbol in the top-right corner of the macOS menu bar. (If you don’t see it there, you need to check Show Bluetooth in menu bar in System Preferences -> Bluetooth.)
2. Locate the revealed Debug submenu and hover your mouse cursor over it.
3. Click Reset the Bluetooth module.
4. Now, restart your Mac.

You’ll notice a couple of other potentially useful options in the Debug submenu. Factory reset all connected Apple devices does exactly what it says – forces any Apple-branded Bluetooth accessories back to the default settings they came with out of the box. It’s a reliable fallback option if you’ve tried everything else to fix a connection issue, including resetting the Bluetooth module. 

Lastly, the Remove all devices option might prove useful if you’re moving your Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to another Mac, for example. However, you can also remove devices on an individual basis from the macOS menu bar, as long as you hold down Shift + Option (Alt) before you click the Bluetooth symbol. 

Removing devices in this manner means you’re not also banishing a whole bunch of other established Bluetooth connections like speakers and so on that you might want to keep.