DevNodeClean

On a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 or a later version, a storage device that is connected by using a fiber channel or by using the iSCSI protocol may be connected for only a short time. When a storage device is connected, Windows creates registry information for the device. Over time, the registry may contain many entries for devices that will never be used again. This utility can be used to remove this information from the registry.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=42286

https://blog.workinghardinit.work/2020/05/25/use-cases-for-devnodeclean-exe/

Basic information on Windows Server 2012 R2 Core

Below is some basic information on configuring a new Windows Server 2012 R2 Core installation.  If installing the new server within VMware, use the menu option as normal to install/update VMware Tools.  Launch a command prompt and use the following command via the D: drive or whatever drive letter the CD-ROM is mapped to.  The server should restart automatically.

Setup64.exe /s /v /qn

To perform some basic configuration, the sconfig.cmd command will display a menu list of various tasks.

A PowerShell prompt can be launched by simply using the command powershell.  Below are some examples of disabling the tunneling protocols and IPv6.

Set-NetTeredoConfiguration -Type Disabled
Set-NetIsatapConfiguration -State Disabled
Set-Net6to4Configuration -State Disabled

Set-NetAdapterBinding -name <NIC name> -DisplayName "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" -Enabled:$false

Using the “Run as different user” command prompt option with Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2

In versions prior to Windows 8.1, it was possible to hold down the Shift key while right-clicking the shortcut to a Command Prompt to find the option to launch using different credentials.  Using the new “Modern” interface with Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2, this option is not present.

One method to again use this feature is to add a shortcut to the Command Prompt to the task bar on the Desktop.  Using the old method of holding down the Shift key while right-clicking the shortcut should display the selection.

How to enable the Disk Cleanup utility with Windows Server 2012 R2

The Disk Cleanup utility is not available by default with Windows Server 2012 R2.  To enable it, the Desktop Experience component must be installed either via the Server Manager or PowerShell.  The PowerShell command to use would be:

Install-WindowsFeature Desktop-Experience

A reboot is required before the Disk Cleanup utility is functional.

How to prevent the Server Manager from loading each time with Windows Server 2012/R2

To prevent the Server Manager dialog box from loading each time upon login, click on Manage, Server Manager Properties.

Enable the checkmark to not automatically load the application at login.

How to customize the Server Manager Tools list within Windows Server 2012/R2

The Server Manager within Windows Server 2010/R2 includes a Tools menu option.

The list of shortcuts can be found at C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools\

To add a new entry to the Tools list within Server Manager, add an entry to this location.

Shortcut to access the startup folder area within Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 R2

The Startup Folder was easy to access in the past, but the new interface with Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 makes it harder to find.  As a shortcut to the personal startup folder, enter the following at the Start Screen:

shell:startup

To access the startup folder for all users, use the following command:

shell:common startup

Test-NetConnection

Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 include a new PowerShell cmdlet with the name of Test-NetConnection or TNC.  The default usage will return general information.

The –TraceRoute flag will attempt to display trace route data.

The –Port flag will allow testing of a specific TCP port.

The cmdlet has some built-in aliases for some common services, such as RDP.

Other aliases would include SMB, HTTP, and PING.

The flag –InformationLevel Detailed can be used to obtain more data.

Additional examples can be found at https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/NMAP+without+NMAP+Port+Testing+and+Scanning+with+PowerShell/29202/

https://www.itprotoday.com/powershell/test-netconnection-cmdlet-a-powershell-based-ping-alternative