- User interface changes in response to feedback we received from beta testers
- Support for dynamic memory on Standard & Web editions of Windows Server
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Posts Tagged ‘Dynamic Memory’
Changes specific to Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1
February 23, 2011
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Here are the specific to Windows 2008 R2 SP1:
Dynamic Memory
Constraints on the allocation of physical memory represents one of the greatest challenges organizations face as they adopt new virtualization technology and consolidate their infrastructure. With Dynamic Memory, an enhancement to Hyper-V™ introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, organizations can now make the most efficient use of available physical memory, allowing them to realize the greatest possible potential from their virtualization resources. Dynamic Memory allows for memory on a host machine to be pooled and dynamically distributed to virtual machines as necessary. Memory is dynamically added or removed based on current workloads, and is done so without service interruption.
Virtual machines running a wide variety of operating systems can use Dynamic Memory; for a complete list, see the “Dynamic Memory Evaluation Guide” at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=192444. The guide also discusses Dynamic Memory settings and usage in detail.
Microsoft RemoteFX
Businesses are increasingly looking to leverage the efficiency and cost savings that can come from a virtualized desktop infrastructure. With the addition of Microsoft RemoteFX in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, a new set of remote user experience capabilities that enable a media-rich user environment for virtual desktops, session-based desktops and remote applications is introduced. Harnessing the power of virtualized graphics resources, RemoteFX can be deployed to a range of thick and thin client devices, enabling cost-effective, local-like access to graphics-intensive applications and a broad array of end user peripherals, improving productivity of remote users.
RemoteFX can function independently from specific graphics stacks and supports any screen content, including today’s most advanced applications and rich content (including Silverlight and Adobe Flash), ensuring that end users maintain a rich, local-like desktop experience even in a virtualized thin-client environment.
RemoteFX also adds mainstream USB device support to virtual desktop computing, including support for USB drives, cameras and PDAs connected to the client device. RemoteFX also provides a platform for hardware and software partners to enhance RemoteFX capabilities in a variety of possible host, client and network configurations.
To use RemoteFX, the virtualization server must be running Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1, the virtual machine must be running Windows 7 Enterprise with SP1 or Windows 7 Ultimate with SP1, and the remote client computer must be running either Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 or Windows 7 with SP1. To connect to the virtual machine, the remote client computer requires an updated version of Remote Desktop Services (included in the service pack for all editions of Windows 7).
Enhancements to scalability and high availability when using DirectAccess
DirectAccess is a new feature in the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems that gives users the experience of being seamlessly connected to their corporate network any time they have Internet access. In Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, improvements have been made to enhance scalability and high availability when using DirectAccess, through the addition of support for 6to4 and ISATAP addresses when using DirectAccess in conjunction with Network Load Balancing (NLB).
Support for Managed Service Accounts (MSAs) in secure branch office scenarios
SP1 enables enhanced support for managed service accounts (MSAs) to be used on domain-member services located in perimeter networks (also known as DMZs or extranets).
Support for increased volume of authentication traffic on domain controllers connected to high-latency networks
As a greater volume of IT infrastructure migrates to cloud-based services, there is a need for higher thresholds of authentication traffic to domain controllers located on high-latency networks (such as the public Internet). SP1 allows for more granular control of the maximum number of possible concurrent connections to a domain controller, enabling a greater degree of performance tuning for service providers.
Enhancements to Failover Clustering with Storage
SP1 enables enhanced support for how Failover Clustering works with storage that is not visible for all cluster nodes. In SP1, improvements have been made to the Cluster Validation and multiple Failover Cluster Manager wizards to allow workloads to use disks that are shared between a subset of cluster nodes.
Categories: Microsoft, Virtualization
Dynamic Memory, RemoteFX, Virtualization, Windows Server® 2008 R2
Windows 7 and W2008 R2 SP1 released. Important Steps to follow before you install
February 23, 2011
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SP1 Download link : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=c3202ce6-4056-4059-8a1b-3a9b77cdfdda
Before you install Windows 7 SP1 , make sure that you follow these steps:
| STEP 1 : Uninstalling SP1 using Programs and Features |
The easiest way to uninstall SP1 is using Programs and Features.
- Click the Start button
, click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Programs and Features. - Click View installed updates.
- Click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932), and then click Uninstall.
If you don’t see Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932) in the list of installed updates, your computer likely came with SP1 already installed, and you can’t uninstall the service pack. If the service pack is listed but grayed out, you can’t uninstall the service pack.
| Uninstalling SP1 using the Command Prompt |
- Click the Start button , and then, in the search box, type Command Prompt.
- In the list of results, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. - Type the following: wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:976932
- Press the Enter key.
Step 2: Back up your important files
Back up your files to an external hard disk, DVD or CD, USB flash drive, or network folder. For information about how to back up your files, see Back up your files (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Back-up-your-files) .
Step 3: Update device drivers
Update device drivers as necessary. You can do this by using Windows Update in Control Panel or by going to the device manufacturer’s website.
Important If you are using an Intel integrated graphics device, you should be aware that there are known issues with certain versions of the Intel integrated graphics device driver and with D2D enabled applications, such as certain versions of Windows Live Mail. The versions of the Intel integrated graphics device driver that are known to be problematic are Igdkmd32.sys and Igdkmd64.sys versions 8.15.10.2104 through 8.15.10.2141. For more information about a known issue with these drivers and with Windows Live Mail, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 2505524 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2505524) .
To check whether you are using the Intel integrated graphics device driver Igdkmd32.sys or Igdkmd64.sys versions 8.15.10.2104 through 8.15.10.2141, follow these steps:
- Start DirectX Diagnostic Tool. To do this, click Start, type dxdiag in the Search programs and files box, and then press Enter.
- Click the Display tab.
- Note the driver and driver version.
- If you have the Intel integrated graphics driver Igdkmd32.sys or Igdkmd64.sys versions 8.15.10.2104 through 8.15.10.2141, visit the computer manufacturer’s website to see whether a newer driver is available, and then download and install that driver.
Step 4: Install Windows Update KB2454826
Install Windows Update KB2454826 from Windows Update (http://www.update.microsoft.com/) if it is not already installed. If you install the service pack from the Microsoft Download Center and do not install Windows Update KB245862, you could encounter a Stop error in Windows in rare cases.
Windows Update KB2454826 will automatically be installed when you install the service pack by using Windows Update. However, Windows Update KB2454826 is not automatically installed when you install the service pack from the Microsoft Download Center.
To check whether Windows Update KB2454826 is installed, click Start, type View installed updates in the Search programs and files box, and then press Enter. Notice whether Update for Microsoft Windows (KB2454826) is listed. If the update is not listed, you will have to install it from Windows Update
Step 5: Check for malware
Check your computer for malware by using antivirus software. Some antivirus software is sold together with annual subscriptions that can be renewed as needed. However, much antivirus software is also available for free. Microsoft offers Microsoft Security Essentials, free antivirus software that you can download from the Microsoft Security Essentials (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=168949) website. You can also visit the Microsoft Consumer security software providers (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=135654) webpage to find third-party antivirus software.
Important If your computer is infected with malware and you install Windows 7 SP1, you could encounter blue screens or a Windows Update error such as 8007f0f4 or FFFFFFFF. If malware is detected, Windows Update will be unable to install SP1.
SCVMM 2008 R2 SP1 RC is now ready to download
December 8, 2010
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For those who are participant in a Microsoft Connect beta program : SCVMM 2008 R2 Beta :
The SCVMM 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 Release Candidate is now ready to download from https://connect.microsoft.com/site799
This release adds support for Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 RC to SCVMM. We’ve added the necessary properties and controls to allow you to create and manage Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX enabled on virtual machines on Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Hyper-V hosts.
Since this is a pre-release version, usage of this is limited to test environments. You’re encouraged to ask questions via theSCVMM forums
Windows 2008R2 SP1: Changes that were made to the Hyper-V Manager
November 4, 2010
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In response to feedback from beta users of the service pack 1 release, Microsoft made some changes to the Hyper-V Manager and also to the virtual machine settings user interface.
There are three changes that have been made to the virtual machine settings user interface
- “Memory priority” is now “Memory weight”
- The memory buffer is now configured using a text box instead of a slider.
- Memory buffer now uses different math.
To learn more and understand why, check here on Ben Armstrong (Virtual PC Guy ) Blog:
- http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2010/10/29/updates-to-dynamic-memory-ui-in-sp1-rc-part-1.aspx
- http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2010/11/01/updates-to-dynamic-memory-ui-in-sp1-rc-part-2.aspx
Categories: Virtualization
Dynamic Memory, Hyper-V, Windows 2008R2 SP1, Windows Server® 2008 R2
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 RC. Detailed list of Improvements and others questions
November 1, 2010
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Microsoft has made available a Release Candidate (RC) for Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. SP1 includes both a roll-up of operating system updates and several new capabilities for Windows Server.
Q: Can I install the Release Candidate over the Beta of SP1?
A. No. You must uninstall the beta.
Q: Can I install the RC on an evaluation version of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2?
A. Yes. The RC of SP1 can install on RTM evaluation versions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
Q: There are several downloads available. Which one should I choose?
A: There are two ways you can obtain the service pack RC. You can download a special key to enable Windows Update to offer you the service pack RC, or you can download the service pack directly. For each download method, you should choose the correct download for your platform (x86, IA64 or x64).
Q: Should customers who are considering deploying Windows 7 wait for SP1?
A: No. Windows 7 is a high quality release and provides many benefits to consumers and businesses alike. SP1 will include all updates previously available to Windows 7 users through Windows Update, so there is no reason to wait or delay their use of Windows 7.
Q. Can I upgrade from the RC builds to the final build of SP1?
A. No. You will have to uninstall the Service Pack or do a clean install of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.
Q. Will there be a slipstream build of SP1 RC?
A. No. The RC will only be available as the service pack update itself. You will need to have a release to manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 to install the RC of the service pack.
Q. What languages will be released at RC?
A. For RC, we will release English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.
Q: Which improvements are included in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1?
A.
• Dynamic Memory – Dynamic Memory allows for memory on a host machine to be pooled and dynamically distributed to virtual machines as necessary. Memory is dynamically added or removed based on current workloads, and is done so without service interruption.
• Microsoft RemoteFX – a new set of remote user experience capabilities that enable a media-rich user environment for virtual desktops, session-based desktops and remote applications
• Enhancements to scalability and high availability when using DirectAccess – improvements have been made to enhance scalability and high availability when using DirectAccess, through the addition of support for 6to4 and ISATAP addresses when using DirectAccess in conjunction with Network Load Balancing (NLB).
• Support for Managed Service Accounts (MSAs) in secure branch office scenarios – enhanced support for managed service accounts (MSAs) to be used on domain-member services located in perimeter networks (also known as DMZs or extranets).
• Support for increased volume of authentication traffic on domain controllers connected to high-latency networks – more granular control of the maximum number of possible concurrent connections to a domain controller, enabling a greater degree of performance tuning for service providers.
• Enhancements to Failover Clustering with Storage – SP1 enables enhanced support for how Failover Clustering works with storage that is not visible for all cluster nodes. In SP1, improvements have been made to the Cluster Validation and multiple Failover Cluster Manager wizards to allow workloads to use disks that are shared between a subset of cluster nodes.
Q: Which improvements are included in Windows 7 SP1?
A.
• Additional support for communication with third-party federation services – Additional support has been added to allow Windows 7 clients to effectively communicate with third-party identity federation services (those supporting the WS-Federation passive profile protocol).
• Improved HDMI audio device performance – Updates have been incorporated into SP1 to ensure that connections between Windows 7 computers and HDMI audio devices are consistently maintained.
• Corrected behavior when printing mixed-orientation XPS documents – Prior to the release of SP1, some customers have reported difficulty when printing mixed-orientation XPS documents (documents containing pages in both portrait and landscape orientation) using the XPS Viewer, resulting in all pages being printed entirely in either portrait or landscape mode. This issue has been addressed in SP1, allowing users to correctly print mixed-orientation documents using the XPS Viewer.
Q: Changes common to both client and server platforms:
A.
• Change to behavior of “Restore previous folders at logon” functionality – SP1 changes the behavior of the “Restore previous folders at logon” function available in the Folder Options Explorer dialog. Prior to SP1, previous folders would be restored in a cascaded position based on the location of the most recently active folder. That behavior changes in SP1 so that all folders are restored to their previous positions.
• Enhanced support for additional identities in RRAS and IPsec – Support for additional identification types has been added to the Identification field in the IKEv2 authentication protocol. This allows for a variety of additional forms of identification (such as E-mail ID or Certificate Subject) to be used when performing authentication using the IKEv2 protocol.
• Support for Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) – Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) is a 256 bit instruction set extension for processors. AVX is designed to allow for improved performance for applications that are floating point intensive. Support for AVX is a part of SP1 to allow applications to fully utilize the new instruction set and register extensions.
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 RC available for download
October 28, 2010
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You can download Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Release Candidate now which includes the usual bug fixes, etc… there are some specific changes for dynamic memory in there:
Download from here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/sp1.aspx
Some of the improvements for Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 include:
• Dynamic Memory – Dynamic Memory allows for memory on a host machine to be pooled and dynamically distributed to virtual machines as necessary. Memory is dynamically added or removed based on current workloads, and is done so without service interruption.
• Microsoft RemoteFX – a new set of remote user experience capabilities that enable a media-rich user environment for virtual desktops, session-based desktops and remote applications
• Enhancements to scalability and high availability when using DirectAccess – improvements have been made to enhance scalability and high availability when using DirectAccess, through the addition of support for 6to4 and ISATAP addresses when using DirectAccess in conjunction with Network Load Balancing (NLB).
• Support for Managed Service Accounts (MSAs) in secure branch office scenarios – enhanced support for managed service accounts (MSAs) to be used on domain-member services located in perimeter networks (also known as DMZs or extranets).
• Support for increased volume of authentication traffic on domain controllers connected to high-latency networks – more granular control of the maximum number of possible concurrent connections to a domain controller, enabling a greater degree of performance tuning for service providers.
• Enhancements to Failover Clustering with Storage – SP1 enables enhanced support for how Failover Clustering works with storage that is not visible for all cluster nodes. In SP1, improvements have been made to the Cluster Validation and multiple Failover Cluster Manager wizards to allow workloads to use disks that are shared between a subset of cluster nodes.
Note : once the final build of SP1 ships, you’ll need to uninstall the RC version in order to upgrade.
Hyper-V 2008R2 SP1: Guest Requirements for Dynamic Memory
October 22, 2010
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The following Windows server operating systems support Dynamic Memory when installed as the guest operating system on a virtual machine:
- Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition SP1*
- Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition SP1
- Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter Edition SP1
- Windows Server 2008 R2 Web Edition SP1*
- Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition SP2*
- Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition SP2
- Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition SP2
- Windows Server 2008 Web Edition SP2*
- Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition SP2 or higher*
- Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition SP2 or higher
- Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition SP2 or higher
- Windows Server 2003 R2 Web Edition SP2 or higher*
- Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition SP2 or higher*
- Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition SP2 or higher
- Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition SP2 or higher
- Windows Server 2003 Web Edition SP2 or higher*
Note: The Beta release of Service Pack 1 does not support Dynamic Memory for the operating systems marked with an asterisk (*) above. However, support for Dynamic Memory for these operating systems will be added in a future release of SP1.
Note: Dynamic Memory is supported for both the x86 and x64 architectures of Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2 and Windows Server 2008.
The following Windows client operating systems for both x86 and x64 architecture also support Dynamic Memory when installed as the guest operating system on a virtual machine:
- Windows® 7 Enterprise Edition
- Windows 7 Ultimate Edition
- Windows Vista® Enterprise Edition SP2
- Windows Vista Ultimate Edition SP2
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