Windows 8

Wiggle it just a little bit– Keeping your computer awake and avoiding timeouts

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We have been there so many times: You’re working on one PC, then suddenly, the screen dims on your other PC and you get locked out. Not to mention if you use IM programs it can show you away quite frequently. As an IT admin it’s hard enough trying to get multiple things done without having to log in an out or move the mouse every so often.

What could be the cause? The usual suspects are either due to a Domain policy or because Windows power-saving / screensaver settings kick in.

The up and downside — If you are lucky enough have non-domain client or a relaxed domain policy you could adjust Windows’ power and screen saver settings. The down side is you most likely want those settings if you’re running a laptop to keep battery life at a maximum. There is nothing worse than traveling with a dead battery, except maybe a flight delay. Additionally, if you are on a domain there might be a policy not allowing you to change these settings. If only you could have a monkey in your office to wiggle the mouse every now and then.

Possible Solution? If your domain policies allow then you might try a software solution like: Jiggler

Mouse Jiggler is just a tiny app and as needed will “wiggle” your mouse icon “just a little bit”. Okay, if you haven’t got the reference yet then you need to get up to speed on your early 90’s hip hop.

After the app starts you’ll notice your pointer start to, wiggle and jiggle just a little bit. If this movement keeps Windows active. If the movement isn’t pleasant then enable the Zen Jiggle option, which does the “jiggling” behind the scenes. I prefer to see it “wiggle it just a little bit” as a reminder that it’s active. Finally push the down arrow on the app to minimize the program.

It’s as simple as that, happy computing and if you’ve found other tools to help with this please post up!

This entry was posted in VMworld, Windows, Windows 8, Windows Performance.

Cannot install vCenter Server Appliance 6 Error “No apps are installed to open this type of link”

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A requirement for the installation of VCSA 6.0 is installing the Client Integration Plug-in. Normally, this can be done during the time you install the VCSA.   However, during a recent installation, I got the error “No apps are installed to open this type of link”

My first thought was there was a browser compatibility issue with IE11 and the installer, so I tried Firefox and Chome but I got the same results.  Next was a quick reboot, still same error.

Finally, I tried installing  “VMware-ClientIntegrationPlugin-6.0.0” manually and then running the VCSA installer.  What do you know it installed without issue.

Simple fix on this one — Manually, install the “VMware-ClientIntegrationPlugin-6.0.0” first and then run the VCSA installer.

 

You can find the “VMware-ClientIntegrationPlugin-6.0.0” in the ‘vcsa’ folder in the VCSA ISO.

 

 

This entry was posted in ESXi, vCenter Server, VMworld, Windows 8.

Caching your Windows 8 / 10 Domain Credentials via VPN

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I was setting up a fresh Windows 8 Fusion 6 VM last weekend and realized I needed to cache my home domain credentials.  I was remote to my home office and the only way I could access the domain was via VPN.

With only the ability to logon locally and then launch the VPN I was prompted for my password and security keys multiple times a day – Not a fun experience.  To fix this I really needed my domain user account credentials cached so that I could initially log on to Windows 8 without the VPN, and then launch the VPN connection after logon.

Here is how I solved this issue…

  1. Logged in with my local account
  2. Attached to the VPN
  3. Added my Windows 8 VM to the domain
  4. Added my domain account to a Local group
  5. Rebooted (Just adding my Win 8 VM to domain, doesn’t cache my credentials)
  6. Logged in with my local account
  7. Attached to the VPN
  8. Closed all Internet Explorer (IE) windows, held down CTRL+Shift, right click on IE, and finally choose ‘Run as Different User’ (PIC1)
  9. I typed in my domain user account/password and allowed IE to load << This should cache your credentials (PIC2)
  10. Close all windows, restart, and I was able to logon with my Domain Account
  11. Attached to the web based VPN and viola… all is working well

Pic 1 – hold down CTRL+Shift then right click on IE, and finally choose ‘Run as Different User’

PIC 2 – Enter your Credentials

Summary – Using ‘Run as Different User’ ensures you have a local account cached from the domain your attempting to log on to. Your experience may vary depending on your rights as a domain user and the security policies enforced in your domain.

** Update 12/18/2017**

Recently I tired this same process with Windows 10 and it worked like a charm!

This entry was posted in ESXi, Fusion, vmware, Windows, Windows 8, Workstation.