Take the guesswork out of deploying, administering, and automating Active Directory. With hundreds of proven recipes, the updated edition of this popular cookbook provides quick, step-by-step solutions to common (and not so common) problems you might encounter when working with Microsoft’s network directory service. This fourth edition includes troubleshooting recipes for Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, and Exchange 2013, based on valuable input from Windows administrators. You’ll also find quick solutions for the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS), multi-master replication, DNS, Group Policy, and many other features. Manage new AD features, such as the Recycle Bin, Group Managed Service Accounts, and fine-grained password policies - Work with AD from the command line and use Windows PowerShell to automate tasks - Remove and create forests, domains, and trusts - Create groups, modify group scope and type, and manage membership - Delegate control, view and modify permissions, and handle Kerberos tickets - Import and export data with LDAP Data Interchange Format (LDIF) - Synchronize multiple directories and enforce data integrity within a single or multiple stores - Back up AD, and perform authoritative and non-authoritative restores Writing this book was a great experience, especially because I started before the RTM version of Windows Server 2012 was released (so I got quite a bit of early exposure to the product)!  Readers will enjoy the cookbook format because it allows for browsing, skimming, and referencing in any order.  Often, readers will find value in just browsing through looking for recipes that are interesting or pertain to a specific problem that they are facing. The main change from the previous version (which is now over 5 years old) is that VBScript is mostly gone (although it pops up from time to time when it is the best way to accomplish something) and a PowerShell method is shown for the vast majority of recipes. For administrators that are hoping to dive further into PowerShell and incorporate it into their daily routine, this book is a great place to start. The following 3 things are what I think readers will enjoy most about this book: The recipes cover the vast majority of administrative tasks for Active Directory.  There will be immediate time savings for most readers and the explanations of the recipes will allow readers that are interested a way to dive deeper into the solutions. - Most recipes include at least 3 different methods - a GUI method (updated for Windows Server 2012), a command line method (including third-party utilities that are widely regarded), and a PowerShell or VBScript method (mostly PowerShell).  While each person has their own way of working and unique preferences, the different solutions for each recipe will provide value for just about everybody. - The book was written for all of the latest technologies including Windows Server 2012, Exchange 2013, FIM 2010 R2, and PowerShell 3.0.  In addition, the book shows the newer tools available such as the Active Directory Administrative Center. I hope you enjoy it and find it useful.  Don't read it all in one night! Brian Svidergol specializes in Microsoft infrastructure and cloud-based solutions around Windows, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, System Center, virtualization, and MDOP. He holds the MCT, MCITP (EA), MCITP (VA), MCITP (Exchange 2010), and several other Microsoft and industry certifications. Brian authored Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) course 6426C - Configuring and Troubleshooting Identity and Access Solutions with Windows Server 2008 Active Directory. He has also worked on Microsoft certification exam development and related training content for several years. When he isn’t working on technology projects, he enjoys family time, basketball, and gaming. Robbie Allen is a technical leader at Cisco Systems, where he has been involved in the deployment of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and several network management solutions. Robbie was named a Windows Server MVP in 2004 and 2005 for his contributions to the Windows community and the publication of several popular O'Reilly books. Robbie is currently studying at MIT in its system design and management program. For more information, see Robbie's web site at www.rallenhome.com. Used Book in Good Condition