tech·nic·al·ly agile class·i·fic·at·ion

Windows

Comprehensive insights on the Windows operating system, covering setup, management, troubleshooting, and system enhancements.

The Windows operating system, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and updates.

Image
https://nkdagility.com/resources/windows/

Overview

Windows refers to the Microsoft operating system, which plays a crucial role in organisational environments by providing a stable platform for software applications and development tools. Its significance lies in its ability to facilitate seamless installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, ensuring that teams can maintain productivity without significant downtime. By enabling consistent updates and security patches, Windows supports a secure and efficient working environment, which is essential for agile and DevOps practices.

The predictability and sustainability of value delivery are enhanced through Windows, as it allows teams to standardise their development environments, reducing variability and complexity. This consistency fosters collaboration among cross-functional teams, as everyone operates within the same framework, minimising integration issues. Furthermore, the ability to automate deployment and configuration processes on Windows systems aligns with continuous delivery principles, enabling rapid iterations and feedback loops.

Windows also supports various tools and applications that are integral to agile methodologies, such as Azure DevOps and other collaboration platforms. This integration empowers teams to leverage the full potential of their workflows, ensuring that they can respond swiftly to changing requirements and market conditions. By providing a reliable foundation for software development and operational practices, Windows contributes to the long-term resilience and adaptability of organisations in a fast-paced digital landscape.

Learn More about Windows

Signals

Deploying Windows OS Directly to Production: Then vs Now

Explains how Windows OS updates shifted from infrequent, risky releases to safe, staged rollouts using ring-based deployment and real-time user feedback for reliability.
Blog

Upgrade your server to Windows Server 2012 R2 Update 1

Step-by-step guide to manually installing Windows Server 2012 R2 Update 1, including required update order, restart tips, and post-update checks for server stability.
Videos

Mastering Domain Controller Migration: A Step-by-Step Guide to Seamless Active Directory Transfers

Learn how to safely migrate Active Directory roles to a new domain controller, including setup, role transfer, and decommissioning the old server for minimal disruption.
Videos

A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing TFS 2013 on Windows Server 2012 R2

Learn how to install Team Foundation Server 2013 on Windows Server 2012 R2, covering VM setup, system requirements, domain joining, SQL options, and step-by-step configuration.
Blog

Windows 8.1 Preview Issue - The update is not applicable to your computer

Explains how to fix the “The update is not applicable to your computer” error when installing Windows 8.1 Preview, including region settings and manual update steps.
Blog

Remote Execute PowerShell against each Windows 8 VM

Explains how to automate running PowerShell scripts on each Windows 8 VM in Hyper-V, including starting VMs, handling credentials, and applying updates remotely.
Blog

Lab Management Issue: Enable File and Printer Sharing for Lab Management Standard Environments

Learn how to resolve connectivity issues in Visual Studio Lab Management by enabling File and Printer Sharing on Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 for standard environments.
Blog

Windows 8 Issue: Unable to connect to the internet with Hyper-V domain joined guest running on WiFi

Fixes internet connectivity issues for Hyper-V domain-joined guests on Windows 8 WiFi by configuring all features in the Network Bridge settings. Suitable for troubleshooting.
Blog

Windows Server 2012 Core for dummies

Step-by-step guide to setting up and managing Windows Server 2012 Core using command-line tools, covering remote access, updates, networking, firewall, and domain joining.
Blog

Upgrading Windows 7 to Windows 8 remotely over Team Viewer for parents in another country

Step-by-step guide to upgrading a remote Windows 7 PC to Windows 8 using TeamViewer, including tips for handling compatibility, reboots, and helping family abroad.
Blog

Create a VHD from the Windows 7 Image disk

Step-by-step guide to converting a Windows 7 .wim image to a VHD, including extraction, merging, deployment with imageX, and configuring boot options for quick setup.
Blog

Create a VHD from the Windows Server 2008 R2 Image disk

Step-by-step guide to create a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) from a Windows Server 2008 R2 image using Windows AIK and WIM2VHD, including common pitfalls and tips.
Blog

Installing Visual Studio 2008 Team Suite on Windows 7

Step-by-step guide to installing Visual Studio 2008 Team Suite on Windows 7, including setup issues, component selection, and tips for running in a virtual environment.
Blog

Installing Windows 7

Step-by-step guide to installing Windows 7 in a virtual environment, covering setup options, first boot, and initial configuration with screenshots.
Blog

Configure a Build vNext Agent

Learn how to set up a Build vNext Agent for Visual Studio Online or TFS 2015, including prerequisites, VM setup, agent configuration, and pool management.
Blog

In-Place upgrade of TFS 2008 to TFS 2010 with move to new domain

Step-by-step guide to upgrading Team Foundation Server 2008 to 2010, including in-place upgrade, build server update, and migrating to a new domain with key troubleshooting tips.
Blog

Upgrading from TFS 2008 and WSS v3.0 with SfTSv2 to TFS 2010 and SF 2010 with SfTSv3

Step-by-step guide to upgrading TFS 2008 and WSS v3.0 with SfTSv2 to TFS 2010 and SharePoint 2010, including process template migration and data handling.
Blog

Configuring a DC in Azure for AAD integrated Release Management

Step-by-step guide to setting up a Domain Controller in Azure for Active Directory integration, including VM creation, configuration, and syncing with Azure AD.
Blog

Install TFS 2015 today

Step-by-step guide to installing and configuring TFS 2015, including system requirements, installation options, and setup of SQL Server and build agents.
Blog

Unable to load task handler PowerShell for task VSBuild

Explains how to resolve the “Unable to load task handler PowerShell for task VSBuild” error in TFS vNext builds, covering PowerShell versions and blocked zip files.
Blog

Install of TFS 2013.3 with SharePoint 2013 on Windows Server 2012 R2 Update 1

Step-by-step guide to installing TFS 2013.3 with SharePoint 2013 on Windows Server 2012 R2, covering prerequisites, configuration, troubleshooting, and best practices.
Blog

TFS 2012 Update 1 - TF255430: the database was partially upgraded during a failed upgrade

Explains how to resolve Team Foundation Server 2012 upgrade failures caused by partial database upgrades, SQL connectivity issues, and Analysis Services errors.
Blog

Installing TFS 2012 with Lab Management 2012

Step-by-step guide to installing and configuring TFS 2012 with Lab Management, including SQL Server, SCVMM integration, troubleshooting, and environment setup tips.
Blog

Active Directory Groups not Syncing with Team Foundation Server 2010

Explains why Active Directory groups may not sync with Team Foundation Server 2010, how to diagnose sync issues, and steps to resolve identity synchronisation problems.
Blog

Upgrading Team Foundation Server 2008 to 2010

Step-by-step guide to upgrading Team Foundation Server 2008 to 2010, covering database backup, migration, verification, compatibility, and post-upgrade testing.
Blog

Creating a WPF Work Item Control

Learn how to build a custom WPF work item control for Visual Studio Team System, enabling WPF UI integration in work item forms using a generic wrapper and IWorkItemControl.
Blog

Creating WCF Service Host Programmatically

Explains how to programmatically create and configure a WCF Service Host in .NET, including base addresses, endpoints, bindings, and service behaviours for secure hosting.
Blog

Mapping your Windows Special Folders to OneDrive for Business - Ultimate Backup

Learn how to sync Windows special folders like Documents and Desktop to OneDrive for Business, ensuring automatic cloud backup and easy access across all your devices.
Blog

Moving OneDrive for Business files to a different drive

Step-by-step guide to moving OneDrive for Business files to a different drive in Windows without re-downloading, freeing up space and preserving file sync and settings.
Blog

Could not load file or assembly while configuring Build vNext Agent

Explains how to resolve a “Could not load file or assembly” error when configuring Build vNext Agent on Windows Server 2012 R2 with Visual Studio 2015 Preview installed.
Blog

Microsoft Surface 3 unable to boot from USB

Explains how to resolve Microsoft Surface 3 boot issues by renaming the USB drive to “BOOTME”, a required but undocumented step for successful USB booting.
Blog

Installing Visual Studio 2015 side by side with 2013 on Windows 10

Step-by-step guide to installing Visual Studio 2015 alongside 2013 on Windows 10, including tips for avoiding common errors and ensuring compatibility.
Blog

Agility and Windows 10: Upgrading my Surface Pro 2

A first-hand account of upgrading a Surface Pro 2 to Windows 10 Technical Preview, exploring Microsoft’s shift to agile development and continuous delivery for Windows.
Videos

Mastering TFS Installation on a Single Server: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learn how to install and configure Team Foundation Server (TFS) on a single server, including SQL Server setup, TFS installation, and creating your first team project.
Blog

Issue [ TFS 2013 ] TF255466 A previous update or installation requires a restart

Explains how to resolve the persistent TF255466 error when installing TFS 2013 after SQL Server 2012 SP1, caused by pending reboots and requiring hotfix KB2793634.
Blog

Unable to install Visual Studio 2013 RC on Windows 8.1 Preview

Explains why Visual Studio 2013 RC and Team Foundation Server 2013 RC cannot be installed on Windows 8.1 Preview due to .NET version issues, with suggested workarounds.
Blog

Review Part 2: Developing with Intel Haswell Harris Beach SDS Ultrabook

Covers hands-on development with the Intel Haswell Harris Beach SDS Ultrabook, including Windows 8/8.1 compatibility, sensor demos, performance, and setup tips.
Blog

Windows 8 Issue: Local network is detected as public

Explains why Windows 8 may label Hyper-V virtual networks as public, causing connectivity issues, and provides steps to manually set them as private for proper access.
Blog

Woops I installed Windows 8 instead of Windows 8 Pro!

Explains how to identify if you installed Windows 8 instead of Windows 8 Pro, the missing features, and how to upgrade to Pro without reinstalling the system.
Blog

Installing Eclipse on Windows 8 and connecting to TFS 2012

Step-by-step guide to installing Eclipse and the Java Development Kit on Windows 8, then connecting Eclipse to Team Foundation Server (TFS) 2012 using Team Explorer Everywhere.
Blog

Installing TFS 2012 on Server 2012 with SQL 2012

Step-by-step guide to installing and configuring TFS 2012 on Windows Server 2012 with SQL Server 2012, including setup tips, common issues, and troubleshooting advice.
Blog

Installing Visual Studio 2010 on Windows 8

Step-by-step guide to installing Visual Studio 2010 on Windows 8 using a virtual machine, including tips for compatibility, performance, and Team Foundation Server use.
Blog

Upgrading from TFS2010 to Visual Studio 2012 Team Foundation Server in production

Step-by-step guide to upgrading from TFS 2010 to Visual Studio 2012 Team Foundation Server, including prerequisites, SQL updates, configuration, and troubleshooting tips.
Blog

TF200035 Sync error for identity with TFS 2010

Details troubleshooting a TF200035 sync error in TFS 2010, covering Active Directory issues, machine account permissions, domain compatibility, and possible workarounds.
Blog

Installing Visual Studio Team Foundation Server Service Pack 1

Step-by-step guide to installing Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010 Service Pack 1, including troubleshooting tips for common installation errors and solutions.
Blog

Can I run two versions of Microsoft Project side-by-side?

Running multiple Microsoft Project versions on one PC is possible but not recommended due to file association issues, compatibility problems, and potential data errors.
Blog

Flashing your Windows Phone 6 for Dummies

Step-by-step guide to safely flashing custom ROMs on Windows Phone 6 devices, including key terms, risks, tools, and links to resources for the HTC HD2.
Blog

Solution - IIS SMTP Service 5.5.2 rejected: need fully qualified hostname

Explains how to resolve IIS SMTP error 5.5.2 by configuring a fully qualified domain name, ensuring outgoing emails are accepted by recipient mail servers.
Blog

The long wait is over

Windows 7 is now available to developers and beta testers, offering improved stability, speed, and features over Vista, with general release coming in September 2009.
Blog

Stuck with Vista?

Overview of Windows Vista Service Pack 2 release, its availability, installation process, and potential improvements for users experiencing performance issues.
Blog

Microsoft Answer for the end-user

A user-friendly Microsoft Answers forum for Windows Vista, offering clear, non-technical help on updates, hardware, networking, security, performance, and more.
Blog

Why Integrated Authentication does not work with host headers!

Explains why Integrated Authentication fails with custom host headers on IIS, causing 401.1 errors, due to Windows loopback security checks and how to resolve it.
Blog

Installing the .NET Framework 3.5 Beta 2 on Vista

Step-by-step guide to resolving .NET Framework 3.5 Beta 2 installation issues on Windows Vista by uninstalling specific hotfixes and retrying the setup.
Blog

Visual Studio Team System 2008 Database Edition GDR Installation

Step-by-step guide to installing Visual Studio Team System 2008 Database Edition GDR, including prerequisites, uninstalling old versions, and new project options.
Blog

Create a Build vNext build definition

Step-by-step guide to creating a Build vNext build definition in Visual Studio Online, covering task setup, options, triggers, variables, and build configuration.
Blog

Access denied for orchestration plan on Build

Explains how to resolve TFS build errors caused by missing write permissions for the Project Collection Build Service on orchestration plans, including permission setup steps.
Blog

Upgrading to Team Foundation Server 2012 Update 1 in production – DONE

Step-by-step guide to upgrading Team Foundation Server 2012 to Update 1, including prerequisites, backup, disk space, configuration, troubleshooting, and build server setup.
Blog

TFS 2012 - Issue: Stuck builds in Team Foundation Build with no build number

Explains how to resolve stuck builds in TFS 2012 where no build number is assigned, caused by IIS multiple site bindings, with steps to fix via web.config settings.
Blog

Should I upgrade to TFS 2013 Update 2?

Covers new features and upgrade steps for Team Foundation Server 2013 Update 2, including improvements in backlog, test, release, and version management.
Blog

Upgrading from the TFS 2013 Preview to TFS 2013 RC

Step-by-step guide to upgrading from TFS 2013 Preview to TFS 2013 RC, covering prerequisites, trial upgrades, installation, configuration, and best practices.
Blog

Upgrading to Team Foundation Server 2013

Step-by-step guide to upgrading to Team Foundation Server 2013, including backup, installation, configuration, validation, and estimated upgrade times for various scenarios.
Blog

TFS2012.2 - Issue: Object not set to instance of object with TF400898, TF53010 & TF30065

Explains causes and solutions for “Object reference not set to an instance of an object” errors (TF400898, TF53010, TF30065) in TFS 2012.2, fixed in Update 3.
Blog

Do you know how to move the Team Foundation Server cache

Learn how to safely move the Team Foundation Server cache to a new drive, update permissions, and configure web.config for better storage management and performance.
Blog

What to do after a servicing fails on TFS 2010

Guidance on troubleshooting failed servicing in TFS 2010, including schema version issues, recovery steps, and risks of database repair versus starting over.
Blog

TFS 2010 Work Item Seed: TFS Work Item system.id at a predefined number

Explains how to use the TFS 2010 API to set the starting Work Item ID by programmatically creating and deleting items, avoiding ID conflicts with other systems.
Blog

Team Foundation Server 2010 Event Handling with Subscribers

Explains how to create and deploy server-side event subscribers in Team Foundation Server 2010 using the ISubscriber interface to handle and process TFS events.
Blog

Upgrading from TFS 2010 RC to TFS 2010 RTM done

Step-by-step guide to upgrading from TFS 2010 RC to RTM, including backup, uninstall, install, configuration, SharePoint and build server updates, and post-upgrade testing.
Blog

Retrieving an identity from Team Foundation Server using only the display name

Explains how to retrieve a user or group identity from Team Foundation Server using only a display name, including handling Active Directory lookups and group assignments.
Blog

TFS Error: MSB4018 The "BuildShadowTask" task failed unexpectedly

Explains the MSB4018 “BuildShadowTask” error in TFS when using Accessors in unit test projects, its cause, and how removing .accessor files resolves build issues.
Blog

Join a machine to your azure hosted domain controller

Learn how to connect a machine to an Azure-hosted domain controller by configuring virtual networks, DNS settings, and joining the domain through Windows system settings.
Blog

Use corporate identities with existing VSO accounts

Learn how to enable seamless single sign-on for Visual Studio Online by integrating corporate identities via Active Directory and Azure, ensuring account continuity and access.
Blog

Be a kid again and upgrade to Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview

Guide to upgrading to Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview, including key features, app recommendations, update steps, and known issues for early adopters.
Blog

Move your Active Directory domain to another server

Learn how to transfer an Active Directory domain to a new server, including moving FSMO roles and the Global Catalogue, to ensure domain services remain functional.
Blog

Review Part 3: Two Months with Intel Haswell Harris Beach SDS Ultrabook

Hands-on update after two months using the Intel Haswell Harris Beach SDS Ultrabook, focusing on Windows 8.1 driver fixes, battery life, and real-world productivity.
Blog

Issue [ TFS 2013 ] You need elevated privileges to install InRelease

Learn how to resolve InRelease 3 installation failures on Team Foundation Server 2013 by running the installer with elevated privileges via an elevated command prompt.
Blog

TFS 2012.3 Issue - Scheduled Backups gives a TF400998 when reconfigured

After migrating TFS 2012/2013 servers, Scheduled Backups may fail with TF400998 errors due to outdated server references. Disabling and resetting resolves the issue.
Blog

Install SharePoint 2013 on Windows Server 2012 without a domain

Step-by-step guide to installing SharePoint 2013 on Windows Server 2012 without a domain, including prerequisites, configuration, troubleshooting, and key setup tips.
Blog

TFS 2012 Issue: TF255507: The security identifier (SID) for the following SQL Server login conflicts

Explains how to resolve the TF255507 SID conflict error in TFS 2012 caused by server renaming, including SQL commands to fix login issues in SQL Server 2012.
Blog

Office 2013 Issue: There is not enough free memory to run this program in Outlook 2013

Explains causes and solutions for the “not enough free memory” error in Outlook 2013, including disabling shared folder downloads and adjusting Exchange account settings.
Blog

Office 2013 Issue: Installing Office 2013 breaks Visual Studio 2012

Installing Office 2013 on a system with Visual Studio 2012 RC can cause C++ runtime errors. Apply the July 2012 update to resolve compatibility issues and restore functionality.
Blog

SSRS vs SCVMM - The Kerberos token dispute

Explains Kerberos authentication issues when SSRS and SCVMM run on the same server with different service accounts, causing SPN conflicts and token errors in Active Directory.
Blog

Always prompted for credentials in TFS 2010?

Explains why TFS 2010 repeatedly prompts for credentials and how to resolve it by configuring your domain as an intranet site in Internet Explorer settings.
Blog

Creating a backup in Team Foundation Server 2010 using the Power Tools

Step-by-step guide to backing up Team Foundation Server 2010 with Power Tools, including required permissions, common errors, and troubleshooting backup issues.
Blog

Installing Visual Studio 2010 Service Pack 1

Step-by-step guide to downloading and installing Visual Studio 2010 Service Pack 1, including update requirements, download size, install times, and troubleshooting tips.
Blog

Installing Visual Studio 2010 Team Foundation Server on Windows Vista in 3 minutes

Step-by-step guide to quickly installing Visual Studio 2010 Team Foundation Server on Windows Vista, including setup options and requirements for a basic installation.
Blog

Wpf Scale Transform Behaviour

Explains how to use a WPF behaviour with attached properties to globally scale multiple UI controls at runtime, supporting MVVM and slider-based scale adjustment.
Blog

Installing .NET 4.0 Beta 1 on Windows Vista 64x

Step-by-step guide to installing .NET 4.0 Beta 1 on Windows Vista 64-bit, including installation time, key new features, and links to further resources.
Blog

Windows 7 RC

The Windows 7 Release Candidate is available for developers and beta testers, with public access starting 5 May. Find download links, release details, and user impressions.
Blog

Installing Team Explorer 2008 on Windows 7

Step-by-step guide to installing Team Explorer 2008 on Windows 7, troubleshooting proxy and firewall issues, and connecting to CodePlex and TFS Sticky Buddy.
Blog

Windows 7 Beta is Live!

Windows 7 Beta is now available for download, offering early access to the next version of Windows with improved stability and limited licences for public testing.
Blog

Installing Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2

Provides download links, installation guidance, and updates for Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 on various Windows versions, plus resources for IT professionals and businesses.
Blog

Installing MOSS 2007 from scratch

Step-by-step guide to installing Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 from a clean environment, including prerequisites, SQL setup, service packs, and configuration tips.
Blog

Team Foundation Server Error TF30177: Team Project Creation Failed - Part 2

Explains how to resolve Team Foundation Server project creation errors caused by SharePoint managed path conflicts, with steps to identify and fix site URL issues.
Blog

Team Foundation Server Error 28936

Explains how Team Foundation Server installation fails with error 28936 due to IIS URLScan filter blocking web services, and how removing it resolves the issue.
Blog

Windows Vista Pre-SP1 Performance and Reliability Updates Result

A user shares improved speed and reliability after installing Windows Vista pre-SP1 updates on an older laptop, highlighting smoother performance and easier software use.
Blog

TFS Gotcha (server name)

Explains how to fix TFS installation issues caused by server name and proxy settings by editing the hosts file and renaming the server to its fully qualified domain name.
Blog

Custom UI colour scheme for Windows Forms .NET

Learn how to customise Windows Forms ToolStrip, MainMenu, and StatusBar colours in .NET by creating a custom ColorTable and applying it with a custom renderer.

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.

Concepts


Categories


Tags

GitHub (4)
Scaling (15)
Windows (97)

Our Happy Clients​

We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.​

Jack Links Logo
Ericson Logo
Lean SA Logo
Schlumberger Logo
Alignment Healthcare Logo
Sage Logo
Genus Breeding Ltd Logo

CR2

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd Logo
Freadom Logo
Xceptor - Process and Data Automation Logo
Deliotte Logo
Illumina Logo
Slaughter and May Logo
Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG) Logo
Workday Logo
Big Data for Humans Logo
Boeing Logo
Department of Work and Pensions (UK) Logo
New Hampshire Supreme Court Logo
Washington Department of Enterprise Services Logo
Ghana Police Service Logo
Royal Air Force Logo
Washington Department of Transport Logo
Trayport Logo
Emerson Process Management Logo
Genus Breeding Ltd Logo
Sage Logo
Xceptor - Process and Data Automation Logo
Healthgrades Logo