Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Windows Backup (BKF) File Restore on Windows 10

Task at Hand

Restore Files/Directories from a Windows Backup (.bkf) on Windows 10

Personal Blurb

I recently had a Windows 2003 Server running on almost 10 year old hardware finally took a dive to the point of no return. Due to this I had to learn how to crack into a .bkf file and restore some files, but that apparently isn't as easy as you might think from a Windows 10 PC. So below is my findings on how to go about doing this.

Let's get to Work!

  1. Download nt5backup.cab
  2. Unzip the CAB File with 7-Zip (Or a similar Unzip Application)
  3. Go to ./nt5backup/files & Double Click on ntbackup.exe
  4. Validate the “Always start in wizard mode” Checkbox is selected & Click Next
  5. Select “Restore files and settings” & Click Next
  6. Hit the Browse Button and Browse to the Server’s .bkf File

  7. Select the File/Files/Directory that is being requested to be restored & Click Next
  8. Hit the Advanced Button
  9. Select “Alternate location” in the Restore files to: Dropdown box & Browse to the New Location to drop the restored files into.
  10. Click Next & Select Leave existing files (Recommended)
  11. Click Next Leave Restore security settings & Preserve existing volume points Checkboxes & Click Next
  12. Click Finish & Watch it Roll
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Monday, June 26, 2017

UniFi: Purchase & Setup Guide


Task at Hand

Guide anyone interested in the UniFi Network Stack for home or business based on my experience with the whole process

Personal Blurb

I have had an amazing experience with UniFi, starting with Ubiquiti support when asking for recommendations on a build for my house to implementing that suggested equipment

My Build

Router: UniFi Security Gateway (USG)

Cloud Management: UniFi Cloud Key

Switch: UniFi Switch 16 150W (POE+)

APs: UniFi AP AC LR (POE) x 3
 

My Build Out (Still needs some cleanup, but its getting there):
 


Note: I purchased all my equipment through Amazon because I'm a Prime member and they offer great discounts on this equipment

Let's get to Work!

I'd love to give ya'll a step by step guide on how to set this up at the house, but I truly can't and the reason why is because it is so damn easy!

I honestly would be insulting ya'll if I tried to instruct you on how to install the full stack.

The hardest part of the setup was running the physical cable from the Switch out to the APs and below is why that was a bit more difficult than I had expected. That is my kitchen after my Big Fella body fell thru it running my last strand of Cat6 in the attic.



It all turned out well and we were able to patch it and make it look brand new. All that being said, it was well worth even this because I love my UniFi setup!

Cool Features & Advantages (I've Found So Far...)

  • User Dashboard in General
    • This thing is just amazing & Beautiful! It provides the most info about my network that I have ever seen in any other product available to a Consumer
  • Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
    • This will give you a very in depth look at each device and their inbound & outbound data

  • Clients List
    • Shows Clients on the network with a drill down to each network device and it's clients
  • Coverage Map
    • I know this isn't the most exciting feature in the world, but I though it was worth mentioning
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MDS: Firware Upgrade

Task at Hand

Upgrade Cisco MDS (9706 specifically in my case)

Personal Blurb

I decided it was high time to upgrade our MDS 9706's to the Cisco recommended code, so I set out on the, at first glance, daunting task of upgrading our MDSes.

Prep (Very Important!)

Validate that each of your Hosts is Dual Legged so that if you need to reboot each side of the SAN that they will not lose connection to their storage.

Let's get to Work!

  1. Download the Target Code from Cisco's website (This requires that you have a Cisco Account)
  2. Use a TFTP Server to move the firmware over to the MDS Switches (I used tftpd)
    • Location to Transfer to on the Switch: bootflash:
    • Copy Commands
      • copy tftp://<tftpd_server>/mdsfirmware/<Firmware_bin_file> bootflash:<firmware_bin_file>
      • copy tftp://<tftpd server>/mdsfirmware/<firmware_bin_file> bootflash:<firmware_bin_file>
  3. Save your current MDS config files off to a safe location (We use Solarwinds)
  4. Install Firmware on Switch A
    • Install Command
      • install all kickstart bootflash:<firmware_bin_file_from_step_2> system bootflash:<firmware_bin_file_from_step_2>
  5. Validate the Install was successful on Switch A
    • show module
      • This should show the new version was installed
  6. Wait 30 Minutes (You could probably do a shorter time frame, but this is my safety net)
  7. Repeat Steps 2 thru 5 on Switch B

References

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