ITSystems_JamesE

Good afternoon everyone, We’ve recently been helping a number of schools running RM CC4 networks who have experienced issues following Microsoft’s latest Windows Server cumulative updates. If your school has suddenly started seeing problems such as: • RM Management Console not opening (server or workstation) • User drive mappings failing • Disk quotas not displaying correctly • Devices showing offline in RM Management Console • The system event log on a domain controller shows event ID 16 for KDC failures …then you’re definitely not alone. After investigating several affected sites, we’ve identified the issue as being related to Microsoft’s recent Kerberos security hardening changes. In many older CC4 environments, legacy RC4 encryption is now being restricted or blocked unless it has been manually re-enabled. This particularly impacts networks originally installed on CC4.2 (Windows Server 2003) and then upgraded to CC4 on Server 2016/19, where the RM Service Host account may still only contain older RC4 Kerberos keys. The good news is that the issue can be resolved cleanly and safely without weakening domain security or re-enabling legacy encryption. We’ve now successfully carried out a remedial fix across a number of schools which: • Preserves the existing service account password • Regenerates the required AES Kerberos keys • Restores normal CC4 functionality • Avoids re-enabling insecure RC4 encryption The process is safe, non-disruptive, and we’ve seen excellent results so far, with schools back up and running normally shortly afterwards. With Microsoft continuing to tighten Kerberos security and further RC4 restrictions expected over the coming months, it’s probably worth checking sooner rather than later whether your environment may be affected. In the interest of helping the community, we’re happy to offer advice, guidance, and where possible carry out the remedial work free of charge for schools currently experiencing the issue. If you’d like some help, want to sense-check your symptoms, or simply want pointing in the right direction, feel free to send us a direct message and we’ll do our best to help. IT Systems & Support Limited

@synaesthesia Here is a reply to the questions from @David44 "Are you doing this in conjunction with RM or are they likely to send you a cease and desist letter at some point?" - As RM have stipulated an EOL date for CC4 at the same time Win 10 goes EOL we have created this pack ourselves to continue supporting CC4 after RM wash their hands of it. "Do you have access to their source code for changes to RMMC etc. or are you managing to make any required changes via settings files and registry entries?" - You do not require access to the RM source code to create a client pack so no. The client pack makes the necessary additional entries for management of Win 11 in the RMMC on the fly at installation in the same manner as all other previous client packs. "What about the Smart Client for Windows 11? Is that a modified CC4 Smart Client with permission from RM or have you written your own?" - You can smart client with our pack installed yes. We would not recommend it as smart client is always a bit messy. Again, we have released our Windows 11 CC4 pack at £195 to give CC4 users time to decide what they want to do and not be forced by RM, Microsoft or the wider industry to make a kneejerk decision.

@synaesthesia Hi Synasesthesia, David44 and all, Thank you for your comments in relation to our CC4 Win 11 Client Pack. We have created a Windows 11 CC4 Client Pack of our own volition to continue supporting the CC4 solution past its cut off point form both RM and Microsoft’s Windows 10 EOL. This package installs in the same manner as previous RM client packs. It follows the same rules as previously released RM client packs from either RM or third parties. It has been developed by us to allow our customers to continue using CC4 after the afore-mentioned dates. We support a large number of school networks which cover many sites, many thousands of machines and equally large number of users running into tens of thousands. As an RM Premium support partner ourselves we have also had limited notification with regard to CC4, or any specific migration plans that maybe included to move the process forward (yes we have seen the fallout of CC5). Our post is simply to raise awareness of our pack we have created. and give network managers the option to use Windows 11 on CC4 to give them time to decide what direction they wish to take their own school networks; be that continue with CC4, go to CC5 (whatever it may or may not look like) or go down a vanilla route. Whether you are for RM or against RM in this larger forum posting is irrelevant. Given the short timescale between now and October 14th2025 our Win 11 pack, in our view, is £195 well spent. It gives you time to decide which direction you want to go without having a massive kneejerk project this summer. If you are interested in our pack please get in touch. James

@David44 Hi David, Thanks for your questions. We are more than happy to have a conversation with you about our Windows 11 Client Pack and its deployment in a person to person manner. Please give us a call on 0343 8868660 or email us at [email protected] Thanks James

Meanwhile, over here in IT Systems… We understand that not all schools want to move to CC5. That’s why we’ve developed and deployed a fully functional Windows 11 Client Pack for Community Connect 4 (CC4), ensuring schools can continue using a system they know and trust without being forced into unnecessary and costly migrations. Our tailored support services include regular security updates, compatibility improvements, and even structured plans for migrating CC4 networks to newer server operating systems like Windows Server 2022. Many schools are already benefiting from our solution and support services, saving them money and allowing them to extend the life of their CC4 networks well beyond RM’s planned discontinuation. For those who are happy with CC4 and don’t want to move to CC5, we provide a sustainable supported path forward keeping your network stable, secure, and up to date. For more information, visit: https://www.itsystems.uk.com/cc4/or send us a DM through EduGeek to arrange a call on how we can help your school. James

At IT Systems & Support Limited, we understand that many schools still rely on RM Community Connect 4 (CC4) and aren’t ready to move to cloud-based alternatives like CC5. With the end of Windows 10 support approaching from RM and Microsoft, we’ve developed a Windows 11 Client Pack for CC4, allowing schools to seamlessly upgrade their workstations while keeping CC4 fully functional. What We Offer Windows 11 Client Pack for CC4 – Fully tested and deployed on live CC4 networks, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration. Office 2021 Integration Pack - Our customers are using Office 2021 on their CC4 Windows 11 networks, with improved cloud connectivity such as OneDrive Ongoing CC4 Support – As an RM Premier Support Partner, we provide expert support for CC4 environments, were here for whenever you need us CC4 Hybrid Solutions – We are actively developing ways for CC4 and Intune to work together, allowing schools to transition at their own pace or run a hybrid environment Server OS Upgrades – Guidance on moving to Windows Server 2022/25 to keep CC4 running securely for the foreseeable future. Cost-Effective Alternative to CC5 – Avoid unnecessary disruption and costs associated with moving to a completely new system. Many schools have already successfully deployed our Windows 11 Client Pack and are continuing to get the most out of their CC4 investment. We know budgets are tight, and schools need to make the most of their existing investments. That’s why we’re here to help extend the life of CC4 while providing a structured plan for future transitions – without being forced into an expensive and disruptive migration. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to comment below, send us a message, or visit our website: https://www.itsystems.uk.com/cc4/ We will look forward to working with you soon! James IT Systems & Support Limited

Meanwhile, over here in IT Systems… We understand that not all schools want to move to CC5. That’s why we’ve developed and deployed a fully functional Windows 11 Client Pack for Community Connect 4 (CC4), ensuring schools can continue using a system they know and trust without being forced into unnecessary and costly migrations. Our tailored support services include regular security updates, compatibility improvements, and even structured plans for migrating CC4 networks to newer server operating systems like Windows Server 2022. Many schools are already benefiting from our solution and support services, saving them money and allowing them to extend the life of their CC4 networks well beyond RM’s planned discontinuation. For those who are happy with CC4 and don’t want to move to CC5, we provide a sustainable supported path forward keeping your network stable, secure, and up to date. For more information, visit: https://www.itsystems.uk.com/cc4/ or send us a DM through EduGeek to arrange a call on how we can help your school. James

Thank you for sharing your thoughts—we completely understand where you’re coming from. The challenge of balancing limited school budgets with the need to stay up-to-date is very real, and we agree that long-term planning is essential for any IT strategy, especially as systems like CC4 approach EOL. That said, our approach isn’t intended to replace the need for migration or forward planning. We fully recognize that CC4 users will need to migrate to more modern systems eventually. However, the reality is that for many schools, the timelines and budgets for such projects aren’t always immediately feasible. Our goal is to offer a temporary, cost-effective solution that allows schools to keep their systems running efficiently and securely in the interim. For schools that are not in a position to move on from CC4 just yet, being able to run Windows 11 and Office 2021 gives them breathing room to plan a proper migration without compromising the ability to stay somewhat current with technology in the meantime. We understand this approach might not be right for everyone, but for schools that are facing severe budget constraints and can’t immediately invest in a full infrastructure overhaul, we believe this offers them a viable option to extend the lifespan of their current systems while they prepare for the transition ahead. Again, we appreciate the feedback and completely agree that long-term planning is key, but we’re simply trying to offer an option for those who need more time to make the transition.

Hi Synaesthesia, Thank you for your response. I understand where you're coming from with "horse, stable, door." While it's true that RM has announced CC4's EOL and some schools have already moved away from it, we also know that many schools simply don't have the budget or immediate need to replace their existing CC4 infrastructure. Our solution is designed for those schools that need to get the most out of their current CC4 network before they transition. By offering Windows 11 and Office 2021 integration packs, we aim to give schools a cost-effective option to continue using CC4 with the latest software, without the need for a full system overhaul right away. For those still running CC4, we believe this offers real value in extending the life of their investment. We’re here to support schools through this period of change. Kind regards, James

Hi all, I wanted to share some exciting news for CC4 schools. We at IT Systems & Support Limited have developed a complete Windows 11 Client Pack for CC4, allowing you to build Windows 11 Education computers onto your CC4 network. This can be done using the existing RM Computer Build process, whether through PXE, USB, or Smart Client. Our Windows 11 integration pack includes updated registry policies for Windows 11, all of which are accessible within the RM Management Console. Additionally, we have created an Office 2021 Integration Pack, enabling the deployment of the volume license version of Office 2021 Pro Plus to your CC4 stations, along with updated registry policies. While the future of CC4 remains uncertain as RM plans to make it end-of-life (EOL) next year, we understand that many schools won’t have the budget to move away from CC4. That’s why we’ve developed these integration packs, offering a cost-effective way to extend the life of your network and provide the latest software to your users. If you're interested, please feel free to submit an enquiry through our form: https://www.itsystems.uk.com/cc4/ Alternatively, send me a DM on EduGeek if you'd like to arrange a call. Kind regards, James