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We've only used Salamander and it's been excellent. Though their support has been awful in recent months, where we're waiting for a week+ for even an update on a ticket, let alone remote access/resolution.

Out of the laptops linked so far, I'd probably go for the one you linked in your original post from LaptopsDirect. It's basically the same as the Scan one, but with double the RAM and a better GPU, for only £50 more. In terms of RAM usage, 8GB of system memory is generally enough for most gaming needs at the moment, though that is growing.

In terms of school owned/purchased equipment, no - we're on the latest version of Windows 10. Though we do have some off-domain third party legacy machines running Windows 7, namely the Cunninghams tills and revals, and Inventry's computer.

During winter when I can't hang clothes out, I put the washing on airers in a small/spare room with a dehumidifier and the door closed. As it's circulating the air only in that room, the clothes are usually dry within 24-48 hours (depending on the load(s) - based on two people's weekly wash). It consumes about 380W while running and I need to empty the water down the drain when it's full. I started doing this to prevent mold and damp during the winter, as I lived in a place that was pretty susceptible to it at the time. Despite no longer living there, I've been continuing to do it.

Thanks. I'm not sure what the best practice is. I had to rebuild one of the hosts last week and I don't know if that's had any knock on effect. Each VM has this option set in it's configuration, under VMware Tools: Synchronize guest time with host. That's been enabled and the default since we had them installed back in 2015. Are you saying that should be disabled/unchecked on my VMs? I have just ran the command you listed (w32tm /config /manualpeerlist:"uk.pool.ntp.org,0x8" /syncfromflags:manual /update) and the PDC is now showing the correct time. Syncronize guest time with host is currently disabled on the PDC VM, as I hadn't turned it back on before running that command. Edit: Despite that, w32tm /query /status is still showing the local CMOS as the source: PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> w32tm /query /status Leap Indicator: 0(no warning) Stratum: 1 (primary reference - syncd by radio clock) Precision: -23 (119.209ns per tick) Root Delay: 0.0000000s Root Dispersion: 10.0000000s ReferenceId: 0x4C4F434C (source name: "LOCL") Last Successful Sync Time: 13/09/2022 11:17:36 Source: Local CMOS Clock Poll Interval: 6 (64s)

I've also tried specifying the UK NTP pools listed earlier in the GPO for the PDC, but I'm still having the same issue.

It's set to (Local): PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> w32tm /query /configuration [Configuration] EventLogFlags: 2 (Local) AnnounceFlags: 10 (Local) TimeJumpAuditOffset: 28800 (Local) MinPollInterval: 6 (Local) MaxPollInterval: 10 (Local) MaxNegPhaseCorrection: 172800 (Local) MaxPosPhaseCorrection: 172800 (Local) MaxAllowedPhaseOffset: 300 (Local) FrequencyCorrectRate: 4 (Local) PollAdjustFactor: 5 (Local) LargePhaseOffset: 50000000 (Local) SpikeWatchPeriod: 900 (Local) LocalClockDispersion: 10 (Local) HoldPeriod: 5 (Local) PhaseCorrectRate: 7 (Local) UpdateInterval: 100 (Local) [TimeProviders] NtpClient (Local) DllName: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\w32time.DLL (Local) Enabled: 1 (Local) InputProvider: 1 (Local) CrossSiteSyncFlags: 2 (Local) AllowNonstandardModeCombinations: 1 (Local) ResolvePeerBackoffMinutes: 15 (Local) ResolvePeerBackoffMaxTimes: 7 (Local) CompatibilityFlags: 2147483648 (Local) EventLogFlags: 1 (Local) LargeSampleSkew: 3 (Local) SpecialPollInterval: 1024 (Local) Type: NT5DS (Local) NtpServer (Local) DllName: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\w32time.DLL (Local) Enabled: 1 (Local) InputProvider: 0 (Local) AllowNonstandardModeCombinations: 1 (Local) VMICTimeProvider (Local) DllName: C:\WINDOWS\System32\vmictimeprovider.dll (Local) Enabled: 1 (Local) InputProvider: 1 (Local) Now when I try the following command: w32tm /resync /force, I get the following error: The computer did not resync because no time data was available.

Over the past couple of days, our clients have been running 5 minutes fast. In my efforts to resolve this, I cannot figure out why the time is incorrect. Here is our NTP setup: VMware Host 1 & 2: Each server is configured to use 0.uk.pool.ntp.org, 1.uk.pool.ntp.org, 2.uk.pool.ntp.org, 3.uk.pool.ntp.org PDC (a VM): NTP not configured and uses the Local CMOS clock (which is the vmware host) Non-PDC DC: NTP not configured and states source as PDC Clients: NTP not configured and states source as PDC. Despite that, the PDC is 5 minutes ahead. vSphere reports that both hosts have the correct time in the web interface. Despite pulling it's information from the host, the PDC is incorrect. PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> w32tm /stripchart /computer:time.windows.com /samples:3 /dataonly Tracking time.windows.com [51.145.123.29:123]. Collecting 3 samples. The current time is 13/09/2022 10:01:06. 10:01:06, -183.7802435s 10:01:07, -183.5787555s 10:01:09, -183.3756424s PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> w32tm /query /status Leap Indicator: 0(no warning) Stratum: 1 (primary reference - syncd by radio clock) Precision: -23 (119.209ns per tick) Root Delay: 0.0000000s Root Dispersion: 10.0000000s ReferenceId: 0x4C4F434C (source name: "LOCL") Last Successful Sync Time: 13/09/2022 09:35:42 Source: Local CMOS Clock Poll Interval: 6 (64s) Despite that, the host is currently reporting: 09/13/2022, 9:57:43 AM It seems to be causing havok with other systems and I want to get this resolved as soon as possible!

I did end up using a till from the kitchen and a desktop that already had ID Manager installed from reception. We managed to get it working in the end, though have a call logged with Cunninghams anyway. Yeah, I was logged on as a domain admin and tried running IDManager as an administrator.

Thanks both. Our DL360 G9 does have front SATA bays, so I could stick an SSD in there. One issue I forsee is that it doesn't have actual drive sleds, it's just a slot cover...so the drive wouldn't be supported correctly and hanging off the SATA port. We actually have an extended warranty on this server, so we've raised it with an issue with them. They've advised it needs a mainboard swap (which will include downtime...which is fine, since it's already down). I'm just waiting for them to arrange a time to come and swap it for us.

We are doing our new Y7 intake with fingerprints and using IDManager. Like previous years, we're using laptops for ease and install IDManager and the finerprint reader. This time around, we're having an issue where we cannot install the valid license file. When I locate and select the valid license (which displays the license info in the dialogue box when selected) and press Install License, we get the following error: Unable to save IDManager license file Can anyone advise me on this? We are due to be doing this at 9.15am this morning apparently!

One of our two ESXi hosts is not booting from the HP miro-SD card and I'm struggling to fix the issue. Once the server boots up, it starts to PXE boot because there are no other boot devices found (boot order is; SD Card > USB > PXE). ILO4 is reporting the following error: Controller firmware revision 2.10.00 NAND read failure My Google-fu lead me to three main routes; format the SD card from within ILO4, replace the SD card then format it from within ILO4 and update the ILO4 firmware. I have tried first two, but I'm still getting the same issue. The latter was already done earlier this year. We're on ILO4 2.80, which is the latest firmware available from HP. I'm currently at a loss and our VMs have failed over to the single host (which isn't ideal!). What a way to start the new term. Does anyone have any ideas?

We decided to replace the batteries and go from there. It's been a week now and not one error or warning has been logged by the unit, compared to the many-a-day entries we were getting for battery disconnected/connected messages. We have also decided to go down the route of physical plugs on the wall from another ring as the secondary power source. We've had it quoted, but no timescale on works yet. We went for this because we can't fit another UPS in the rack without some serious jiggery-pokery of servers and storage units, involving taking them out, moving rails up, re-fitting, etc. This also gives us the option of converting the power source for the sockets into a commando socket later down the line, should we decide to fit a second UPS (if space is freed up).

Edit: Sorry, I lied. Turns out I did. Here's the extra steps I completely overlooked (sorry!) Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Registry There are 4 entries to add (by right click > Add Key): Location: MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddMediaServer Configure this key then > Replace existing persmissions on all subkeys Edit security > If SYSTEM is not already there > Press Add > Press Locations and change from your domain to your local computer name > In the text box, type SYSTEM > Press Check Names > Press OK > Check Full Control > Press OK Repeat that another three times, changing the registry location for the following: MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddNetworkLocation MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowFileExtensions MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowHiddenFiles

Have you linked the Group Policy you made these changes to to the correct OU? Computer settings are applied by the SYSTEM account on a machine if I recall correctly, which has full rights on the machine.

Yes, edit the Group Policy and navigate to Computer Configuration > Preferences > Windows Settings > Registry. When in there, for ease and viewability, I created sub-folders for each one (file extensions, hidden items, etc). Then in each sub-folder, added the registry keys in for each one. [ATTACH=CONFIG]66242[/ATTACH] Note: This is a computer policy, not user, so apply it to the OU(s) that contain your student computers. Because it is a computer OU, it affects all users who log into it, including domain admins. The policy is applied at machine start up (or via gpupdate and a restart).

IIRC you can't remove them outright, but you can grey them out. This is how I've done it, via GPP. Computer Configuration > Preferences > Windows Settings > Registry Disable show hidden files (4x registry files): Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowHiddenFiles Value name: AttributeMask Value type: DWORD Value data: 00100000 Base: Hexadecimal Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowHiddenFiles Value name: AttributeValue Value type: DWORD Value data: 00100000 Base: Hexadecimal Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowHiddenFiles Value name: ExplorerCommandHandler Value type: REG_SZ Value data: Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowHiddenFiles Value name: ImpliedSelectionModel Value type: DWORD Value data: 00000000 Base: Hexadecimal Disable show file extensions: Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowFileExtensions Value name: AttributeMask Value type: DWORD Value data: 100000 Base: Hexadecimal Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowFileExtensions Value name: AttributeValue Value type: DWORD Value data: 00100000 Base: Hexadecimal Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowFileExtensions Value name: ExplorerCommandHandler Value type: REG_SZ Value data: Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.ShowFileExtensions Value name: ImpliedSelectionModel Value type: DWORD Value data: 00000000 Base: Hexadecimal Some other useful ones (not sure if they're still relevant anymore): Disable add a media server: Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddMediaServer Value name: AttributeMask Value type: DWORD Value data: 00100000 Base: Hexadecimal Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddMediaServer Value name: AttributeValue Value type: DWORD Value data: 00100000 Base: Hexadecimal Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddMediaServer Value name: ExplorerCommandHandler Value type: REG_SZ Value data: Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddMediaServer Value name: ImpliedSelectionModel Value type: DWORD Value data: 00000000 Base: Hexadecimal Disable add a network location: Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddNetworkLocation Value name: AttributeMask Value type: DWORD Value data: 00100000 Base: Hexadecimal Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddNetworkLocation Value name: AttributeValue Value type: DWORD Value data: 00100000 Base: Hexadecimal Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddNetworkLocation Value name: ExplorerCommandHandler Value type: REG_SZ Value data: Action: Update Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key Path: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CommandStore\shell\Windows.AddNetworkLocation Value name: ImpliedSelectionModel Value type: DWORD Value data: 00000000 Base: Hexadecimal Hope that helps.

Thanks for your reply. We already have flags set and shown for EAL students. However, we want to have an extra flag showing their English proficiency level, such as Fluent or New to English. This allows teachers to quickly identify the student's level of English. Will the solution you've provided allow us to do this? Or are you saying we'd need to create a Data Field for each of the options we want, such as Fluent, New to English, etc? One of your support colleagues has sent us this guide: https://docs.bromcom.com/knowledge-base/how-to-create-a-dynamic-report-group/, but we can't seem to figure out how to add students to a group to be processed.

I've known about the current account switching services and banks that offer bonuses. First Direct are offering £175 if you switch your main account and bills and use the switch guarantee service, plus an extra £20 if you use the app/online banking within the first three months. Santander are also offering £160 for using the switching guarantee too. It's worth noting that most banks say you're not eligible if you've used them in the past x number of years though. Despite knowing about this for a a few years, I was always put off because it's a faff changing banks. But with costs are they are at the moment, I think I may as well do it.

When looking at a student's profile, under their profile picture you can set icons/flags (User Defined Fields) to display quick information, such as FSM, SEND, EAL, etc. We have that set up, but we've had a request to add a extra flag for those who are EAL for their "English Proficiency" level. This is found under Ethnicity & Religion > EAL > English Proficieny in the user's profile. You can use the English Proficiency drop down to select a level of fluency. Our EAL lead has spoken to an EAL lead in another school, who also use Bromcom, and they said they display a UDF icon "F" under the the pupil's profile pic to show the student is fluent in English. Bromcom support either didn't understand or weren't sure it's possible and sent us a guide that isn't for the right thing. The only way we've managed to achieve something close is to create a User Defined Field with the following information: Name: "EAL Stage" Description: EAL Stage Data Area: Other Information: Start Date: Field Type: Dropdown - Multiple Add to Additional Columns List: Checked Option Text 1: F Option Tooltip 1: F Opition Text 2: N2E Option Tooltip 2: N2E Opition Text 3: EA Option Tooltip 3: EA Opition Text 4: DC Option Tooltip 4: DC Opition Text 5: C Option Tooltip 5: C Opition Text 6: NYA Option Tooltip 6: NYA Opition Text 7: N/A Option Tooltip 7: N/A Read Only Roles: Administrator, Assessment Administrator Read & Edit Roles: Administrator, Assessment Administrator Then add a new User Defined Flag with the following settings: Tpye or Flag: UDF Group: EAL Stage Drop down: Select each of the options created above; F, N2E, EA, DC, C NYE, N/A Name: EAL Stage Flag: Letter: F Colour: Blue Active: Checked Our EAL lead can then go to the pupil's profile, scroll to the bottom and under UDF, select the + to change the setting to which one they need from the drop down and saving it. The issue is that 40-50% of our school are classified EAL. This method means our EAL lead would have to specify this manually, on each EAL student one by one. Can this be automated or done more easily? Escpecially since the data is specified in Bromcom.

Ah, at least I'm not alone then! For attached documents; Salamander can import them from SIMS to Bromcom, we used them for ours. If you already have Salamander, it's included in the cost. If not, there is a fee. IIRC, you use their tool to export the documents from SIMS with admission numbers, then they can be imported into Bromcom and link to the same students via admission number.

We have moved to Bromcom but are still using FMS for finance until April next year, so won't be fully retiring the SIMS server. When we moved from CMIS to SIMS many years ago, there were quite a few data types that SIMS coudn't import, so we resorted to keeping an offline copy of CMIS (in line with our data retention policy). This was to answer any queries from leavers or other requests (which we had a fair few of). My question is: Has anyone who has moved from SIMS to Bromcom found any data types that weren't imported across? If so, how are you dealing with that data from SIMS? Due to the way ESS have been awkward with contracts, our idea was to create an offline instance of the SIMS server from the last backup, after the GCSE results have been entered. That way, SOLUS won't be able to talk to the Internet and cause issues if they push patches to block access for those with expired contracts. Is this a viable option, or is it not necessary (if all data is moved across for example)?

Just switched from my Sky Mobile £6 for unlimited calls/texts and 2GB data to Lebara, who have an amazing deal at the moment. Unlimited calls/texts and 12GB data, 5G and EU roaming for 1p a month for the first six months, then £6.90 thereafter on a monthly rolling contract. https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lebara-12gb-5g-data-unlimited-min-text100-international-min-eu-roaming-now-01p-for-six-months-ps690-after-at-lebara-3978870. That'll save me £35.94 over the next six months and then only be 90p a month more than I was already paying after that, while getting 6x more data. It's a good deal for those who are looking to save or are able to switch. It's worth noting that Lebara utilise Vodafone's network, if that matters for some people signal wise.

Update: It helps to look at the right tables when looking for keys. A few years ago, before true MBAM integration with SCCM - I tried to install MBAM on the SCCM server to utilise the same SQL server. At that point, the two IIS sites didn't work with each other, due to SPN issues. So it left the MBAM databases in SQL. I didn't realise the new integratated MBAM places the tables under the CM_SITE DB. So problem sorted and it's writing the keys automatically into the DB. /Facepalm

I'm about to start the final story mission in God of War on PC and I've been really enjoying it. I do want to get the new Spider-Man port at some point. Next on my list though is probably Stray and Cyberpunk 2077. I've also been playing the horror survival game The Forest in online coop mode with my girlfriend. It's been enjoyable so far, suriving, hunting, building, exploring, fighting.