Migrating Traveler

We've all come across it.  There comes a time in an admins life when you have to move a server instance from one piece of hardware to another piece of hardware.  Usually it's an EOL situation, hardware upgrade or even for DR testing purposes.  Moving Domino is usually an extremely easy task.  Shut down Domino on the old server, install the application on the new server to match your old server, copy/paste, rename servers, reboot, smoke cigar.  But when another Domino based add-on into gets in the mix, things could get a little tricky.  Or at least, a heightened paranoid level.  But as I found today, moving Traveler to a new server because the old one was EOL, was really pretty straight forward and simple.  And didn't require the users to have to do anything.  Here's my steps:  (Mind you, YOUR mileage may vary so test or have a good backup on hand, just in case.)
1.  Shut down old Domino server, not the hardware.
2.  Copy/paste all Domino .nsf's from old server to new server.
3.  Copy over the servers .id and .ini
4.  Don't forget the .kyr and .sth files too!
5.  On the old server, access the folder \Lotus\Domino\Data\traveler
6.  Copy all of the folders that exist there.
7.  Paste the folders to the new server under the same folder structure.
8.  Finish renaming and readdressing the servers as needed.
9.  Don't forget to disable the Domino service on the old server before you reboot!
10.  Reboot servers and launch Domino on the new server.
That's it.
Once the server came back online, I did a sync with my iPod touch and whamo-o!  Instant sync.
Earlier in the week, I had opened a ticket with Lotus support, and they had informed me that move to a new server was not a problem, but the users may have to resync all their data and that could take a while.  That's when I got to thinking and found that all of the current sync data exists in the above folder structure.  Copying those folders to the new server made the first sync to the server appear like it hadn't missed a beat.  I love it when Lotus makes things nice and simple.  Time for that cigar.

Damn you, NetBackup!

Had a really interesting issue this morning at the office.  Got a call from my colleague that a mail file was having all kinds of corruption issues.  Everything that could be done against the mail file could had been done, and it was looking like it was time to bring the server down to fix the mail file.  The error that kept flying by on the console was
[1E90:02D3-14D8] **** DbMarkCorrupt(Folder ($Inbox) corrupt), DB=g:\Lotus\Domino\data\mail\user.nsf  TID=[1E90:02D3-14D8] File=dbfolder.c Line=672 ***
As Domino kept seeing the error, it would try to run a consistency check on the database, thus making it difficult for us remove the database.  We operate in a clustered environment so deleting the database and recreating the replica from the cluster mate is the normal mode of operation for us.  But after repeated fixups, updall and compact commands with every imaginable switch thrown in, nothing would either fix the database and no amount of "drop all" and "dbcache flush" commands would release this database.
So after almost giving up on it, I asked the backup administrator if she could check that the backup had completed on the database.  She said it had.  But, I wanted to try one more thing.  I logged into the server console and stopped the Windows service "NetBackup Client Service".  After another "drop all" and "dbache flush" command, the database deleted.  Now we were able to recreate the database from the cluster mate.  So if you ever come across an issue like this where a database appears to be held onto by something, check the backup service.  It saved me from having to explain why I would have to reboot the server to fix a mail database, when it wasn't even Domino's fault. 

SnTT: A Lotus Traveler Memory Issue, but there is a fix!

Let me start off by once again saying how much I love Lotus Traveler.  I think any admin that has set it up and rolled it out to their users has the same warm feelings for it.  But after returning from Lotusphere and installing the 8.5.1.1 CF1, (to allow for meeting acceptance on the iPhone), that love hit the rocks a little.
I started getting phone calls from people saying that mail was not syncing down to their devices.  Seeing the same issue with myself, I quickly jumped on the server and saw the following errors go flying by on the server console:
02/22/2010 09:38:54 AM  Failed to authenticate with server SERVER/CERT: Your public key was not found in the Domino Directory
02/22/2010 09:38:54 AM  Failed to authenticate with server SERVER/CERT: Your public key was not found in the Domino Directory
02/22/2010 09:38:54 AM  Failed to authenticate with server SERVER/CERT: Your public key was not found in the Domino Directory
02/22/2010 09:38:54 AM  Failed to authenticate with server SERVER2/CERT: Your public key was not found in the Domino Directory
02/22/2010 09:38:54 AM  Failed to authenticate with server SERVER2/CERT: Your public key was not found in the Domino Directory
02/22/2010 09:38:54 AM  Failed to authenticate with server SERVER2/CERT: Your public key was not found in the Domino Directory
Thinking the problem was with a corrupt Domino Directory, I stopped the Domino server, ran ncompact -C -d -i names.nsf, followed by a nupdall -R names.nsf, and restarted the Domino service.  Once the server was up and running, mail started flowing back to the devices and all was well once again.  But then the problem started happening again....and again.   No real reason that I could see, just the weird error.  So today, I finally got around to opening a ticket with support and I'm glad I did.
It seems that there are known memory issues that have been recently uncovered.  When Traveler starts running into low memory issues, it starts causing issues like mine.  Support sent me a link (http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg24019529) to the fix.  If you have already downloaded 8.5.1.1 CF1 for Lotus Traveler, make sure you download and implement 8.5.1.1 IF1.  Lotus support told me that they have had good luck with this patch solving the memory issues and returns Traveler to its happy, running state.
I won't be able to install the patch until my planned downtime on Saturday, but at least my issue is a known one and not something too weird.  I hate getting those "it ain't working again" phone calls.
Stay tuned for results!

Another weird MIME error

This past Friday morning, I came across a weird error that I couldn't find the answer to online, so of course I have to blog about it.

A co-worker of mine sent along a message that when opening his Notes client, he got the following error:

"Warning: unexpected MIME error:"

 

After clicking OK, the Notes client would just close. Obviously, it's not his mail file I thought since he sent the message to me via iNotes, so I got to work.  I went to Google and LDD, and found nothing there.  Guess I actually had to work to figure this one out.  First step was to "re-setup" the Notes client by clearing most all of the notes.ini settings out of it.  Upon launching Notes, the configuration wizard fired off and I put in all of the client settings new.  That didn't seem to work, same error.  Then renaming any cache or desktop files so that they would be recreated at launch.  No luck there either.  Ran compact -C and fixup on the names.nsf, still no luck.  But when I renamed his current names.nsf and tried the trick with the notes.ini again, I was able to get into his client.  So I narrowed the hunt down to his NAB.  Closed the Notes client, brought back his old names.nsf that I backed up and upon login, tried a different location document.  Notes worked.  But when I switched back to his location document to use in the office, error message and Notes crash.   So to correct the error I deleted the corrupt connection document and recreated it. Shut down Notes, logged back in with the new location document and all was well.  So, while I'm not sure just why the location document would spit out a MIME error like this, it was an easy fix and didn't cause any real data to be lost.  Just going to add this one to the weird pile.

A Lotus Traveler gotcha, if you're a moron like me.

Okay, I admit it.  I pulled another dumb-Dom-Admin move this weekend.  I didn't R.T.F.D.  (That's read the fraking documentation for those that don't know.)  I now submit the following confession in hopes for absolution.
Our story begins two weeks ago at Lotusphere 2010 when I heard the great news that the new 8.5.1.1 patch for Lotus Traveler would allow users to accept meetings on their iPhones/iPod Touch's.  Happy day, I thought.  I had also heard that all that was involved was installing the patch, and magically that functionality would work.  Not sure who or where I heard that from, but at the time it was all I needed to hear.  So over this past weekend, I found 10 minutes to bring the server down and install the patch.  I was all proud of myself when I got into work today and had someone send me a test meeting invitation.  That's when I noticed that the functionality wasn't working.  I was still getting the message "This document is a meeting notice and requires the use of a Lotus Notes or iNotes® client to view the content."  Yes, I had a Monday morning moment of fail.  It wasn't working.  It was at this time that I started using the power of the Interwebs and found the document I of course should have read before hand.  The IBM Lotus Notes Traveler V8.5.1.1 release notes.  Yes, the documentation.
Clearly stated near the bottom of the document is the required steps you need to perform to get the meeting invitation functionality to work:
Meeting attendee invitation actions for Apple devices.

When this feature is enabled, attendees to meetings will now receive meeting notices on their Apple device and the mobile user will be able to accept, tentatively accept, or decline the meeting invitation. Using the Settings application on the Apple device, the user can enable or disable meeting notice alerts by selecting the Mail, Contacts, Calendars settings and then changing New Invitation Alerts to On or Off.

To enable this feature: (Note the magic word, enable!)

    * Edit the file \traveler\cfg\NTSConfig.xml.
    * In the section of the file under , add this line:
          "<PROPERTY NAME="AS_ALLOW_INVITATIONS" VALUE="true"/>
    * Save and close the file.
    * Restart the Lotus Notes Traveler server.

So remember kids, even if you think it's a slam dunk move, take a few minutes and R.T.F.D.

This years trophy added to the collection #ls10

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from Andy Donaldson's posterous

Lotusphere 2010 Report - Lotusphere in the rear view mirror

I had every intention of doing a daily blog summary of the sights, sounds and events of Lotusphere 2010.  But this year, I just never seemed to find the time to get them done.  And, with so many others more eloquently giving the information, I didn't want to get stuck in the echo chamber with my ramblings.
But, it's been officially a week since the end of Lotusphere 2010 and I'm still impressed with this year.  I can't remember a prior Lotusphere where it went by with such a blur.  Learned many things. Got to FINALLY see William Shatner.  Saw a lot of people that I  enjoy being around and met several that I hadn't met face to face prior.  Still, there was a lot of sessions I didn't get to that I wanted to.  Learned that there is not a major on the immediate future.  Rather, Lotus is going to fix up 8.5.x properly and then work on the next release, Vulcan.  That give us plenty of time to get our environments upgraded without the pressure.
So how can I wrap up what Lotusphere 2010 was all about?  I can't.  But this can.



Hope to see you all next year.
Collaborate, peoples. Get after it!

Why I now dislike the iPad

Like everyone else in the land of Geektopia yesterday, I was glued to my monitor as the live blog spewed forward information about the iPad event.  I was in awe and amazement of this wonder product that will liberate us from the doldrums of being stuck with outdated devices.  I mean this thing has it all for $499.  It makes my 3rd generation iPod look like a reel-to-reel tape player.  16GB of storage, Wifi, iTunes, Safari, ability to use iWorks productivity software, movies, e-reader.  The list goes on and on.
But after 24 hours, the buzz has worn off and the hangover has made me see more clearly now. 
Why would I want to buy a device like this?  Seriously.  I have an iPod Touch and LOVE the thing.  It has my music, movies, games, web browser and email courtesy to the awesomeness that is Lotus Traveler.  But for $499 for the low-end iPad, why wouldn't I want to take that money and buy a netbook?
I know last week in Orlando walking between sessions and hotels, that multi-pound brick in my backpack that consisted of my laptop with extended battery.  I would of loved to have something like a netbook that would have allowed me access to Lotus Notes and the Administration client along with VPN access to the corporate network.  Sure, it's Windows.  Sure, it's only 1 GB of RAM, but, it can do so much more then the iPad can.  And in some cases, about $100-150 less! (If not more if you shop around)  Plus, if I feel like I'm missing out on my iTunes...well, I can install the software and authorize the netbook.  Movies too. And, most netbooks have a webcam built in as well.  Something lacking from the iPad.  Oh...I forgot to mention that multitasking thing too.  But, since it's a Windows device, that's a given.
So, will I want to buy one of these devices?  Likely no.  I have the iPod Touch and that thing is 'da bomb.  If I had an extra couple hundred lying around, I would likely buy a netbook instead.  Or a Nikon.  Do I think that this device has opened up an entire new category of connected user, oh ya.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but it's safe to say that Apple is going to make a lot of money off of this thing.

Lotusphere 2010 Report - Tuesday learnin's

Really just a quick report from Yellowverse central tonight.  Food coma is a terrible thing.  Then add to that  enjoying a nice cigar while going for a walk with the iPod and you have the ingredients for an early evening.
Today was an exercise in learning.  Started off the day bright and early in Paul and Gab's SHOW 101 - Step by Step: Install, Manage and Configure DAOS and ID Vault.  A fantastic session that truly does go through each step needed to set up and configure both of these Domino services. After that session, I began to realize that either cloning myself or having a "Time Turner" like the one used in Harry Potter would be a really good idea for me to get everything out of Lotusphere that I need to.  I mean this year, it seems like all of the really good sessions are opposite each other.  I'm not complaining about it. It's just a sign that there are so many good things are happening with the product line right now that it's hard to choose what to focus on at Lotusphere. 
So for now, it's off to bed.  Tomorrow holds another day of trying to find the time to fit it all in.

Lotusphere 2010 Report - Monday, January 18 - The Shat storms the Sphere

Several years back on The Turtle's website, I made a prediction and repeated it every year since.   That prediction has finally come true.  William Shatner was the special guest speaker this morning at Lotusphere 2010.  So with that, I guess I might as well pack up and head back to Ohio, right. 
Not likely. 
That was just a great way to kick off, what I think, is probably the clearest presentation of the future of the Lotus product family that I think I had really ever witnessed at a Lotusphere OGS.  Rather then try to brain dump and add to the echo chamber already blogged by others on PlanetLotus.org, I'm going to stick to some observations of the OGS. 
One that sticks out most is that there wasn't really any mention of, "here's what's coming in the next release of Notes/Domino" like we've seen in years past.  This year, a new tactic was played.  Instead of just focusing on the Notes/Domino future, those announcements were all rolled into the Project Vulcan one.  Project Vulcan, while still very conceptual, looks to truly revolutionize the playing field when it comes to that old Notes/Outlook debate.  That debate just isn't going to be there any more.  I look forward to hearing more about this one in the future.  Another aspect of the Project Vulcan announcement is that, (from what it sounds like),  Lotus is going to put a lot of hardcore effort into getting 8.5.2 out the door and make that work right and then start working on Vulcan.  That is great for us Admin's that are tired of constantly trying to catch up...like me.
But the BIGGEST news I heard about today that has excited me the most is the new fixpack for Lotus Traveler.  FP1 for Traveler 8.5.1 now allows for iPhone/iPod Touch  users to accept meeting invitations.  Something that was missing from the initial release.  Also announced today was support for the Android is coming later this year. For those that might be concerned about Android security, it was stated that the Android will have it's own client and not store the data natively to the Androids own PIM.  So that is something to look forward to and will hopefully be secure.
Today's themes and announcements still lead me to believe that the days of  "I AM" are gone forever.  Lotus software is not about the one, but the collective.  The collaboration tools that are there can make organizations strong.  But now it's up to us to go home and spread the message to those that need to hear it. 
But, there is one draw back to today.  Now that Shatner was the guest, who am I going to start guessing now?  Probably Dale Ernhardt, Jr.  For now, I'll stick with that.
Goodnight, Orlando.  Tomorrow comes too soon.

Lotusphere 2010 Report - Sunday, January 17 Part 1

As the post-lunch sluggishness has begun to set it, I wanted to start jotting down a few highlights that I've observed so far with Lotusphere 2010.  Hey, it's what I do.
First, let's start with the overall theme of Lotusphere.  In case you didn't know, well, Lotus Knows.  Lotus Knows is the theme for the conference this year.  What once was a software of I AM, it is now really WE ARE focus.  Just look at the logo for Lotusphere 2010.  It's made up of an interconnecting community. 
Spent the morning in a developers session, JMP102.  Yes, I know.  I likely will be beaten by my fellow admins by the pool this evening while at the party, but I found it very helpful to understand coding a bit better.  Great job, Kathy and Tom.  After that session, Andy Pedisich and Rob Axelrod's SHOW105 presentation on SSO and multiple sites.  Any time I've seen Andy or Rob speak at a conference either together or as an individual, I've always found there sessions to have a lot of real life information in it because there are out there doing this every day.
Okay, well, that's it for now.  Wes Morgan is starting to talk Sametime, and that's something I really need to pay attention to.  More later.

Lotusphere 2010 Report - Look Ma, I'm on a podcast!

Can you feel the excitment, Lotuspherians?  Already as I write this on an early Friday morning, the mass pilgrimage to Orlando has begun for many with Saturday bringing the remainder of the lost Lotus children back to their collaborative home at Disney. 
Last night, I had the pleasure of joining The Taking Notes podcast team of Bruce Elgort, Julian Robichaux and community luminary Tom Duff to discuss all things Lotusphere.  It was a great time and a lot of fun to record with them.  Check it out here.
So now begins my countdown to departure tomorrow morning.  I'm looking forward to seeing many of you down there and equally saddened that many will not be joining us.  I'll be posting my take on things with my annual "Lotusphere Reports", (aka, daily brain dumps), as time permits and updating things via Twitter as well, so stay tuned.  It's going to be a busy week!
Safe, smooth journeys to all.

My Lotusphere 2010 Schedule, Revision 1

Like the old saying goes, "No battle plan survives contact with the enemy".  We'll see how well this holds up.

Posted via email from Andy Donaldson's posterous

So far, so good as of 01/06/2010

Posted via email from hossmacian's posterous

Has it really been 10 years?

Time surely does keep slippin into the future, but it just seems that it's slippin by way too fast. Over the past weekend I really got to thinking about how 10 years ago, December 31, 1999 to be exact, I was 30 years old and spent the day laying on the couch with my broke foot and watched with Peter Jennings, the dawn of the new millennium as it made its way around the globe.  First in the South Pacific Islands, then the major Asian cities, then Moscow, into Europe and finally, North America.  All the time wondering if the lights were going to go out at any time and the world come to a crashing halt.  It didn't, and we all had a good laugh out of the hype and stupidity.  Now that I'm 40, I've been trying to piece together the last 10 years and all I come back with is that it was a blur and how much things have really changed.  Normally, I would do one of those year in review posts.  But this past decade has just flown by and some much has happened both in the world and personally to me.  For example..

• In 2000, a dial-up ISP business seemed like a really good and profitable idea.
• In 2000, pagers were king and cell phones were still a luxury.
• In 2000, high speed internet in the home was still out of reach for many.
• On September 10, 2001, we were drunk with our accomplishments and thought just how safe we were in America.  On September 11, 2001, the hangover occurred. 
• On September 12, 2001, America was a united country.
• Shortly after that, we splintered again over politics.
• In 2000, Molly was 6 months old. Now she's 10 and, well....the teenage years are going to take what dark hair I have left.
• In 2000, Alex was still just a little boy.  Now he's17 and becoming a man.
• It's going to be 2010 and still no closer to finding a cause/fix for autism.
• In 2000, I was the "Lotus Notes guy" on the Help Desk at work. Now, it's my baby.
• On January 25th 2003, I went to my first Lotusphere.  I returned home on January 31st.  The next day, February 1, we witnessed the Columbia disaster.
• In August of 2003, I started blogging.  Boy, did I suck at it back then.  Come to think of it, I don't know if much has changed.
• Though blogging, I found that I was a part of a much larger, close and sometimes dysfunctional family of bloggers that all share a common love for and sometimes hatred for a software product. 
  
• Remember back when SPAM mail didn't seem like that big of a deal.....
• I remember when I got my first Treo 300 and thought how incredibly cool that was and how lame the BlackBerry seemed.  
• Remember 10 years ago when .MP3's were something cool and we all wished we could play them somewhere other then our computers?
• Remember when the iPod just played music?
• In the past several years, I've rediscovered my love for photography.
• And through it all, the love of my life, Denise, has always been by my side. 

So my hope for you is that 2010 is a peaceful and prosperous year.  And, I hope the next 10 year slow down a little bit..