Shane Perran’s SharePoint Customization Blog

This week we launched our latest website built on SharePoint 2007, just in time for the SharePoint 2010 madness in Vegas.

Visit Infotech:
http://www.infotechsolutions.com

If ever find yourself stuck in an infinite loop while trying to shut down a VM in VMware Fusion you can get out of it by holding the (ALT or OPTION) key while selecting the “Shut Down Guest” from the Virtual Machine Menu. It will change to “Power Off”, just like hitting the power button.

This tip just came in handy, hope it helps.

If you are using windows 7 and moss 2007 you may find things get REALLY SLOW while moving files in document libraries. This rather obscure fix worked for me, maybe it will help you as well.

I spent some time today doing some work on a site whereby I needed to add a large amount of images to the style library of a SharePoint Site Collection. To speed up the process of course I would select the Open with Windows Explorer option so I could just paste the required files in with ease.

Instantly I would notice a significant freeze and then subsequently extremely low speeds when uploading. Since this was my first time experiencing this, I immediately tried a different server to see if the problem had to do with network settings on the server. I experienced the same thing on multiple servers.

We then tried to replicate on other desktops and it turned out everything was fine on Vista running IE7 or IE8 connecting to the same document libraries. Finally in the end, a little searching lead me to the forums where a user had pointed out that this issue can be resolved by going into your IE Settings and turning off Automatically Detect Settings.

So if you run into extremely slow speeds uploading to a SharePoint Document Library via Windows Explorer (Webdav), do the following from IE.

Select Tools -> Internet Options -> Connections -> LAN Settings and unselect the option for Automatically Detect Settings.

I was totally surprised that this was the fix so I had to provide some extra search engine love for the forum post that saved me…

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itpronetworking/thread/600a9825-0ba1-4c15-93f6-fc99c64b4930

Join us on Tuesday, August 18th at 8pm EST as we welcome a developer panel featuring Ed Musters, Geoff Varosky, Paul Schaeflein, Paul Stork and Rebecca Isserman. These guys will be there to answer your questions as well as provide some of their own guidance on topics such as getting started with web part development and the proper implementation of user controls. This event will be hosted by Laura Rogers.

As with all previous meetings, come join us no matter where you are in the world as this meeting will be delivered virtually via Live Meeting. In order to hear audio for the event, you will need to download the Live Meeting client.

Live Meeting Address:
Join Now!

Join us Tonight, Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 at 8pm EST for another SharePoint Virtual User Group Meeting. In this meeting, Laura Rogers will demonstrate just how flexible and useful the Out-of-the-Box Web Parts are in MOSS. She will take a detailed look at the Filter, KPI, Excel Web Access, Outlook Web Access, Business Data Catalog, and Data View Web Parts. She will then look at how to customize some of these web parts using SharePoint Designer while still adhering to the Industry Best Practices. All of this is done without using any code.Speaker Biography:

Laura Rogers is currently a SharePoint Administrator at HealthSouth Corporation in Birmingham, Alabama. She started out as a NT 4.0 and Exchange 5.5 Administrator, and has ten years of experience with Microsoft’s messaging and collaboration systems. This includes four years in SharePoint implementation, training, and customization. Laura has been a MCSE since 1999, with her most recent certifications being MCSE 2003 + Messaging, MCTS in MOSS and MCTS in WSS 3.0 Configuration. She was also a contributing author in the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Administrator’s Companion.

Live Meeting Connection Information:
https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/mvp/join?id=SPN04&role=attend

Join us April 30, 2009 for a day of SharePoint information sharing and discovery. Presentations by multi-published author and SharePoint MVP Amanda Murphy (Intranet) and WCM expert Mike Maadarani (WCM). The event is completely free and taking place at 100 Queen Street, Ottawa Ontario (The Microsoft Office).

8:30am – 9:00am Breakfast and Registration
9:00am - 10:15am Session 1 (SharePoint for Intranets)
10:15am – 10:30am Break
10:30am – 11:45am Session 2 (SharePoint for WCM)

Details and Signup

Join us Tonight (Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 at 8PM EST) for another virtual user group meeting for SharePoint Nation!
In this meeting, John Holliday (MOSS MVP) will speak to us on Records Management with respect to Document Retention.  John is an excellent speaker and very knowledgeable expert on SharePoint, so be sure not to miss this event.

Live Meeting Address: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/mvp/join?id=MNS7Q6&role=attend&pw=Tg%28f%7Eg5cM 

Session Information:
Document retention is an important part of content management.  SharePoint provides out-of-the-box support for managing document retention using the built-in expiration policy feature of the information management policy framework.  The built-in expiration policy feature includes the ability to define expiration formulas based on document metadata, but there are many scenarios in which the expiration date depends on conditions external to a given document.  In this session, we’ll explore the information management policy architecture in detail and learn how to extend the expiration policy feature by writing custom document expiration formulas that calculate the expiration date based on data pulled from elsewhere in the SharePoint farm.

A little background on SharePoint Nation!
User groups are a great way for getting out to meet peers, share information on past experiences related to a particular topic and to learn from subject matter experts on new concepts or best practices.  Many of us already are members of local user groups related to SharePoint, .NET and other topics.  However in some cases, it may be difficult to get out to meetings due to work commitments or even worse, impossible to coordinate a group due to regional limitations.  Enter SharePoint Nation…a virtual user group.
SharePoint Nation will operate as any other user group…except without the free Pizza.
We will meet, share information and network with one another.  Meetings will feature presentations from a variety of subject matter experts on a vast array of topics.  To accommodate people from all over the globe, a variety of time slots will be followed for meetings and all content will be made available online for on demand participation.  The website will be used for sharing information with one another between meetings.

How can you get involved…
Aside from presenting at meetings, we are looking for people to help host the meetings.  As a host you will take on responsibility for notifying attendees of meeting locations, introducing the speaker for the evening and collecting evaluations at the conclusion of the meeting.   Training will be provided on using Live Meeting and the various other tools associated with hosting and presenting at meetings.

It will come as no surprise to anyone that knows me that I am a huge Johnny Cash fan.  I’m also a big fan of guitar in general so I’m pretty excited about my most recent addition to my guitar collection.

I’ve been toiling over what high-end guitar to buy for the past few months, I had eyed the Johnny Cash Signature Martin D 35 a few months ago but dismissed it due to hefty price tag.

Fast forward a few months and as luck would have it, I am now (at least once it’s delivered) the proud new owner of one.

To give a little history of the guitar, Johnny Cash of course was the rebel of his day - also known as “The Man in Black”.  Of course with such a title comes an image to uphold and what better accessory than his guitar of choice, the Martin D 35.  (Which he played and toured with for 20 years).

Back in those days Martin was not interested in building a black guitar as it was considered too radical.  Johnny Cash however was idolized all over the world, and one such place was Nazareth PA (USA) where this guitar was built.

The guys on the floor loved Johnny so much that they would build his custom black guitar secretly in the shop while the boss was away - they would hide it when he was on the floor.  Finally the guitar was finished and delivered - Johnny was pleased.

Fast forward a few weeks and the then boss (I believe) CF Martin (II) was sitting home watching Columbo on TV when he noticed Johnny Cash playing this Black Polished Martin. The story goes he was so delighted to see the guitar on television that all was forgiven.

Martin released this replica to commemorate Johnny Cash’s unmatchable contribution to music.
The guitar
http://namm.harmony-central.com/SNAMM06/Content/Martin/PR/D-35-Johnny-Cash-.html

I just received word that I have been awarded the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for SharePoint for the 2009 award cycle, that makes it 3 years running.  Thanks to all the folks within the community, the other MVP’s, the SharePoint product team members, and other Microsoft employees whom collectively weigh in on all of this.  Special thanks to Sasha for his tireless efforts as well.  Looking forward to another year of exciting projects as we ramp up for the o14 wave.

Congrats to Amanda Murphy and all the other MVP’s that were recently renewed as well.

SharePoint Nation!

Join us Tonight (Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 at 8PM EST) for our first virtual user group meeting for SharePoint Nation! In this meeting, Robert Bogue (MOSS MVP) will speak to us on Governance. Robert is a definite expert in this area and will make this an event you will not want to miss!

Session Information:

A little background on SharePoint Nation!

User groups are a great way for getting out to meet peers, sharing information on past experiences related to a particular topic and for learning from subject matter experts on new concepts or best practices.  Many of us already are members of local user groups related to SharePoint, .NET and other topics.  However in some cases, it may be difficult to get out to meetings due to work commitments or even worse, impossible to coordinate a group due to regional limitations.  Enter SharePoint Nation…a virtual user group.

SharePoint Nation will operate as any other user group…except without the free Pizza.

We will meet, share information and network with one another.  Meetings will feature presentations from a variety of subject matter experts on a vast array of topics.  To accommodate people from all over the globe, a variety of time slots will be followed for meetings and all content will be made available online for on demand participation.  The website will be used for sharing information with one another between meetings.

How can you get involved…

Aside from presenting at meetings, we are looking for people to help host the meetings.  As a host you will take on responsibility for notifying attendees of meeting locations, introducing the speaker for the evening and collecting evaluations at the conclusion of the meeting.   Training will be provided on using Live Meeting and the various other tools associated with hosting and presenting at meetings.

I just happen to share a birthday with Bob Dylan, May 24.  For the first time in both of our histories, he’s going to play in my home town, on our birthday and I just got tickets.  Talk about a birthday present, woo hoo!

I have watched for months as this project developed, many people have put countless hours into making it a success. Awesome job to the team involved.

Official Release Announcement from SharePoint Team @ Microsoft:

http://blogs.msdn.com/sharepoint/archive/2008/03/05/announcing-the-community-kit-for-sharepoint-enhanced-blog-edition-2-0-cks-ebe-final-release.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage

It is very uncharacteristic of me to post items I’ve received in my inbox, but I’ll make an exception for this one: 

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read the through, you’ll get the point.

·         Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

·         Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

·         Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

·         Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

·         Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

·         Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are not second -rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

·         List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

·         Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

·         Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

·         Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

·         Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.

As MOSS adoption increases, so does my workload!  Wow, it has been a face paced year thus far and there are no signs of slowing up.  When I looked around the “SharePoint Landscape” a few years ago I noticed a lack of documented experiences in the customization space and thus this blog was born.  As I look out now however, I see coutless incredibly useful resources.

This got me to thinking, what’s next, how do you look out at todays landscape and get reinspired? After some thought, and brainstorming, I think I have the answer.  Of course if I were to tell you now that would ruin the surprise so I guess you will just have to wait and see what’s in store.  Fear not though, I will be working on a new model and way of delivering similar content.

PS: I have not forgotten about any of the “What do you want to see” replies from a previous post.  I will respond to any I can do justice to in the new format.

Cheers!

I was recently randomly selected to participate in a QnA with the Canadian MVP program - below is a link to the questions and my responses.

http://blogs.msdn.com/cdndevs/archive/2007/12/07/mvp-insider-q-a-with-shane-perran.aspx

The much anticipated accessibility toolkit for SharePoint has arrived.  This joint Microsoft/HiSoftware venture is targetting a much needed area of attention - accessibility.

Download:

http://aks.hisoftware.com/akslicense.html

Vince has posted a great introduction to the enhanced blog edition.  Those looking for something extra when it comes to SharePoint blogs should look no further than the Community Kit for SharePoint Enhanced Blog Edition.

A friendly reminder to all those folks out there with questions about SharePoint 2007.  Today is the day… there is a “FREE” conference where you get those questions answered.  No

Overview:

SharePoint Pro Online-LIVE!, a free one-day event, is the premier virtual conference for developers, administrators, managers, and end users of SharePoint products and
technologies.  SharePoint Pro Online-LIVE! provides everything that an in-person, peer-to-peer-to-expert event offers - without the travel, without the cost, and without the time away from your desk!

There is an awesome line of up speakers ranging from Andrew Connell (resident WCM guru), to Daniel Larson (Mr. Ajax Toolkit) … you get the idea, what are you waiting for, sign-up, learn something new.
Website Details and Registration:

http://events.unisfair.com/index.jsp?eid=164&seid=585 

I’m excited to announce that I’ve been selected as an MVP for another year.  This past year has been quite a ride and I’ve learned alot.  Looking forward to learning at least as much again this year.

The MVP’s are a truely talented bunch of folks whom I’m humbled to be considered part of.

Here’s to another year of Sharing, Learning and all that comes with it!

Sure, I could have posted my post when the book was officially released a few days back but hey - I think this book deserves to be in the spotlight every week, for months to come.

This is a true testament of SharePoint 2007, straight from the trenches as it’s been used in “Real World” solutions by 16 industry leaders, and Microsoft SharePoint MVP’s.

I can honestly say that this was written by an incredibly talented group of people - many of whom I have had the priviledge of meeting and working with over the past couple of years. I joined forces with none other than Heather Solomon to co-write the customization Chapter and we guide you through some of the goodies, tips and tricks to help you get those UI’s shiny in no time.

What are you waiting for, go get the book already!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470168358/ref=s9_asin_image_1/002-4704815-8391258?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=13ZXMGK74NS5D623D4AB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240701&pf_rd_i=507846

Something there is never enough of is good tools for developing and designing websites (SharePoint Sites Included).  This tool while developed to make, making SharePoint Themes easier can be used for any website.

SharePoint Skinner - take a look at the screenshots, and download here:

http://www.elumenotion.com/Blog/default.aspx

Monday, August 27^th, 2007 (7:00PM – 9:00PM) 

Room IIC2001 in the Inco Building at MUN (New Building!)

Mark Simms will drop by to provide an introduction to a basic embedded system, running on an Atmel ARM microprocessor.  A few basic tasks will be demonstrated, including responding to input (buttons) and flashing some LEDs.  A .NET application will be built to interface with the embedded system over a serial port.  As always prizes will be given away after the event and pizza will be served.

Monday, September 17th, 2007 (7:00PM – 9:00PM) 

Room TBA

Jason Beres from Infragistics will be coming to our group as part of a cross Canada tour to present to us on Silverlight.  Silverlight is arguably the biggest shift in Microsoft strategy on the web since IE was introduced over 10 years ago.  With the reach of cross platform and the richness of the .NET framework, the future of building Rich Internet Applications (RIA’s) has never been more exciting.  In this talk, you will learn about Silverlight, the platforms, tools and technologies you can use to build Silverlight applications, and how it differs from the full Windows Presentation Foundation platform in .NET 3.0 and how Silverlight can be used in conjunction with other technologies, such as ASP.NET Ajax, Web Services and Visual Studio 2008.

Jason Beres is the Director of Product Management for Infragistics, the world’s leading publisher of presentation layer tools.  Jason is one of the founders of Florida .NET User Groups, he is the founder of the New Jersey .NET User Group, he is a Visual Basic .NET MVP, and he is on the INETA Speakers Bureau.  Jason is the author of several books on .NET development, he is a national and international speaker conference speaker, he is a frequent columnist for several .NET publications, and keeps very active in the .NET community.

I hope to see you all at these two great events.  As always, to help us ensure we have adequate refreshments and prizes, please register for both events using the following link:

http://www.wedevelop.net/eventsignup.aspx

The Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 SDK contains conceptual overviews, “How Do I…?” programming tasks, developer tools, code samples, references, and an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) starter kit to guide you in developing solutions based on Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.

MOSS 2007 SDK 1.2. Includes Conceptual and Class Library Reference documentation, Web Services documentation, and Developer Tools and Samples for MOSS and WSS.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=6D94E307-67D9-41AC-B2D6-0074D6286FA9&displaylang=en

WSS 3.0 SDK 1.2. Includes Conceptual and Class Library Reference documentation, Web Services documentation, and Developer Tools and Samples for WSS technology only.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=05E0DD12-8394-402B-8936-A07FE8AFAFFD&displaylang=en

I see this question asked on a daily basis by many people;  “I’m trying to delete my page layout but it keeps telling me it’s still referenced — I swear it’s not!!! what’s wrong?”.

Well, yes, it’s quite likely still being referenced, however …  Andrew Connell has been kind enough to share an invaluable tip on finding all related resources, including the pages using the layout you swear are not!

You can visit Andrew to view how to solve your page layout deletion woes by clicking here.

When I asked what people wanted to see blogged about, Silverlight seemed to be quite popular so I figured I would pass this link dealing with Silverlight tutorials along to you all.

 http://www.nibblestutorials.net/