character limit Archives

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Microsoft tests the 15-character limit of Windows Server admins’ patience

Windows Server 2016 has a bug introduced by the May 12 security update that affects servers with hostnames exactly 15 characters long, causing errors in domain controller discovery. Specifically, calling the DCLocator results in an ERRORINVALIDPARAMETER, hindering applications and tools from locating a domain controller. This issue impacts features like Distributed File System (DFS) Namespace management. Microsoft has not provided a workaround but suggests changing the hostname length. Windows Server 2016 is officially supported until January 12, 2027, with extended support options available. Despite representing only 2.2 percent of all Windows devices, it accounts for 20.3 percent of all servers. Additionally, the May 2026 security update has caused installation failures on some Windows 11 devices due to insufficient EFI System Partition size.

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Windows Server 2016 Update: Disastrous Bug Breaks AD

Microsoft released a mandatory patch (KB5087537) for Windows Server 2016 to enhance cryptographic layers and address critical vulnerabilities. This update is essential for organizations using legacy workloads, as mainstream support ended in January 2022, but extended support continues until January 12, 2027. The patch aims to prepare systems for the expiration of Windows Secure Boot certificates in June 2026, which, if not updated, could compromise security and expose systems to malware. The update uses a phased deployment model and includes a new SecureBoot folder to assist IT professionals in managing certificate status. It also addresses various quality-of-life issues, including bugs affecting Remote Desktop Connection and authentication errors with Microsoft services. However, a significant issue arises when the host server name is exactly 15 characters long, causing failures in the domain controller discovery process and obstructing critical operations. This bug is linked to the historical 15-character limit of NetBIOS, which affects the Active Directory lookup mechanism. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix, leaving administrators to either rename servers or uninstall the update. As the Secure Boot deadline approaches, IT departments must carefully assess their environments to avoid disruptions while ensuring security compliance.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

As Kremlin Throttles Telegram, Russians Stand to Lose More Than Just Messaging

Russian state media regulator Roskomnadzor has increased scrutiny of the messaging app Telegram due to concerns about fraud and user data security. Telegram has 93.6 million users in Russia, more than 60% of the population, and is essential for news, communication between officials and the public, and operational communication during the Ukraine conflict. Major news outlets have dedicated Telegram channels, and users can customize their news experience. Government officials use Telegram for direct updates, while opposition politicians and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky utilize it to communicate with supporters. Telegram is crucial for both Russian and Ukrainian troops for tactical coordination. The platform also hosts a variety of bloggers and is widely used for workplace communication. Despite government efforts to control Telegram, many users continue to access it through VPNs.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Microsoft mitigates Windows LNK flaw exploited as zero-day

Microsoft has addressed a security vulnerability in Windows tracked as CVE-2025-9491, which allows malicious actors to embed harmful commands in Windows LNK files, requiring user interaction to exploit. Threat actors often distribute these files in ZIP formats to bypass email security. In March 2025, 11 hacking groups, including Evil Corp and Kimsuky, were actively exploiting this vulnerability using various malware payloads. Although Microsoft initially did not consider the issue urgent, it later modified the handling of LNK files in November updates to allow users to view the entire character string in the Target field. However, this change does not eliminate the malicious arguments embedded in the files. ACROS Security has released an unofficial patch that restricts shortcut target strings to 260 characters and alerts users about risks associated with long target strings, covering multiple Windows versions.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Threads adds vanishing ‘ghost posts’ on a timer for those one-off hot takes

Meta has introduced "ghost posts" to its Threads app, which disappear after 24 hours, available as of October 27. Users can create these posts using a toggle option that shows a countdown timer. Replies to ghost posts are directed to the creator's direct messages. Threads has also increased the text character limit to 10,000 characters per post and added group chat support for up to 50 participants, including customizable chat names and invite links. Multimedia support has been added for sharing photos, videos, GIFs, and stickers. Additionally, Threads is expanding its messaging features to users in the EU.