70-680 Resources

Exam Notes

Windows 7 Virtual Labs
Windows 7 Virtual Labs
Resource Sites
Windows 7 Team Blog - The Windows Blog
TS: Windows 7, Configuring
TechNet Springboard: Windows 7 - Service Pack - Client TechCenter

Installing, Upgrading, and Migrating to Windows 7 (14 percent)
Perform a clean installation
Clean Install Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums
Dual Boot Windows 7 with XP/Vista in three easy steps - TechSpot
Install Windows 7 Alongside Windows Vista for a Dual Boot System

Upgrade to Windows 7
Windows 7 Upgrade and Migration Guide

Migrate User Profiles
Windows XP Migration | Migrate User Profiles | Windows 7
User State Migration Tool | Migrate User Profiles | Windows 7
Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: User State Migration Tool
User State Migration Tool 3.0
Example Scenarios
What Does USMT 3.0 Migrate?

Deploying Windows 7 (13 percent)
Deployment TechCenter: Documentation, downloads, and additional resources
Imaging and Desktop Engineering
Windows Deployment Services
Download details: Windows AIK for Windows 7 documentation (October 2009 update)
MS Deployment - preparing for a deployment

Capture a system image
Microsoft Virtual Lab Express Registration
Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7
Step-by-Step: Basic Windows Deployment for IT Professionals

Prepare a system image for deployment
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit - Lite Touch Screencast | Media | TechNet Edge
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit - Zero Touch Screencast | Media | TechNet Edge
TechNet Virtual Lab: Offline Servicing of Windows Images Using ImageX and PkgMgr
Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: Deployment Image Servicing and Management

Deploy a system image
Deployment Image Servicing and Management
Use Multicast Transmission to Deploy Multiple Clients

Configure a VHD
Frequently Asked Questions: Virtual Hard Disks in Windows 7
What's New in Virtual Hard Disks in Windows 7
Walkthrough: Deploy a Virtual Hard Disk for Native Boot
Add a Native-Boot Virtual Hard Disk to the Boot Menu

Configuring Hardware and Applications (14 percent)
Configure devices
Windows 7: Device Stage overview

Configure application compatibility
Enterprise Application Compatibility
TechNet Virtual Lab: Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0
TechNet Virtual Lab: Mitigating Application Issues Using Shims
Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) Version 5.5
Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: Enterprise Application Compatibility

Configure application restrictions
AppLocker
Windows 7 AppLocker Executive Overview
What's New in AppLocker in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: AppLocker

Configure Internet Explorer
Features for Users
Understanding Customization and Administration
Part 4: Maintaining and Supporting Internet Explorer 8
Windows 7: Internet Explorer 8 overview

Configuring Network Connectivity (14 percent)
Network Enhancements Executive Overview for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Networking Enhancements for Enterprises
What's New in Networking

Configure IPv4 network settings

Configure IPv6 network settings
Windows 7 IPv6 Support | NetworkWorld.com Community
Support WebCast: Introduction to Internet Protocol Version 6
Microsoft Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)
The Cable Guy: IPv6 Autoconfiguration in Windows Vista

Configure networking settings
TechNet Virtual Lab: Managing Network Bandwidth using Windows Quality of Service (QOS) in Windows Vista

Configure Windows Firewall
TechNet Virtual Lab: Managing Network Security using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

Configure remote management
Windows 7: Easy Connect overview
Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: Problem Steps Recorder

Configuring Access to Resources (13 percent)
An Introduction to Security in Windows 7
Windows 7 Security Enhancements
Microsoft Virtual Lab Express Registration
Windows 7 Security Enhancements

Configure shared resources
Download details: Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant 6.5 (Beta)
Home Group - Windows 7 - Video
Windows 7: HomeGroup Overview

Configure file and folder access
What's New in Windows Search, Browse, and Organization in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7

Configure user account control (UAC)
User Account Control | UAC | Elevation Prompts | Windows 7
What's New in User Account Control in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

Configure authentication and authorization
PKI Enhancements in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
What's New in Biometrics in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
What's New in Certificates in Windows 7
What's New in Smart Cards in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
What's New in Windows Security Auditing in Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Authentication

Configure BranchCache
BranchCache | Branch Office User Access | Windows 7
BranchCache Early Adopter?s Guide
BranchCache
http://download.microsoft.com/download/B/E/1/BE182FD5-1E6D-4557-AF7A-B601879A3C96/BranchCache_EarlyAdopters_Guide.doc

Configuring Mobile Computing (10 percent)
Configure BitLocker and BitLocker To Go
Windows 7 BitLocker Executive Overview
Changes in BitLocker Drive Encryption
Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: BitLocker and BitLocker to Go

Configure DirectAccess
DirectAccess | VPN & Corporate Networking | Windows 7
DirectAccess Early Adopter's Guide
DirectAccess Technical Overview for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
DirectAccess
Download details: DirectAccess Early Adopter's Guide

Configure mobility options
Microsoft Virtual Lab Express Registration
Mobile Broadband

Configure remote connections
Remote Access Step-by-Step Guide: Deploying Remote Access with VPN Reconnect
VPN Reconnect

Monitoring and Maintaining Systems that Run Windows 7 (11 percent)
Windows 7 Manageability Overview
What's New in Group Policy in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7

Configure updates to Windows 7
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) Home
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Overview

Manage disks

Monitor systems
Windows Troubleshooting Platform | Reduce Help Desk Calls | Windows 7
Problem Steps Recorder
Microsoft Virtual Lab Express Registration
Windows 7: Action Center Overview

Configure performance settings
TechNet Virtual Lab: Managing Windows Vista Using New Management Technologies
Microsoft Virtual Lab Express Registration

Configuring Backup and Recovery Options (11 percent)
Configure backup
Methods for backing up your files
Registry - Backup and Restore - Windows 7 Forums
Explore the features: Windows Backup and Restore Center

Configure system recovery options
System Restore Point - Create - Windows 7 Forums
System Restore - Windows 7 Forums
System Recovery Options - Windows 7 Forums
System Image Recovery - Windows 7 Forums

Configure file recovery options
Explore the features: Shadow Copy

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Comments

snokerpoker

Thank you!

RobertKaucher

earweed wrote: »

Here's a list of corrections for the MS Press Training kit
MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-680): Configuring Windows® 7 comments and corrections

Amazon.com: Customer Discussions: 70-680 Errata Thread
Some of the same typos are mentoned in both articles but the second addresses more errors in the exercises.

EDIT: There are a lot of typo's in this book. There are also a lot of errors in some of the practice exercises.

A lot of these errors were also in the official MS documentation when the tools were released. It kind of saddens me that these things are rushed to print so fast that people claiming to be experts on the topic don't even bother to use the tools in the way they are suggesting in their books. Why even bother waiting until after the exam goes live to publish to book if all you are going to do is rehash TechNet articles including all of the errors in the articles themselves?

For that matter why should we even bother buying the damn books if they are nothing more than TechNet rehashes any way?

Bokeh

Came across this link this morning, and do not remember seeing it in the huge list of links, so that it would be of interest to those studying for 70-680

Understanding USMT 4.0 Behavior with UEL and UE - Ask the Directory Services Team - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

cyberguypr

There's a webcast with details on the exam as well as some sample questions.

https://www112.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/view?id=MSL70680EC&pw=recording

Cookie0879

You can find the blog post here:
Book update/Page corrections: ?MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-680): Configuring Windows 7? - Microsoft Press - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

The direct link to the .pdf file is:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/D/F/F/DFFD108D-B869-4894-A509-AD721C0FB3A9/70-680-changepages.pdf

alokin123

found this: Download details: Windows 7 Deployment Options for Small and Midsize Businesses

woot

thank you so much, this will be very useful.

Bokeh

How to use bcdedit in windows 7 Windows 7 Home

Timelord

The 70-680 exam video resources are available here - MCTS: 70-680 ? Exam Study Video Links | Scriptimus Ex Machina

It's a massive resource.

wood299

Professor Messer, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Nework+, Microsoft Certification Training is a free equivalent to CBT nuggets. Will walk you thru your self paced training kit.

jyrki.arpiainen

wood299 wrote: »

Professor Messer, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Nework+, Microsoft Certification Training is a free equivalent to CBT nuggets. Will walk you thru your self paced training kit.

Thank you.

I had not heard about professor Messer earlier. I checked it today and watched couple videos.. they were pretty good!

Though i still think that CBT Nuggets James Conrad is best in the whole industry! Funny, quick speaker, hilarious guy -and did i already said that he's funny too?
OK, being funny is not most important aspect with educational videos but it helps a lot if it does not make listener/watcher sleepy!

And i have seen many videos from different producers.. this Messer seems to be better than many of those commercial ones.. at least it's my first impression.

whatthehell

Thanks very much! Really really nice list!

Scuba Steve

Getting ready to take this one myself. Thank you for the fantastic resources!!

Kai123

Many books are for 685 online, would they include the 680 as well?

How come theres not many resources for the 680/685? At least compared to Comptia, Cisco etc.

dtwilliams24

I had to register to post a thank you to you Claymoore. I took my 70-680 exam for the fifth time today - my engineer gave me this link as a study tool, and by going through all of the links you posted, not only did I finally pass, but I blew the exam out of the water. Thank you very much for all the time you spent putting this list together, it certainly helped me pass!

David Morson

Really useful information. I am newbie and I hope that all this material will be extremely useful for me.

fmpraise

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kriscamaro68

Here is another good site besides Professor Messer that does free cbt training: Windows 7 Free Training

bruty2fruity

Hi,

Firstly I want to say thank you claymore - awesome post.

Regarding the offline servicing through image x technet article. I have scoured the web and cant find it, has anyone got a working link to use?

zxor1

Would like a study partner at barns n noble for studying windows 7. 70-680 exam I have Microsoft book I'm using

zxor1

I'm at the Barnes n noble near metro center prkey n 28th drive behind bank of America if anyone's intterested

teryeser

This link doesn't work anymore.

Jeetus Maximus

Good afternoon folks,

I'm new to the forum and came across it whilst doing a google search for good resource material for MCTS 70-680. The links provided by Claymore are absolutely fantastic! Good job I found this site. I'm looking to sit my exam on the 2nd Saturday of March which gives me enough time to cram a wealth of information into my head.

If anyone has any other tips or pointers they would be very much appreciated

DavidHoffmanJr

Hello Everyone,
Thought I'd share my strategy on my way to passing the MCTS 70-680 exam which is now a REQUIREMENT for many successful government contractors in DC area.

First off, mental prep - thanks to TechExams, I was forwarned not to take this exam lightly. I starting carving out time immediately, and starting saving money to create a budget. In about 2 weeks, I was able to save money to buy the books I use. As seen here: http://www.techexams.net/members/davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3803-study-books-used-70-680.jpg

http://www.techexams.net/members/davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3806-studying-70-680.jpg

I also got an old TV (free) from Craigslist and I bought a cheap DVD player. I set this up so I can watch Professor Messer videos while I study. Really helps to be able to PAUSE video, and then try the exercise, repeating what he is doing.

Here's the TV and cheap DVD player I got: http://www.techexams.net/members/davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3801-dvd-player-tv-used-70-680.jpg

davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3801-dvd-player-tv-used-70-680.jpg

I also got a couple of USB sticks so that I could follow along with Messer, and ITFreeTraining videos as seen here: http://www.techexams.net/members/davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3804-usb-sticks-used.jpg

davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3804-usb-sticks-used.jpg

You can see the discs in the background that I also used.

Next is the labbing. You can use Microsoft Virtual Labs (Technet), or you can build your own. I did both! Failure is NOT an option! Here are a few snapshots of the 'Labbing' I did on Microsoft Virtual Labs, and my cheapo home MCTS 70-680 Lab setup. Now don't get worried about the cost. I did this for under $100 bucks. I bought osme old workstations, andupgraded the HD's, RAM, etc. then connect them to a KVM switch I found on Craigslist for about $20 bucks.

I setup virtual machines on my study workstation, and I also setup Server 2008 R2, and a reference machine (as seen in the photos).
As far as the ACTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE, I would NOT RECOMMEND running anything at work, but Microsoft Virtual Labs might be ok. I spent my lunch breaks working in the MS VLABS, and reading the books. I also watch the videos (Both on DVD's I made, and on my iPhone whenever I get some free time). http://www.techexams.net/members/davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3805-labbing-70-680.jpg

davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3805-labbing-70-680.jpg

Here's a photo of my home MCTS 70-680 study lab: http://www.techexams.net/members/davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3802-lab-setup-used-70-680.jpg

davidhoffmanjr-albums-mcts+70-680+tools+used-picture3802-lab-setup-used-70-680.jpg

Like I said, although your employer may encourage you to pass your exam, be aware that in preparation for your exam, running certain tools on your enterprise could degrade network performance, so it's better to run in your lab environment.

I hope this helps! I'll share more if anyone is interested. Claymoore's work was a big boost and really encouraged me to go for this credential! Hope others follow as well.

100k

Thanks for sharing! I am studying for it now also but have not been able to give it 100% due to work. Next week I will put in more time. How many times did you do the labs? I plan on doing them twice, then labbing through Professor Messer videos then on to the technet ones. I figure if i can do all the labs without needing the manual I should be good...well maybe lol

noblexsix

Only thing is theres nothing for " Configuring Ipv4". At least from what I see

DavidHoffmanJr

I'd recommend doing the labs WAY MORE than just twice! I think that you'll absorb the information the more you do it. I'm running through the labs about 8 times already and I'm starting to remember the commands, switches etc. without having ot look ta my notes or the books. Also, I'm seeing that playing the videos on my iPhone while stuck in traffic is starting to help. I'm picking up things that I had previously missed that are fresh on my mind when I get to work that I can use to save time in handling my support tickets.

I also wnated to have an actual LAB SETUP so that other co-workers or others in my community coul duse to run their lab exercises as well if needed. I did this realizing that not eveyrone has the space, or the time to setup due to family, kids, or other contraints.

DavidHoffmanJr

@noblexsix:
An Overview of IPv4 and IPv6 An Overview of IPv4 and IPv6 - Microsoft 70-680: 4.1 - YouTube
Configuring IPv4 in Windows 7 Configuring IPv4 in Windows 7 - Microsoft 70-680: 4.2 - YouTube

fabiog

I'm not sure If we should study MDT 2010 or MDT 2012 version since can't download the 2010 anymore and I'm afraid the test will include 2012s features.

Asif Dasl

Wiki Notes on 70-680