The error occurs majorly in two scenarios. First is when restoring a guest virtual machine from a snapshot, and second when there are same disk identifiers when connecting an additional disk to the system. In this post, we will share how you can resolve the error The disk is offline because of policy set by an administrator.

You will need admin privileges to fix this error. The second tip uses the Diskpart tool, which one should use with extreme caution. I would strongly suggest getting in touch with a technical person to assist if it’s too complicated for you.

1] Restoring Guest VM from a snapshot

When you restore a guest virtual machine using a backup snapshot, the restored guest OS (in the virtual machine) doesn’t automatically mount the attached drives. While the disks are visible using the utilities, they display error message Disk is offline because of the policy set by the administrator.”  It occurs because of an issue in the Windows SAN or Storage Area Network policy. According to Microsoft, they are disabled by default to avoid any data corruption. Here is how to enable SAN Policy to Online.

san [policy={onlineAll | offlineAll | offlineShared}] [noerr]

Launch the diskpart tool by using the following command.

C:> diskpart

Type SAN to check the policy status. It should be Offline Shared in our scenario.

DISKPART> SAN
SAN Policy : Offline Shared

Change the policy to OnlineAll:

DISKPART> SAN POLICY=OnlineAll

Next, when you restore the snapshot, the disk will automatically become online.

Related: Boot Device Not Found in Windows 10.

2] Disk Identifier Issue

Assuming you have a lot of drives connected to the server, and one or two of them are offline. The Disk Management and diskpart utility also fail to help; then, it is because of the same disk identifiers. Each disk has a unique identifier. If they are the same, then one of them will be deactivated and will appear as offline with warning message TThe disk is offline because of policy set by an administrator. It is also called the Disk Signature Collision.

However, if you check the logs, you should identify a message similar to Disk N has the same disk identifiers as one or more disks connected to the system. It is a typical case of duplicate disks. Use the Diskpart tool to find it:

1. Open diskpart from the command prompt
2. List disk
3. Select disk 1
4. Uniqueid disk

Note down the identifier. Check if they are the same for other drives. If there is a disk with duplicate id, then you need to change the signature using Uniqueid command.

uniqueid disk [id={<dword> | <GUID>}] [noerr]

1. To change the signature, think of a unique number.
2. In the Diskpart prompt, type uniqueid disk ID=[NEW SIGNATURE]” with the brackets
3. Hit enter, and it will set a new identifier. Usually generating a GUID makes more sense

uniqueid disk id=baf784e7-6bbd-4cfb-aaac-e86c96e166ee

Once it is applied, the computer should automatically identify the disk.

I hope both of these tips were able to resolve the error.

Is Mozilla Firefox not installing correctly on your Windows 11/10 PC? Some users have reported that they are unable to install the Firefox browser on their computers.

How do I install Firefox on Windows 11?

To install Firefox on a Windows 11 PC, visit the official website of Mozilla Firefox in Edge and then obtain the latest installer file for Windows OS. After that, run the downloaded setup file and perform the prompted steps to install Firefox. You can also install Firefox from Microsoft Store. Open Microsoft Store, search for Mozilla Firefox, tap on the app, and then press the Get button to obtain and install it on your computer.

However, see users have reported that the installation just gets stuck and the browser won’t install. Many users have also reported to be getting the following error message:

Hmm. For some reason, we could not install Firefox. Choose OK to start over.

This issue may occur in different scenarios. For example, while reinstalling the browser, updating the browser, or installing Firefox from scratch. You might face the problem due to different reasons like insufficient access permissions, corrupted installer file, antivirus/firewall interference, etc.

Now, if you are one of the affected users, you have landed on the correct page. Here, you can find all the working fixes that will help you get rid of the issue. So, without much ado, let us check out.

If the Mozilla Firefox browser is not installing or updating on your Windows PC, use the below working fixes:

1. Run the installer as an administrator.
2. Download a fresh setup file.
3. Completely uninstall Firefox from your PC and then reinstall it.
4. Manually update Firefox.
5. Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall.

1] Run the installer as an administrator

The first thing you should do to fix the problem is launch the Firefox installer as an administrator. It might be a lack of necessary administrator permissions that is causing hurdles in installing Firefox on your PC. So, you can simply run the installer with administrator rights and see if the problem is resolved.

To do so, open File Explorer using Win+E and go to the Downloads or the folder where you have downloaded the setup file of Firefox. Now, right-click on the setup file and click on the Run as administrator option from the appeared context menu. Next, follow the prompted instructions and see if you are able to successfully install Firefox or not.

2] obtain a fresh setup file

It might be the case that you are facing the issue because of an incomplete or corrupted installer file. The obtain process might be interrupted due to network issues. Also, if you are using an old installer file to install Firefox, it might not install. Hence, if the scenario is applicable, you can delete the existing setup file and then obtain the latest installer file from the official website of Firefox or the Microsoft Store. See if you are now able to install the Firefox browser or not.

If you downloaded the setup from Microsoft Store, try downloading Firefox from its website instead of the Microsoft Store and see.

As reported by some users, they can’t obtain and install Firefox from Microsoft Store. If the same is applicable to you, obtain the Firefox installer from its official website and then try installing it on your computer.

On the other hand, if you are unable to install Firefox using its setup file, you can try installing the browser from Microsoft Store.

3] Completely uninstall Firefox from your PC and then reinstall it

In case you are trying to reinstall Firefox on your computer, you must uninstall it completely from your computer to avoid any issues. Apart from that, if you are facing this issue while trying to update your browser, you can first uninstall Firefox and then install its latest version to fix the issue.

To completely uninstall Firefox from Windows, follow the below steps:

First, press Win+I to open the Settings app and navigate to the Apps tab. Then, click on the Installed apps option and select the Mozilla Firefox app from the list of installed apps.

After that, press the three-dot menu button present next to Firefox and choose the Uninstall option. You now have to follow the instructions prompted on your screen and complete the app removal process.

When done, open File Explorer using Win+E and navigate to the C:\Program Files folder. From here, delete the Mozilla Firefox folder. Next, delete the Firefox folder from the C:\Program Files (x86) location as well.

Next, open the Run dialog using Win+R and enter the following address in its Open field:

%APPDATA%\Mozilla\

In the opened location, delete all the files and folders.

Now, restart your computer and obtain the latest installer for Firefox from its website. Hopefully, you will now be able to install Firefox without any issues.

Read: Firefox Spell Checker not working on Windows.

4] Manually update Firefox

In case the issues occur when you are trying to update Firefox using its installer, you can manually update Firefox. Open Firefox, click on the three-bar menu button and choose the About Firefox option. Now, let Firefox look for available software updates. Once done, you can install the updates and restart the browser to complete the process.

5] Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall

It could be your overprotective security program causing issues while installing Firefox. It might be preventing you from installing Firefox on your computer. Hence, it is suggested to temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall and then try installing Firefox on your PC. After the browser is installed, you can enable your security programs again.

Hope this helps.

If the problem still remains the same and you are unable to install Firefox on your computer, no worries. There are several good free web browsers available that you can use as an alternative and perform your tasks. Some of the nice ones you can use are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Pale Moon, Opera, OperaGX, and many more. If you want a secure and private browser, you can try Epic Privacy Browser, Tor, Iridium Browser, etc.

Why doesn t Firefox work on Windows 11?

If the Firefox browser installed on your computer but not working properly, some problematic add-ons might be causing this issue. A corrupted Firefox startupCache can be another reason for the same. Besides that, if the browser is corrupted or there are certain installation files that are broken, Firefox won’t work properly.

Now read: Firefox keeps crashing on Windows PC.

In many organizations, data not only defines what the business is, it is the lifeblood of how business operates. Yet data is a largely intangible and invisible thing, residing in locations that most of its users never see, appearing on the network when summoned over unwired connections, delivering the information necessary for applications to run, and returning to be managed and protected while remaining available for future use. How natural it all has become. And how critical it is that everything goes off without a hitch.

Who makes it happen, this tangible use of intangible data? What, exactly, do they do? And how do they get to the point where an organization will entrust them with the care and feeding of its valuable data assets?

This whitepaper is written by IDERA, a global leader in database management software, to provide insight into the position of database administrator (DBA) for readers who are new to the DBA position or who want to expand their capabilities as one of the essential professionals working behind the scenes to keep nearly everyone’s business and all our personal worlds spinning.

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Stories of virus and malware infections, data loss, system compromises and unauthorized access dominate headlines, and your WordPress website may be contributing to the problem. WordPress is the most popular CMS in the world. According to Colorlib, WordPress is used by over 800 million websites worldwide. But unfortunately, that popularity also makes it one of ...

The following are a number of the forms that you will need throughout your studies. The genuine forms for obtain are listed at the bottom of the page.

Master's Thesis Defence / Project Presentation Scheduling Form

For student who choose project or thesis, they should fill out the thesis defense/project presentation scheduling form. The form should be signed by committee members (3 for thesis/2 for project) and chair (moderator) of the defense. Chair (distinct from committee) is required for thesis only. The purpose is to confirm commitment of committee members to attend defense/presentation and to initiate public announcement of defense/presentation.

Submit with the new, Online Master's Thesis Defence / Project Presentation Scheduling and Completion Form. This automated form merges the Master's Thesis Defence / Project Presentation Scheduling and Completion forms into one. 

or Download the paper form [PDF-61kB]

Master's Thesis Defence / Project Presentation Completion Form

Thesis/Project completion form should be signed by all committee members. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to submit the signed form to the graduate administrator when all corrections to thesis/project report are done. Purpose is to formally advise the graduate administrator when the student is done.

Download the form [PDF-61kB]

PhD Research Aptitude / Thesis Proposal Defense Scheduling Form

The main idea behind the research aptitude project is to enable the Ph.D. student to get a focus on research work and provide feedback to the student at an early stage in Ph.D. studies.

Submit with the new, Online PhD Research Aptitude / Thesis Proposal Defense Scheduling and Completion Form. This automated form merges the PhD Research Aptitude / Thesis Proposal Defense Scheduling and Completion forms into one. 

or Download the paper form [PDF-66kB]

PhD Research Aptitude / Thesis Proposal Defense Completion Form

It is the responsibility of the supervisor to submit the signed form to the graduate administrator.

Download the form [PDF-61kB]

Program Update Form

If the courses you have listed on your program form do not match the course you have listed on your transcripts then you are required to fill out a program update form and submit it to the CS Admin Office (Room 106).

Submit with the new, Online Program Update Form or Download the paper form [PDF-61kB].

Progress Reports

Progress reports are required from all thesis-based graduate students 11 months after the start of a new program, and annually thereafter. 

The purpose of the progress report is to know how you are progressing on your research and that you have a plan for the upcoming year. It is best if you can discuss your progress and your goals with your supervisor before completing the progress report.

Once you submit your report, your supervisor and the graduate coordinator will be asked to provide their comments on the report. Either of them can return the report to you for further details or clarifications.

Important items on which to comment include:

• Any academic milestones that have been completed this past year
• Some key targets for the upcoming year, aiming for at least one per term
• The time when you are currently planning on graduating (can change over time)
• Any unexpected events in your research or program that are impacting your progress and how you are managing or mitigating these events

Detailed instructions are available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.

Directed Studies Proposal Form

The Directed Studies must be approved by both the student's thesis supervisor, directed study supervisor, and the graduate coordinator. Once approved, the graduate office will open registration for the student on Banner. This process should be completed before the last date to add a course. The process to follow is:

1. Student writes the content of the directed studies form with the following content, in a plain text (.txt) file:
   1. Short description of the course 150-300 words
   2. Set of milestones to be achieved, with dates
   3. Criteria for the evaluation of the outcome of the directed study
   4. Additional information:
      Required text and resources, incl. a practicing list     
      Learning outcomes from the directed study
       
2. Student shares the form with his/her thesis supervisor and directed study supervisor (if different), receives feedback, and incorporates such feedback. 
3. Student submits the final form to the Online Directed Studies Proposal Form or Download the paper form [PDF-20kB]. 
4. The thesis and directed study supervisor and graduate coordinator will receive an email requesting approval.
5. Once approved, the graduate office will open the registration for the student on Banner.
6. This process should be completed before the end of the first week of classes in the term. 
7. Directed studies report must be completed and submitted to the directed studies supervisor by the last day of classes of the term and a letter grade must be submitted by email to graduate@cs.dal.ca and to the graduate coordinator 7 days after the last day of exam of the term.

Supervisor Selection Form

All students who are selecting or changing research supervisors should fill out supervisor selection form.

Download the form [PDF-20kB]

Desk, PED and Card Form

If you need to obtain an access card, desk, ped and a computer for research work, fill out an Access Request Form on the Help Desk Website.

Additional Forms

For other forms such as notice of academic appeal, add/drop, reassessment of final grade, intention to graduate, and letter of permission, please and obtain from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Registrar’s Office.