The Lync Insider: Issues With Lync 2013 – Known and Unknown (But Documented)

Let’s talk about Lync problems! How’s that for a 2014 start?

Microsoft has a long list of known issues for Lync 2013 (all versions) here:
Lync 2013 Known Issues – Office Support

I’ve encountered a few of these myself. Some of you may have also. I’ve also come across definite issues NOT on this list.

Let me list out some Known Issues, so we’re all familiar with the kinds of quirky things Lync 2013 can do. Then I’ll list out two “unknown” issues.

Now, I don’t have workarounds for both of the “unknowns.” I’m posting them here so that they’re documented.

I can imagine frustrated admins, hunting through search results for the reason behind Weird Lync 2013 Issue X. Their hopes thinning that they’ll find some explanation, if not a solution. This one’s for you guys!

Some Known Issues of Lync 2013

1. “Poll can’t be created when its name contains certain special characters”
   1. Version: Lync 2013 Desktop
   2. Explanation: In the Danish version of the Lync desktop client, polls can’t be created when the poll name contains a special character such as ?, @, #.
   3. Workaround: To successfully create a poll, use a name that doesn’t contain any special characters.

   I use the English version, not the Danish. But this did happen when I tried to create a poll with the title, “Lync Support Rates in 2013?”
   I took the ? out and it loaded just fine.

2. “On some Wi-Fi networks, calls can disconnect while in an audio or video call”
   1. Version: Lync 2013 Mobile
   2. Explanation: On some Wi-Fi networks, an iOS mobile client (like iPhone 3, 4, 4S, or 5, iPad 1) can disconnect calls while in an audio or video call.
   3. Workaround: Disable 802.11k or disable max-tx-fail check on the wireless controller (this check is used to disconnect the device if the number of failed packet transmission passes certain threshold).

   Everyone’s had a call drop on them at some point. I wasn’t roaming for the call I’m thinking of, so I likely had too many failed packets. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to access the router to verify in this case.

3. “Sharing and video call invitations fail on some mobile 4G networks”
   1. Version: Lync 2013 Windows Store App, June 2013 Update
   2. Explanation: On some mobile 4G networks, you may not be able to send or receive video in meetings and video calls or to see shared content in meetings. When you’re in a call or meeting, a notification will be displayed that video or sharing is available, but clicking Accept will result in a failure because the mobile network connection is temporarily lost.
   3. Workaround: No workaround is available at this time.

   I haven’t encountered this; only used the Windows Store App as a test. But I wanted to list it because a) there’s no workaround yet, and b) it’s something you should test on your own network before initiating any important calls.

The Unknown (But Documented) Lync 2013 Issues

In the course of daily Lync usage, I’ve encountered a couple issues that were NOT on the Microsoft list. And I thought, “Better document these in case someone else runs into them!”

1. “Inability to Open an Instant Message from Notification Window”
   1. Version: Lync 2013 Desktop
   2. Explanation: When receiving a Notification of IM Conversation from another contact, I’m unable to click ‘Accept’. Nothing happens for several seconds (variable). Eventually I’m able to click ‘Accept’ and open the Conversation window.
   3. Workaround: Press Alt-Tab to switch out of the current window. Continue hitting Alt-Tab until you reach the Lync 2013 main window. Most of the time, this allows me to click ‘Accept’ on the notification.
2. “Conversation Window Fails When Adding Audio to IM Conversation on iPad 2″
   1. Version: Lync 2013 Mobile
   2. Explanation: When you click ‘Accept’ for a contact adding audio to your existing conversation, Lync 2013 closes the Conversation window instead. Lync 2013 Mobile remains active; conversation can be resumed at once. This happens rarely – maybe twice in the whole time I’ve used Lync 2013 on my iPad. It may be related to the “Mobile user isn’t removed from a conference when disconnects outside voice call” known issue.
   3. Workaround: There is no workaround at this time though, and I haven’t come across a solution on my own yet.

Wish I could say I had all the answers. Best I can do is document the problems, so that we’re all aware of them.

What’s Happening with The Lync Insider in 2014

In case you’re wondering – our big plan for The Lync Insider Blog in 2014 is…more of the same. More posts on Lync’s coming changes, more how-to’s on setting it up & administration, more analysis of VoIP’s growing adoption in business. More of what brings you back here.

2014 CALL FOR STORIES: I love fielding questions and posting stories from our readers! If you have a Lync Server story problem or question, please comment or email me with it.

For instance, if you’ve encountered an issue with Lync 2013 like the above (known or unknown), leave a comment or send me an email about it. Were you able to work around, or solve it? Let’s talk!