With the Knowledge Base Article (KB) 946676 detailing the data corruption issue being updated today (see here) we have more detailed information available for you in a question and answer format that should help you understand the problem easier.
What is the issue?
When certain programs are used to edit, transfer and save files to/on the Windows Home Server, the files may become corrupted.
What are the programs?
- Windows Vista Photo Gallery
- Windows Live Photo Gallery
- Microsoft Office OneNote 2003 and 2007
- Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
- Microsoft Money 2007
- SyncToy 2.0 Beta only
- Intuit QuickBooks
- uTorrent
Why does this happen?
A bug has been discovered in the way that Windows Home Server manages file transfer and balancing across multiple hard drives. In certain cases, depending on the way you use the application, timing, and the work load placed on the Windows Home Server, certain files may become corrupted.
Will I be affected?
Remember most users are unlikely to be affected. On the WHS forums myself and fellow Windows Home Server MVP Ken Warren have come to the same conclusion that less than 60 users out of several thousand have experienced data corruption and out of these 60 some were due to other factors such as a faulty network card or driver installation, old routers being used with outdated firmware, or people incorrectly testing the limits of their home servers.
Now still using this figure of 60, lets say that only 1 in 10 people reported the issue, so 60 reported users x10 = 600 users which could have experienced the data corruption issue, still way less than 1% of those with a copy of Windows Home Server either pre-installed on hardware (e.g. Tranquil PC or HP MediaSmart Server’s) or of those buying the OEM copy.
Why is this taking so long to fix?
Fixing this issue is the WHS team’s top priority and they are making good progress on the fix. The issue is at an extremely low level of the operating system and it requires thorough testing to ensure that the fix addresses the issue. A part of the fix has been coded which is currently being tested internally over the next several weeks. Once the patch has passed the internal quality bars, external participants will be asked to help test the fix.
When will the fix be available?
The current plan is to release beta test versions of a fix over the next few months. A final version of the fix is currently estimated for June 2008, although that date could change as testing progresses. Thorough testing of the fix is critical and will take some time.
I have experienced the data corruption issue. Can I Help?
If you believe you have experienced the issue, please send a detailed email of your circumstances to whsforum@microsoft.com, so the Windows Home Server team can attempt to validate the cause and provide specific guidance.
Are my backups made by Windows Home Server affected by this issue?
No. Windows Home Server Computer Backup are not affected by the data corruption issue and neither are the Restore capabilities, Health Monitoring, or the Remote Access functionality.
My Server only has 1 hard drive. Am I still affected?
No. The data corruption issue only affects servers with 2 or more hard drives.
How can I avoid the data corruption issue?
- Only use Windows Explorer or a command line tool to copy files to and from the Windows Home Server.
- Do not use applications to directly edit or change files that are stored on Windows Home Server.
- Consider setting Shared Folders on Windows Home Server to read-only.
- Avoid using media management programs, such as Windows Media Player, to import files to the Windows Home Server.
- Avoid redirecting applications to access files that are stored in the Shared Folders, as some applications may change the metadata of a file without explicit user action.
Are any other programs affected?
Users have reported potential corruption issues when they use other programs to edit or transfer files that are stored on Windows Home Server that has more than one hard drive. Microsoft is in the process of trying to reproduce the issues and directly assess the causes. Due to the nature of the issues Microsoft can not provide a definitive list of affected applications although users have mentioned the following:
- Photoshop Elements
- Zune Software
- Apple iTunes
- TagScanner
- Mozilla Thunderbird
- Adobe Lightroom
- Intuit Quicken
- MS Digital Image Library
- MP3BookHelper
- ACDSee
- WinAmp
- Windows Media Player 11
- Microsoft Office Excel
- Visual DataFlex
A more technical cause analysis is detailed in the KB946676 article under MORE INFORMATION, CAUSE – TECHNICAL DETAILS.
