MS Windows Home Server

Good news for PerfectDisk 2008 users. The new Windows Home Server version now integrates fully with the WHS console. The new version is available for free to existing users and pricing has been maintained for new users bringing features like Space Restoration Technology with total free space consolidation, SMARTPlacement optimization, and complete NTFS metadata defragmentation to Windows Home Server users.

Existing users should uninstall their existing version of PerfectDisk 2008 for Windows Home Server and install the new version from here using the installation instructions found here.

Do you have a HP MediaSmart Server and find that the network speed and throughput should not be as it should?

Then updating the SiS191 network adapter in Device Manager to the latest driver version should cure your problem. For the details including before and after performance graphs, see Rafeels not affiliated within Windows blog.

Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows Blog have published a statement issued by HP over the data corruption issue. Paul’s blog also state that HP hasn’t had anyone call in with this issue to their support line and that the issue isn’t even a top five question from customers seeking support. Which suggests that as we have always stated that the issue is indeed rare, especially as the MediaSmart Server is the best-selling WHS solution that’s currently available.

HP’s Statement:

HP has been in close communication with Microsoft on the Windows Home Server data corruption issue. There are two points to remember: we are only aware of a small percentage of customers with confirmed instances of the issue, and it occurs only when utilizing certain programs on Home Server systems with more than one hard drive. We understand disappointment with the estimated June delivery of a fix. But we also understand the challenges MS faces in reproducing bugs that occur so infrequently, the complexity of finding the right solution, and the need to complete extensive testing to ensure the bug fix is done correctly. HP is working with MS and is providing engineering and test resources to expedite this fix. With all the complexities of various operating systems, numerous applications, the variety of networking components, and the layers of software on top of Drive Extender, the testing will, in our experience, take some time to complete. Until that time, HP recommends that all HP MediaSmart Server owners follow Microsoft’s recommendations to ensure their data remains safe. More information can be found on Microsoft’s web site.

Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows Blog.

MyHomeServer.com has just published a more feature rich review on the new Linux enabled Media Vault 2120 Home Server from HP.

http://www.myhomeserver.com/?page_id=56