Comments on: Windows Home Server Setup Experience and First Impressions

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:57:56 +0000

I haven’t installed it yet, so I can’t vouch for these instructions: http://mswhs.freeforums.org/windows-live-sync-as-a-service-on-whs-t623.html

By: Everton

Everton — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:37:01 +0000

can someone please tell me or provide a link for how to install live sync on WHS. I’ve been searching all day and can’t find anyone who actually explains how to do it.

Thanks

By: billbiko

billbiko — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:55:49 +0000

I purchased one of the Acer easyStore H340’s all pre-configured rather than going through the process of using an older PC and it is working great.
I finally configured the remote access last night and had a few hiccups, but now I can even access photo’s off of my Blackberry, which is kind of geeky, but handy as well!
The aspect I liked the most was being able to stream our music and photo’s through to the Xbox. I am sure if one of my systems crash the quick recovery and reinstall abilities will become my favorite, but for now it’s great having my music available throughout the house.
I put together some information as well about Windows Home Server and why I went with it, it is available here, http://www.squidoo.com/windows-home-server-info
Hopefully it helps others make some informed decisions!

By: Tony P

Tony P — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:04:23 +0000

I want to install a server but I want to have my website or actually my church’s website on it. I know how to set up a private home server and how to make the website but dont where to put the web page in the server and how to make it available to the public with out opening access to my other machines. if someone can point me in the right direction I would appreciated.

By: JeffGr

JeffGr — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:26:07 +0000

The timing on that one is definitely funny! I posted that comment yesterday afternoon and the above mentioned update auto-installed last night.

By: Michael Jones

Michael Jones — Thu, 28 May 2009 02:38:40 +0000

JeffGr,

Ask and ye shall receive!

http://blogs.technet.com/homeserver/archive/2009/05/27/update-improves-windows-home-server-console-display-on-some-netbooks.aspx

By: JeffGr

JeffGr — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:47:35 +0000

I have one of the HP WHS boxes and generally am very happy with it. The backups have rescued me on several occasions and I’ve also found that it works well as an streaming server for music.

I don’t use the built-in remote access features very often, but they are nice to have when I do need them. I have set up Windows Live Sync (you can find instructions online for setting it up under WHS as a service), which is great for syncing up a few key directories. In particular, I love being able to copy photos to my laptop while on vacation and have them automatically sync back to the WHS box at home. It does have a few quirks, though, including giving constant warnings about “locked files” as well as a pretty kludgy install/configuration process. I really think Microsoft should seriously considering incorporating Live Sync into WHS in the next Power Pack.

My only really big complaint about WHS is that the console is too big for a 1024×600 screen and isn’t resizable or scrollable. This makes administration from a netbook something of a pain. You can get around it by using Remote Desktop (like on a Mac), but it still is something Microsoft should correct.

By: Michael Jones

Michael Jones — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:11:02 +0000

Kevin,

Even though I have a ’static’ external IP on my DSL connection, I had problems getting to my server until I registered a free domain using the Wizard inside the WHS console. You’ll get a free ‘redirect’ URL at myhomeservername.homeserver.com.

Once that was in place, it all came together.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:32:49 +0000

Definitely the router / network connection, i.e.: port blocking by my ISP. My *intent* is to configure IIS to run the site on a different port. More to follow…

By: Jake

Jake — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:44:49 +0000

Perhaps you could try setting up a simple web server on another PC, redirect port 80 to that on the network and then try to access it remotely. That might help you determine whether the issue is on the server or the router.

By: Luscious

Luscious — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:56:30 +0000

This was a really good read Kevin! I’m looking to get a similar system set up sometime in the future for remote connectivity. Do share with us how you manage to get it done!

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:43:22 +0000

My WHS just saved me today. My tx2000 took a dump after a windows update. It corrupted my nt kernel, stupid thing. An hour or so later and my whole computer is back to normal, thank you home server.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:50:46 +0000

Yup. I could always do that: connect directly through the IP address from the Wind or the Mac to see the local Home Server site. Locally, everything’s fine. Remotely… not so much.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:46:56 +0000

Yup, once I got the Intel networking driver installed, I went through all updates which included power packs 1 and 2.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:46:18 +0000

There is a utility offered on the HP-branded WHS boxes that works with Time Machine if I recall. But natively, no.

By: Jhall

Jhall — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:48:48 +0000

Kevin, Have you updated to service pack 2? It is suppose to tell you were to look for problems. As you have mentioned, you may need a upnp router? Good luck this site is getting interesting. I like living through your and James geekery.

JHall