Comments on: Microsoft Windows Home Server OEM with URP1

By: Mike Walker

Mike Walker — Sat, 29 May 2010 21:57:44 +0000

I liked the idea of having a backup server solution that I could use with all my computers including a MAC. Unfortunately I cannot get the backup to work automatically with the MAC and must move files over manually to archive them. The remote capabilities using the WEB interface are a plus, but still cannot watch a slideshow without copying the files to my local PC. I believe this product is useful, but could stand to use some improvements to make this solution one the whole family can utilize.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: Doug W.

Doug W. — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:03:13 +0000

It was working fine for over a year. Lots of precious files were stored on the server and now they are likey lost. My problem happened after an update to a Marvel network driver. Afterwards the server would blue screen on bootup. After trying to restore the OS twice, and getting some weird error about some drives being missing, I find the WHS CD now wants to erase the hard drive as if the data is not there. I never had to restore any client computers on the network, so I don’t really care about those backups, but the home pictures and videos are likely lost– perhaps they can be found on the desktop computers. A year ago there wasn’t any software that would image the WHS OS– apparently the WHS CD was supposed to work to restore the system without disturbing the data. I’m so disappointed. I would have been better off if I never installed it in the first place.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: PGM

PGM — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:09:42 +0000

I have been installing Windows systems since Windows for Work Groups and this is not a winner.

If you are not an experienced IT person,then you should just buy a preinstalled version from HP or whomever.

This is basically a bastardized SBS 2003 (with some fancy peer backup programs that use WIM files) that will not let you run most,if not all user desktop apps.

This is M$ marketing at work at it's most fiendish.

Here are a list of issues:

1)It cannot be used as a workstation,so forget about installing Office or whatever without having to hack the user account settings.

2)A number of printers (Brother networked all in ones)will not work because the install program will not recognize the OS.

3)Updates quit working after a while.

4)Admin is a nightmare,in that the client piece has trouble updating from the main server piece.

The price has dropped from $[...] bucks list to about $[...] in less than a year.

You want to know why?

It's going to be ditched reeeeeeeal soon ,as in dead product!

Get XP or Win7 and buy a 3rd part backup program like Acronis or Bounce back and run these in a peer mode.

This product is a certified loser!

Can you say ME or Vista? Rating: 1 / 5

By: kishfish

kishfish — Sat, 29 May 2010 16:47:10 +0000

I have the copy which MS sent out for evaluation by potential purchasers. It installed over the original OS. I didn’t care for it and when I attempted to use the restore disk which came with my computer, the restore disk finding no evidence of the original operating system would not restore my original system. No back up file containing the original OS had been created when HS was installed.There appeared to be no way to work around this – so I had to buy a fresh copy of XP and reinstall my drivers. As for HS itself – a number of popular programs will not work with it – most distressing – Zone Alarm, among others. A lot of drivers are non existent for it as for example drivers do not exist for my dvd writer.

I can’t recommend this beast to anyone but MS will let you have an evaluation copy if you really have to try it out. Before you do figure out a way to restore your computer to its original configuration if you don’t like it.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: A. McCollough

A. McCollough — Sat, 29 May 2010 16:24:15 +0000

Speaking off Microsoft Windows Home Server OEM with URP1, you need to confirm that is product works with your Operating Systems and home network environment (Router) such as :

Windows 2005 media center PC running OS Vista and/or XP or soon to be Windows 7! Yes or no? Runs with all SPKs (Service Packs)for any of these OSs. Yes or No?

runs with Windows Media Center Extenders - XBOX , XBOX 360 , All Linksys extenders. YES or NO ?

Supports your new HDTV (720i, 1080i , 720p ,1080i) with its play back! yes or No ?

Play on your TV anywhere in the your house ,at least, the windows Media Center recorded live TV media files.

Great job on the GUI and code on the server itself !!!!!The function and ease of use is great !

Now that you have all your Media in one place , how do you get it out to your new HDTV , AV systems, Cell phone , mobile device , ETC. There is the opportunity !
Rating: 2 / 5