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    Hiya all, sorry if this is a basic question, but my searches came up empty.

    I have a large server (4TB) that I am wanting to install my fresh version of WHS on.  Auto backups, dynamically added drivespace, and all the other toys make it seem like a natural fit.

    However, the current server is Vista, and the Media Center is very important to me.  It's recording TV, and storing my DVDs and TV shows, as well as music, etc.  The house has several extenders.  Can WHS serve up all this media with my pretty plugins for the extenders to use?  (Media Browser plugin is crucial to the operation of my household!)

    Additionally, the server is currently plugged into an LCD in the loft, where I'll watch TV/Movies/etc while working, so I need it to provide "regular" Media center functionality as well, not just serve it up.

    Can WHS do this, or am I gonna need another PC/Extender in the room just to provide that functionality?

    Thanks in advance, and hoping I can add all the cool new functionality of WHS without losing what I have, or having to build another box.  :P

    D
    Monday, July 27, 2009 2:22 PM

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    Windows Home Server is not a Media Center/HTPC, no. There's some limited media streaming functionality, but it's not going to be what you want as the central source for your extenders.

    The recommended configuration is to have your home server separate from your media center PC, using your home server to extend storage on your media center PC and back it up.
    I'm not on the WHS team, I just post a lot. :)
    Monday, July 27, 2009 2:48 PM
    Moderator

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    Windows Home Server is not a Media Center/HTPC, no. There's some limited media streaming functionality, but it's not going to be what you want as the central source for your extenders.

    The recommended configuration is to have your home server separate from your media center PC, using your home server to extend storage on your media center PC and back it up.
    I'm not on the WHS team, I just post a lot. :)
    Monday, July 27, 2009 2:48 PM
    Moderator
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    Thanks for the quickie reply Warren.

    Sigh, sounds like I should just leave the server as Vista for now (using hardware raid 5 for backup) and just hope it doesn't fill up before the next great thing comes along.  That'll keep my options open, although I'll be sure to upgrade to Win7 as soon as I can.

    Just don't want 2 boxes.  I have enough machines running already to aggravate the gamma radiation in my bloodstream.

    Thanks!

    D
    Monday, July 27, 2009 2:54 PM