Windows Home Server Code Name "Vail" Beta announcement
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Please use the following forum to discuss the Windows Home Server "Vail" SDK.
http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/whsdevelopers/threads
Also be sure to put "Vail" in the subject of any post regarding the "Vail" SDK
Thanks
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Backing up client computers for file or folder or a full system restore was a feature introduced in Windows Home Server V1. Significant portion of the features and technology have been carried forward in the Vail product as well.
Backing up your server
Ability to backup the server and restore both data and the full system from a disaster was one of the #1 asks from our customers. In Vail we have provided ability to do automated backups of the full server to externally attached storage. Features include:
· Full VSS based backup of the server to externally attached disks using Windows Server 2008 R2 backup technology
· Ability to back up to multiple targets for offsite storage. You keep one external disk onsite for your most recent backups, and the other disks offsite in case of disasters
· You can back up the Operating System, Data, Shared Folders, and even the Client Backup Database for future recovery
· Select what you want to protect using the server backup configuration wizard on the Computers and Backup tab
· Schedule automatic backups multiple times a day upto half hour intervals
· Backups to external disks are incremental for storage optimization but each back up version is fully restorable
· Restore scenarios include restoring individual Files or Folders, Full system restore through Bare Metal Restore, and Factory Reset
Note: Not all features stated above have been fully developed in the product yet. For details about what is and is not available please refer to the Getting Started guide.
Backing up the client computers
Centralized backup of client computers to the Windows Home Server storage was a feature introduced in Windows Home Server V1. The basic technology and the features have been carried forward with some key feature updates.
Features from Windows Home Server V1
· Automatic daily backups of network joined client computers to centralized storage on Windows Home Server
· Backups are single instanced and incremental over the network. This provides storage and backup time optimizations. Only unique data and incremental changes across your home network are sent over the wire and stored only once.
· Ability to exclude files or folders from your backup
· Restore scenarios include individual Files or Folders and Full System Restore to similar hardware using Bare Metal Restore
New Features in “Vail”
· Support for VSS writers on client computers to improve consistency of backups
· New backup configuration wizard allows you to select volumes or folders you want to backup. Items that are not selected are excluded from the backup
· New Files or Folders restore Wizard provides a guided wizard for the user to restore individual files or folders from a backup
· New mini filter driver for the Files or Folders Restore wizard solves many of the problems in V1 resulting from multiple mount of backup volumes
· Intelligent automatic scheduling allows more computers to be backed up
o Higher priority is given to computers with the oldest backups during the time window
o Prioritization is calculated dynamically
o Computers which are chronically out of compliance (such as laptops) are automatically backed outside of the backup time window whenever they are connected to the server
· Backups are now resummable. In WHS V1 if backups are not successfull, it started from the beginning the next time backups ran. This resulted in computers with high storage in repeated failed backups. In Vail we take checkpoints along the way (this is not visible to the end user). If for any reason backup fails in the middle such as due network connection drop, backups will resume from the last checkpoint next time it runs
· Full system restore functionality now allows automatic partition and formatting of drives during restore. In WHS V1 if volumes did not exist, users had to manually create partitions and format them before continuing with the system restore process. In Vail we do this automatically based on the configuration that existed in the source during a backup
· System restore disk now includes both the x86 (32 bit) and x64 bit version of the restore media. This allows you to restore both x86 and x64 bit client computers without the need to download and install specific 32 bit drivers for the restore CD
· Improved resiliency and robustness of the backup database including an improved database repair functionality
· Backup applet on the Client Launchpad allows users to start/stop manual backups as well as set the power management settings
Note: Not all features stated above have been fully developed in the product yet. For details about what is and is not available please refer to the Getting Started guide
And thank you all for testing Vail
This post is "AS IS" and confers no rights.
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Drive Extender is a storage technology first introduced in Windows Home Server's first release. The 1st generation of the technology was file based, and worked on top of "vanilla" NTFS volumes using reparse points. To address the customer feedback we have received and improve the system's resiliency to partial drive failures (seen many times by our support), the Drive Extender technology was updated to use block based storage below the file system similar to software RAID systems.
The following isn't an exhaustive list, but does try to enumerate the major new features as well as features which are no longer supported in the “Vail” version of Drive Extender:
Features carried over from the previous release:
· Duplication can be turned on/off per folder.
· Duplicated folders can survive a single hard drive failure.
· Storage pool can be easily expanded using different drive types and various sizes.
· Graphical representation of storage usage (AKA the pie chart) - isn't present in the beta, but is planned for the next milestone.
New/Improved features:
· For duplicated folders, data is duplicated in real time to two separate drives - there is no hourly migration pass.
· File system level encryption (EFS) and compression are now supported for Drive Extender folders.
· File conflicts are gone, duplication works as intended for files in use as it is performed at the block level now.
· The remaining amount of data to synchronize/duplicate is reported per storage pool.
· All storage operations are executed in the background without blocking other server operations. Specifically, drive removal can be issued without impacting the online state of shares.
· Drives in a storage pool can be named with a custom description to enable physical identification of the drive in the server.
· Drive serial number and exact connection type is reported for each drive.
· Drives which are bigger than 2TB can be added to a storage pool.
· iSCSI storage devices can be added to the a storage pool.
· The system drive can be excluded from the storage pool.
· A new low-level storage check and repair diagnostic operation was added.
· All storage operations are performed with very low I/O priority to ensure they don't interfere with media streaming.
· A new "folder repair" operation is available which runs chkdsk on the folder's volume.
· To protect against silent storage errors (bit flips, misdirected writes, torn writes), additional information is appended to each 512-byte sector stored on drive. In particular, each sector is protected by a CRC checksum, which enables Drive Extender to detect data read errors, perform realtime error correction and self-healing (up to 2 bit errors per sector if duplication is disabled, and any number of bit errors if duplication is enabled) and report the errors back to the user and application. The overhead for this additional data is roughly 12% of drive space.
· Data drives in storage pools can be migrated between servers, and appear as a non-default pool. A non-default pool can be promoted to a default pool if no default pool exists.
Deprecated features:
· A data drive from a storage pool cannot be read on machine not running the “Vail” server software.
· Data isn't rebalanced across drives to ensure even distribution. The data allocation attempts to keep drives evenly used. A periodic rebalance operation is considered for the next version.
Known interop/support issues:
· As with other software RAID solutions, Drive Extender isn't supported with BitLocker.
· Drive Extender cannot share the same drive with other software based RAID systems (such as Microsoft Dynamic Drives)
· Running low-level software storage tools—for example, defragmentation, full drive encryption, or volume imaging—on server folders may cause issues. These tools have not been fully tested in this release. Please avoid running these tools on the server.
· Internally, the “Vail” software has been tested with up to 16 hard drives and with up to 16 TB of total storage capacity. We’re aware of a number of bugs that occur beyond these limits, so please keep your beta installations under 16 drives and 16 TB total drive space.
This post is "AS IS" and confers no rights.
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If you have a bug report or a feature request and you want to make sure it gets on the Home Server team's radar, please make sure to file it using the proper form on the Microsoft Connect website.
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There are plenty of known issues (look at the list). So please don't replace your current server with Vail, supplement it. Test it. Report all the bugs you find on Connect . :)
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Issue
The media shared folders are not included in the user’s libraries on a Windows® 7-based home computer when it is joined to a server that is running Windows Server “Vail”.
Description
After joining a computer that is running Windows 7 to the server, the Windows Server “Vail” media shared folders are included in user's libraries only if the user account on the home computer has been added as a user account on the server.
Solution
Add the user account on the computer that is running Windows 7 to the list of user accounts on Windows Server “Vail”.
MPEG2 video encoder and decoders, and AC3 Dolby Digital audio encoders are not available in this preview release of Windows Server “Vail”.
Description
Streaming MPEG2 and Dolby digital media files is not available in this release.
Solution
There is no workaround.
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Issue
The OK, Cancel, and Apply buttons in the Folder Properties dialog box are missing. This issue applies to the Japanese (ja-jp) language version only.
Description
In the Japanese (ja-jp) language version, when you right-click a folder and select Properties, the OK, Cancel, and Apply buttons in the Folder Properties dialog box are not displayed.
Solution
· If you make changes in the General tab, click Enter to save, or click Esc or the Red X to cancel.
· If you make changes in another tab, click the General tab, and then click Enter to save, or click Esc or the Red X to cancel.
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Issue
Cannot access a computer that is running Windows XP using Windows Server “Vail” Remote Access
Description
When you attempt to access a computer that is running Windows XP, you received the following error message: Remote Desktop can’t find the computer <ComputerName>.Windows Server “Vail” does not recognize <ComputerName> as a member of the specified network. Verify that the computer name and domain that you are trying to connect to.
Solution
You must open UDP port 137 on the Windows XP firewall.
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Security Center, and then click Windows Firewall.
3. Click the Exceptions tab, click to select the File and Printer Sharing check box, and then click Edit.
4. Click to select the UDP 137 check box, click Change scope, and then click My network (subnet) only.
5. Click OK.
Issue
Cannot purchase a non-Windows Live domain or transfer a non-Windows Live domain from a remote Dashboard session.
Description
If you select a domain name service provider other than Windows Server Solutions Dynamic DNS in the Set up Your Domain Name wizard, you are prompted to open a Web site to finish the transaction with that provider. If the Dashboard was opened from the Remote Access Web Site, the link may not open.
Solution
If you want to proceed, log on to the server using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), and then run the Set up Your Domain Name wizard.
Issue
Using a non-Windows Live domain results in a certificate error.
Description
If you select a domain name service provider other than Windows Server Solutions Dynamic DNS in the Set up Your Domain Name wizard, a non-trusted SSL certificate is installed which results in a Web browser security warning when you access your Web site. This blocks your ability to remotely access the computers on your network.
Solution
There are not workarounds for this issue. The current plan is to fix it in a future release.
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Hi Vail Beta testers!
We have provided some release notes and a reviewers guilde for this preview release. Please be sure to read through both the guide and the release notes before filing a bug.
Both the release notes and the guide can be found in the download package for Vail.
Thanks
Jonas
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Windows Home Server Code Name "Vail" Public Preview - Installation - ISO Integrity Check Information
To ensure that you have successfully downloaded the Public Preview of Windows Home Server Code Name "Vail" you may want to run an integrity check on the downloaded ISO.
You can run an integrity check by using the MSCDCRC tool. The tool is available for download at http://www.tomontech.com/tools/mscdcrc.exe
To run MSCDCRC against an ISO file that you have downloaded follow these steps.
- Download MSCDCRC to the same folder that you downloaded the Vail ISO to
- Open a Command Prompt window and navigate to the folder from Step 1
- Type "MSCDCRC InstallDVD.iso" (without quotes) (You can also substitute InstallDVD.iso for the other ISOs in the download package)
- The integrity check will take a few moments to complete. After the check is complete compare the CRC and SHA hashes to the hashes posted below
===== InstallDVD.iso =====
Volume label : GB1SHSxFRE_EN_DVD
CRC : 0xA7798933
SHA1 : 0xB10EBB38B9A758D67DC70CC3F815A2F65390A570===== RestoreCD.iso =====
Volume label : GB1SHSCRxFRE_EN_CD
CRC : 0x02836D6C
SHA1 : 0x4C68BDBB98D73CB31629B4DE750D70EE3CBFE3BB===== SrvRecovery.iso =====
Volume label : GB1SHSSRxFRE_EN_CD
CRC : 0x8CEDFC4C
SHA1 : 0xDDB3D2DF9E13A0260F6A8D0362B7B14353FFC6D0 -
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Issue
Dashboard performance is impacted if the Computers and Backup tab is kept open while client backups are in progress.
Description
If the Dashboard is kept open on the Computers and Backup tab, while client backups are in progress, the Dashboard performance will slowly degrade.
Solution
If the Dashboard performance starts to degrade or if the Dashboard becomes unusable, restart the Dashboard, OR do not keep the Dashboard open on the Computers and Backup page while client backups are in progress.
A client computer memory leak on client backup can become a performance issue on client computers with unsuccessful backups over an extended period.
Description
A client computer configured to be backed up to Windows Server “Vail” experiences a memory leak of approximately 1.4 MB for each backup request. The server computer must be reachable from the client computer for the leak to occur. The source of the memory leak is under investigation and will be resolved in a future release.
The memory leak will normally not cause a performance issue for the client computer. However, the longer a client computer is connected to the server with a series of unsuccessful backup attempts, the more likely it is that the leak will degrade the performance of the client computer. This is because backups are attempted at an increasing frequency if no successful backup occurs. Unsuccessful backups could be caused by a number of issues—for example, bad disk sectors on the client computer or the server hard disk reaching capacity.
Solution
Reboot the client computer to clear memory, and then correct the issue causing backups to fail. If this is not possible, remove backup from the computer by opening the Dashboard, selecting the computer from the list, and then clicking Customize Backup for this computer.
During a factory reset or server recovery the server restarts into WinPE and the firewall is disabled.
Description
This is expected behavior.
Solution
To help ensure that your server is safe during recovery, you should make sure that it is not connected to the Internet.
Changed or new volumes are not backed up if the volume changes were made while the home computer was not connected to the Windows Server “Vail” network.
Description
In the following scenario, the affected volume(s) are not backed up:
1. A home computer is joined to the Windows Server “Vail” network long enough to generate at least one backup, and then is disconnected from the network.
2. A volume or volumes on the Windows Server “Vail” server are changed, added, removed, or reconfigured.
3. The home computer is joined to the network again.
Solution
To fix this issue:
1. On the Dashboard, click the Computers and Backup tab.
2. Click the name of the computer, and then in the Task pane, click Set up backup for this computer or Customize back for this computer
3. Follow the steps to configure back up again for the rejoined computer.
Issue
System restore wizard may hang or crash if wrong credentials are entered
Description
During full system restore of a client computer from a backup on an Windows Server “Vail” server, the user needs to enter server administrator credentials so that the system restore wizard can access the backup information on the server, and then restore a backed up computer. If you enter the wrong credentials, the wizard hangs and waits for a response from the server.
Solution
Restart the recovery CD, and then type the administrator password for the server. This is the password that you use to log on to the Windows Server “Vail” Dashboard.
Issue
After a bare metal restore of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3) to a computer from a Windows Server “Vail” backup, the first Volume Shadow Copy service may fail.
Description
After a bare metal restore of Windows XP with SP3 to a computer from a Windows Server “Vail” backup, the Volume Shadow Copy service may fail, causing the computer backup to fail.
Solution
Restart the computer one more time.
Issue
Cannot back up the server using Backup on a home computer
Description
Server backup must be performed using Backup on Windows Server “Vail”.
Solution
Backing up the server using a home computer is not supported.
Restoring a home computer backup from a backup database that is included in a backup of the Windows Server “Vail” server
Description
In Windows Server “Vail”, you can back up the home computer backup database to an external removable disk. The backups are useful for disaster recovery scenarios or when there is a server failure.
Solution
The following steps assume that a backup of the home computer backup database is available on an external disk.
1. Log on to Windows Server “Vail” using Remote Desktop Protocol, and then shut down the following services:
· Windows Server Computer Backup Service
· Windows Server Computer Backup Provider Service
2. Open Windows Explorer, and then browse to the Network Computer backups\Network Computer Backups\ folder
Note
Windows Server “Vail” creates a separate volume for the backup database that is named Network Computer Backups.
3. Delete all files in the folder.
4. Open the Windows Server “Vail” Dashboard, and then click the Computers and Backup tab.
5. Click the server name, and then click Restore files or folders for this computer in the Tasks pane.
6. Select the option to restore Files or folders on the computer
7. On the Select items to restore page, select the Network Computer Backups folder.
8. Wait for all of the folders to be displayed, select all of files in the Network Computer Backups folder, and then click Next.
9. Click Original location, and then confirm to start the restore process.
10. After the restore completes successfully, restart the following services
· Windows Server Computer Backup Service
· Windows Server Computer Backup Provider Service
The backup database is reset when you perform a factory reset or restore the server from a backup, and then home computers are joined again to the server. You must manually configure backup for the home computers.
Description
The home computer backup database maintains the list and configuration for all home computers that are backed up over the network.
The backup database can be reset (cleared) using either of the following methods:
· The server is restored from a previous backup but the home computer backup database is not restored.
· The server is reset to factory defaults. This deletes all data on the server including the home computer backup database.
· The backup volume is restored.
· The backup database shared folder is deleted because of storage or other issues.
When this happens, the backup application does not automatically rejoin the home computers. The home computer status is Not set up.
Note
Client computers are automatically configured for backup the first time that they join the server.
Solution
To resolve this issue, do the following:
1. Log on to Windows Server “Vail” Dashboard using the administrator account, and then click the Computers and Backup tab.
2. For each home computer that needs to be backed up, click the name of the computer, and then click Set up backup for this computer in the Tasks pane.
3. Follow the instructions in the Set up Server Backup wizard
Issue
Computer backup database is corrupt
Description
If the computer backup database becomes corrupt, an alert instructs you to repair the backup database by clicking “Repair the backup database” on the Computers and Backup tab of the Dashboard. This link is not available in this version of Windows Server “Vail”. Instead, a command-line tool is available on the server.
Solution
To perform this procedure, you must be logged on to the server either locally or using a remote desktop connection.
To repair the backup database
1. On the Windows Server “Vail” computer, click Start, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
2. At the command prompt, type CD C:\Program Files\Windows Server\Bin, and then press Enter.
3. Type backupcontroller.exe /sg, and then press Enter. A list of options for working with the backup database is displayed.
4. To select the Start Repair option, type 8, and then press Enter. The backup repair operation runs.
5. To review the results of the repair, type 10, and then press Enter.
6. To exit the application, type 11, and then press Enter.
7. To close the Command Prompt window, type Exit at the command prompt, and then press Enter.
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Issue
After the storage check and repair task completes, the storage goes offline.
Description
If you continue to use Windows Server “Vail” after a storage check and repair task completes without restarting, the storage may go offline.
Solution
You should restart your server after running the storage check and repair task.
There may be compatibility issues between the server’s storage system and low-level storage tools.
Description
Running low-level software storage tools—for example, defragmentation, full disk encryption, or volume imaging—on server folders may cause issues. These tools have not been fully tested in this release.
Solution
Avoid running these tools on server folders.
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Issue
During connector software installation, pop-up window is displayed that asks if you want to install a device driver. When you click No, you receive an unexpected error.
Description
A backup virtual device driver is installed during home computer join. If you click No in the pop-up windows, the device driver is not installed causing the connector software installation to fail.
Solution
Click Yes in the pop-up window to install the device driver.
Cannot join a home computer to Windows Server “Vail”
Description
Computers that have non-ASCII characters in the computer name cannot join Windows Server “Vail”. You receive an error message that says An unexpected error has occurred.
Solution
Rename your computer with a name that contains ASCII characters only, and then run the Windows Server Connector Software again.
Issue
Auto logon does not work after the computer is connected to Windows Server “Vail”.
Description
If auto logon is set for the user account, it is overwritten when you install the connector software.
Solution
After you install the connector software, retain the password for the user account and reset auto logon for the account.
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Issue
After installing and configuring Windows Server “Vail”, the server does not work properly or you cannot connect computers to the server.
Description
This issue occurs when the following conditions are met:
· The certificate is used to authenticate between components on the server or when connecting computers to the server.
· The BIOS clock on the server is wrong or the BIOS clock is right but the installation takes place in a time zone located east of Pacific Standard Time (PST), between PST and the date line.
Solution
Before you install Windows Server “Vail”, set your BIOS clock to match the time and date for the Pacific Time Zone (PST) regardless of where you are located in the world. After successfully installing Windows Server “Vail” and joining client computers, do not reset the time, date, and time zone on the Dashboard for another day.
If you do not set your server time to PST, you should not use the server or connect computers to it until the number of hours pass that equals the difference between your time and PST.
Issue
Cannot start from USB hard disk drive or USB flash drive or Windows Server “Vail” Setup fails when starting from a USB hard disk drive or a USB flash drive.
Description
· If USB devices are listed top-most in the BIOS boot order, Windows Server “Vail” Setup fails.
· Some system boards have a built-in ordering for the USB connectors. For example, if you have 4 USB connector receptacles on the front of your computer and 4 USB connector receptacles on the back of the computer, 4 connector receptacles may be lower level. If you insert a USB hard disk drive or USB flash drive that contains the Windows Server “Vail” bits into a lower level USB connector receptacle, the BIOS skips the USB device.
Solution
1. Verify that the boot order in the BIOS does not list USB devices first.
2. Press F12 after the BIOS finishes Post to get the boot order menu, and then select the USB device as the boot source. If the boot menu is not displayed after pressing F12, check the manufacturer’s information to determine which function key to press to display the boot menu.
3. If the computer does not start from the USB device after selecting it from the boot menu, verify that the USB device is not inserted in a lower level USB connector receptacle. Check the manufacturer’s information on the system board to determine which USB connector receptacles are lower-level. If you do not have information about the system board, move the USB device to another USB connector receptacle, and then restart the computer until the computer starts from the USB device.
Issue
Server installation may fail when using Western Digital hard disk drives with Advanced Format
Description
Depending on the exact Western Digital hard disk drive model and firmware, Windows Server “Vail” setup may fail because of compatibility issues with the sector sizes that are reported by the hard disk drive.
Solution
It is recommended that Western Digital hard disk drives with Advanced Format not be used as the primary hard disk drive on the server.
Issue
Computers with Windows language packs installed cannot join the server.
Description
Connecting a client computer to a server will fail unexpectedly if you have any Windows language packs installed and one of them is in use.
Solution
Change your Windows display language to match the underlying parent language of your Windows installation.
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0 VotesWHS2011 and IIS
Is it possible to use WHS2011 as a plan ol' webserver? If so, how do you configure it to behave as one? I have a DDNS domain name through that resolves into my ...
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0 Votes
Unable to connect to my WHS 2011 from a client PC running Windows XP sp3.
Using Launchpad I can run Remote Web Access. But when I try to Connect to my Windows Home Server 2011, I get the error message: A newer version of the ...Unanswered | 3 Replies | 10836 Views | Created by marikaj - Thursday, May 26, 2011 9:31 PM | Last reply by Paul Adare - Friday, May 27, 2011 4:50 PM -
0 Votes
KB 2492386 - "Hard block on Home and Small Business Server SKUs" ?
Reading the description of KB 2492386 released through Windows Update yesterday, I found this text: Home and Small Business Server (HSBS) ...Unanswered | 10 Replies | 10312 Views | Created by LarsV - Wednesday, April 27, 2011 1:31 AM | Last reply by LarsV - Friday, May 27, 2011 9:39 AM -
0 Votes
WHS 2011 cannot join Homegroup...
I have a homegroup running with 5 client PCs and I just finished installing/setting up my WHS 2011 server. Everything works fine with the exception of ...Unanswered | 1 Replies | 5983 Views | Created by chinoloco93 - Sunday, May 22, 2011 2:34 AM | Last reply by Arian Kulp - Friday, May 27, 2011 7:18 AM -
1 Votes
WHS 2011 and Hyper-V Dynamic Memory
Installing a test system of WHS 2011 (prior to full migration) onto my Hyper-V box. I have installed WHS2011 and Hyper-V integration services. I have also configured the VM to use ...Proposed | 8 Replies | 8385 Views | Created by Brian Francis - Wednesday, April 6, 2011 6:58 PM | Last reply by AR5 - Friday, May 27, 2011 4:25 AM -
0 Votes
Server Backup Fails With Error Code 2155348020
I'm trying to rotate two external drives used for the Server backup. The WHS 2011 online help claims that this can be done, but unless I have both attached, then a backup to the second drive will fail ... -
1 Votes
Medialibrary on WHS Site ==> Mark folder as Images, Music, Movie or Mix.
It would be nice to be able to mark the folders set for media sharing on the whs site as Images, Music, Movie or Mix. That way, by example, my CD Covers won't be visible in the ...Discussion | 3 Replies | 5067 Views | Created by wouter verbeke - Thursday, May 19, 2011 10:08 AM | Last reply by Geoffc1 - Thursday, May 26, 2011 7:57 AM -
0 Votes
The server is not connected to the internet
I'm running WHS 2011 and everything is working except I get an annoying alert that the server is not connected to the internet, even though it is. I've Disabled the Alert, but I would prefer to ...Proposed | 3 Replies | 7661 Views | Created by Gary J51 - Thursday, May 26, 2011 1:07 AM | Last reply by Paul Adare - Thursday, May 26, 2011 3:54 AM -
0 Votes
Restoring Media Library
Today "Remote Web Access" to my WHS2011 tells me that I have 0 pictures and 0 songs in the labrary. At the same time i see songs and pictures in the Shared ...Answered | 2 Replies | 5006 Views | Created by Soren Ramus - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 2:22 PM | Last reply by Soren Ramus - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 4:38 PM -
0 Votes
Install freezes on network driver for Intel DP67BGB3 motherboard.
new task and run EXPLORER.EXE to get the desktop and no driver I put on works. I tried the cd that came with my motherboard. I downloaded the driver ...Unanswered | 7 Replies | 7743 Views | Created by mark260144 - Saturday, May 21, 2011 9:20 PM | Last reply by Octantis - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 4:02 PM -
0 Votes
How to troubleshoot failed system backup
I have installed WHS 2011 on an Asus motherboard. All windows updates have been applied. Client backups are working. Most all functions of WHS 2011 have been tested and appear to be working as ...Unanswered | 4 Replies | 6186 Views | Created by mediadogg - Tuesday, April 19, 2011 3:26 PM | Last reply by MalBall - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 9:34 AM -
0 Votes
Unable to choose subfolders for server backup
In my WHS2011 machine I've got a RAID5 made up of 3 2TB drives (so 3.63TB total). I have a 2TB drive for server backup, and I'd like to back up only some of the shared folders (about 1TB worth) onto ...Unanswered | 4 Replies | 4412 Views | Created by Dave Loewen - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 1:57 AM | Last reply by Dave Loewen - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 3:36 AM -
1 Votes
WHS 2011 > Backup drive pooling
Let me understand this correctly, if i have multipul 2TB WD EARS drives and multipul 2TB external drives i wont have a problem backing up. Presently its failing with 1x 2TB EARS and ...Unanswered | 3 Replies | 5318 Views | Created by richsmif - Tuesday, May 24, 2011 9:33 PM | Last reply by Phil Harrison - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 12:12 AM -
0 Votes
Maximum RAM Capacity for WHS 2011
I would like to know what is the maximum memory that is supported by WHS 2011. I have 12GB of DDR3 RAM waiting for it, as I'm trying to build a media powerhouse, along with an i7 950 processor, X58 ...Answered | 6 Replies | 25565 Views | Created by Aranha82 - Thursday, May 19, 2011 7:18 PM | Last reply by richsmif - Tuesday, May 24, 2011 10:22 PM -
0 Votes
Media Streaming Keeps Turning Off
I've searched everywhere for uusers with this same problem, but apparently it's just me. I've installed WHS 2011 three different times, and each time I turn on media streaming in the ... -
0 Votes
Cannot install WHS2011 connector on any of my computers
Every time I try to install the connector for WHS 2011 RC on my 64-bit Windows 7 Professional laptop or one of my 32-bit Windows 7 PCs, I receive the error "Cannot connect the computer to the ...Unanswered | 30 Replies | 19644 Views | Created by SailorDave - Thursday, February 10, 2011 8:15 PM | Last reply by Dan_Vega - Tuesday, May 24, 2011 6:27 PM -
0 Votes
Cannot set up a Microsoft domain name, errors out every time
This has been touched elsewhere, but all the posts are old so I will post again. The quick overview is that I am trying to set up WHS-2011 RTM (April 2011) release for remote ...Answered | 6 Replies | 16222 Views | Created by Marty42 - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 11:35 PM | Last reply by bomby - Tuesday, May 24, 2011 4:58 AM -
0 Votes
WHS Vail connector install will fail if the server password contains a space
C:\Program Files\Windows Server\Client Deployment Files\ClientCoreX86.msi <snip> Command Line: WHS_PREMIUM_CLIENT=true ADMIN_USERNAME=Administrator ...Discussion | 4 Replies | 6185 Views | Created by emed795 - Friday, April 30, 2010 12:10 AM | Last reply by Xiaofeng Ni (MSFT) - Monday, May 23, 2011 1:53 AM -
1 Votes
Windows Home Server 2011 Launchpad and Dashboard can't connect to server from client computer
I have just installed WHS 2011 and I noticed an issue with conectivity. When I first start up the box everything works normally. After about an hour or so I can't connect to the server with the ...Proposed | 19 Replies | 37621 Views | Created by Pisces215 - Tuesday, April 12, 2011 3:03 AM | Last reply by grimmace1 - Sunday, May 22, 2011 1:37 PM -
2 Votes
Dashboard not starting..;
Dashboard is not starting.. i get the greenscreen and then nothing happend. From the event viewer i have this error message : Log ...Answered | 18 Replies | 20990 Views | Created by w00tie - Wednesday, September 22, 2010 2:56 PM | Last reply by Paul Adare - Sunday, May 22, 2011 8:32 AM
Windows Home Server Code Name "Vail" Beta announcement
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Please use the following forum to discuss the Windows Home Server "Vail" SDK.
http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/whsdevelopers/threads
Also be sure to put "Vail" in the subject of any post regarding the "Vail" SDK
Thanks
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Backing up client computers for file or folder or a full system restore was a feature introduced in Windows Home Server V1. Significant portion of the features and technology have been carried forward in the Vail product as well.
Backing up your server
Ability to backup the server and restore both data and the full system from a disaster was one of the #1 asks from our customers. In Vail we have provided ability to do automated backups of the full server to externally attached storage. Features include:
· Full VSS based backup of the server to externally attached disks using Windows Server 2008 R2 backup technology
· Ability to back up to multiple targets for offsite storage. You keep one external disk onsite for your most recent backups, and the other disks offsite in case of disasters
· You can back up the Operating System, Data, Shared Folders, and even the Client Backup Database for future recovery
· Select what you want to protect using the server backup configuration wizard on the Computers and Backup tab
· Schedule automatic backups multiple times a day upto half hour intervals
· Backups to external disks are incremental for storage optimization but each back up version is fully restorable
· Restore scenarios include restoring individual Files or Folders, Full system restore through Bare Metal Restore, and Factory Reset
Note: Not all features stated above have been fully developed in the product yet. For details about what is and is not available please refer to the Getting Started guide.
Backing up the client computers
Centralized backup of client computers to the Windows Home Server storage was a feature introduced in Windows Home Server V1. The basic technology and the features have been carried forward with some key feature updates.
Features from Windows Home Server V1
· Automatic daily backups of network joined client computers to centralized storage on Windows Home Server
· Backups are single instanced and incremental over the network. This provides storage and backup time optimizations. Only unique data and incremental changes across your home network are sent over the wire and stored only once.
· Ability to exclude files or folders from your backup
· Restore scenarios include individual Files or Folders and Full System Restore to similar hardware using Bare Metal Restore
New Features in “Vail”
· Support for VSS writers on client computers to improve consistency of backups
· New backup configuration wizard allows you to select volumes or folders you want to backup. Items that are not selected are excluded from the backup
· New Files or Folders restore Wizard provides a guided wizard for the user to restore individual files or folders from a backup
· New mini filter driver for the Files or Folders Restore wizard solves many of the problems in V1 resulting from multiple mount of backup volumes
· Intelligent automatic scheduling allows more computers to be backed up
o Higher priority is given to computers with the oldest backups during the time window
o Prioritization is calculated dynamically
o Computers which are chronically out of compliance (such as laptops) are automatically backed outside of the backup time window whenever they are connected to the server
· Backups are now resummable. In WHS V1 if backups are not successfull, it started from the beginning the next time backups ran. This resulted in computers with high storage in repeated failed backups. In Vail we take checkpoints along the way (this is not visible to the end user). If for any reason backup fails in the middle such as due network connection drop, backups will resume from the last checkpoint next time it runs
· Full system restore functionality now allows automatic partition and formatting of drives during restore. In WHS V1 if volumes did not exist, users had to manually create partitions and format them before continuing with the system restore process. In Vail we do this automatically based on the configuration that existed in the source during a backup
· System restore disk now includes both the x86 (32 bit) and x64 bit version of the restore media. This allows you to restore both x86 and x64 bit client computers without the need to download and install specific 32 bit drivers for the restore CD
· Improved resiliency and robustness of the backup database including an improved database repair functionality
· Backup applet on the Client Launchpad allows users to start/stop manual backups as well as set the power management settings
Note: Not all features stated above have been fully developed in the product yet. For details about what is and is not available please refer to the Getting Started guide
And thank you all for testing Vail
This post is "AS IS" and confers no rights.
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Drive Extender is a storage technology first introduced in Windows Home Server's first release. The 1st generation of the technology was file based, and worked on top of "vanilla" NTFS volumes using reparse points. To address the customer feedback we have received and improve the system's resiliency to partial drive failures (seen many times by our support), the Drive Extender technology was updated to use block based storage below the file system similar to software RAID systems.
The following isn't an exhaustive list, but does try to enumerate the major new features as well as features which are no longer supported in the “Vail” version of Drive Extender:
Features carried over from the previous release:
· Duplication can be turned on/off per folder.
· Duplicated folders can survive a single hard drive failure.
· Storage pool can be easily expanded using different drive types and various sizes.
· Graphical representation of storage usage (AKA the pie chart) - isn't present in the beta, but is planned for the next milestone.
New/Improved features:
· For duplicated folders, data is duplicated in real time to two separate drives - there is no hourly migration pass.
· File system level encryption (EFS) and compression are now supported for Drive Extender folders.
· File conflicts are gone, duplication works as intended for files in use as it is performed at the block level now.
· The remaining amount of data to synchronize/duplicate is reported per storage pool.
· All storage operations are executed in the background without blocking other server operations. Specifically, drive removal can be issued without impacting the online state of shares.
· Drives in a storage pool can be named with a custom description to enable physical identification of the drive in the server.
· Drive serial number and exact connection type is reported for each drive.
· Drives which are bigger than 2TB can be added to a storage pool.
· iSCSI storage devices can be added to the a storage pool.
· The system drive can be excluded from the storage pool.
· A new low-level storage check and repair diagnostic operation was added.
· All storage operations are performed with very low I/O priority to ensure they don't interfere with media streaming.
· A new "folder repair" operation is available which runs chkdsk on the folder's volume.
· To protect against silent storage errors (bit flips, misdirected writes, torn writes), additional information is appended to each 512-byte sector stored on drive. In particular, each sector is protected by a CRC checksum, which enables Drive Extender to detect data read errors, perform realtime error correction and self-healing (up to 2 bit errors per sector if duplication is disabled, and any number of bit errors if duplication is enabled) and report the errors back to the user and application. The overhead for this additional data is roughly 12% of drive space.
· Data drives in storage pools can be migrated between servers, and appear as a non-default pool. A non-default pool can be promoted to a default pool if no default pool exists.
Deprecated features:
· A data drive from a storage pool cannot be read on machine not running the “Vail” server software.
· Data isn't rebalanced across drives to ensure even distribution. The data allocation attempts to keep drives evenly used. A periodic rebalance operation is considered for the next version.
Known interop/support issues:
· As with other software RAID solutions, Drive Extender isn't supported with BitLocker.
· Drive Extender cannot share the same drive with other software based RAID systems (such as Microsoft Dynamic Drives)
· Running low-level software storage tools—for example, defragmentation, full drive encryption, or volume imaging—on server folders may cause issues. These tools have not been fully tested in this release. Please avoid running these tools on the server.
· Internally, the “Vail” software has been tested with up to 16 hard drives and with up to 16 TB of total storage capacity. We’re aware of a number of bugs that occur beyond these limits, so please keep your beta installations under 16 drives and 16 TB total drive space.
This post is "AS IS" and confers no rights.
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If you have a bug report or a feature request and you want to make sure it gets on the Home Server team's radar, please make sure to file it using the proper form on the Microsoft Connect website.
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There are plenty of known issues (look at the list). So please don't replace your current server with Vail, supplement it. Test it. Report all the bugs you find on Connect . :)
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Issue
The media shared folders are not included in the user’s libraries on a Windows® 7-based home computer when it is joined to a server that is running Windows Server “Vail”.
Description
After joining a computer that is running Windows 7 to the server, the Windows Server “Vail” media shared folders are included in user's libraries only if the user account on the home computer has been added as a user account on the server.
Solution
Add the user account on the computer that is running Windows 7 to the list of user accounts on Windows Server “Vail”.
MPEG2 video encoder and decoders, and AC3 Dolby Digital audio encoders are not available in this preview release of Windows Server “Vail”.
Description
Streaming MPEG2 and Dolby digital media files is not available in this release.
Solution
There is no workaround.
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Issue
The OK, Cancel, and Apply buttons in the Folder Properties dialog box are missing. This issue applies to the Japanese (ja-jp) language version only.
Description
In the Japanese (ja-jp) language version, when you right-click a folder and select Properties, the OK, Cancel, and Apply buttons in the Folder Properties dialog box are not displayed.
Solution
· If you make changes in the General tab, click Enter to save, or click Esc or the Red X to cancel.
· If you make changes in another tab, click the General tab, and then click Enter to save, or click Esc or the Red X to cancel.
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Issue
Cannot access a computer that is running Windows XP using Windows Server “Vail” Remote Access
Description
When you attempt to access a computer that is running Windows XP, you received the following error message: Remote Desktop can’t find the computer <ComputerName>.Windows Server “Vail” does not recognize <ComputerName> as a member of the specified network. Verify that the computer name and domain that you are trying to connect to.
Solution
You must open UDP port 137 on the Windows XP firewall.
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Security Center, and then click Windows Firewall.
3. Click the Exceptions tab, click to select the File and Printer Sharing check box, and then click Edit.
4. Click to select the UDP 137 check box, click Change scope, and then click My network (subnet) only.
5. Click OK.
Issue
Cannot purchase a non-Windows Live domain or transfer a non-Windows Live domain from a remote Dashboard session.
Description
If you select a domain name service provider other than Windows Server Solutions Dynamic DNS in the Set up Your Domain Name wizard, you are prompted to open a Web site to finish the transaction with that provider. If the Dashboard was opened from the Remote Access Web Site, the link may not open.
Solution
If you want to proceed, log on to the server using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), and then run the Set up Your Domain Name wizard.
Issue
Using a non-Windows Live domain results in a certificate error.
Description
If you select a domain name service provider other than Windows Server Solutions Dynamic DNS in the Set up Your Domain Name wizard, a non-trusted SSL certificate is installed which results in a Web browser security warning when you access your Web site. This blocks your ability to remotely access the computers on your network.
Solution
There are not workarounds for this issue. The current plan is to fix it in a future release.
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Hi Vail Beta testers!
We have provided some release notes and a reviewers guilde for this preview release. Please be sure to read through both the guide and the release notes before filing a bug.
Both the release notes and the guide can be found in the download package for Vail.
Thanks
Jonas
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Windows Home Server Code Name "Vail" Public Preview - Installation - ISO Integrity Check Information
To ensure that you have successfully downloaded the Public Preview of Windows Home Server Code Name "Vail" you may want to run an integrity check on the downloaded ISO.
You can run an integrity check by using the MSCDCRC tool. The tool is available for download at http://www.tomontech.com/tools/mscdcrc.exe
To run MSCDCRC against an ISO file that you have downloaded follow these steps.
- Download MSCDCRC to the same folder that you downloaded the Vail ISO to
- Open a Command Prompt window and navigate to the folder from Step 1
- Type "MSCDCRC InstallDVD.iso" (without quotes) (You can also substitute InstallDVD.iso for the other ISOs in the download package)
- The integrity check will take a few moments to complete. After the check is complete compare the CRC and SHA hashes to the hashes posted below
===== InstallDVD.iso =====
Volume label : GB1SHSxFRE_EN_DVD
CRC : 0xA7798933
SHA1 : 0xB10EBB38B9A758D67DC70CC3F815A2F65390A570===== RestoreCD.iso =====
Volume label : GB1SHSCRxFRE_EN_CD
CRC : 0x02836D6C
SHA1 : 0x4C68BDBB98D73CB31629B4DE750D70EE3CBFE3BB===== SrvRecovery.iso =====
Volume label : GB1SHSSRxFRE_EN_CD
CRC : 0x8CEDFC4C
SHA1 : 0xDDB3D2DF9E13A0260F6A8D0362B7B14353FFC6D0 -
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Issue
Dashboard performance is impacted if the Computers and Backup tab is kept open while client backups are in progress.
Description
If the Dashboard is kept open on the Computers and Backup tab, while client backups are in progress, the Dashboard performance will slowly degrade.
Solution
If the Dashboard performance starts to degrade or if the Dashboard becomes unusable, restart the Dashboard, OR do not keep the Dashboard open on the Computers and Backup page while client backups are in progress.
A client computer memory leak on client backup can become a performance issue on client computers with unsuccessful backups over an extended period.
Description
A client computer configured to be backed up to Windows Server “Vail” experiences a memory leak of approximately 1.4 MB for each backup request. The server computer must be reachable from the client computer for the leak to occur. The source of the memory leak is under investigation and will be resolved in a future release.
The memory leak will normally not cause a performance issue for the client computer. However, the longer a client computer is connected to the server with a series of unsuccessful backup attempts, the more likely it is that the leak will degrade the performance of the client computer. This is because backups are attempted at an increasing frequency if no successful backup occurs. Unsuccessful backups could be caused by a number of issues—for example, bad disk sectors on the client computer or the server hard disk reaching capacity.
Solution
Reboot the client computer to clear memory, and then correct the issue causing backups to fail. If this is not possible, remove backup from the computer by opening the Dashboard, selecting the computer from the list, and then clicking Customize Backup for this computer.
During a factory reset or server recovery the server restarts into WinPE and the firewall is disabled.
Description
This is expected behavior.
Solution
To help ensure that your server is safe during recovery, you should make sure that it is not connected to the Internet.
Changed or new volumes are not backed up if the volume changes were made while the home computer was not connected to the Windows Server “Vail” network.
Description
In the following scenario, the affected volume(s) are not backed up:
1. A home computer is joined to the Windows Server “Vail” network long enough to generate at least one backup, and then is disconnected from the network.
2. A volume or volumes on the Windows Server “Vail” server are changed, added, removed, or reconfigured.
3. The home computer is joined to the network again.
Solution
To fix this issue:
1. On the Dashboard, click the Computers and Backup tab.
2. Click the name of the computer, and then in the Task pane, click Set up backup for this computer or Customize back for this computer
3. Follow the steps to configure back up again for the rejoined computer.
Issue
System restore wizard may hang or crash if wrong credentials are entered
Description
During full system restore of a client computer from a backup on an Windows Server “Vail” server, the user needs to enter server administrator credentials so that the system restore wizard can access the backup information on the server, and then restore a backed up computer. If you enter the wrong credentials, the wizard hangs and waits for a response from the server.
Solution
Restart the recovery CD, and then type the administrator password for the server. This is the password that you use to log on to the Windows Server “Vail” Dashboard.
Issue
After a bare metal restore of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3) to a computer from a Windows Server “Vail” backup, the first Volume Shadow Copy service may fail.
Description
After a bare metal restore of Windows XP with SP3 to a computer from a Windows Server “Vail” backup, the Volume Shadow Copy service may fail, causing the computer backup to fail.
Solution
Restart the computer one more time.
Issue
Cannot back up the server using Backup on a home computer
Description
Server backup must be performed using Backup on Windows Server “Vail”.
Solution
Backing up the server using a home computer is not supported.
Restoring a home computer backup from a backup database that is included in a backup of the Windows Server “Vail” server
Description
In Windows Server “Vail”, you can back up the home computer backup database to an external removable disk. The backups are useful for disaster recovery scenarios or when there is a server failure.
Solution
The following steps assume that a backup of the home computer backup database is available on an external disk.
1. Log on to Windows Server “Vail” using Remote Desktop Protocol, and then shut down the following services:
· Windows Server Computer Backup Service
· Windows Server Computer Backup Provider Service
2. Open Windows Explorer, and then browse to the Network Computer backups\Network Computer Backups\ folder
Note
Windows Server “Vail” creates a separate volume for the backup database that is named Network Computer Backups.
3. Delete all files in the folder.
4. Open the Windows Server “Vail” Dashboard, and then click the Computers and Backup tab.
5. Click the server name, and then click Restore files or folders for this computer in the Tasks pane.
6. Select the option to restore Files or folders on the computer
7. On the Select items to restore page, select the Network Computer Backups folder.
8. Wait for all of the folders to be displayed, select all of files in the Network Computer Backups folder, and then click Next.
9. Click Original location, and then confirm to start the restore process.
10. After the restore completes successfully, restart the following services
· Windows Server Computer Backup Service
· Windows Server Computer Backup Provider Service
The backup database is reset when you perform a factory reset or restore the server from a backup, and then home computers are joined again to the server. You must manually configure backup for the home computers.
Description
The home computer backup database maintains the list and configuration for all home computers that are backed up over the network.
The backup database can be reset (cleared) using either of the following methods:
· The server is restored from a previous backup but the home computer backup database is not restored.
· The server is reset to factory defaults. This deletes all data on the server including the home computer backup database.
· The backup volume is restored.
· The backup database shared folder is deleted because of storage or other issues.
When this happens, the backup application does not automatically rejoin the home computers. The home computer status is Not set up.
Note
Client computers are automatically configured for backup the first time that they join the server.
Solution
To resolve this issue, do the following:
1. Log on to Windows Server “Vail” Dashboard using the administrator account, and then click the Computers and Backup tab.
2. For each home computer that needs to be backed up, click the name of the computer, and then click Set up backup for this computer in the Tasks pane.
3. Follow the instructions in the Set up Server Backup wizard
Issue
Computer backup database is corrupt
Description
If the computer backup database becomes corrupt, an alert instructs you to repair the backup database by clicking “Repair the backup database” on the Computers and Backup tab of the Dashboard. This link is not available in this version of Windows Server “Vail”. Instead, a command-line tool is available on the server.
Solution
To perform this procedure, you must be logged on to the server either locally or using a remote desktop connection.
To repair the backup database
1. On the Windows Server “Vail” computer, click Start, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
2. At the command prompt, type CD C:\Program Files\Windows Server\Bin, and then press Enter.
3. Type backupcontroller.exe /sg, and then press Enter. A list of options for working with the backup database is displayed.
4. To select the Start Repair option, type 8, and then press Enter. The backup repair operation runs.
5. To review the results of the repair, type 10, and then press Enter.
6. To exit the application, type 11, and then press Enter.
7. To close the Command Prompt window, type Exit at the command prompt, and then press Enter.
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Issue
After the storage check and repair task completes, the storage goes offline.
Description
If you continue to use Windows Server “Vail” after a storage check and repair task completes without restarting, the storage may go offline.
Solution
You should restart your server after running the storage check and repair task.
There may be compatibility issues between the server’s storage system and low-level storage tools.
Description
Running low-level software storage tools—for example, defragmentation, full disk encryption, or volume imaging—on server folders may cause issues. These tools have not been fully tested in this release.
Solution
Avoid running these tools on server folders.
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Issue
During connector software installation, pop-up window is displayed that asks if you want to install a device driver. When you click No, you receive an unexpected error.
Description
A backup virtual device driver is installed during home computer join. If you click No in the pop-up windows, the device driver is not installed causing the connector software installation to fail.
Solution
Click Yes in the pop-up window to install the device driver.
Cannot join a home computer to Windows Server “Vail”
Description
Computers that have non-ASCII characters in the computer name cannot join Windows Server “Vail”. You receive an error message that says An unexpected error has occurred.
Solution
Rename your computer with a name that contains ASCII characters only, and then run the Windows Server Connector Software again.
Issue
Auto logon does not work after the computer is connected to Windows Server “Vail”.
Description
If auto logon is set for the user account, it is overwritten when you install the connector software.
Solution
After you install the connector software, retain the password for the user account and reset auto logon for the account.
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Issue
After installing and configuring Windows Server “Vail”, the server does not work properly or you cannot connect computers to the server.
Description
This issue occurs when the following conditions are met:
· The certificate is used to authenticate between components on the server or when connecting computers to the server.
· The BIOS clock on the server is wrong or the BIOS clock is right but the installation takes place in a time zone located east of Pacific Standard Time (PST), between PST and the date line.
Solution
Before you install Windows Server “Vail”, set your BIOS clock to match the time and date for the Pacific Time Zone (PST) regardless of where you are located in the world. After successfully installing Windows Server “Vail” and joining client computers, do not reset the time, date, and time zone on the Dashboard for another day.
If you do not set your server time to PST, you should not use the server or connect computers to it until the number of hours pass that equals the difference between your time and PST.
Issue
Cannot start from USB hard disk drive or USB flash drive or Windows Server “Vail” Setup fails when starting from a USB hard disk drive or a USB flash drive.
Description
· If USB devices are listed top-most in the BIOS boot order, Windows Server “Vail” Setup fails.
· Some system boards have a built-in ordering for the USB connectors. For example, if you have 4 USB connector receptacles on the front of your computer and 4 USB connector receptacles on the back of the computer, 4 connector receptacles may be lower level. If you insert a USB hard disk drive or USB flash drive that contains the Windows Server “Vail” bits into a lower level USB connector receptacle, the BIOS skips the USB device.
Solution
1. Verify that the boot order in the BIOS does not list USB devices first.
2. Press F12 after the BIOS finishes Post to get the boot order menu, and then select the USB device as the boot source. If the boot menu is not displayed after pressing F12, check the manufacturer’s information to determine which function key to press to display the boot menu.
3. If the computer does not start from the USB device after selecting it from the boot menu, verify that the USB device is not inserted in a lower level USB connector receptacle. Check the manufacturer’s information on the system board to determine which USB connector receptacles are lower-level. If you do not have information about the system board, move the USB device to another USB connector receptacle, and then restart the computer until the computer starts from the USB device.
Issue
Server installation may fail when using Western Digital hard disk drives with Advanced Format
Description
Depending on the exact Western Digital hard disk drive model and firmware, Windows Server “Vail” setup may fail because of compatibility issues with the sector sizes that are reported by the hard disk drive.
Solution
It is recommended that Western Digital hard disk drives with Advanced Format not be used as the primary hard disk drive on the server.
Issue
Computers with Windows language packs installed cannot join the server.
Description
Connecting a client computer to a server will fail unexpectedly if you have any Windows language packs installed and one of them is in use.
Solution
Change your Windows display language to match the underlying parent language of your Windows installation.
