Frequently Asked Questions

Windows Home Server helps families and small businesses with multiple computers to organize, share, and protect photos, videos, music, and other important documents. Windows Home Server automatically backs up all of the home computers, monitors network health, and provides a central, easily expandable storage resource. It also allows users to access and share digital content with a built-in web page, and streams media to other devices in the home, such as Xbox 360. Users can expand the capabilities of the home server with a number of software and hardware add-ins.

Manufacturers set the final pricing for their products depending on hardware specifications, storage capacity, and additional capabilities. Prices range from $350 and up. Models are available from Acer, HP and Lenovo. System Builders and do-it-yourself users can acquire the software from a variety of online sources. Check out the "How to Buy" page for more information.

• Windows® 7 operating system (all editions)

• Windows Vista® operating system with Service Pack 2 (SP2) (including all 32-bit and 64-bit editions)

• Windows® XP operating system with Service Pack 3 (SP3) (including Tablet PC and Media Center editions)

In addition, home computers running earlier versions of Microsoft Windows, and computers running Apple MacOS 10.4 and higher can easily connect to a home server over your home network to access files and media stored in the shared folders on the home server.

Mac users benefit from almost all of the capabilities of Windows Home Server. Mac users can access Windows Home Server as a file server and have the ability to view and save files to shared folders. Mac-based computers can also remotely access Windows Home Server. Although the Windows Home Server automatic backup functionality is only available for Windows XP and Windows Vista computers, Mac users can run their own backup software that redirects backup files to the home server. Note: The HP MediaSmart Server includes Mac backup functionality.

Up to 10 home computers can install and use the Windows Home Server Connector software which enables automatic backup and access to shared folders on the home server.

Windows Home Server is a solution that meets the needs of Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) businesses. Windows Home Server is an affordable way to organize and safeguard important work documents. Automatic back up and complete computer recovery, the ease of adding additional storage space, and the ability to remotely access important files are just a few of the ways that Windows Home Server will help users run their businesses more efficiently. For more sophisticated small businesses that plan on growing, Windows Small Business Server 2008 adds additional business functionality and scales well beyond 10 users.

Windows Home Server offers the benefits of RAID, without the complexity. New hard drives of any size, either internal or external, can be added to Windows Home Server and the amount of available storage grows based on the size of the hard disk. On a system with two or more hard drives, Windows Home Server users can enable "duplication" on a shared folder basis and files are copied or "mirrored" on two separate hard drives. If a single hard drive fails, then a user will not lose any files in any folder that has "duplication" enabled. External hard drives can be added via USB, Firewire, or eSATA provided the Windows Home Server has the appropriate hardware inputs.

These products are complementary. Windows XP Media Center Edition and Windows Vista Home Premium are designed to run on personal computers and provide acquisition and management of media, such as TV programs, music, and photos. Windows Home Server is designed to make managing a home network with multiple computers, easier and more automatic. Windows Home Server provides a solution for storing, organizing, protecting, and streaming content.

Users can perform a Windows Home Server reinstallation using the Server Restore DVD. This will keep all existing files and the storage pool intact. Simply insert the DVD into a home computer that is attached via Ethernet cable to the router. For added protection, shared folders on the home server can be backed up to an external hard drive and moved offsite. In addition, Windows Home Server add-in software is available for off-site, Internet-based storage, and backup of important content.

The current version Windows Home Server is compatible with Windows 7 and the experience will be enhanced with Power Pack 3. Power Pack 3 is currently in beta testing and will be released before the end of 2009.