We Got Served

Microsoft announced several weeks ago that they were working on the first set of a series of product enhancements for Windows Home Server, which prompted HP to delay release of their HP MediaSmart Server hardware.

HP and other partners received these updates last week, and later today, the Windows Home Server September update will be released to Windows Update for download. At this point, it isn’t clear whether the update will apply to those running the RC/Beta build of Windows Home Server, or just the RTM release. Update: MS have confirmed (below) that the update will only apply to those running the RTM build of Windows Home Server.

Todd Headrick gives the low-down on what’s included in the update – on first looks, it looks like these are relatively minor updates to improve the setup experience, and improve the pre-installation process for OEMs.

Functionality improvements in the update include:

The out-of-the-box experience warns users not to reboot Windows Home Server while updates are being downloaded and applied

A text message has been added to the “Windows Home Server Update” step of the home server setup explicitly instructing users to not reboot their home servers.

Windows Home Server Connector Firewall Blocking Issues

The installation of the Windows Home Server Connector software can fail due to firewall software installed on a home computer. The Windows Home Server Connector software and corresponding help files have been updated to help further identify and troubleshoot issues with firewall software or incorrect proxy server settings on home computers.

Remote Access Configuration and Troubleshooting

Remote Access configuration steps and corresponding help files have been enhanced to help a user better understand and troubleshoot issues with their home network router/firewall and broadband provider’s offering.

Users and Passwords

Based on feedback from our customers and partners we have made changes to provide additional guidance on creating user accounts and passwords on Windows Home Server. The User Accounts tab in the Windows Home Server Console has been improved to provide additional information and user education about user accounts and passwords to first-time users of the product.

Improvements in Home Computer Backup technologies

Network interruptions may occur in a home network environment because of some connectivity problems. This update enhances the backup technologies in Windows Home Server, helping customers backup a home computer if a network interruption occurs.

Using Single File Restore no longer asks users to reboot when driver is installed

The file system driver installation required to mount a backup on a user’s home computer incorrectly reports that it requires a reboot to complete installation. A text message has been added to the Opening Backup dialog to ignore the reboot request.

OEM product users are no longer asked to enter a product key during initial setup

Our OEM hardware partners pre-configure and pre-activate their offerings with a Windows Home Server product key. In the initial release, users were asked to enter a software product key, which was an unnecessary step. Customers who purchase non-OEM built systems will still be required to enter their software product key.

The update will be switched on at Windows Update later today – keep a look-out.