Microsoft recently released the first update to Windows Home Server. In addition to delivering the update to existing Windows Home Server installation via Windows Update, Microsoft have provided the updated software to their OEM and distribution partners.
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 customer and partner feedback, Microsoft 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
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.
