Home Server Hacks

$299 for a MediaSmart Server from HP

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:35:00 +0000

Earlier today I wrote about how to get an HP MediaSmart Server for only $369. If that seems way too expensive, then how about $299 instead?

OK, there is a small catch. You will pay $399, but Microsoft will issue you a $100 rebate check for using Live Search, bringing your total out of pocket to $299. And remember that included free shipping.

Here's how:

Go to search.live.com and search for HP.
At the top (as a sponsored link) you should see an ad from HP that says "Get 25% Cashback on PCs, Printers and More". If you do not, keep hitting refresh until you do.
Click on the "Live Search cashback" link and this popup (below) should appear. Enter your email address and the capcha and click "Earn Cashback".
You will then be taken to the HP store. Search for EX470 and it will take you to a search results page (the EX470 MedisSmart Server should be the first and only items listed).
Once on the MediaSmart Server page you will see a $100 instant savings and a $50 instant saving, bringing the cost to $399.
Click Adding Item and then View Cart and Checkout on the next screen.
Complete the checkout as normal.

Unfortunately using this method you will not see a place to enter the $30 off SV2132 coupon code from the last article, but you should gladly trade a $100 rebate for $30 off.

And when your done, come back and upgrade your memory to 2GB! :)

$369 for a MediaSmart Server from HP

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:17:00 +0000

HP is moving out it's EX470 MediaSmart Servers. Why? Who cares! I say jump on these bargains while you can. As reported by Philip Churchill over on MSWHS.com, HP has the EX470 on sale for $399 (after $150 in instant rebates). Add to that a $30 coupon code and the price drops to only $369.

Just go to HP.com, add the MediaSmart Server to your cart, then enter Coupon Code SV2132 when on the second checkout screen (as shown below). Add to that free shipping and you are well on your way to Home Server bliss.

Welcome New Home Server Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:18:00 +0000

If you are interested in developing Windows Home Server applications, check out the new blog by Windows Home Server Disk Management Add-In author and Microsoft MVP Sam Wood. I can't wait to see what articles he comes up with in the coming months.

Good luck and welcome Sam!

HP's Allen Buckner on TV

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:53:00 +0000

More from the "while I was out" department…

Hewlett Packard's Home Server Marketing Manager Allen Buckner talks to a local TV station about the HP MediaSmart Server and HP MediaSmart Connect.

Watch the video:

HP Memory Upgrade Does NOT Void Warranty

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:39:00 +0000

From the "while I was out" department, HP announced in September that a user can upgrade the HP MediaSmart Server without voiding the warranty.

Here is part of the statement (read all):

Based on customer feedback, HP will now offer a path for consumers to upgrade the memory on the HP MediaSmart Server without voiding the hardware warranty. HP customer feedback and research shows that some customers are installing multiple add-ins and/or additional software to the MediaSmart Server, which can lead to a need for additional memory.

Here is what Windows expert and Microsoft MVP Ed Bott had to say:

But forcing customers to search for third-party upgrade instructions is doing a disservice to the community. Windows Home Server MVP Donavon West has put together a superb step-by-step document, with illustrations, that walks you through the process. I followed Donavon’s instructions and had no problems taking the server apart or putting it back together. (And no, I have no desire to upgrade the processor on this server, especially knowing that that upgrade will be completely unsupported.)

HP should have paid Donavon for those instructions and illustrations and then made them available as a downloadable support document from the HP site. Add disclaimers (“This is an unsupported upgrade. If you damage any other components while disassembling the server, any necessary repairs will be outside of normal warranty coverage.”)

Thanks Ed, but I have yet to receive a check from HP. :)

And if you haven't done so already, you can read my entire "How to Upgrade the Memory in your HP EX470" article.

DIY Home Server for $300

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:31:00 +0000

Back in April, I brought you an article on how to build a Windows Home Server based on the Shuttle KPC for $409. As prices continue to fall and as the cost of the most expensive component (the Windows Home Server OEM DVD) recently fell to $99, you can now build the same unit for as little as $311.

Ask the Home Server Guy

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:25:00 +0000

The election is over. It's time to get back to the emails from the Internets.

Dear Home Server Guy: Do you know of another CPU cooler that fits in the EX470 besides the stock unit? Or possible the dimensions of the factory unit? I only ask because I think mine is running a little on the hot side.

If you are talking about the heat sink, no, I am unaware of an aftermarket part that will fit. If you suspect that your EX470 is running hot because of a CPU upgrade, make sure you have a thin layer of thermal grease. If you are still seeing CPU or system temps above where you would like, I have a rather crude suggestion. It involves adding an external 80mm fan to the outside of the case. Extreme, yes. Tacky, you betcha (we'll miss you Sarah). But effective.

Unplug the EX470 and place it on your work surface.
Using a #00 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two mini screws, unlock the locking mechanism and gently position the front grill so that you can work (no need to remove it completely).
Plug any case/CPU fan into the white 3 pin connector near the front of the motherboard. I used and old 80mm stock CPU fan (as the duct and grime in the photo proves).
Making sure you don't pinch the fan wires, replace the grill and the two mini screws.
Attach the fan to the grill as best as you can. As this blog is titled Home Server HACKS, I thought it best to use masking tape. :) Make sure you observe the direction of air flow (fan should blow inwards). Also note that masking tape is not the best solution as it covers some of the holes in the front grill, but you get the picture.
Power up and feel the cool breeze flow!

NOTE: I would use this technique only as a last resort or stop-gap measure. If your EX470 is running hot, find the root cause (bad fan?) by contacting HP support.

Hi. I'm a fan of your site homserverhacks.com and I very much enjoy reading your informative posts. I'm in the market to buy the EX470, but I'm wondering if you have any inside information on when or even if HP will come out with a better model anytime soon. I can either go and take a gamble and buy the 470 right now and just upgrade the memory and be happy, or wait it out until a new model comes out. What do you think? My main purpose on buying the EX470 is for the backups of my media files and posting pictures on the web, pretty simple stuff.

First off, thanks. If its JUST the simple stuff you mentioned, I'd jump in now while prices are low (eBay has units for around $400). Or you could wait and buy someone's used EX470 after they upgrade (and after you see what features a possible new MediaSmart Server has). OR you could build your own KPC based WHS for a little over $300.

Windows Home Server now $99

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:02:00 +0000

The price of the System Builder SKU for Windows Home Server has now been lowered. This reduction means that the current retail price for WHS is now more affordable than ever. In fact, we’re seeing it appear on NewEgg for only $99!

The System Builder SKU for WHS is a great version of the OS for do-it-yourselfers who want to pick out their own hardware and build their own devices.

Not only will you get this great OS at an ever lower price, but you can now also order WHS with Power Pack 1. If you’ve been thinking about installing WHS on one of your home machines, now is a great time to buy.

Update the Marvell 6121 eSATA Driver

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:31:00 +0000

If you have an HP MediaSmart Server and are using an external eSATA drive, you may want to keep the driver up-to-date. I use my eSATA connector (and thus the Marvell driver) as I am using an external 4 drive bay SATA enclosure which gives my main system a possible 8 drives in total.

Above is a picture of my system. The unit on the left is my red HP MediaSmart Server, the box next to it is the 4 drive external bay and the one on the right is my DIY KPC Home Server and on top of that is my iHomeServer. The USB cable running out the front of the EX470 is attached to my color printer.

Here are the steps to update your driver:

Download the latest Marvell 6121 driver V1.2.0.57 from the ASUS website, unzip it and copy it over to your MediaSmart server (a good place would be to the \\server\software share).
Remote desktop into your home server (follow steps 2-4 here if you need help), locate the driver and execute drvSetup.exe. Click "Next" through the series of screens.
When you see this warning, click "Install Anyway".
If you are connected to an external drive (or array), the driver will temporarily become unusable and the drives unreachable. WHS will display a warning. It is a good idea if you do this when the system is idle (i.e. not load balancing and no one is writing data).
You will see another dialog asking if it is OK to install the drive. Click Yes.
That's it!
You can verify that the new driver is installed in the Device manager.

Server Feng Shui

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:19:00 +0000

The kitchy Stay at Home Server site has been updated with snazzy Silverlight user interface, videos and a new must read book. If you find yourself sitting around with absolutely nothing to do (and you've already watched the Peanut Butter Jelly Time video today), then hop over and check it out! :)

Tranquil SQUASH

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:01:00 +0000

Tranquil PC has announced a new Windows Home Server platform called the SQA-5H (SQUASH). It features a 5 bay tool-less drive bay, near silent operation and low power consumption.

The units is expected to ship November 6th go order yours now. For more information see the Tranquil PC website or download the 6 page brochure.

Dress up your KPC for Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:54:00 +0000

If you have built one of my ~~$400~~ $354 KPC Home Servers, then you may be interested in this. Shuttle is offering a free dress up kit. All you need to do it enter the serial number from the back of your K45 and they will ship it right to your door. Even the shipping is free. Boo!

Click here for details.

2009 Microsoft MVP Award

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:48:00 +0000

This year I am pleased and honored to be named a three time recipient of Microsoft's MVP Award.

In years past, I received the award for my work with Windows Live (as a gadget developer). This year, it was for my work with Windows Home Server and my blog Home Server Hacks (HSH).

I must apologize for my absence from HSH for the past few months. Most of my efforts of late have gone to helping to elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States with by personal blog donavon.com and through volunteer work. With that all but in the bag (fingers crossed and breath held), I will be shifting my efforts back to Home Sever after November 4th.

Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:05:00 +0000

If you’re any kind of computer geek at all then you know the names Paul Thurrott and Leo Laporte. Over on twit.tv they do a podcast together called Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott.

Last week’s show featured Microsoft at the Olympics and during the segment they also mentioned my Beijing 2008 medal count Windows Vista Sidebar Gadget.

Head on over and give it a listen. It’s at roughly the 50 minute mark. Thanks Paul!

Mommy, Why is my Home Server on Fire?

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:54:00 +0000

This reference is a bit dated, but I wanted to point out Rafael Rivera’s humorous take on upgrading his WHS to PP1 (although I’m sure that he didn’t find it funny at the time). Notice the title and sub-title in the image above.

Personally, I haven’t had these issues on my WHS, but then again I’ve done both the 2GB memory upgrade (a MUST for any EX470 MediaSmart Server owner) and the processor upgrade.

I also have NOT installed McAffe.

Add-In Central

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:10:00 +0000

A new Windows Home Server Add-in website called whsaddins.com has come online that has nothing but a list of add-ins available for Windows Home Server. It’s pretty cool so check it out.

Beijing 2008 Olympics Medal Count Gadget

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:28:00 +0000

I try to refrain from too much non-WHS self promotion, but I just had to let everyone know about my latest gadget. It is the Beijing 2008 medal count Windows Vista Sidebar gadget.

Use it to stay up-to-date with the top 5 medal winning countries. You can sort by Gold/Silver/Bronze or by total medal count.

U S A! U S A!

640GB drive only $84

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:58:00 +0000

NewEgg has a great deal on Western Digital 640GB drives; just $84. Plus you get free shipping. Just click here and use promo code EMCAHCFAD at checkout. 500GB Western Digital drives ship standard in the HP MediaSmart Server EX470, so you won’t ave any compatibility issues.

Update the Connector Software

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:02:00 +0000

After you install the new Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 update, you will need to install the new Connector client on each of your computers. You likely did this originally with the Windows Home Server Client install DVD, but this time you can just install it from a folder share.

Navigate to the \\server\software folder (where “server” is the name of your home server).
Open the folder “Home Server Connector Software”.
Double click on the file Setup.exe to begin the install.
As this will authorize the client to access the Windows Home Server, you will need to type in the Administrator password.
Decide if you want future updates to install automatically (the default is yes)
With Power Pack 1, you can instruction the Connector to wake up your PC each night (if it is off) to perform the backup. While this seems like an attractive prospect, note that if you travel, your PC could awaken while snuggly tucked away in it’s computer bag under the seat in front of you while on a red-eye back from Vegas. This is probably why the default if No. If you have a desktop, you can probably safely say Yes.
After a few seconds, the install will be complete.
Repeat this procedure on each computer in your home.

Software Update for the HP MediaSmart Server

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:46:00 +0000

Corresponding with Microsoft’s Power Pack 1 release (get that first if you haven’t already), HP has released a software update for the HP MediaSmart Server. This update delivers enhanced media streaming capability from PacketVideo, server-side anti-virus protection from McAfee and prepares the HP MediaSmart Server for compatibility with 64-bit operating systems.

The software update is available now via an automatic update, or users can select “Check for Updates” in the Windows Home Server console. If you’re like me, you want the update NOW.

Here’s how you can get it:

Open the Windows Home Server Console (i.e. double click on the tray icon)
Click on the MediaSmart Server tab and click on the Check for Updates link
If a few seconds the download will start.
You may see this dialog if you may not previously installed the April update. If so that’s ok. Just install that first, then repeat the procedure until there are no further updates. Otherwise just skip to the net step.
You should then see this dialog. Click Next and follow along.
After a few minutes the setup will complete and you are done!
You will likely see a client alert, which you can optionally install below.

Install the McAffe Software

If you want to install the optional McAffee software (and a few others that may be available), follow these directions. If not, skip to the next section.

Once again, Open the Windows Home Server Console
Click on the Settings button
Click on the Add-ins tab
Click on the Available Add-Ins tab and install to your heart’s content

No Thanks Mr. McAffe

If you DON’T want to install McAffe (and don’t want the constant nagging):

Open the Windows Home Server Console
Click on Network at Risk
Check the “Ignore this issue” box and the warning will go away.

Power Pack 1 - Come and get it!

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:00:00 +0000

The team is pleased to announce that Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 has been released to manufacturing (RTM) and is now available on the Microsoft Download Center!

The English version is available now and German, Spanish and French versions will be available on the Download Center soon. Windows Home Server customers who don't download it on their own will receive Power Pack 1 via Windows Update in August, and the new Chinese and Japanese versions will RTM in August, too.

As many know, Power Pack 1 provides a range of new enhancements, including support for home computers running Windows Vista x64 editions, backup of home server Shared Folders, improvements to remote access, more efficient power consumption and improved performance. And, of course, it delivers a fix for the data corruption bug. Documentation for Power Pack 1 (Build #1800, to those who have been part of the beta testing) is available here.

Our OEM partners will be updating their systems with Power Pack 1 and HP will release a software update for the HP MediaSmart Server, delivering enhanced media streaming capabilities from PacketVideo, server-side anti-virus from McAfee and compatibility with 64-bit home PCs.

Windows Home Server can now be purchased in 50 countries worldwide. And a growing ecosystem of third-party software developers have released or announced approximately 60 Add-in programs extending Windows Home Server's capabilities. The Windows Home Server SDK has been updated for Power Pack 1, too, including new support for the client PC side (i.e. notifications to/from home computers).

We continue to hear fantastic feedback from our customers about how Home Server is helping them protect their digital media, share it with friends and family, and access it from outside of the home. Thank you to our beta testers and partners for helping us ship Power Pack 1, and to the Home Server community as a whole for its ongoing support and enthusiasm.

The Windows Home Server Team

Complete installation instructions are available from the download page, but here is an overview.

Click the Download button to start the download of the file called WHS-KB944289-v1-x86-ENU.exe to your home computer.
On the Download dialog, click Save and then save the file to your home computer.
Copy the file from your Home Computer to your Home Server by Double-clicking the Shared Folders on Server shortcut on your home computer desktop.
Double-click the Software shared folder on your home server.
Copy the file you downloaded above from your home computer to the Software shared folder on your home server.
Connect to your Windows Home Server Administrator’s Desktop.
Minimize or close the Windows Home Server caution window.
Double-click the Shared Folders on Server shortcut on your home server desktop.
Double-click the Software shared folder.
Double-Click WHS-KB944289-v1-x86-ENU.exe and complete the installation wizard to install Power Pack 1. Your home server restarts after the wizard completes.

After you install Power Pack 1, check out these addition steps:

Update the Connector Software

Software Update for the HP MediaSmart Server

KPC: Basic Black or now Silver

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:21:00 +0000

Looking to build one of the $379 Home Servers but hate the thought of another black box (literally) in your house? The Shuttle KPC (the barebones PC that the $379 WHS is based on) now also comes in silver for the same price.

It’s still not white or red, but unless you want to paint it yourself, then this will have to do for now.

And remember to send me pictures of your build so that I can include them in the DIY gallery.

A $379 Windows Home Server

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:54:00 +0000

I’ve heard from many of you who have built your own $400 Windows Home Server. As with most technology, prices fall over time. What was a parts list totaling $409 is now $30 lower. The cost to built a complete Windows Home Server is now only $379! And not only that, but the processor that I originally recommended, the Intel Celeron 420, has been discontinued. So I’ve replaced it with a more powerful, yet cheaper Intel Celeron 430.

If you’ve been holding out then now is the time. With a Windows Home Server for only $379 and Power Pack 1 almost out the door, there has never been a better time to built your own and save BIG.

For complete instructions read the original article.

Item	Cost
Shuttle KPC Barebone	$99
Intel Celeron 430 1.8GHz	$39
WD 500GB hard drive	$79
Windows Home Server DVD	$149
Kingston 512MB Memory	$11
Any random 92mm case fan	$2
T O T A L	$379

Survey Says…

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:32:00 +0000

The Windows Home Server team at Microsoft is conducting a survey to help them understand their audience and they have asked for your help.

If you would like to help, please take a few minutes to fill out the following survey. I just did and it took me about 10 minutes to complete.

English http://v2.decipherinc.com/survey/cs/con08035?list=1&ws=4
German http://v2.decipherinc.com/survey/cs/con08035/de?list=2&ws=4

Home Server Hacks goes Mobile!

noreply@blogger.com (Donavon West) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 02:03:00 +0000

Are you addicted to Home Server Hacks? Do you wake up each morning in anticipation of another episode of Ask the Home Server Guy? Do you find yourself speeding home from school or the office and running straight to your PC to check for another beer koozie giveaway?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions (we’ll even settle for an semi-enthusiastic “not really”), then do we have a surprise for you. Home Server Hacks has gone mobile! That’s right, with the help of MoFuse you can now read our blog on-the-go on either an iPhone or Windows Mobile device.

Simply point your mobile browser at one of these URLs:

Windows Mobile	http://m.hshacks.com
iPhone	http://i.hshacks.com