Home Server Show

The Home Server Show Video Podcast 1 - Upgrading the RAM in your HP Media Smart Server Part 2

Here is the second video showing you the final steps to upgrade the ram in your Media Smart Server.

Part 3 will show you how to put it all back together.

Instructions that were followed in this video can be found at HomeServerHacks.com

After completing the upgrade you will need to adjust the page file on the server as discussed on the video. That instruction set can also be found at HomeServerHacks.com

 

 Part 2 of a video demonstrating how to upgrade your HP Media Smart Server RAM from 512MB to 2GB.: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

HP to allow Memory Upgrades to your Media Smart Server without voiding warranty

Just as the headline states, HP has agreed to allow consumers to upgrade their Media Smart Servers and it will not void your warranty.

Just to make it a little easier, here is the link to the most popular memory module for Media Smart owners. G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory


G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory

All the details after the click…

Click to read more…

Add-In Review: Jungle Disk for Windows Home Server

Add-In Review:  Jungle Disk for Windows Home Server

by:  David McCabe

It doesn’t matter how many backups you have of your data if they all reside at the same location.  Enter Off-Site backups.   The Jungle Disk Windows Home Server Edition BETA allows you to automatically backup your Windows Home Server shared folders to Amazon.com’s S3 Storage Service.

Click to read more…

Train Signal’s Windows Home Server Video Training - Review and Giveaway

Trainsignal.com has sent me a copy of their Windows Home Server (WHS) training video for review. Trainsignal was just named by Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in America. They produce training for subjects ranging from Microsoft Office, Microsoft Server, Exchange Server to CompTIA and Cisco Training. The training is geared towards IT professionals trying to stay current with technologies and also to provide computer based training for people looking to switch careers.

The full review is after the click…

Click to read more…

HP’s Guide to installing HP MediaSmart Server and Powerpack 1

From thedigitallifestyle.com and Mediasmarthome.com

Microsoft’s Windows Home Server (WHS) PowerPack 1 is available on August 12 via the automated Windows Update distribution process. The Aug 12 release is the same WHS PowerPack 1 that has been available via download since July 21^st With HP’s MediaSmart Server Software Update 1.3 also available, HP would like to offer MediaSmart Server (MSS) customers installation guidance for these upgrades so that you have a smooth and optimal installation experience.

Read the entire guide after the click…

Click to read more…

I want to build one too!!! My Windows Home Server Build Sheet

This article was written for release on July 21st but Power Pack One being released that day got all the news.  This post would have been shuffled to the back very quickly.  I decided to hold onto it so the pricing may not be timely.

Everybody is publishing a build sheet for a home grown Windows Home Server. I can’t let the opportunity pass me by since I occasionally build gaming rigs.  It’s a labor of love mostly.

Cue the drum-roll and trumpets, the list is after the click…

Click to read more…

HP Update Slowing down MediaSmart Windows Home Servers?

In Podcast 11 I reported a slowdown of my HP Media Smart Server after installing PVConnect.  I attributed this to PVConnect creating a database of the many Photos, Videos, and Music files I have stored on my MSS.  I viewed it as a normal process.  Indexing takes CPU cycles and hits the hard drives hard.

Engadget is reporting much worse symptoms but it seems they are reporting issues with both PVConnect installed and the new McAfee Antivirus Add-In installed.  This would certainly make sense but you would think this issue would have been addressed. The MS and HP bashers are having fun with the comments section.  “Doood, Leeeenix can cure that.”  Oh, sorry, I’m supposed to be professional.  Give me a break though Linux guy.

A good explanation of the slowdown can be found at withinwindows.com as reported by mswhs.com.  Could we see an officially supported RAM Upgrade procedure from HP?  I hardly think so but it’s looking more likely that my virgin MSS is soon to be violated.

Here is your chance…sound off about the new Add-Ins and the HP Update in general.  Did you have the cajones to install both Add-Ins?  At the same time?

How to access PVConnect from a Web Browser

It is possible to access the PVConnect settings from a browser but you first have to enable it.  In order to access it from PC’s on your network you have to first make changes from the local browser.  You will need to be comfortable with Remote Desktop in order to continue.

1.       Start a Remote Desktop Session to you HP Media Smart Server.

2.       Login as administrator.

3.       Open a web browser.

4.       Access your http://yourservername:9000.  Example:  http://hpserver:9000.  If you are blocked by browser security it may be necessary to add this to your trusted sites.

You should be greeted with this screen.  Click Twonky Media Settings.

Click Network.

Now change the web access to Public Access and save changes.  You are done!  You can now access this page from any browser on your network.

But wait!  Did you see the mobile browser links on that first page?

Oh yeah baby!  Have fun!

Update: Here is a shot of my HTC connected to WHS via it’s Wi-Fi.

Disclaimer:  I have only used web access to PVConnect in order to view settings.  I have not made changes and I cannot say if it has any effect or ill-effect on the WHS Add-In.   I’m just recklessly publishing what I found!  Thanks goes out to the twonky forums and mediasmartserver.net forums for keeping us up to date on PVConnect.

Hard Drive Deals at NewEgg.com

I mentioned in Podcast 11 that I’ll be on the lookout for hard drive deals.  Here are the latest deals at NewEgg.com


Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB 3.5″ SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$84.99 with promo code: EMCAHCFAD Free Shipping!


Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB 3.5″ SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$74.99 with Promo Code: EMCAHCFAF Free Shipping!


Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1TB 3.5″ SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$179.99 with Promo Code: EMCAHCFAC Free Shipping!

Power Pack 1 Integration in progress!

Windows Home Server users have been busy for the last couple of days.  PP1 was released on Monday, July 21st, and after the celebration WHS owners got busy.  Downloading and installing PP1 was the easy part but each PC on your network had to be updated with a new connector.  A few ran into troubles running the PP1 update file and others with the connectors but for the most part it was a seamless transition.

Now the real work begins. I personally have been busy copying photos and video from external drives to WHS Shared Folders.  I also converted all four drive bays of my HP MediaSmart Server to WHS drive storage.  It was nice to see four blue lights on the front of the server.  I have four, 500 Gig drives in the server and I’m already starting to think that I need to convert to 1 TB drives!

I bet all the you 64 bit guys and gals are happy campers now!  Not to mention the HP users.  The HP update coming on the heels of PP1 was crazy!  Add-In’s galore awaiting install.  Oh, and a note to HP.  You can resume selling MediaSmart Servers with two drives in them.  Like you needed me to tell you that.

I am interested in how the release of PP1 is changing the way you use your WHS.

• Are you moving your My Documents folder to WHS?
• Did you move all your photos and video to WHS Shared Folders?
• Install any Add-Ins that you have been wanting to use?
• Turning on Shared Folder duplication?
• Are you using the new external drive backup feature?
• HP owners, are you happy with the new update?  Installed the Add-Ins?

Windows Home Server owners; wipe the sweat off your brow, sit back and admire the results of your work over the last few days, and let your WHS take care of the rest.  It’s Miller time.  (for you non-stateside folks insert the name of your most favorite brew)

Lastly, I would like to thank the WHS team for getting the update to us as well as the HP team for a great server and update.  It is going to be fun to watch the product evolve more fully now.  I have a feeling the information in the community will evolve as well.  Happiness is “KB 946676″ in your rear-view mirror!