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.

HP is providing guidance for these 3 user scenarios:

1. PowerPack 1 installed, but no HP MediaSmart Server Software Update 1.3 or optional Add-ins installed.

2. HP MediaSmart Server Software Update1.3 installed, optional Add-ins installed, but WHS PowerPack 1 not installed.

3. A newly purchased HP MediaSmart Server w/ neither WHS PowerPack 1 nor HP MediaSmart Server Software Update 1.3 or optional Add-ins installed.

*Please note* It has been found that installing Windows Home Server PowerPack 1 and the two optional Add-ins from HP concurrently can utilize the majority of the resources on the Server during the install and initiation process. This may result in slow response times from the Server until each of these upgrades has completed their tasks. If you have installed other Add-ins or software packages that are active during the initial PowerPack 1 and MSS Software Update1.3 install and initiation processes on the Server, there may be an additional lag in response time. It has also been reported that the Windows Home Server Console can become unresponsive during this time. Once all applications have completed their tasks, the Server will return to normal operations.

Overview

WHS 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, better performance and it delivers a fix for the Drive Extender bug. This is the same WHS PowerPack 1 that has been available via download since July 21^st.

The HP MediaSmart Server Software Update1.3 will provide two optional Add-ins that you may choose to install: McAfee Server side anti-virus and Packet Video Connect media streaming. The Software Update will also fix some defects in the online guides, add several modifications to the HP Photo Webshare, improve Control Center performance and prepare the HP MediaSmart Server for Windows Vista 64-bit compatibility. Windows Vista 64-bit support does require users to install both WHS PowerPack 1 from Microsoft and MSS Software Update 1.3 from HP.

Upgrade Guidance - User Scenarios

1) If you have an HP MediaSmart Server, and you have installed WHS PowerPack 1, but have yet to install HP’s Software Update, HP recommends that you wait for PowerPack 1 to complete its operations. There is no indicator available to easily know when PowerPack 1 has finished. HP testing has shown that the more files you have on your Server, the longer it will take for PowerPack 1 to complete. However, the more hard disk drives you have installed on your Server, the time for PowerPack 1 to complete its processes does decrease.

For reference, HP testing shows that PowerPack 1 on a Server with 40GB, 100,000 files and 1 hard disk drive may take between 3 and 4 hours to finish. A Server with 40GB, 100,000 files and 3 hard disk drives may take between 1 and 1.5 hours to finish. A Server with 200GB, 100,000 files with 2 hard disk drives may take between 1 and 1.5 hours to finish. A Server with 750GB, 100,000 files with 3 hard disk drives may take between 1.5 and 2 hours to finish.

After PowerPack 1 has installed, the HP Software Update 1.3 is available by opening the WHS Console, navigating to the MediaSmart Server tab, looking below the HP MediaSmart software updates and clicking on “Check for updates.” This will install the HP Software Update and put the two optional Add-ins into the Add-in folder inside the Software folder on the MediaSmart Server.

HP recommends that the Add-ins are installed one at a time; install PacketVideo Connect first. Packet Video Connect will create a database of the media files on your Server. The database creation is not an intensive operation. HP testing shows that a Server with 40GB, 100,000 files may take approximately 1hour to 1.5 hours complete. A Server with 200GB, 100,000 files may take approximately 3 to 4 hours and a Server with 750GB, 100,000 files may take approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. Then install the McAfee server side anti-virus. McAfee will need to index all the files on your Server and this process will take approximately 1 hour to complete.

2) If you have a MediaSmart Server, and you have installed HP’s Software Update, including the McAfee Add-in, HP recommends that you uninstall the McAfee Add-in before installing PowerPack 1. To uninstall, log on to the WHS Console, => Settings, => Add-ins, on the Installed tab, click “Uninstall” on the McAfee Add-in.

If you have Windows Update turned on, it is an automated process and you will most likely receive Windows Home Server PowerPack 1 during the 3:00 am to 6:00 am maintenance window. If you have a backup underway, PowerPack 1 will wait for the backup to finish before installing and performing its operations.

For reference, HP testing shows that PowerPack 1 on a Server with 40GB, 100,000 files and 1 hard disk drive may take between 3 and 4 hours to finish. A Server with 40GB, 100,000 files and 3 hard disk drives may take between 1 and 1.5 hours to finish. A Server with 200GB, 100,000 files with 2 hard disk drives may take between 1 and 1.5 hours to finish. A Server with 750GB, 100,000 files with 3 hard disk drives may take between 1.5 and 2 hours to finish.

If you do not have Windows Update turned on, you will need to go to your WHS Console => Settings, => General, on the right pane click on the “Update Now…” button. After PowerPack 1 installs, you will be asked to install the new Windows Home Server Connector on each PC that has access to your Server. A pop-up will show on the taskbar indicating a new Windows Home Server Connector is available. Log on to the Windows Home Server Console, click on the Network Health button on the middle of the dark blue bar. On the Network Health drop-down box you will see a yellow highlighted notification asking you to install a new Windows Home Server Connector. Click on the link to install.

You can then re-install the optional McAfee server side anti-virus by logging on to the WHS Console, => Settings, => Add-ins, on the Available tab, click “Install” on the McAfee Add-in.

3) If you have a brand new HP MediaSmart Server, the HP Software Update 1.3 will be automatically installed during the initial set-up process; however the two optional MSS 1.3 Add-ins will be in the Add-in folder, but not installed. HP recommends that you first install Microsoft’s WHS PowerPack 1 before you complete these additional configuration tasks:

• Add any data to your Server

• Install the Windows Home Server Connector on other PCs on your network, or
• Install the optional McAfee and/or PacketVideo Connect.

Let PowerPack 1 complete its operations, and then add your data and install the optional Add-ins.

If you have Windows Update turned on, you will most likely receive Windows Home Server PowerPack 1 during the night. You can wait for this to happen or you can go and get PowerPack 1. Directions to get PowerPack 1 are in the next paragraph. If you have a backup underway, PowerPack 1 will wait for the backup to finish before installing and performing its operations.

If you do not have Windows Update turned on, you will need to go to your WHS Console => Settings, => General, on the right pane click on the “Update Now…” button. After PowerPack 1 installs, if you installed the WHS Connector on other PCs, you will be asked to install the new Windows Home Server Connector on each of those PCs. A pop-up will show on the taskbar indicating a new Windows Home Server Connector is available. Log on to the Windows Home Server Console, click on the Network Health button on the middle of the dark blue bar. On the Network Health drop-down box, you will see a yellow highlighted notification asking you to install a new Windows Home Server Connector. Click on the link to install.

HP recommends that you wait for PowerPack 1 to complete its operations. There is no indicator available to easily know when PowerPack 1 has finished. If you have already added files, HP testing has shown that the more files you have on your Server, the longer it will take for PowerPack 1 to complete. However, the more hard disk drives you have installed on your Server, the time for PowerPack 1 to complete its processes does decrease.

For reference, HP testing shows that PowerPack 1 on a Server with 40GB, 100,000 files and 1 hard disk drive may take between 3 and 4 hours to finish. A Server with 40GB, 100,000 files and 3 hard disk drives may take between 1 and 1.5 hours to finish. A Server with 200GB, 100,000 files with 2 hard disk drives may take between 1 and 1.5 hours to finish. A Server with 750GB, 100,000 files with 3 hard disk drives may take between 1.5 and 2 hours to finish.

After PowerPack 1 has installed, install the Windows Home Server Connector on each of the PCs that you want to connect to your Server. The next step will be to put all your files, such as photographs, videos, music or personal files on the Server.

HP recommends that the Add-ins are installed one at a time; install PacketVideo Connect first. Packet Video Connect will create a database of the media files on your Server. The database creation is not an intensive operation. HP testing shows that a Server with 40GB, 100,000 files may take approximately 1hour to 1.5 hours complete. A Server with 200GB, 100,000 files may take approximately 3 to 4 hours and a Server with 750GB, 118,000 files may take approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. Then install the McAfee server side anti-virus. McAfee will need to index all the files on your Server and this process will take approximately 1 hour to complete.

The Home Server Show - 12 HP MediaSmart Server Update

Show 12 covers news, e-mail, and the HP MediaSmart Server Update including PVConnect and McAfee.

Update: HP MSS Discontinued?  MediaSmartServer.net Forum Link HP Website Link

HP has responded to this link by saying, “The discontinued link on the HP site is an error.  There should be no link to Home Servers on the Discontinued/Retired page on the site. “  Thanks for clearing that up but as I said in the show I was hoping to see that new server soon!

Add-In: WHS Outlook Beta

All the WHS news you will ever need is at MSWHS.Com

First Feed Awards.  If you were a First Feed Award recipient please click here.

WHS WishList - I am starting a new segment in the podcast.  I will share my wishlist with you so leave a comment on what you are wishing for when it comes to Windows Home Server.  My wish this week is to have an Add-In that interfaces to Gallery2.

New Blog:  http://www.paulstimesink.com

Today’s Topic - HP Mediasmart Server Update, blunder or Wonder?

If you are not a HP MediaSmart owner you still need to hear this information!

Engadget Article

PVConnect Issues MediaSmartServer.net Forums

PVConnect/Twonky Forums

Don’t forget to vote for the Home Server Show at Podcast Alley. Thank you!

*I’m exporting the MP3 as VBR so the time of the podcast is hosed.  I hope to have that fixed next episode.

 

 The Home Server Show Podcast - 12 HP MediaSmart Server Update: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Home Server Show 11 - Power Pack 1 Extravaganza!

Todays Show - PP1 eXtravaganza! PVConnect review, restore CD for Windows Home Server, PP1 external backup, email and news.

Don’t forget to vote at Podcast Alley.

News

Drashna and GaMeR have proven that MCE2005 will run on WHS and you can check their progress in the WGS forums.

I have a new blog over on “thedigitalLifestyle.com.”  Ian Dixon has graciously given me some space to post my WHS happenings.  Ian was the first guest on the podcast and a big reason for it getting off the ground.  So thanks to Ian.  Please head over to the site and subscribe to Ian’s Podcast.  His Thursday show has Allen Buckner and they talk about the HP update to WHS.

I recently picked up a Windows Mobile 6 PDA Phone.  It’s the HTC PPC680 touchscreen.  Since I got this I obviously want to look at my sites on the mobile so I have enabled mobile on this site.  There are two different modes, iPhone and Windows based PDA.  I don’t have an iPhone so will someone with the iPhone jump on the site and give me some feedback?  I’m enjoying the new HTC and look forward to testing Mesh as well as using it with WHS and Media Center.

Listen to the end of the show to find out how to access Windows Home Server PVConnect for the HP MediaSmart Server VIA a web browser instead of the WHS Console.

New version of Home computer restore CD for Windows Home Server.

Deep Burner - CD/DVD Burning software.  It’s free and you can get it here.

Add-In: Media Connect Controller

PVConnect Review - You are going to need these links!

PVConnects official forum

MediasmartServer.net Forums - Look in Software

Here is a screen capture of the Add a Shared Folder box in PVConnect.  As I stated on the podcast if you click the folder name in the top portion and then change the content type in the bottom box, your folder selection will reset and you will not be adding the folder you selected.

PP1 External Backup

MSWHS.com mentions Paul Therrott’s Supersite for Windows PP1 Backup article

Did you know that you can add an external drive to your WHS and use it as an external backup solution and not have to format the drive?  

Normally, when you add a drive to the storage pool WHS formats it and adds it up.  If you attach an external drive to WHS you have the option of formatting it and adding it to the pool or using it as an External Back Up Drive.

When properly added it gives you the option of formatting the drive or preserving the files that are already on it.  That is very nice.  When you backup your WHS shares to the external they are visible on any computer you should plug the drive into.  So if you have sensitive information and take the drive to an off site location remember that.  If you would like to read more about this topic check the blog for a link to Edward Casiti’s blog.

He has a good writeup and shares his thoughts about the backup process.

Lastly, I need to thank Microsoft.  For some odd reason this whole bug experience has raised my awareness on backing up my precious photos and videos.  I’ll never again feel 100% secure and safe about my files.  Never.  Not that this is a bad thing and a ding against Microsoft.  This is just probably how you should feel if you really care about your data.

Don’t forget to vote for the podcast at podcast alley and send me your feedback, good or bad.

Dave

 

 The Home Server Show 11 - Power Pack 1 Extravaganza: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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!

PP1 Released! Windows Home Server Users Rejoice!!!

At 9:00 PST Microsoft announced the release of PP1.  This is a big day for Windows Home Server Owners who have patiently awaited the “bug fix” that has plagued this platform thus far.  Even though the pre-requisites required in order to be affected by the bug are numerous, it nevertheless hurt the platform immensly.  The press and attention to the issue was great.  One couldn’t hardly mention “Windows Home Server” without another pointing out it’s starting-gate stumble.

Power Pack 1 for Windows Home Server includes other niceties such as the x64 client.  The WHS Connector is required in order to take advantage of its many features including it’s most powerful managed backup service.  Other improvements in this realease include the ability to backup the shared folders to a removable drive, improved performance, efficiency, and remote access improvements.

On the heels of this release is supposedly the release of the HP Update for its MediaSmart Server.  The HP update includes various new offerings such as McAfee for WHS as well as PVConnect.  The PVConnect software widens the scope of WHS in its ability to stream media to such devices as the PS3, Xbox360, as well as added transcoding abilities.

Hopefully, the “stay-at-home” server has finally found it’s home.  Download here.

UPDATE:  The HP update is live as well.  When your done installing and configuring come back here and let me know what you think.  If you would like to share thoughts for the next podcast please e-mail them or drop a comment right here.  I’ll be busy copying all my photos and video to my fresh WHS!

BitDefender Total Security 2009 Beta Release 2

WGS reported on a BitDefender beta on May 31st. Release 2 has hit the site and is ready for download. If your not registered with BitDefender click here and get signed up. They have a great product. It is not necessarily dubbed a Windows Home Server product but they make a great client product. If you already have a PP1 test network you might want to give it a try.

By participating in this campaign you will get an exclusive preview of a whole set of brand new features that we invite you to put to the test:

• Online Backup: you can back up sensitive data online to keep it safe in case of unfortunate events such as computer theft or hard drive failure. This beta release will include Online Backup for Windows 32b systems, but beta 2 will include this feature in both 32b and 64b installation kits.

• Increased privacy protection through Instant Messaging Encryption: you can make sure that no one eavesdrops on the instant messaging traffic between your PC and another machine on which BitDefender is installed. BitDefender Total Security 2009 supports Yahoo! Messenger 8.1 and Windows Live Messenger 8.5.

• Increased Storage Protection with File Vault: you can securely store personal information or sensitive files on your computer, making them invulnerable to theft or to a security breach.

• More control via home network management: you can manage the security of your home network from a single location. This allows you to remotely configure the BitDefender software from other computers in the network and to schedule and run tasks such as scans, tune-up and update.

• Other Improvements: an improved Gamer mode, a Laptop mode, increased performance with lower resources consumption, enhanced usability, and firewall (IDS and IPv6 support) support.

We would also welcome any ideas and feedback regarding the usability of the product’s new user interface. Before submitting bugs, please read carefully the list of known issues and the proposed test cases available in your on your account on the beta website

The next beta will include an extended list of new features which will further improve your interaction with the product.

In order to be able to submit feature requests and bug reports, you need to create a BitDefender beta tester account (http://beta.bitdefender.com). If you already have an account from a previous BitDefender beta campaign, please use the same username and password. Please note that the bugs you submit will be confirmed fixed and marked as such in the next beta release.

PP1 Release - The Home Server Show Podcast wants your feedback

Power Pack 1 Beta has been released to Microsoft Connect.  If you have not signed up to test PP1 you still can by visiting http://connect.microsoft.com

The changes and feature list is impressive.  Click the Blogroll for details on testing PP1.  Better yet, sign up, download, and test!

I would like to hear from you about your PP1 testing, issues, comments, etc.  Send an e-mail, .WAV file, .MP3 file, fax, carrier pigeon, smoke signals, anything!  E-mail is “podcast” ATSign homeservershow.com.

If you get comments to me in the next couple of days I will get them in Show 5.  Thanks everybody!

PP1 Release Information

Microsoft Connect subscribers have new e-mail! PP1 testers are being asked to submit a three question survey and the PP1 Release Documentation is available for download. If you have not already signed up for Connect please do so. Lets test PP1 and get it released.

PP1 Public Beta Soon

Phillip Churchill over at MSWHS.com is reporting that the PP1 Beta should be released in a couple of weeks. In our second podcast we discussed signing up for Microsoft Connect so you can be notified of the beta release. Sign up for Microsoft Connect now. Stay tuned for more information and discussion on this public beta.