It was the case of Windows Vista and it will be the same for Windows Home Server. Even before Vista hit the shelves, Jim Allchin (Former) Co-President, Platforms & Services Division was getting users ready for the process of updating a brand new operating system. Well, the Redmond company will yet again put its updating infrastructure at work, but this time with Windows Home Server. Although the product released to manufacturing in mid July was tested by in excess of 100,000 members of the beta customer community, the participants in the test drive failed to reveal to Microsoft the way to make the best out of Windows Home Server before the code went gold.
Todd Headrick, the product planner for the Microsoft Windows Home Server, explained that after
the operating system was released to original equipment manufacturers, the company managed to identify actions needed to be taken in order to "improve the out-of-the-box experience of home server solutions." Consequently, HP postponed the market availability of MediaSmart Server, its hardware infrastructure for Windows Home Server. Both Microsoft and HP claim that MediaSmart with WHS will be available prior to the holiday season, and not delayed until early 2008.
On September 25, Microsoft released the first update for Windows Home Server. "This update will enhance the usability and improve the out-of-the-box experience for customers. In addition to delivering the update to existing Windows Home Server customers via Windows Update, we have provided the updated software to our OEM and distribution partners. Windows Home Server has come a long way from its inception, and we're excited to deliver these enhancements to help people use and enjoy the full range of the product's features", Headrick explained, adding that this update is but the first refresh to be introduced to the product throughout its lifecycle.
Following the introduction of the update, end users will no longer have to enter a product key on a pre-configured and pre-activated OEM version of Windows Home Server. Software product keys will only be required on non-OEM built systems, but Microsoft's OEM hardware partners will deliver Windows Home Server already activated, and the initial setup will skip the step. The Redmond company was also made sure that network interruptions do not impact in any manner the Home Computer Backup process.
"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", Headrick added.
After the implementation of the update, Windows Home Server users will have access to additional guidance on setting up accounts and passwords, via a revamped Accounts tab in the product's console. Moreover, the refresh will introduce superior remote access configuration and troubleshooting capabilities. "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", Headrick said.
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