PC Hard Drive Restore from Windows Home Server to a USB Drive

Timothy Daleo
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22

What do you do if your PC cannot connect to your network or server during a PC Restore from Windows Home Server? If you have another PC on the network and a USB enclosure you can remove the drive and Restore from outside the PC.

USB Drive Restore

Background

My moms Inspiron 15 was having a conflict with SlingPlayer and simply removing the program did not solve the issue. Her work tech had made some changes and the laptop turned into a brick after Windows started.

I had a clean backup from a few weeks ago and told her I would Restore it last night. My plan was to stop by the parents, start the Restore and go home. I have done this a dozen times. Easy right?

Not tonight.

Video of the Error

Every time I got to the Server connection screen it would NOT find the Server. What’s a boy to do? (insert Google rejected curse word here)

 

Restore to a USB Drive?

Yes, you can put the existing drive in a USB Enclosure and Restore your PC to that drive. This also means if you want to upgrade your drive for example, you can do it outside your existing system and just swap the drives out when you are done. How cool is that? I love Windows Home Server. Seriously.

Remove Drive

Pull the drive out of the Inspiron 15. Two screws.

USB Drive Restore

Remove the drive from the tray. Two more screws.

USB Drive Restore

Hold drive in hand. Take picture with phone.

USB Drive Restore

Xtreamer Media Streamer Firmware Update Available – Version 2.1.3.

Andrew Edney
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4

As you are all probably aware, we are huge fans of the Xtreamer Media Streamer. One of our readers, Pete Campbell reminded me earlier that the latest version of the firmware came out at the end of last year, version 2.1.3.

Xtreamer

The last time I did a post about the firmware updates was back in September 2009 and since then there has actually been 6 additional firmware releases and now this new one – I really need to pay more attention.

What’s new in this firmware

Improvements
1. NFS shares mounted via WEB GUI will be displayed in “Media Library->Network Shares”
– It has been moved from “Favorites” to “Network Shares”
– You can add a NSF mounted directory to “Favorites” by pressing “FUNC->Add to Favorites”
2. Photo preview EXIF info font size increased.
Bugs Fixed:
1. Xtreamer crashes or reboots during video playback or when starting a next file. Fixed.
2. Thumbnail display bug. Fixed.
3. “Forbidden” symbol removed during reconnecting to network.
4. “DELETE(3)” button blocked in “Favorites” menu.

To download the latest firmware, or an older one if you really wanted to, just click here.

If you want to see how easy it is to update the firmware, take a look at the video I did back in September for the last firmware I updated by clicking here.

And if you want to learn more about the Xtreamer, take a look at a couple of the articles I wrote below:

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2009/09/13/review-of-the-xtreamer/

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2009/10/27/review-of-the-xtreamer-cooler-the-xsc/

Now We Know – HD View by Microsoft

Timothy Daleo
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2

HD View is the new viewer from Microsoft that displays very large images. I mean REALLY large images. How about 2,045 12 megapixel images stitched together? You have to see this.

Untitled

HD View Beta³

HD View is a viewer that allows you to see large gigapixel panoramas by zooming and panning through your web browser. There is a lot more to it than that but I am not going to talk to the specs on this one. Just go and get the viewer and start the fun!

http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/groups/ivm/HDView/HDGigapixel.htm

Installation

Installation is easy. Just click on Install HD View and follow the prompts.

HD View Beta³

HD View Beta³ HD View Beta³

HD View Beta³ HD View Beta³

After the installation is complete, refresh the link or click below:

http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/groups/ivm/HDView/HDGigapixel.htm

and install the ActiveX control:

HD View Beta³

and now you are ready to start looking at some incredible panoramas!

More on the D-Link Boxee Box at CES

Andrew Edney
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8

Back in December 2009, we reported on D-Link’s announcement about them joining forces with Boxee to release the Boxee Box media streaming device.

At CES, one of the most popular booths was D-Link. This was partly to do with their various announcements just before show, but also because they had the Boxee Box on display and actually running, including with it’s new beta software that had literally just come out then and there! Oh yeah, and they had a couple of the Suicide Girls demoing the Boxee Box. Now these were not your usual “booth babes” – these girls really knew their stuff and they were a pleasure to talk to.

Boxee Box at CES

Over the course of the 4 days of CES, the Boxee Box won a number of well deserved awards.

THE BOXEE BOX

You have probably seen pictures of the Boxee Box by now, but one thing you really don’t get a sense of from the previous pictures is just how tiny it really is!

Boxee Box at CES Boxee Box at CES

Boxee Box at CES - Side View

Hopefully you can see from the picture above the USB device plugged into the back and also the USB port on the front corner – that should give you an indication of the small size of it!

Boxee Box at CES - Front on view

Iomega ScreenPlay Director HD Media Player

Andrew Edney
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0

Media streaming and media player devices are becoming extremely popular, and lets be honest, we all love them!

At CES earlier this month, Iomega announced their new ScreenPlay Director HD Media Player.

Here’s what Iomega has to say about it:

The new ScreenPlay Director HD Media Player boasts full 1080p high definition playback (24fps) and 1TB** of space to save all your multimedia files. The ScreenPlay Director is DivX® Home Theatre certified to play popular DivX video, and supports many of today’s popular CODECs and file types, including H.264, WMV and MKV, as well as plenty of others. (For a comprehensive list of supported video, audio and photo files, please go to http://www.iomega.com.)

The ScreenPlay Director is compatible with PCs and Macs, and has an Ethernet connection so you can store, access and share videos, photos and music across your home network or store all the files in one convenient location on the ScreenPlay Director. The new ScreenPlay Director is DLNA compatible to interact with other compatible devices on your home network, and is WiFi ready so you can connect to your network wirelessly, if desired. (USB WiFi adaptor sold separately.)

The ScreenPlay Director also includes a selection of popular online media pre-configured for easy access, including YouTube, Flickr, Shoutcast Internet radio, RSS feeds and podcasts. You can also configure the ScreenPlay Director to add other RSS feeds and podcasts, making it a snap to customize the player with your choice of online content. With three USB 2.0 ports, you can attach other external storage devices, a camera, flash drives, or a WiFi adapter.

The ScreenPlay Director HD Media Player, available later this month in the U.S., can hold up to 4 million photos, 18,500 hours of music, or 1,500 hours of video

The new 1TB Iomega® ScreenPlay Director HD Media Player will be available in the US later this month for $249.00. No information yet on a UK release though, so watch this space.

Hopefully we can get our hands on one very soon for a full review!

Here are some pictures I took at the Iomega booth at CES earlier this month.

DSC00554 DSC00555 DSC00556 DSC00553DSC00557

For more information visit the Iomega website by clicking here.

Review of the Disney Netpal Netbook

Andrew Edney
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5

Netbooks are not new things, but Asus, in conjunction with Disney have released the Disney Netpal Netbook. Aimed at children (obviously), this is a fairly standard Asus netbook with a number of additions aimed at helping parents protect their children from dangers on the Internet whilst still allowing them to play whatever it is they are allowed to play.

There are two variants – a “magic” blue one for boys and a “princess” pink one for girls.

SPECIFICATIONS

The specifications are shown below :

Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home
Display 8.9″ LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024×600)
Intel CPU & Chipset Intel® Atom™ N270
Memory 1GB DDR2 SO-DIMM
Hybrid Storage 160GB HDD
10GB Eee Storage*
*Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for 6 months extension (depend on country) *Availability is dependent on selected model.
Wireless Data Network WLAN 802.11b/g/n @2.4GHz
Bluetooth2.1 + EDR*
*Availability is dependent on selected model.
Camera 0.3M Pixels
Audio Hi-definition audio CODEC
Built-in stereo speakers
Analog Mic
Input / Output 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor)
3 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x LAN RJ-45
2 x audio jacks: Headphone / Mic-in
Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC)
Battery 4200mAh Polymer, 5hrs**
Dimensions 248mm (W) x 173mm (D) x 24~28.7mm (H)
Weight 1.1Kg (with Battery)
Infusion Princess Pink, Magic Blue

THE PACKAGING

The packaging is very small and neat.

IMG_1968 IMG_1969 IMG_1970 IMG_1984

Yes, as you can see above, even the cardboard has the Disney logo on it!

WHATS IN THE BOX?

The box contains the power supply, a DVD, the netbook and some manuals.

IMG_1972 IMG_1985

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NETBOOK

Just as you would expect from any netbook these days, you have the usual assortment of ports.

IMG_1986 IMG_1987 IMG_1988 IMG_1989

The addition is the Mickey Mouse webcam and the Disney logo on below the screen.

IMG_1976IMG_1977

STARTING IT UP

Kids can dress their desktops with themes inspired by popular characters from Disney and Disney?Pixar including Cars, Club Penguin, Disney Classic Characters, Disney Fairies, Disney Princess, Vintage Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and WALL-E. Hannah Montana and JONAS styles, are also available.

Disney netbook desktop

The Disney Netbook provides hours of fun with applications made just for kids—Disney Mix to manage your media, Disney Pix to edit/create photos and Radio Disney that provides live streaming. The Disney Netbook by ASUS also includes a driving game, memory game and photo scrapbook.

The Home Server Show Podcast 72 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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1

Dave at the guys over at the Home Server Show have released show number 72. This one is again from CES in Las Vegas and again has me on it – honestly, I really did more than just be interviewed on various podcasts 🙂

home_server_show_small

Here’s what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

The Home Server Show 72

Today’s episode wraps up the interviews that Jim, Chris, and Dave did at CES 2010.  You will hear from Mark Pendergrast, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft for Windows Home Server, the Zune team from Microsoft, and from a handful of bloggers and podcasters we met up with at CES.  You will also hear an interview with LaCie’s Mike Mihalik about the new server from LaCie.  We were even recognized by a listener and managed to corner him for an Interview.

Special thanks goes out to all who participated in these interviews.  Andrew Edney, Timothy Daleo, Terry Walsh, Jim Clark, Garry Whittaker, Ian Dixon, and Jose Ortiz as well as all the vendors we spoke with.   I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you guys, some for the first time, and look forward to doing it again.  We had a great time and it will certainly sound that way in some of the audio clips.  I hope you enjoy all the hard work that went into this show by Dave, Jim, and Chris.

As usual you can listen to the show by clicking here.

VIA Announce the M’SERV S2100 Mini Server

Andrew Edney
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0

Today VIA announced a new computer into the current range. Called the M’SERV S2100, it is a very small form factor PC with a 64-bit Nano processor. This would make a perfect home built Windows Home Server, just like their previous Artigo A2000 which we reviewed last year.

photo01 photo02 photo03 photo04

Here’s what VIA have to say about the M’SERV S2100:

VIA M’SERV S2100 is a data-oriented 64-bit Mini Server with a large storage capacity, low power consumption and strong network connection. The M’SERV comes equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet that makes this unique mini server system a perfect fit not only for home download applications, but also as a small business/SOHO/personal server that provides ample storage space in an energy-efficient, compact, low-noise system.

Thanks to the VIA Nano processor and its 64-bit architecture and integrated hardware assisted virtualization technology, the VIA M’SERV S2100 is capable of hosting multiple virtual environments. In addition, the VIA VX800 single-chip media system processor provides support for SATA, USB, and a whole host of other essential functions.
The VIA M’SERV S2100 mini server is even smaller than most small form factor (SFF) desktop PCs. Its ultra compact size and whisper quiet operation makes it a perfect server for the home, or any place where space is at a premium or noise is an issue.

SPECIFICATIONS

MSERV S2100 Front MSERV S2100 Back

CPU
VIA Nano processor (1.3+GHz @ 1.6GHz, 64-bit, 1MB, 800MHz FSB)

Chipset
VIA VX800 Unified Digital Media IGP chipset

Memory Support
2 x DDR2 SO-DIMM Sockets

Hard Disk Support
2 x 3.5” SATA-II

Bootable SSD
1 x CompactFlash socket (supports DMA mode)

Operating System Support
Windows® XP, Windows® 7(x86 & x64), Windows® Server 2008 R2, Linux, FreeBSD®

USB Ports
3 x USB 2.0 ports (1 on the front panel)

LAN Port
2 x Gigabit RJ-45 LAN port with LED

Display Port
1 x DB-15 VGA port

Front LED
LAN active, LAN speed, power, HDD active, WLAN active

System Cooler
8 cm low-noise ball-bearing fan

Security Features
Hardware AES engine, EEPROM, TPM (Optional)

Dimensions
10.2” x 5.3” x 4.5” / 259 x 135 x 115 mm (L x W x H)

Power
100~240 V input, 75W AC/DC adapter

No information on availability or pricing yet, but watch this space!

For more information, click here.

The Media Center Show #239 – CES Interviews

Andrew Edney
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0

Ian over at the Digital Lifestyle.com has just released the Media Center Show podcast number 239, with some additional CES material including a number of interviews. And yes, before you ask, I am on it again 🙂

digital lifestyle logo

Here’s what Ian has to say about this weeks show:

Lots of interviews from CES this week. I walked miles to get you a good selection of interviews and this week I have:

  • Microsoft’s Ben Reed talking Windows Media Center
  • Avner Ronen from Boxee talking about the new Boxee box and the new version of the software
  • Jason Ludka from Silicon Dust talking about the new CableCARD HD Homerun and their other tuner devices
  • Gary Braddock Group Chief Designer from Ford talking about the new Ford Sync software
  • Julie Jackobson from CE Pro talking what she found interesting at CES
  • XtreamHD explaining their satellite home media solution
  • Interviews recorded at the bloggers meetup at CES including TDL Mobile’s Jose Ortiz, Garry Whittaker, Andrew Edney, Dave McCabe, Terry Walsh and others!

I also have email regarding Samsung Q1, Touch screens and Internet TV. The final batch of CES interview will be out next week

As usual, you can click here to listen to it, or why not do what I do and subscribe via iTunes?

CES 2010 – The Roundup

Andrew Edney
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0

CES is over for another year, and overall I thought it was a great show, although it did seem a little less “showy” than last year.

There were over 110,000 attendees and believe me when I say I could believe it as it was always busy!

I managed to meet up with quite a few people at CES, including our very own Tim Daleo, Home Server Show’s Dave McCabe, Christopher Lux and Jim Collison, the Media Center Show’s Ian Dixon and Garry Whittaker, and We Got Served’s Terry Walsh and Jim Clark.

Sorry that there were not as many posts from the event as we would have hoped, but the wireless connectivity there was awful. Well, awful doesn’t really even begin to cover it, so as a result, I will be doing a lot of posts this week that I couldn’t get out last week – so you are not going mad by reading CES posts this week 🙂

WHAT WAS ON SHOW AT THE SHOW?

As you would expect, there were lots of TV’s on show, including OLED, LCD and of course a whole range of new 3D TV’s.

I would say though that the biggest range on show was actually media streaming devices, including the Boxee Box and many others (I have some posts planned – so watch this space).

HOVERING THINGS AND DRONES

There were a few cool hovering things and drones on display at the show. I’ve already talked about the very cool Parrot AR Drone and shown a video.

For those Star Wars fans out there, there was also an X Wing Fighter hover drone. This was also very cool and was retailing for around $399.

DSC00550 DSC00551 DSC00560

And here’s a little video showing it flying.

HELLO KITTY

As you probably know, we are big Hello Kitty fans here at Using Windows Home Server. And it was no surprise to us to see a huge amount of Hello Kitty merchandise at the show (although you may be wondering just what some of the items had to do with Consumer Electronics). Anyway, some of the more weird and interesting things are shown below:

DSC00508 DSC00509 DSC00510 DSC00511 DSC00512

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, expect a number of posts over the next few days detailing everything I wanted to share but couldn’t!

The Media Center Show #238 – CES 2010 Part 1

Andrew Edney
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0

Ian Dixon over at the Digital Lifestyle released the Media Center Show podcast number 238, from CES last week.

digital lifestyle logo

I am interviewed on the show (outside of the Apple Store in the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas) – and was also interviewed for some upcoming shows as well.

We all had a blast in Vegas at CES!

Here’s what Ian had to say about the show:

This week I am in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show and I have a great collection of interviews for you. In part one of the CES coverage I have pre and post keynote chat from bloggers Andrew Edney, Terry Walsh, Jim Clark, Dave McCabe and Garry Whittker plus interviews from Avermedia talking TV tuners including placeshifting and HD-PVR, D-Link taking about there network products including the new Boxee box.

Garry and I also chat about the first couple of days at CES

More interviews to come on the next show

To listen to the show, click here.

The Home Server Show Podcast 71 at CES

Andrew Edney
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0

Dave over at the Home Server Show released podcast 71 last week.

home_server_show_small

The whole show revolves around CES, and I was there with him and the guys at the show, although not for the late night recording of this one 🙂

I was however interviewed for a forthcoming show, plus we did a recording whilst I drove the guys around Vegas after a blogger party (that one’s coming soon)!

Here’s what Dave has to say about show 71:

In today’s episode Jim, Chris, and Dave get together in Vegas and discuss all that we have seen and done at CES.  It’s only day one but we have a lot to talk about!

You can listen to it or subscribe to it here.

The Parrot AR Drone

Andrew Edney
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6

kLast week I saw the Parrot AR Drone in action at CES. I mentioned it in one of my posts last weej.

ar_drone-duel-with-indoor-hulls

In fact, this little thing always had people around it, wanting to play with it, and Parrot took it to all the after CES parties for the Press and Bloggers, but also had a number of different areas in CES where people could see it and even have a go.

Here’s what Parrot have to say about the AR Drone:

Parrot, leader in wireless products for mobile phones, is unveiling the first quadricopter using augmented reality: Parrot AR.Drone.

With intuitive mobility and universal use, Parrot AR.Drone is piloted initially with an iPhone™ or iPod touch® and allows you to take a spectacular flying journey. In addition to the pleasure of flying, this unique quadricopter can be part of a large number of video games in the real world.

Streaming video on the iPhone™ or iPod touch® screen enables you to pilot the AR.Drone as if you were sitting in the pilot’s seat; the image processing allows for the integration of real-time special effects of augmented reality…

An unseen mix of captors (wide angle camera and high speed camera, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanicals Systems), 3 axes accelerometer, 3 axes gyro, ultrasound sensor) associated with a powerful computer makes the piloting easy and accessible even for the youngest or non-technologically savvy person.

Thanks to the accelerometer of the iPhone™ or iPod touch® that detects users’ movements, the AR.Drone is very easy to pilot by leaning the iPhone™ forward to move forward or sidewise to corner and change direction.

On the touch pad of the iPhone™, command buttons also indicate some actions such as rise, down, rotate, move back, move forward… Observing the AR.Drone obey each movement of their hands is an incredible experience for the player.

Parrot AR.Drone: imagination has no limits

Parrot AR.Drone is designed for flying inside and outside.

For flying inside, a hull surrounds the propellers and protects the quadricopter if it hits an obstacle. For outside flights, a shaped hull reduces the area to the wind for better maneuverability of the quadricopter.

Every flight with the AR.Drone will always be a new experience. Outside, the user will have to take into account the changing elements of the real environment, such as the wind, the sunshine, shadowed areas or any obstacles that appear.

Parrot AR.Drone is also offering an unprecedented multi-player possibility.

Thanks to augmented reality, it is possible to recreate an aerial fight between two quadricopters. The worlds of video gaming and radio controlled models collaborate for the first time, simultaneously evolving in both universes.

Developers can sign up for the SDK here http://www.ardrone.org.

Pricing and availability have yet to be formalised, but all I can say is this thing is very cool, and everyone who saw it at CES wants one.

Take a look at this video I took, I particularly like the last few seconds 🙂 Although have to say it really took a beating and was flying a few seconds later – now that’s cool!

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