What is Windows Home Server?

SqueezeBox Server Add-In for Windows Home Server Error – Reader Help Request

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2010

One of our regular readers, Served, contacted us a few days ago to ask for help on an error he is getting when trying to open the Windows Home Server Console.

Served says that when he tries to open the WHS Console, he sees the following error:

Served also adds:

I do not have an answer to the Squeezebox issue. This occurred with the latest version (7.4.2.30215) which I uninstalled and have subsequently reinstalled. I had difficulty stopping the service – either from the Add-in page or directly from Services. It would just hang in a “Stopping” state. I have disabled it for now. When it works, it’s great.

So has anyone else come across this problem and could help Served out? If so, just leave a comment here and he will see it.

I don’t have a Squeezebox so I can’t comment.

Thanks 🙂

Monday Morning Media – Five Views from Windows Media Center 03-14-10

Timothy Daleo

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Mar 15, 2010

0

This weekly post is five screen shots of Windows Media Center with a CableCARD tuner to get you excited about Windows Media Center and Windows Home Server. May 31st now? Ugh. SD could take the hole shot…

Troubleshooting TwonkyMedia – How To Fix Twonky Issues in 3.0 Patch 2

Timothy Daleo

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Mar 14, 2010

11

I had the honor of being able to put together an impromptu instructional video with Alex Kuretz of MediaSmartServer.net and John “Diehard” Zajdler of the Home Server Show. Check out this three part video of Alex fixing my TwonkyMedia on my HP MediaSmart Server while John and I observe and talk about the issue.

Background

How did this happen?

I posted an article about turning off my CPU intensive TwonkyMedia after the 3.0 software upgrade on my EX485. Now, while turning off TwonkyMedia stopped the high CPU utilization, it did not fix the underlying problem. Alex saw my issue (and the screenshots) and commented on the post. John and I had already been talking with Andrew about the temporary fix but it was Alex that came up with a solution to the Twonky stalling during the indexing.

The article that Alex published is at:

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2010/03/04/how-to-fix-twonky-issues-in-3-0-patch-2/

My original article is at:

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/03/11/twech-twip-on-a-twuesday-twuring-off-twonky/

If you are having issues with Twonky I would suggest turning off Twonky until you decide how you are going to approach it.

Turn it off if you do not plan to use Twonky OR find the file that is causing the stall.

The Video Collaboration

So how did we do this?

I sent Alex a Windows Remote Assistance to access my main PC. I then called Alex over Skype and then did a conference with John. I then used the Remote Desktop into my Windows Home Server and let Alex control the PC while he talked John (no video for John since remote is only for one connection) through the process. I used my screen recording software to pick up the video and the webcam microphone (hence the poor audio) to get the sound from our voices over Skype.

Special Thank You and Credit

I cannot express how cool it was to listen to and talk with two experts in the Windows Home Server field. In addition, I think this was the first collaborative effort to take place with three different websites across three different time zones!

The link for the actual instructions at Alex’s website are at:

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2010/03/04/how-to-fix-twonky-issues-in-3-0-patch-2/

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/

http://homeservershow.com/

Three Part Video of TwonkyMedia Troubleshooting

Had to break it into three parts due to YouTube limitations. I hope you enjoy it and that it helps with your TwonkyMedia issues.

Conclusion

Alex fixed my system and showed me that with a little help and some logic that I can get TwonkyMedia to work. I will try and upload those two videos again and see if there was an issue with the file or just with how Twonky processed those two folders.

Thank you again to Alex Kuretz and John Zajdler for their expertise and patience during the making of this video.

Timothy Daleo

OEM WHS Issue – USB Not Recognized

Timothy Daleo

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Mar 14, 2010

1

Are you having an issue with USB ports and your OEM Windows Home Server? I am. Think you have a solution?

My test OEM WHS box has recently encountered a USB error. I am not sure whether the error is controller or driver conflict but Andrew mentioned it has happened to others.

I usually leave this type of issue for the forums but since Andrew and I were talking about it I thought I would post the video I sent him.

Since Andrew and I havebeen talking about mControl over the last few months, and he had a separate email conversation with our reader Paul, I thought I would throw a post up to see if the issue was more widespread among OEM WHS users.

I had found this article months ago and could not get the manual solution to work. No “USB” folder! Since then, Alex had explained the “Unblock” feature in WHS on a different topic, so I could now run the msi fix file. I ran the file, it worked but the USB error still is there.

The Microsoft article is at:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314634#LetMeFixItMyself

“When you connect a new USB device to a computer that has no USB devices, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 may not detect the new device.”

I am not sure if the article refers to “detection” or proper driver installation but I had tried it anyway.

Since I could not find the ”USB” folder in the registry, I copied the msi file to my Software folder and then moved the file via Remote Desktop to the WHS Desktop to run. See the video for instruction.

Only try this if you are comfortable with OEM WHS!

Again, this topic is more suited for the forums but I wanted to get the word out to see if more readers were having issues.

Thank you ahead of time,

Tim

DA Document Manager for WHS Demonstration Videos

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Mar 14, 2010

2

If you are using DA Document Manager, or if you are thinking of using it, you might be interested in watching some demonstration videos that the guys over at Group Seven Technology have posted.

The DA Team has added some helpful videos on how to use DA Document Manager. We hope these short 1-2 minute videos will help you to become more familiar with DA Document Manager and how it can be a benefit to you. To see the videos click HERE.

Quick Start Video

This video will show you how to save your first Document and how to Search and find it once it is Archived (93 Seconds)

Add a PDF Document to the Workspace

This video will demonstrate how to add an existing PDF Document into your Workspace. This includes using Drag & Drop, the PDF Digitizer and Moving or Coping to the Workspace. (68 Seconds)

Adding New Documents to Existing Archives

DA Document Manager will allow you to combine a new PDF with an existing PDF already stored in your Vault

Auto Fill Form Feature

The “Auto Fill Form” feature will allow you fill the Workspace Form from the information previously saved in a PDF file (65 Seconds)

Whilst these videos are not very long, they are worth a look.

We will be reviewing DA Document Manager for WHS shortly.

Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCard Tuner Card Now Available For Pre-Order

Andrew Edney

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Mar 14, 2010

7

Back at CES, one of the biggest news items was the announcement of the Ceton 4 CableCard Tuner Card for Media Center. Since then news has been a bit scarce, and now the announcement has been made that the card is available for pre-order and will be shipping May 31st.

The Ceton InfiniTV 4 is the world’s first multi-tuner PC card for watching digital cable TV on the PC, including support for premium and encrypted cable channels like HBO and Showtime. It enables Media Center PCs to play or record up to four live channels of HDTV at once, and stream live HD channels or recordings to multiple HDTVs throughout the home, all from a single cable connection and using a single CableCARD from your local cable operator.
NOTE: this is a special pre-order program for Ceton InfiniTV 4. A valid credit card is required at the time of order but will not be charged until your order is shipped. InfiniTV 4 is expected to ship on May 31, 2010.

The first multi-tuner PC card for watching digital cable TV on the PC
Support for premium and encrypted cable channels like HBO and Showtime
Enables Media Center PCs to play or record up to four live channels of HDTV at once
Stream live HD channels or recordings to multiple HDTVs throughout the home
System Requirements: InfiniTV 4 is a PCIe low-profile PC card and ships with both low-profile and full-height backplates. The recommended minimum system requirements are: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise, or Windows 7 Ultimate; 2GHz or faster CPU minimum, either 32 bit (x86) or 64 bit (x64) – 2.7GHz or faster dual-core CPU is recommended; 2GB of RAM minimum – 3GB or more is recommended; 1 PCIe slot, which can be either an x1, x4, x8, or x16 type slot; HDCP compliant on-board graphics or graphics card; HDMI out, or DVI out with separate audio out; Multi-Stream CableCARD (M-Card) – available from your local cable provider; Digital cable subscription from a U.S. cable provider

Click here to place your order now: http://www.zones.com/site/product/index.html?id=003201915

The card will retails for $399, something tells me that Tim will be placing his order today 🙂

For more information on the Ceton InfinitiTV 4 card, click here: http://www.cetoncorp.com/products.php

Upgrading the Processor on an HP MediaSmart EX485 or EX487 Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Mar 12, 2010

3

Have you ever thought about upgrading the processor on your HP MediaSmart EX485 or EX487 Windows Home Server? If so, then MediaSmartHome.com have a great article you should read.

StarNet has pulled together a lot of really useful information on what you should do if you want to upgrade the processor.

He says:

This article is a culmination of the work of many on this and other web sites. The sole purpose is to clearly define and outline the steps necessary to modify your HP EX485/487 MediaSmart Server (or MSS) from a single core Intel Celeron 440 to the more powerful Intel Dual Core. It will present various options for the MSS user and provide a one stop resource for the complete upgrade process. Choosing a CPU, performance gains/benchmarks, power consumption temperature and memory upgrades are discussed as well.

I will try to sort through some of the technical jargon and issues that can make this process complicated. While the scope of this article will toward the E5200 CPU that has been extensively tested, it will also list other CPU designations reported to work for your consideration.

Depending on your level of expertise you might find some topics interesting or boring, but they’re listed here regardless of your abilities. Some useful tips have been included and some very useful links have been placed in the reference sections at the end of the article.

I’ve been toying around with the idea of upgrading my processor, I was going to ask Diehard, but now I will try following this article, which has lots of details and pictures.

So if you want to read the article, click here: http://www.mediasmarthome.com/article/14459/Upgrading-the-HP-EX485-487-MediaSmart-Server-Processor-Removing-the-Smoke-and-Mirrors/;jsessionid=5B4004552FE10B85DF9FBEB879AD2C7B

The Home Server Show Podcast Number 80

Andrew Edney

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Mar 12, 2010

2

Dave and the guys over at the Home Server Show have released podcast number 80!

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

The Home Server Show 80

In today’s episode we go over all the latest news and releases for Windows Home Server. HP and Tivo are in the news and is Avast for WHS recognizing their new 5.0 client? Add-In updates and more.

Icy Dock MB662

Avast for WHS recognizing the new 5.0 clients?

HP and Tivo

WHS Health

WHS Quicken, Quickbooks, Add-In Central

Chris’s favorite financial program, Mint.com

Microsoft Discussions on defragmenting WHS

MS Forums thread on defragmenting

Doubletwist

I wonder if we will be mentioned this week 🙂

Tim suggested we start a drinking game!

We Have Moved

News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 11, 2010

1

Earlier tonight I posted a quick note to say we were moving hosting providers. If you are now seeing this then the move has taken place 🙂

Hopefully your service was not interrupted!

The main reason for the move was performance, so hopefully you will start to see a much better service!

Obtaining the HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo Add-In Outside of the US

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Mar 11, 2010

6

Yesterday we told you that HP had launched a new Add-In for Windows Home Server called the HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo that enables TiVo owners to manage their content from their HP MediaSmart Windows Home Servers.

One of the questions we have been asked a few times since yesterday is how to obtain the add-in if you are a TiVo owner outside of the US. I was surprised as I didn’t think there were that many outside the US, but we have an answer.

Rather than going through the Windows Home Server Console and following the steps, you can download the add-in directly to your computer from here: http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/everyday-computing/mediasmartserver/add-ins/HPTivoExpanderAddin.msi

You can then install the add-in “the old fashioned way”. If you want to know how to do that, you can click here: How to install or remove an Add-in for Windows Home Server

Also, it has been confirmed that you can install this add-in on ANY HP MediaSmart EX series Windows Home Server.

Tech Tip on a Tuesday – Turning Off Twonky

Timothy Daleo

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Mar 11, 2010

10

Is your HP MediaSmart Server going SLOW? Is your CPU usage at crazy high levels? Is remote access trying your patience? Maybe Twonky is the issue. You do not have to use Twonky for it to affect your Windows Home Server!

This is what my Remote Access looked like this morning with Twonky on. Really slow!

Now, I turned Twonky off when I first installed the HP 3.0 Update so it should not be slow. What happened?

Well I am going to tell you…

Microsoft issued an Update and my EX485 restarted this morning. After a HP MSS WHS restart Twonky sharing will start again making your HP MSS slow! I looked in my Update History to see if I had an update this morning.

How To Turn Off Twonky

Go to MediaSmart Server>Media Server and Click on “Stop Sharing”.

If your HP MSS immediately starts to perform better than Twonky was the issue. I went from 100% to 4% with a single click.

How To Keep Twonky Off

To avoid the Twonky service starting again AFTER a restart, disable your Twonky service on your WHS through the Services manager.

You can access the Services through Remote Desktop or the Advanced Admin Console.

Get the Advanced Admin Console at: http://www.home-server-addins.com/

THANK YOU to John and Andrew for the help on this process!

Change the Twonky service from Automatic to Disabled.

Twonky will not start next time your Windows Home Server restarts. To restart the service just change it back to automatic.

See you next Tuesday,

Tim

Tranquil PC Windows Home Server March Madness

Andrew Edney

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Mar 10, 2010

0

Our friends at Tranquil PC have been in touch to let us know of an offer they are running called March Madness.

Here are the details of the March Madness offer:

Does 1+1 = 2 ?

Not in our March Madness Offer

Order any SQA-5H Home Server + at least one extra HDD and receive a FREE Xtreamer Media Player (included the XSC side cooler)

So in March 1+1 = 3

· SQA-5H – Award winning, low energy, high performance, rugged, multi-drive Home Server Appliance

· Xtreamer – Tiny but amazing network media player – enjoy all of your movies, music, pictures and YouTube etc on your big screen

To make your claim – check out the offer here

To check out our review of the SQA-5H, click here: Review of the Tranquil PC SQA-5H Windows Home Server

We also reviewed the SQA-5H-SAFE here: In Depth Review of the Tranquil PC SQA-5H-SAFE Windows Home Server

And the very cool Xreamer here: Review of the Xtreamer Media Server and Streamer

So, what are you waiting for? This is a good offer if you are after a Windows Home Server and also an Xtreamer, so be quick!

PerfectDisk 11 Giveaway – The Results

Andrew Edney

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Mar 10, 2010

5

Yesterday saw the launch of PerfectDisk11, and we have been running a giveaway for the last few days in order to give away 3 full licences for PerfectDisk 11 Windows Home Server Bundle.

For more information on PerfectDisk 11, click here: https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/03/05/perfectdisk11-out-next-week/

So without any further delay, the three lucky winners are:

Day 1 – Chris Noland

Day 2 – AJ Peck

Day 3 – James Curran

Congratulations – you should receive an email from Raxco shortly.

And for everyone else, thank you for entering and keep your eyes open for future giveaways here at UWHS.

WHS Health Add-In for Windows Home Server Version 1.0.0.14

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Mar 10, 2010

2

Nigel “Cougar” Wilks, fellow WHS MVP, has just released an update to his WHS Health AddiIn for Windows Home Server. It is now at version 1.0.0.14. Cougar doesn’t sit around, it was only a month ago we reported about another update to WHS Health : https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/02/12/whs-health-add-in-for-windows-home-server-updated/

Version 1.0.0.14 now has the following key changes:-

Logoff option when viewing over HTTPS
Improved the drives page, it’s now bigger and has status icons.
Status Icons added to Backups, Drives and Shared Folders pages.
Translation of XML Date format into a more popular format (the installer will pick MM/DD/YYYY for US systems and DD/MM/YYYY for other)
Removed Serial Number from System Information page.

The biggest change we have made to WHS Health is localization; we now dynamically support English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish based on the system or browser language settings.

Localization also exists for the WHS Console Settings page but are based on the language of the Windows Home Server.

I installed the new version in a matter of minutes and was up and running in the time it took to log back into the Windows Home Server Console.

Well done yet again Cougar – keep up the great work. I know I said that last time, but I really mean it. This is a really useful add-in that everyone should use.

You can download WHS Health, and a number of other great Add-Ins from here: http://www.mediasmartserver.net/add-ins/