Windows Server 2012: Use as Workstation also? --- ReFS vs NTFS?


  1. Posts : 180
    Win 7-64
       #1

    Better to Use Win 8 Blue with MS Server 2012?


    I'm going to use Windows Server 2012 for a file server (on-site backup):

    OK, Here is what I have learned (just enough to talk the talk but not walk the walk)
    Actually Win 8's file system is ReFS. And ReFS is a whole lot different from NTFS.

    Have a read:

    1) http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh848060%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

    2) https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/...edirected=true

    3) http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398987,00.asp

    For obvious reasons I want all my files systems to be converted from NTFS to ReFS. I think MS calls that Data Deduplication, but I need to read more.

    http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh769303%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

    What I have learned, though, is that, yes, you can convert Windows Server to a Workstation but you will encounter lots and lots of problems. Not relevant here, but I can list them if you wish.

    What I need to know is how do I converted all my many TB's to ReFS? If I dump Win 7 for Win 8 Blue, I know Win 8 will read my NTFS but how can I convert them to ReFS?
    Another final question: What do you guys think about Windows Blue? I hear it's much faster than my Win 7 64 bit Ultimate. (I don't like slow.)
    Last edited by incurablegeek; 13 Jun 2013 at 20:13. Reason: Answered many of my own questions
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  2. Posts : 562
    Windows 7 Professional x64 SP1
       #2

    Based on what I read on link #2, only the server version of Windows 8 supports formatting to ReFS file system so I think you must use Windows Server 2012 as a file server instead of 8 or Blue. Also, based on link #2, neither Windows 8 or server 2012 can even boot on a ReFS file system. They can only boot with NTFS. However, with Server 2012, you can probably use disk management to convert all your HDDs to ReFS except the HDD where Server 2012 is installed (not sure if this is true since this is my first time learning about this information, and I've been using Server 2012 as a VM for Metro Apps since its launch).
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  3. Posts : 180
    Win 7-64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    In my absence, I have decided to use:

    1) Windows 8, which will eventually be updated from NTFS to ReFS. In the meantime, I can tell Win 8 to convert file system to ReFS. Yes, I know for sure that can be done.

    2) I will use Win Server 2012 on my File Server with ReFS partitions, which are default.

    3) The question of whether Win 8 will install and run on an ReFS is really a moot point for me. I always install OS/Programs on SSD's. As you know their architecture is completely different from a magnetic hard drive.

    4) Just as NTFS killed FAT (for the most part), ReFS (for many, many valid reasons) will kill NTFS.
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  4. Posts : 180
    Win 7-64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I just received notification of a post on this thread, which I can only assume has been withdrawn.

    It read:
    Just so you know, ReFS is not a new file system, it is an upgraded version of NTFS.
    For those of you who read this thread, please disregard this (withdrawn?) comment. ReFS bears absolutely no resemblance to NTFS. It is not an evolution or an iteration. ReFS is radically different - and very much better than NTFS.
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  5. Posts : 5,941
    Linux CENTOS 7 / various Windows OS'es and servers
       #5

    Hi there.

    1) Refs will work on W2012 server -- client machines can READ / WRITE to that file system. It is DIFFERENT from NTFS - but even on W2012 server I don't think the Boot disk can be Refs.

    2) using a server as a workstation is fine providing you take a few actions that are specific to servers such as removing nag screens every time you want to re-boot the machine (servers are designed for long running between re-boots so they usually want a log as to why a re-boot is necessary).

    3) For decent use as a workstation you'll probably want to enable the full desktop experience rather than have it either working in command mode or "Basic GUI" with the plain grey background.

    4) enable Internet access by switching off a lot of the security checks so IE behaves like it does on a "normal" computer and enable sound too for multi-media.

    5) USB connections do actually work on W2012 server -- this was a problem with W2008 server. The standard W8 drivers usually work if there aren't specific W2012 server versions.

    6) if you want to install the classic W7 games (Spider solitaire, pinball etc etc) re-post and I'll add the dropbox link - the games DO work. !!

    7) I'm not sure about the Windows app store -- I never use it even on W8 so you are on your own on that one.

    8) It actually makes a good OS -- but I'm waiting to see if the better GUI experience coming out in Windows 8.1 next week or so will be ported to W2012 server too.

    Good luck with it.


    (Back in XP days I ran very successfully W2K3 server as a desktop OS -- much better than the standard XP !!).

    One snag you might run into though - some applications know when they are on a server (even if it is running as a workstation) - Acronis for example - and of course corporate greed being what it is they will charge EXTRA for the server versions of these programs even if you are the only user.

    Things like Ms office though work just fine. You should be able to connect up to 4 clients as well without needing extra CAL (Licenses) -although of course each client machine will need its own Windows license or OS installed on it.

    Cheers
    jimbo
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  6. Posts : 180
    Win 7-64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Hey Jimbo, thanks for chiming in.

    1)
    even on W2012 server I don't think the Boot disk can be Refs.
    You are absolutely right - for the time being at least. ReFS has been designed for file storage. It is actually a huge improvement over NTFS and I recommend all members read up on it. Quite frankly, ReFS is the main reason I am so excited about using Server 2012 on my File Storage/Server. Simply put, more data security, less chance of data corruption and no need for CHKDSK. In the event of power failure (and no UPS), you will not lose data.

    boot/OS volumes and volumes that you're planning to use with the new Windows Server 2012 data deduplication feature also require NTFS. Over time, the storage team plans to introduce more features into ReFS with a goal of eventually bringing ReFS to feature parity with NTFS.
    2)
    using a server as a workstation is fine providing you take a few actions
    No disrespect intended but I still maintain that doing so is more trouble than it's worth. As I believe I mentioned, there actually are user groups for people who are trying to use Server 2012 as a workstation. And the problems they are having are many. I am not a hobbyist with gobs of time on my hands. I need to be practical and get things going so I can work. Square peg in a round hole.

    Jimbo, to be perfectly honest, over the 25 years that I have been working with computers (an experience akin to herding cats), I have used every "worthy" MS OS - not dogs like 95, 98 (designed for gamers and kids), ME or Vista. However, what I have never used is a Server edition. All of my present knowledge I will agree is in a state of flux - in that its based on lots of reading and many back and forth emails with MS tech friends and beta testers.

    Therefore, if you feel I am wrong in any way, please feel free to correct me. Never, ever do I wish to do a disservice to forum members by posting incorrect information. Jimbo, that's one of the reasons I am really selective about what I read on the net. On too many forums, not so much here but on others, there are lots of 5-Star Gurus who are nothing more than blowhards or fountains of misinformation.

    So at all times if I don't know, I don't post. So again if you think I am wrong - and can prove it - have at me. Let's try to get this right. :)

    All the best,

    Dennis
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  7. Posts : 5,941
    Linux CENTOS 7 / various Windows OS'es and servers
       #7

    incurablegeek said:
    Hey Jimbo, thanks for chiming in.

    1)
    even on W2012 server I don't think the Boot disk can be Refs.
    You are absolutely right - for the time being at least. ReFS has been designed for file storage. It is actually a huge improvement over NTFS and I recommend all members read up on it. Quite frankly, ReFS is the main reason I am so excited about using Server 2012 on my File Storage/Server. Simply put, more data security, less chance of data corruption and no need for CHKDSK. In the event of power failure (and no UPS), you will not lose data.

    boot/OS volumes and volumes that you're planning to use with the new Windows Server 2012 data deduplication feature also require NTFS. Over time, the storage team plans to introduce more features into ReFS with a goal of eventually bringing ReFS to feature parity with NTFS.
    2)
    using a server as a workstation is fine providing you take a few actions
    No disrespect intended but I still maintain that doing so is more trouble than it's worth. As I believe I mentioned, there actually are user groups for people who are trying to use Server 2012 as a workstation. And the problems they are having are many. I am not a hobbyist with gobs of time on my hands. I need to be practical and get things going so I can work. Square peg in a round hole.

    Jimbo, to be perfectly honest, over the 25 years that I have been working with computers (an experience akin to herding cats), I have used every "worthy" MS OS - not dogs like 95, 98 (designed for gamers and kids), ME or Vista. However, what I have never used is a Server edition. All of my present knowledge I will agree is in a state of flux - in that its based on lots of reading and many back and forth emails with MS tech friends and beta testers.

    Therefore, if you feel I am wrong in any way, please feel free to correct me. Never, ever do I wish to do a disservice to forum members by posting incorrect information. Jimbo, that's one of the reasons I am really selective about what I read on the net. On too many forums, not so much here but on others, there are lots of 5-Star Gurus who are nothing more than blowhards or fountains of misinformation.

    So at all times if I don't know, I don't post. So again if you think I am wrong - and can prove it - have at me. Let's try to get this right. :)

    All the best,

    Dennis
    Hi there

    For using W2003 Server as a desktop OS this is about the BEST documentation to use -- it works brilliantly and addresses almost ALL the problems for using a Server OS as a desktop.

    Start with this and then try similar for 2012 Server. I don't recommend using 2008 Server as there are too many problems in getting things like Sound to work -- not really an issue on a pure Server but I'd assume that as you want to use the server as a WORKSTATION OS then these sorts of things are important.

    How to convert your Windows Server 2003... to a Workstation!

    Easy to do and shouldn't take you too long --try it in a Virtual machine first -- works brilliantly.

    (To add XP classic games you'll need your XP disk though - however you don't have to add the games).

    For W2008 Server try this Forum (although W2008 server doesn't make a good system to use as a workstation)

    Windows Server 2008 to Workstation - MSFN Forum

    For Windows 2012 server to workstation

    Convert your Windows Server 2012 to a Workstation!

    Have fun.

    Hopefully I don't post mis-information -and if I'm not sure I usually point it out.

    Here's a screenshot of my "Desktop" W2K3 server -- even things like Minidisc work (I still have a PRO minidisc system -- works absolutely great - especially for recording out in the field or bootlegging Concert recordings -classical too -- used it recently at The MET Opera in NY at the "Ring Cycle" !!!!).

    You can see on the desktop MD simple Burner (Minidisc) -- still works great == as a VM on W8 host system.

    Also show GAMES and to show it's a SERVER you can see the first item in the menu ==> Manage your SERVER so no poodlefakery here. 2nd screenshot.

    Cheers
    jimbo
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Windows Server 2012: Use as Workstation also? --- ReFS vs NTFS?-w2k3.jpg   Windows Server 2012: Use as Workstation also? --- ReFS vs NTFS?-gamesw23k.png  
    Last edited by jimbo45; 16 Jun 2013 at 11:01.
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