Alternative wanted for Windows Home Server

zzz2496 said:

I paid... let me have a look (I almost never poke in there these days, planning on stopping the subscription). I thought the technet subscription was only for development... My bad...

zzz2496

The development side of the house is MSDN...and it's far more expensive than a Technet subscription.

I need MSDN for my work few years ago, still paying...

zzz2496

Edit: I guess it's time for me to stop the subscription... I rarely use Microsoft's technology other than client OS...

zzz2496 said:

Edit: I guess it's time for me to stop the subscription... I rarely use Microsoft's technology other than client OS...

Fair enough, but if you use more than 2 client OS's...that subscription pretty much pays for itself.

pparks1 said:

With a Technet subscription, you get access to all of the server products as well. Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008. These are all in the subscriber download section. If you paid for the $349 (first year), $249 (subsequent years) Technet subscription you should have access to all of these things.

To the OP. There is no other Windows Server product out there that will natively backup and restore your Windows boxes like Windows Home Server will (or at least should). There is also no Linux based product out there that will automatically do this with the ease that Windows Home Server will.

I can understand the problem with trying to do a full system restore if your hardware has changed. Many backup apps are going to have this problem. But I think with my testing of Windows Home Server that you should be able to reload the OS and the apps and simply recover your actual data files without issue.

Thank you, that was what i wanted.
I thought that was correct but wanted someone with experience in other servers to confirm it.
The problem is well documented and the work around is to install the hard drive to a client machine that can connect and do a restore that way.
I am going to try installing a PCI gigabit NIC and see if will recognize it.

I'd suggest getting an Intel Desktop GT 10/100/1000 card. They are very compatible with just about everything. These cards are usually around $22 at NewEgg.

I am running a D-link DGE-530T in the server so I know they work so am planning to get another one for the client machine.
Being in Australia I can't buy off Newegg and have to pay $31AU for one.