Alternative wanted for Windows Home Server

[kodi]

I have windows home server installed and it is perfect for my use.
It was working perfectly until I replaced the motherboard in my 64 bit workstation and found that I could not do a restore as it would not connect to the server.
I have tried using a USB key with just about every version of the NIC drivers available and it will not work.
The main purpose of this server is for backup and it is no good to me if it won't restore.
I am a Technet subscriber so I can get nearly all of Windows server applications for evaluation.
I do not need any thing complicated just a plain basic storage server.
Not interested in Linux or other programs as I have All the windows ones available for free

 

[zzz2496]

Hmm... If you want a storage server that is not Linux (or BSD), then you are stuck with Windows, any Windows... If you can get free windows activation key, why do you ask for alternatives?

I personally and professionally use Linux for my storage server needs. It got a nice web interface to use (very bandwidth efficient), can limit just about anything you have an idea for storage related "limit".

zzz2496

 

[ickymay]

I have windows home server installed and it is perfect for my use.
It was working perfectly until I replaced the motherboard in my 64 bit workstation and found that I could not do a restore as it would not connect to the server.
I have tried using a USB key with just about every version of the NIC drivers available and it will not work.
The main purpose of this server is for backup and it is no good to me if it won't restore.
I am a Technet subscriber so I can get nearly all of Windows server applications for evaluation.
I do not need any thing complicated just a plain basic storage server.
Not interested in Linux or other programs as I have All the windows ones available for free

the way i understand what your asking changing the server software isn't going to solve your NIC issues on your workstation ?

maybe try a PCI NIC on the workstation. or if that's not the issue then please post a simpler more direct question ?

N.B. I like server 2003

 

[kodi]

The problem is that WHS is a 32 bit program and when you try to Restore a 64 bit computer SOME computers that have a nvidia chipset they won't work with the 64 bit driver and you have to install 32 bit drivers.
My problem is that it used to work but since i have changed Motherboard (different onboard nic)it wont work.

 

[zzz2496]

The problem is that WHS is a 32 bit program and when you try to Restore a 64 bit computer SOME computers that have a nvidia chipset they won't work with the 64 bit driver and you have to install 32 bit drivers.
My problem is that it used to work but since i have changed Motherboard (different onboard nic)it wont work.

Pardon me, I don't use WHS so I don't really know the exact behavior. To my basic understanding, if you function WHS as a storage server (that is a computer that stores files, raw files) then there should be no problem restoring some file...

As for WHS as a 32 bit program, I don't think there's any issue about it. I can store any file in my Win7 x64 and copy those files to my brother's x86 XP, and those files will work (as in not corrupted). By the way, if you changed your motherboard, system restore should not be done. You require clean install - since system restore saves Windows state, you will have problems with it.

zzz2496

 

[kodi]

The problem is that WHS is a 32 bit program and when you try to Restore a 64 bit computer SOME computers that have a nvidia chipset they won't work with the 64 bit driver and you have to install 32 bit drivers.
My problem is that it used to work but since i have changed Motherboard (different onboard nic)it wont work.

Pardon me, I don't use WHS so I don't really know the exact behavior.

Exactly so when you do then you can try posting about it.
I am not a novice WHS user but have run into a problem that can't be solved with WHS until it makes a 64bit recovery CD or by replacing hardware in my computers, so I am left with no alternative but to use another server operating system.
It is quite obvious that you are a Linux fanboy but I am not and want to use one of the windows ones that are available to me but do not want overkill by installing server 2008R2 that I have a copy off.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
you are much more likely to get a sensible answer if you give some more information.

You say you don't like Linux so that only leaves Windows alternatives.

Now EXACTLY what do you want your server to do. Do you have a network / LAN of several computers which simply want to share files and printers or do you want to be able to share APPLICATIONS as well.

Do you also want to be able to stream media as well.

Until you can phrase your questions in such a way as to state exactly what you want to do or what the problem IS then you aren't likely to be able to get many sensible answers.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[zzz2496]

As you can see, I don't really understand what you want to do, I'm very sorry for that. As for the "Linux fanboy", oh please... spare me the sentiment... I only say the fact, Linux is GREAT for these kind of applications period.

And about your problem, I'm confused... The computer that broke down, I assume it's a workstation that is connected to your computer network (I hope I'm right so far), and you exchanged the motherboard with another motherboard. Now, here's the fague part, is this motherboard is exactly the same as the previous one? If so, you can restore your previous OS onto it. If it's a whole different motherboard, you are bound to do a fresh install, the restore will carry more problems. Then you said that "...and found that I could not do a restore as it would not connect to the server. I have tried using a USB key with just about every version of the NIC drivers available and it will not work...", what was the content of that USB key? NIC driver versions??? You lost me right there...

As for technet subscriber, I have a subscription to MS's technet, I do get free software from time to time, but for a full OS, I never receive any, I do get evaluation version from time to time.... Either I'm excluded or I'm not subscribing to the same technet subscription package as you are... To my understanding, Windows server products are sold as boxed software, unless you signed for a Volume license... But that's just me with my limited understanding of your issue...

zzz2496

 

[pparks1]

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.

 

[zzz2496]

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

 

[pparks1]

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.

 

[zzz2496]

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...

 

[pparks1]

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.

 

[chev65]

I believe with the subscription there is no reason not to be using Windows server 08, other than you can't use Homegroups with any server software.

 

[kodi]

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.

 

[pparks1]

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.

 

[kodi]

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.