Windows Home Server Code Name "Vail" public preview

[Dark Nova Gamer]

Many of you may already know that Microsoft has been hard at work on the next version of Windows Home Server. We are excited to announce today that the beta of this next version (code name “Vail”) is now available. We invite everyone to check it out by downloading the software from the Microsoft Connect site. (English language builds are available now). We are releasing this Vail beta with one express goal: to solicit your feedback!

So what’s new and exciting in this next version? Although we’re still in the midst of development work (and things may change), we can say that Vail includes feature improvements in four key areas:

• Extending media streaming outside the home or office
• Multi-PC backup and restore
• Simplified setup and user experience
• Expanded development and customization tools for partners

Check out a short demo of some of the new features.





Before we go too much further, however, we want to pass along a couple of very important hardware-related tips on installing the Vail Beta:

1. In Vail, we’re moving to a new underlying server platform that will only run as a 64-bit OS. We do not recommend running Vail on a 32-bit PC or existing Windows Home Server systems (even 64-bit Home Server systems) because there may be compatibility issues with some OEM drivers.
2. Since it is still in ‘beta,’ please install the Vail code on a secondary computer as opposed to existing Windows Home Server v1 OEM systems (not even 64-bit systems) If you do install the beta on an existing system, you may experience a number of problems, including the inability to run WHS v1 add-in applications (even those provided by OEMs). Installing on a secondary machine will help ensure the best possible user experience, and we would like your feedback on what this scenario is like.
3. Installation of the Vail OS on a PC will also require users to wipe all data from that PC or device.
4. The hardware requirements for Vail call for a 1.4 GHz x64 processor, 1 GB RAM, and at least one160 GB hard drive. Full details and additional requirements will be posted on the Microsoft Connect download site.

Also, if you are a developer, this beta includes a new software development kit (SDK) that gives developers and partners even more ways to customize the OS and add new functionality and services to Windows Home Servers. Download the SDK here.




So after you check out all of the great features in this public beta, you’ll probably want to know when the final version of Vail is going to ship. We’re not ready to discuss delivery dates yet. We want to ship the best possible product, and as that old commercial went (sort of), “we will ship no Windows Home Server before it’s time.”

Give Vail a test run today!

- Dave Berkowitz, Senior Communications Manager

More...

https://connect.microsoft.com/windowshomeserver/

 

[z3r010]

Thanks for the info.

I've got 35mins left on the download which is just enough time to prep a test system

 

[Brink]

Ah good. Thank you Steven. Downloading from Connect now, and will be installing on the server later tonight.

 

[z3r010]

The download has slowed right down, I've been stuck on 14 minutes for ages now

HURRY UP I WANT TO PLAY!!!!!

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

The download has slowed right down, I've been stuck on 14 minutes for ages now

HURRY UP I WANT TO PLAY!!!!!

LOL

Patience

 

[chev65]

At least they have it working with Homegroups. The old servers couldn't do that. Looks like streaming from a remote server will work better now.

 

[z3r010]

I've started it again but this time using FTM and it's speeding along now.

4 minutes left

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I just started the d'l.

 

[Prisoner]

Wish I could try it. I have no extra systems to try it on... maybe I can get one of my dad's old boxes.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Wish I could try it. I have no extra systems to try it on... maybe I can get one of my dad's old boxes.

Dual boot.

 

[HQuest]

Wish I could try it. I have no extra systems to try it on... maybe I can get one of my dad's old boxes.

I wish I could have an old "64bit" box...

Guess I will stick with VirtualPC

 

[Prisoner]

Wish I could try it. I have no extra systems to try it on... maybe I can get one of my dad's old boxes.

Dual boot.

Wish I had the hard drive space to do so. This old dog couldn't hold it even if it had the entire hard drive to use.

 

[z3r010]

I'm sure it needs to be on its own hdd anyway.

I'm just going through the last bits of install now

 

[pparks1]

This is why I always keep a couple of spare hard drives on hand. Often times, mounted right in my box. I just pop off the side, move a cable and run from the test drive. My desktop at work has 4 hard drives...and I wish that I had a few more.

 

[z3r010]

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I just started my download again, I decided to re-configure monitors and messed the first d'l up, so I've started again from scratch.

 

[bobtran]

What I want to know about is the upgrade path from Version I to Version II. I assume it will require a clean install going from x86 to x64....but, will the data files play nice after the upgrade or need to be rebuilt from scratch? Wondering about the cost also. Guess we will just have to wait and see.

 

[jorpe]

Pretty excited about this, I'm building a PC with WHS right now to work for backing up media and a fax server for my home business... Plus Vail is the best place to ski I've ever been.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I'm sure it needs to be on its own hdd anyway.

I'm just going through the last bits of install now

I think it needs its own system, I was going to "multi boot" it with Win 7 and got this and had to back out as it said it would delete all the data on the primary HDD.

​

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I'm sure it needs to be on its own hdd anyway.

I'm just going through the last bits of install now

I think it needs its own system, I was going to "multi boot" it with Win 7 and got this and had to back out as it said it would delete all the data on the primary HDD.

View attachment 69743
​

Geez, I can't even add it in VB, it needs a 160GB HDD to install. What a PITA!

I don't really want to un-hook my other HDDs.

​