We Got Served

If you’ve been running the Windows Home Server beta releases, you’ll be eagerly awaiting your copy of the Windows Home Server RTM final release to drop through your letter box. Whilst the upgrade from the Release Candidate to the final release is pretty straightforward, there are a couple of watch-outs to pay attention to, which we deal with in out step by step walkthrough.

So, live and direct from the new server cupboard under my stairs, here’s how to Upgrade Windows Home Server RC to Windows Home Server RTM.

Step 1: Attach a monitor and keyboard to your home server.

Windows Home Server runs headless (i.e. without the need to attach a keyboard or monitor). However you’ll need to be able to see what’s going on during your re-installation, as well as confirm a few selections during the procedure. So, grab a USB keyboard and mouse, (I find the Apple Keyboard/Mouse combo is great, as it only requires 1 USB port for both devices) and plug them in. Unless you’ve been logged into your server recently, you should see the following screen.

(Yep, it’s pretty dark in that cupboard!)

Step 2: Do NOT login. Place the Windows Home Server Installation DVD in your DVD drive.

This is really important - starting the Windows Home Server re-installation from within Windows does not work correctly. You’ll end up with a very duff installation, and lots of headaches. So, we have to start the installation via booting from the Windows Home Server Installation DVD.

Step 3: Press CONTROL-ALT-DELETE and Restart Your Machine.

Step 4: When You Are Asked To Press Any Key to Boot From Your CD/DVD Drive, Do It.

You’ll see a message that Windows is loading files - like this! Then a nice Vista-esqe initialisation screen…

Step 5: Welcome to Windows Home Server Setup - Click Next

After a short delay, the Windows Home Server installation wizard will pop up, and we can begin your server re-installation. Basically, all we’re going to do here is format your system partition (which holds the WHS operating system) and re-install Windows Home Server, leaving your data intact. So go ahead and click Next to begin.

Step 6: Load Additional Storage Drivers (if required)

All of your drives (both internal and external) are listed in the next dialog. By now, you’ll know if you need to load additional drivers for your hard drives (usually if you’re running some kind of RAID array), and if you do, now’s the time to do so by clicking Load Drivers. For the rest of us, have a quick look to ensure all of your drives are correctly listed, and click Next.

Step 7: Select Server Re-installation

Another important step! Unless you want to wipe both your system partition/disk and all of your data, ensure that you select Server Re-installation in the next dialog. Your installed programs, add-ins and home server settings will be lost - so these will have to be re-installed and set up later. Unfortunately, there is no workaround for this - it’s the fun you get for being a beta tester! Once you’ve selected Server Re-installation, click Next.

Step 8: Select Your Region and Required Keyboard Layout

As ever, Region and Keyboard Settings default to the USA. If you’re not in the USA, change these two settings to your preference.

Step 9: Read and Confirm Acceptance of the EULA - or Don’t Read It and Accept It Anyway

Once you’ve read it (or not), click Next to continue.

Step 10: Enter Your Windows Home Server Product Key

Nope, not your beta key. The key on the sticker on the back of your WHS DVD cover!

Step 11: Confirm the Name Of Your Home Server

I like to use “SERVER” - simple, clear and to the point.

Step 12: Click Start to Begin Your Installation

Step 13: Sit Back and Relax!

The server re-installation will begin by formatting your system volume. At this point, no other intervention should be required until the installation is complete.

Note: Part of the way through my installation I received an error, and the installation halted. If this happens to you, DO NOT PANIC! Simply restart your system, and the installation should pick up from where it had a problem, and continue. If you keep receiving errors, you may have to start over from scratch, but this should be rare (and if it does happen, check your hardware thoroughly)

Here’s a few shots of the RTM installation routine:

Step 14: Click the Arrow to Begin Windows Home Server Setup

Okay, after some time (I didn’t time it, but it’s roughly about an hour) your server installation will complete, and you’ll be all set to begin the Windows Home Server Setup. Click the arrow to start.

Note: This setup procedure may change slightly as a result of a set of Windows Home Server updates to be released in September. Look out for an update on the site later this month.

Step 15: Create Your Windows Home Server Password

Now’s the time to create the password for your Windows Home Server - as indicated, this must be a strong password (i.e. using upper and lower case letters, numbers and/or symbols) of at least 7 characters. Type it in twice, give yourself a good password hint (because forgetting this password will be a big pain!) and then click the forward arrow.

Step 16: Decide Whether You Want Automatic Updates Switched On

Personally, I always ensure that Automatic Updates are enabled for all of my home computers and my home server to ensure that any late breaking security updates are downloaded and installed asap. Others prefer to update manually (and you can do this from within the Windows Home Server Console). So make your choice and click the forward arrow.

Step 17: Decide Whether You Want to Send Improvement Information to Microsoft

As above, it’s all down to your personal preference - make your choice and hit that arrow again!

Step 18: Decide Whether You Want to Send Windows Error Reporting Information to Microsoft

I always click Yes to this one - the thing is, if they don’t know what’s wrong, they can’t fix it!

 Step 19: You’re Done!

That’s the installation and initial setup complete. Now all you need to do is set-up your users, folders and add-ins (again!) Have fun!