They said it would be a “minor release” back last year - it turned out to be a major undertaking, but with seven months of major development and testing, with numerous private and public beta releases, Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 has finally been released to manufacturing.
The final build has undergone a final set of intense, automated tests over the past two weeks as part of Microsoft’s standard escrow process, and with the code now fully locked down, we can say goodbye to our favourite data corruption issue once and for all and look forward to a slew of new features for Windows Home Server, including:
- x64 support for home computers running Windows Vista
- Home Server Shared Folder backup
- Improved remote access experience
- Improvements to power consumption and performance
- Localised products for Japan and China
If you’ve been running the WHS Power Pack 1 beta, you’ll know all about these new features. If not, head on over to our Power Pack 1 walkthrough for the lowdown.
So, the question on everyone’s lips: When can we get hold of it?
Here’s the plan - Power Pack 1 is a free update for all Windows Home Server owners and you can pick it up in a variety of ways depending on how quickly you want it. (Dates may be subject to change)
- w/c 21st July - The English edition of Power Pack 1 will be available to download directly via the Microsoft Download Center.
- w/c 4th August - German, Spanish and French editions will be available also via the Microsoft Download Center.
- 12th August - all versions of Power Pack 1 will be available to download directly from the WHS Console via Windows Update.
In 6-8 weeks, everyone purchasing the OEM edition of Windows Home Server for self-built systems will find that the pack they receive contains the latest build of Windows Home Server, complete with Power Pack 1.
Congratulations to the WHS Team from all of us at We Got Served - I’m sure they’re delighted to get this one out of the door, and get Windows Home Server back on track through the rest of the year.
July 21st, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Will there be a sure-fire way of ensuring that purchasing OEM system builder version will have PP1 in it? (ie, will it be marked like XP Pro SP2, etc?)
July 21st, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Do you know if the beta needs to be uninstalled first prior to applying the RTM version?
July 21st, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I tried to install that download and it says I already have it installed. I don’t know if that means we need to uninstall the beta, but it won’t let me install the one from the link.
July 21st, 2008 at 5:05 pm
EDIT: The instructions on the download page say the beta has to be uninstalled first.
July 21st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
According to the site, we gotta uninstall it. oops
“To apply this update, you must have Windows Home Server installed. If you have a beta version or a release candidate version of Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 installed, you must uninstall these preliminary versions before you install this final version of Windows Home Server Power Pack 1.
“
July 21st, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Any word about the HP-update? Latest word was that it were to be released at the same time as PP1
July 21st, 2008 at 5:13 pm
The HP update is available and ready to download.
July 21st, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Stephen - the PP1 enabled system builder release will have a new product number, which will be the best way to tell, and the old SKU will no longer be available.
We’re waiting to hear the new product numbers from Microsoft….
HP update is indeed available - news post coming soon
Terry
July 21st, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Great, after the reboot the HP update will be applied =)
July 21st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
A French Version of PowerPack is available at HP MediaSmart
View my blog: http://www.patounemedia.net/2008/07/21/le-powerpack-windows-home-server-est-livre/
July 21st, 2008 at 5:55 pm
PP1 installs fine on OEM English version. In the status centerit will state your client pc(s) software will need to be updated. Updated ok on an XP mchine but bombs out on Vista Ultimate running normal or as administrator. So the software still has one bug.
July 21st, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Update: Turning off Threatfire helps getting the process started but it will not finish towards the end
July 21st, 2008 at 6:16 pm
That might just be you, Kitty. It probably has to do with an addin. Everything updated fine for me and is running smooth.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:19 pm
There is no option on my ADD/Remove programs to remove the previous beta PP1 (yes I ticked the option to show updates).
Tried to install the PP1 I downloaded from the web and it says it is already installed… Humm…
July 21st, 2008 at 7:47 pm
It’s definitely there - the entry starts PRERELEASE on my home server….
July 21st, 2008 at 10:27 pm
How/where do you get te 64bit connector?
July 21st, 2008 at 11:42 pm
I get the same as pmdci,
I don’t see any indication of the PRERELEASE version of PP1 even showing updates, I do know it is installed.
When I try to install the update, I get an error saying it is already installed.
Please help.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 am
I’ve been trying to install the update and it fails saying “Not enough disk space” …. odd, I have 1.1 tb free!
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:19 am
Hey guys,
For anyone having problems with PP1, may I suggest you start (or add to) a post in the forums. It would be much easier to help you with any questions or problems from that area than here.