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We came across a problem today that we have come across before, but each time forget the solution, so…time to document it!

Scenario – new machine to add to the WHS network. Shoved the connector disc in and follow it through, but after entering the password we get the message “Can’t find the windows home server” try this…and non of the suggestions work. Sound familiar?

The cause is a simple one when you think about it like we did…we have had the WHS running for a few months now, and as with all Microsoft products there have been updates both to the server and the connector software!

The software that came on the disc no longer works and therefore you have to use the stuff on the server…so do this on the machine you are trying to connect to your home server

• Start and Run
• \servernamesoftwareHome Server Connector Software
• Double click the ‘setup.exe’ file
• The connector installation process will run and you will get connected!

Easy once you know how (if you remember!)

At the end of last year we mentioned that we would be writing a range of posts about Microsoft’s Windows Home Server and I thought that a good place to start would be recommending some books.

There are two that we suggest you start with, your experience with networks and servers will depend on which one will suit you best.

The first is “Windows Home Server User Guide”, this will allow you to setup the server and get client machines connected with shared files, printers and more.  If you are new to networking and/or servers then this is the book to start with.  It talks you through the basics to get you fully functioning Windows Home Server easily and relatively quick.

The second is “Windows Home Server Unleashed”, this again goes through the basics but it goes a lot further as well.  If you are familiar with networking and have some server experience then we would say this is the one to go for.  It takes you through doing a lot more than the first book….but then it is probably 4 times the size!

So there we go, that is the first step, get the book…oh and the software…if you don’t have the software then download a trial.

More Windows Home Server posts coming throughout 2009!!

For the past couple of months here in the office we have been testing Microsoft’s Windows Home Server and we are very impressed! So much so that we plan to run a whole bunch of tutorials, reviews and tips in the new year for this!

We’ll be covering things like –

• What Windows Home Server (WHS) can do for you at Home
• What WHS can do for you in a Small Office Environment
• WHS & Backing Up
• It’s limitations when compared to Small Business Server
• Buying Advice
• Ways to extend your WHS
• Accessing your Home Server’s Shared Files and Computers remotely
• and More…

So book mark this category on pctoolbox.co.uk ready for this great new section for 2009 !