Posted: 2/17/2007 9:12:31 AM EDT
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I recently had a home network backup drive fail me (Buffalo HD 300). Actually, its not the HD in the unit, but the fan on the unit. The unit won't run for long times, so I am getting data from it in a piecemeal approach until it completely fails. I'll probably crack the case and try to find a way to mount the drive in my PC for a full recovery, but I'll loose the ability to get a new one under warranty. More on that later. Now, I want to look for a new storage unit for my home network. I work from home as well as have a lot of pics, data files, etc. I have been using Norton Ghost 10 on all of my PCs to image each drive on a regular basis (of course, now all of that is on the dead Buffalo drive!!! ughhhh). I recently saw mention of a new MS product, Windows Home Server which appears to be a headless server with automatic backups as well as seem less disk sharing. Anyone have any more info, experience or alternative? The concept sounds perfect for what I'd like to have, but I want to spend my money wisely. Automating backups and having easy to access file sharing would be perfect. I get the impression you will be able to buy it preinstalled as well as separately for installing on your own hardware. |
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Thats my understanding..its in beta right now however. I believe initially that it will only be available on hardware however. You could use XP or Vista as your file server but it wouldn't have the password sync and automated backup stuff (I guess, though there are ways to accomplish all ofthat) or some other NAS unit..with RAID this time so a single hard disk failure doesn't take it out. I'm sure some of the linux peeps will chime in shortly about setting up a linux box with samba...that also works. You can sign up for the public beta here: connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer |
It's free if your time has no value, and I'd never call Linux simple to setup or maintain. If you want a free option, FreeBSD is your best bet. Since he asked about WHS, I'm running it and I like most of it. The automatic backup is nice. |
Have you tried the "refrigerator trick?" Put the HD into a refrigerator overnight and then mount it back in your PC. You should be able to get lots of data off the HD this way, and will prob'ly take several tries. This frequently works for failed HDs. |
Have you set up Fedora Core and its Samba package? It ain't too difficult or time consuming daddeo. Then you suggest FreeBSD? lol, he might have a bit more time involved going that way...  Additionally, I am told that WHS is an OEM only package so there is going to be considerable expense involved for the average home user. ETA: You work for Microsoft don't you? Looks like early units might be @ $500 for the box. That might be the way to go. |
Well, I did some additional searching and research today and found some sites where people have had similar issues as well as hacked these things into more functional linux based file and media servers. I knew a place/group like that had to exist. its the ARCOM of the Buffalo Linkstation. lol. Link So right now I am planning to get a new fan for it and/or pull the HD drive from it and mount in one of my pc's to access it for now. I think the WHS or something like that is the long term solution, but for now, I need to make sure I can get to all of the pics and software I have "backed up" on this HD. |
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Update: After searching the various pages at the previous link, I found enough data to search for a replacement fan. I went to the local pc geek store (Microcenter) and found a fan that fits. Once home, I cracked the case, cut out the old fan, soldered in the new one and powered her up. WORKS! All the data was fine, it just shuts down when the fan is not active. I did a proper full backup and it will suffice until later in the year when WHS comes out. |
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I don't have much interest in a linux versus freebsd war; my position is there isn't a linux distribution out there with as rock-solid package management as freebsd. with regards to working for Microsoft, yes, I do. With regards to pricing and availability, I can't comment. It's much easier to get rolling than any of the free options, that's for sure. I'll withhold my dislikes until after it ships. |