Christopher (Drashna)

@Arthur, Very nice. I've used it a bit (was trying to get "diskless booting" working with it, unsuccessfully), and I can definitely agree with the "tricky" bit.. And Windows should remember the drive letter if the volume is the exact same one. Otherwise, it will auto-assign one, and could bump the letter.

Look for the "Windows 7" version, it will be under that specifically. http://stablebit.com/DrivePool/Download specificially

It is checking duplication status of all the files, so if you have a lot of files, this could take a while. Also, it is checking the "balancing" status of the data, as compared to the balancer settings.

Shane is dead on. Most onboard controllers you can only set the mode for the controller, and not individual drives. There is a registry hack to allow you to change the mode of the boot drive, but it's a hack... and may cause issues. Basically, it's best to set it first and then install WIndows. Also, if you're using SSD, you absolutely must have AHCI enabled, as without it you won't get TRIM support (IIRC).

Well, I'm sorry to hear about your drive, but at least you know that Scanner wasn't being over zealous or over sensitive. (IIRC we do use the manufacturer thresholds, as well as data that's been set to "BitFlock"). And I'm glad that you are pleased with our product!

Yes, you can definitely configure Scanner to send you email notifications.

First thing to do is check the event viewer for any errors. But you've already done that. Also, there are log files in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Server\Logs. If you want to upload those to somewhere, and post a link, I can look through them. Also, does uninstalling DrivePool fix this issue? And does "http://servername/connect/" and "http://servername:55000/connect/" work?

By unchecking the entries in the "File Placement Limiter", yes, it will move the files off of the drive. Automatically, if that's what the balancer is set to (how often it makes it's pass). I use this myself to remove disks from my pool, as I can just sit and let it do it's thing. And that way, disk removal should be very quick.

Depends on what you mean by "monitors". Scanner definitely grabs the SMART data from SSDs, as well as does the periodic file scans.

kihimcarr, Is it actually moving any of the data off of the drive? Also, if you clear the drive off first, does it have issues as well? (Use the "File Placement Limiter" balancer and uncheck "duplicated" and "unduplicated" for the drive in question).

Sadly, TechNet is ending soon. And the IT world is PISSED. Namely, you have until the 31st (2 days left) to purchase or renew your TechNet account. Otherwise, you "get" to use the eval software only, or Microsoft's "online labs". (or so that's what I've been told).... that or pay for MSDN. For somebody like Alex, that's fine as he needs the development tools. For me, I just need them for testing. The price difference? $200 for TechNet Standard, $350 for Pro, and $700 for the cheapest MSDN subscription (and that is *just* for the OS's...) Sorry for the rant, but .... like I said, "pissed"... As for the server, it depends. I like having the newer tech, and having active directory (I use a domain at home, as well as some of it's peripheral abilities like WIndows Deployment Service). So it really depends on what you want out of your network.

Okay, those are definitely good reasons. And i can definitely understanding want to reduce your "footprint", as well as electricity bill. Well, everything but the TeamViewer... WHS2011 comes with a "Remote Desktop Gateway" which allows you to remote desktop into other machines on the network. Including the server. But it does "take over" the computer. There is also VNC, which works much like Team Viewer.

Absolutely. The license isn't version specific and is compatible with both the 1.3.x version and the 2.x version. And can be transferred back and forth between versions. As well as the pool. And if you don't mind me asking, why are you abandoning WHS?

Codegear, thanks for the details!

Yeah, definitely. And welcome, not that Microsoft makes it easy to understand the support time frames.... Around $400-500 would be my guess.That's been the going rate for "Small Business Server" (which is what 2012 (R2) Essentials basically was). But yes, only time will tell. That, and I'm sure there will be deals on it. Check newegg when it comes out, and amazon, and Tiger Direct, and .... You get the idea. For $400+, the trouble of price comparison because TOTALLY worth it.

WIndows Storage Server 2008R2 Essentials is basically just WHS2011, but with 25 users and computers. It's also OEM only, and much more "regulated". It's very hard to find without using Technet/MSDN, IIRC. And .... WHS isn't dead. In fact, the entire WHS2011 code is *what* makes Server 2012 Essentials what it is. Literally. Also, end of mainstream support means that it only gets critical security updates, IIRC. And that will last as long as Server 2008R2 is supported. Mainstream support for 2008R2 is Jan 2015... while extended support (aka critical updates) last until 2020. So that's a good long while. And Server 2012 R2 *is* Server 8.1. As Server 2012 is Server 8. Also, the "Essentials" Role (aka the code that made WHS) will be available on Standard and Datacenter versions of Server 2012R2, IIRC. And I'd wait for Server 2012 R2 Essentials, if you want to go this route (which isn't a bad idea). Namely, because it handles bare metal restores better (can create a recovery disk from scratch, and may integrate drivers, as well as supports PXE, aka network booting of the recovery image).

Yeah, if you skimmed it, you could easily miss that info. But I'm used to reading things with all sorts of formatting. At least, I'm pretty sure that's what asked. And honestly, migrating from anything to DrivePool is basically the same.... add the disk to the pool. move the contents into the hidden PoolPart.xxxx folders, and reset the NTFS permissions.

The other advantage is not having to worry about how your circuits are laid out with the powerline adapters, as that can cause issues (especially on older houses).

For the certificate problems... unless you manually import that certificate, or you fully set up the domain (using .homeserver.com as it's free), then you will get that issue. Should be safe to ignore. But glad you got it figured out. And yeah, the RDP files are just text files.

Or there is this: http://wiki.covecube.com/StableBit_DrivePool_Q5463715 or this: http://forum.wegotserved.com/index.php/topic/25196-restore-cd-wont-boot-my-computer/?p=129161 It's all basically the same thing. A quick way to migrate WHSv1's Drive Extender pool to StableBit DrivePool.

No, it would combine them, and overwrite files. However, you could skip existing files, and then copy those to a different HDD. Or rename the folder (to something like "Documents 2") prior to moving the files. And yes, it should the "combined" file list.

haha! And yes, very true. Most games are 20GBs or larger anymore. And then there are the patches.... and heavens forbid if you live in somewhere with limited bandwidth. Especially on patch days... But yeah, for the most part, it *should* work. It really does depend on the program though. Some do things they should, or use features that could cause issues. So it's trial and error. If you do run into issues, then definitely let us know. Also, you can use a pooled disk for the installation. It will count against the available space, and be counted as "other" in the GUI.

Anyone still having this issue, could you open a ticket at http://stablebit.com/Contact after doing this: http://wiki.covecube.com/StableBit_DrivePool_Log_Collection Also, does installing the 2.x version help?

There isn't a way to merge them ... yet. (Would you mind submitting a feature request ticket, because that is a really good idea: http://stablebit.com/Contact) And there is a really simple way. Stop the StableBit DrivePool Service manually (run "Services" or "service.msc" on the server, find that service and stop it). Once it's stopped, you know that "really easy way to migrate to DrivePool", do that in reverse, basically. Move the contents of the hidden "PoolPart.xxx" folders to the root of the drives. DO that for all the drives that are in the pool you want to get rid of. Then start the service, and remove the drives from the pool. Then add them to the remaining pool. Then stop the service again, and copy the files into the newly created "PoolPart.xxxx" folders, and start the service again.

Right now, there are a lot of differences between the two versions. 1.x is meant for WHS and includes a lot more integration with the "Server Solutions" code (the WHS unique) code. 2.x has the dashboard tab, but it's basically just the remote access UI in the dashboard. (which is still awesome). I am not sure, but I believe the plan is to eventually merge both versions. (that would be easier to support, and easier to code for). As for the pro's and con's, other than what I've listed, 2.x is still remote controllable even on the products that have a dashboard. That, and 2.x doesn't use the WSSX installers (where are horrible about error reporting) Otherwise, it's mostly the same (improvements have been back-ported, and vice versa). And the balancer plugins are available for either version. And the advanced settings files uses all the same settings, for the most part. So that should be compatible as well. If you need clarification, or have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.