Drive Pool 2.3.10.1661_x64 on WHS2011 - Failing to start.

[IanR]

Hi,

I've had DrivePool running on a WHS2011 for years without any issues but now:

Directly after upgrading to 2.3.10.1661_x64, Drive Pool is failing to start.

GUI reports "Background Service failed to start, try rebooting" - Which hasn't worked.

Manually downloaded 2.3.10.1661_x64 and did a "Repair", but no change

Manually ran DrivePool.Service.exe, which reports "Service CoveFS was not found"

Is there a known issue? Nothing came up on the forum when I searched, but I see WHS2011 is no longer on the supported software list.

Can I go back to an older version of DrivePool? I have tried to Install an old copy I had stored (2.3.2.1494_x64) but that aborts the install.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

[Christopher (Drashna)]

To clarify here, the main issue is with the signing of the driver for the pool driver.  Unfortunately, this is something that is outside of our control, if we want to have signed drivers.  The newer signing requirements/type is not compatible with older OS's, so to continue updating the drivers, it look like compatibility is broken with older versions of Windows.

There isn't a lot that we can do about this, so maintaining backwards compatilbity isn't something we have control over. 

It may be posssible to use newer versions if test signing mode is enabled, but we DO NOT recommend this. 

[Shane]

Try uninstalling DrivePool before installing an earlier version?

Try uninstalling DrivePool then deleting the "C:\ProgramData\StableBit DrivePool\" folder and rebooting before installing an earlier version?

While I know you mentioned WHS 2011, support for WHS 2012 was discontinued alongside the release of version 2.3.9.1654, and 2.3.8.1600 was the previous DrivePool release before that, if that helps. You can find links to download the various release versions here.

[Christopher (Drashna)]

uninstalling doesn't remove or reset the settings, so you should be fine with just uninstalling and reinstalling. 

Specifically, no need to delete the ProgramData folder.   The "covefs failed to start" is the crux of the issue here, and is the driver for the pool.  Without this, the pool can't run.  And if it's not started/installed, then the service will generate a version mismatch, and stall out. 

Specifically this version should work: 
https://dl.covecube.com/DrivePoolWindows/release/download/StableBit.DrivePool_2.3.8.1600_x64_Release.exe

[IanR]

Thanks Christopher, I now have Drive Pool back up and running.

For the record, I uninstalled DrivePool, without deleting the ProgramData folder, and then installed StableBit.DrivePool_2.3.8.1600_x64_Release.exe from the above link.

After a reboot, DrivePool started and picked up the pool config (and license) without any input from me.

Many Thanks!

[IanR]

Thanks Shane, I was concerned about losing my license and pool configuration. Are there any files I should back up before uninstalling

[SidneyBNice]

I am gun-shy.   

Because I too have WHS 2011 and had updated via the update available prompt.

I then experienced the "Horrifying" GUI reporting "Background Service failed to start, try rebooting" - Which didn't work.

I uninstalled and reinstalled 2.3.2.1493 and my system seems back to be working fine.

Now I am being prompted with "A new versions of StableBit DrivePool is available (2.3.5.1557). Click here to update." 

Should I skip 2.3.5.1557 and instead install StableBit.DrivePool_2.3.8.1600_x64_Release.exe from the link above?

Thanks!

 

[Christopher (Drashna)]

21 hours ago, IanR said:

Thanks Christopher, I now have Drive Pool back up and running.

I'm glad to hear it!

4 hours ago, SidneyBNice said:

Should I skip 2.3.5.1557 and instead install StableBit.DrivePool_2.3.8.1600_x64_Release.exe from the link above?

The 1600 version is the last release version that appears to work on WHS2011, per my testing.  So yes, I would recommend grabbing it from the link and installing that (the 1557 version will likely prompt for newer versions after installing it)

[SidneyBNice]

Uninstalled and installed StableBit.DrivePool_2.3.8.1600_x64_Release.exe - Seems to be working fine.

Now system prompts to update to 2.3.10.1661.

Do you advise updating to 1661?

 

 

 

[Grunzi]

Exactly the same here.

If you do an upgrade, it looks like it is upgrading but afterwards it will not work any more.

If you try to install manually you get an error, that the OS is not supported.

Would be great if it would work under WHS2011 as well OR provide a "final version" of the 1600  version wihout an update check...

[IanR]

11 hours ago, Grunzi said:

Would be great if it would work under WHS2011 as well OR provide a "final version" of the 1600  version wihout an update check...

With 1600 Installed, go into Settings -> Select Updates... -> Settings -> Disable Automatic Updates

Mine now runs without the constant notification that an update is available.