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My Simple Server (WHS2011)

sep

sep

Platinum Member
I'm replacing my existing MSC 2005 server with WHS2011. The hardware is from existing parts I have. Primary usage will be for backups, file sharing and mild backend processing.

Hardware
E6850 CPU w/ MASSCOOL 8W553B1M3 90mm
Asus P5N32-E SLI Deluxe (no gpu)
3 x 120m FAN (mb header)
5 x SATA Hard Drive
CM-690 Mid-Tower
SilverStone Strider Plus ST50F-P 500W

Software
Windows Home Server 2011
Virtualbox (remote access)

Watts = 84 - 120
Temps = Idle 29c, Load 34c
Noise = very quiet

Free Antivirus for WHS 2011:
One of my virtual machines is running Norton's 360 on my networked shares.
 
Last edited:
Installation
Used an external drive to install WHS 2011. It went fast and flawless.

Patched
Connected to internet and patched.

Back it up!
Connected external device and backed up Drive. I will have different backups along the way incase I encounter something that causes the drive to crash or something.

Temps
Idle = MB is 27c, CPU is 28c
Load = ....need to check

Noise
Idle = I honestly can't tell if its powered on or not.
Load = Darn hard drives...I can only hear the chugging of these if I'm up close. Maybe an upgrade later.
 
Issue #1
Device Manager is showing Sata Controller Drivers missing. I tried to install the Vista drivers I get from Asus, but WHS doesn't recognize these. Any thoughts how to get these drivers installed?

Question #1
I'm going to install Virtualbox on the server and run a headless virtual machine. This will be used to download file and scan them for virus. I was going to use WinXP instead of Win7 because I think it's less of a resource hog. Do you see any issues?

Question #2
Lights-Out is an add-in for WIN2011. I installed it on my test box (vm of WHS) and noticed it's only a 30day trial. Does anyone know the price and is it a one time purchase?

Question #3
Security - IIS is disabled and I'm going to keep it this way for now. Other then a antivirus/firewall software (I'm going to use AVAST for now) am I secure from outside instrusions?
 
sep said:
Issue #1
Device Manager is showing Sata Controller Drivers missing. I tried to install the Vista drivers I get from Asus, but WHS doesn't recognize these. Any thoughts how to get these drivers installed?
Click to expand...

Looks to me like that motherboard uses a Silicon Image SATA controller.
Give the drivers for windows 7 (64 bit) a go:
http://www.siliconimage.com/support/searchresults.aspx?pid=32&cat=3


Question #1
I'm going to install Virtualbox on the server and run a headless virtual machine. This will be used to download file and scan them for virus. I was going to use WinXP instead of Win7 because I think it's less of a resource hog. Do you see any issues?
Click to expand...

Sounds fine to me, though I didn't bother on my server - I basically download stuff to my local machine and don't ever directly download to the server. Assuming you have enough memory in the server, it shouldn't have any trouble running a virtualbox instance.

Question #2
Lights-Out is an add-in for WIN2011. I installed it on my test box (vm of WHS) and noticed it's only a 30day trial. Does anyone know the price and is it a one time purchase?
Click to expand...

I wasn't aware it wasn't free. I would assume it would be a one time purchase, but I can't even find a website of someone trying to sell it. :/

Question #3
Security - IIS is disabled and I'm going to keep it this way for now. Other then a antivirus/firewall software (I'm going to use AVAST for now) am I secure from outside instrusions?
Click to expand...

I think that has to do more with your network configuration. I've got exactly one port open from the outside world to my WHS, and that's HTTPS. The server itself I haven't bothered with a lot of security on; if you don't have anything installed on it, and you don't use it as a desktop, I don't see where you'd be picking up much spyware/viruses from. In any case, I haven't seen any intrusions on my network since it's been running, and that's without any specific antivirus or additional firewalls installed.
 
ISSUE #1 - Resolved thanks to Geofram
I was downloading the raid drivers. When I got the Windows64bit SATA 3Gb Drivers from this site it work without issues.

Question #1 - Working!
I have several VMs' running and can remote in to them from other workstations. These are running headless (headlesstray). I checked the firewall and made sure these ports were open. CPU spikes 50-60% when booting vm's but back down to 1-2% when idle.
 
Last I saw Lights-on had a 30 day trial, and is freeware for private only use. After the 30 day period it should continue running.
 
Geofram, thanks again. I'm now using the sata 3g port for a fifth drive (I only was going to use the 4 integrated).

Question #4
Anyone know how I can take advantage of the second nic? Meaning what can I gain by having a second NIC active. Use this specific for backups, media center pc? Is it worth it?
 
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