WHS Restore CD

[pcgeek11]

Testing the windows home server backup. The WHS Restore CD boots and reads the correct NIC Realtek RTL8168C Gigabit NDIS 6.0. Problem it cannot connect to the server connecting through a Linksys WRT54G Router. Normally connecting and backing up with Windows Vista Ultimate X64 is no problem. Using DHCP in the router for the network and the DNS servers via Time Warner Road Runner in SC.

Has anyone else had an issue with this? Any tips.

pcgeek11

 

[RebateMonger]

I've done quite a few restores and haven't seen that problem. I have a couple of PCs with Realtek Gigabit adapters.

Have you tried copying the NIC driver that's stored in the WHS backup for that computer, loaded it onto a USB stick, and loaded the driver when the WHS Restore Wizard asks about device drivers? Since that NIC/driver combination works fine on the Windows PC, it presumably should work fine in the Restore process.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Restoring my netbook right now actually. I think I ran into something like this before, but it was because I was using the incorrect version of the Restore CD.

 

[pcgeek11]

Well I've already tried the drivers on a USB Stick and had the same results the software stated that it found the required drivers on the USB and then couldn't locate the server... I am using the Restore CD for Power Pack 2 which is the version I am running.

I have read postings on the net about DNS problems etc, but I don't feel that is an issue. I think I will borrow a straight switch and try that to connect between the two without the router. I don't understand why the router wouldn't get it right, because I can boot from an Acronis Restore CD where I can see and communicate the WHS Server just fine. That is why I think it must have something to do with the software on the CD. Although I have been wrong before. :shocked:

Hmmmm. If you guys think of anything drop me a note. I will get this! Sooner or later. I'm just glad I thought to test the restore before I really needed it. As is I have everything backed up to a folder on the server using Acronis which in fact works flawlessly. I love the server, but the backup restore process has disappointed me.

pcgeek11

 

[pcgeek11]

Well to all that care.

As stated before I couldn't get the Restore CD to see the server when attempting to test the restore process;

Asus M3A78-CM Motherboard.
Integrated Realtek Gigabit RTL8168C NIC
Linksys WRT54G Router

The restore CD ided ( I thought ) the correct NIC but would not get a connection to the server.

I tried loading the driver via USB Stick ... No Worky...

I tried older and newer drivers from Realtek and Asus ... for XP, Vista, Windows Server 2003 ... No Worky...

As a last gasp attempt I used Windows Server 2008 Drivers from Realtek ... Bingo works like a charm.

I did notice that all of the drivers that did not work IDed the NIC as a " RTL8168 " Notice there is no " C " after the number. When I used the drivers for Windows Server 2008 it correctly IDed the NIC as " RTL8168C ". I didn't catch that before.

Now I'm a happy camper. Realtek needs to work on their driver me thinks.

I compared the *.inf files between the drivers I tried earlier and found that the newer Server 2008 drivers include the RTL8168C where the ones that didn't work only has RTL8168 ... and they are quite a bit different reading through the INF file.. Hmmmm


pcgeek11

 

[RebateMonger]

One of the things I wonder about is the Restore routine itself. It appears to be based on the Vista/2008 Complete PC Backup routines. Which means it'd like to see Vista/2008 network drivers and drive controller drivers. The those drivers aren't used for the restored Windows system. The are only used to let the Restore system see the network and the drive controller so it can start the Restore.

The thing that normally saves this is that Microsoft includes enough drivers in the WHS Restore CD to cover most network and storage cards.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
It appears to be based on the Vista/2008 Complete PC Backup routines. Which means it'd like to see Vista/2008 network drivers and drive controller drivers.

The thing that normally saves this is that Microsoft includes enough drivers in the WHS Restore CD to cover most network and storage cards.

It appears that is the fact right there. I did notice that when looking through the Server 2008 driver package it also refers to Vista.

I had previously thought I would need to install drivers for the server as I did on the installation of WHS...

Do you know if these drivers could be incorporated into the restore CD or am I tied to the USB Stick for a restore. I did try copying them to the LAN folder in the restore disk image burned it but it made no difference, I still needed the USB Stick with drivers to work.

pcgeek11

 

[pcgeek11]

After being unsuccessful in incorporating the correct drivers into the restore CD. Searching the web I found a restore option that will work from the We got Served Forums here:

http://forum.wegotserved.com/index.php?showtopic=6471

Using the " X Files Edition Restore CD or the Bootable Restore USB image " it works from the Restore CD or the Bootable USB Disk. I hated having the Restore CD tied to the drivers on USB. I like the bootable USB Disk fast and clean.

pcgeek11

 

[RebateMonger]

Yeah, I read about that. I'm going to build a USB stick boot copy of the Install and Restore routines for WHS. It always seems a waste to install a DVD drive in a PC just to run the WHS install routine one time. I haven't had any problems with any Restores so far (I've done quite a few), but having a USB copy with extra drivers would be nice.