Installing Windows Home Server Connector

Andrew Gehman

Mar 10 |13:53

windowshomeserverlogo Once you have your Windows Home Server up and running, the next thing you'll want to do is install the Windows Home Server Connector on your PCs. Installing the Windows Home Server Connector allows you to connect your computer to Windows Home Server. Any of the currently supported Windows operating systems can be connected to Windows Home Server. Specifically, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP w/ Service Pack 2 or higher.

It's also not recommended that you access and your server locally, but rather remotely with through Windows Home Server Connector. This will also allow you to perform any configuration or setting changes from any of your connected computers.

Installation

Place the Home Server Connector CD into the computer you wish to join the network and run the Setup. You can also access the Connector software by typing http://server:55000 into your browser's address bar. (Note: "Server" should be replaced with the your server name. Server is the default name.)

If you get an error the Home Server cannot be found, check to make sure your server is connected to the network, network adapters are installed on the server, and it is pulling an IP Address from your router.

When the home server is located, the software installation will begin.

When the download is complete, you'll be taken to the Welcome screen. Click "Next."

Accept the License agreement and click "Next."

Windows Home Server Connector will install.

You'll be prompted to enter your Windows Home Server password. Click "Next."

Decide how you want to install Home Server COnnector upadates. Download and install automatically is recommended.

Next, decide how you want to handle backups if your computer is in sleep or hibernate mode. Click "Next."

Your computer will now be joining the Windows Home Server and configured for backup. Click "Next."

The installation is now complete. Note: Your backup preference will be indicated. Click "Finish."

You'll need to install the Windows Home Server Connector on all your computers. AFter that, you'll be able to start, creating users, backing up, and all the other great stuff Windows Home Server is meant to do.

Need to know how to install Windows Home Server itself? Check out my previous tutorial.

Trial Version

Want to try WHS? You can download a 30 day trial from Microsoft. Be forewarned though that after the trial, if you wish to purchase, you'll have to actually buy a copy and reinstall the software. Unfortunately they don't offer a way to activate the full version from the trial.