VIDEO: Windows Home Server ''Vail'' Beta

Codenamed Vail, Microsoft today showed off a little bit of Windows Home Server along with the announcement that the Beta version is now available for download.

Microsoft also had a few important notes for users planning to install the beta:

In Vail, we’re moving to a new underlying server platform that will only run as a 64-bit OS. We do not recommend running Vail on a 32-bit PC or existing Windows Home Server systems (even 64-bit Home Server systems) because there may be compatibility issues with some OEM drivers. Since it is still in ‘beta,’ please install the Vail code on a secondary computer as opposed to existing Windows Home Server v1 OEM systems (not even 64-bit systems) If you do install the beta on an existing system, you may experience a number of problems, including the inability to run WHS v1 add-in applications (even those provided by OEMs). Installing on a secondary machine will help ensure the best possible user experience, and we would like your feedback on what this scenario is like. Installation of the Vail OS on a PC will also require users to wipe all data from that PC or device. The hardware requirements for Vail call for a 1.4 GHz x64 processor, 1 GB RAM, and at least one160 GB hard drive. Full details and additional requirements will be posted on the Microsoft Connect download site.

No word on a release date other than, "We're not going to ship it until it's ready."

Click here to go to the beta download page.

Jane McEntegart
Contributor

Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.

  • seboj
    and at least one160 GB hard drive.

    I understand that it's common to require a hdd that has x amount of space, to ensure it has enough to hold the software / OS. But requiring a 160GB hdd? Is that common?
    Reply
  • Kelavarus
    Progress is always good.

    There can't be that many 1.4Ghz x64 CPUs, I'd think.
    Reply
  • Blessedman
    I would think only AMD has a 1.4Ghz x64 chip
    Reply
  • Userremoved
    So will it run on a Phenom II X64?
    :P
    Reply
  • And where is the video precisely? Doesn't the article title having the annoying "VIDEO" label in all caps mean that this page is supposed to have a video?
    Reply
  • bison88
    Paul Thurott to the rescue! Saw it earlier this morning from his site.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmnFoI8iqC8
    Reply
  • when does the beta expire??
    Reply
  • Another MS bit of rubbish.. wanting too much. costing tooo much .. doing not much..
    sound familiar..

    Just install Ubuntu..
    Problmes solved..
    Reply
  • JMcEntegart
    WheresTheBeefAnd where is the video precisely? Doesn't the article title having the annoying "VIDEO" label in all caps mean that this page is supposed to have a video?
    I'm only human. Give me a break. You're one of those people who always remembers the milk, to pick up the dry cleaning and has never once sent an email without the attachment? I see this is your first post too. Charming first impression you make.
    Reply
  • lauxenburg
    Yes. Finally 64-bit. I might actually build a server now.
    Reply