VIDEO: Windows Home Server ''Vail'' Beta

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Microsoft today showed off a little sneak peek of the next version of Windows Home Server.

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.

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Jane McEntegart
Jane McEntegart
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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.

29 Comments Comment from the forums
  • 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