Windows Home Server bug corrupts files
Given that the point of Windows Home Server is to allow you to store your media files, a bug in the storage process that could result in corrupted files is bound to get attention.
Microsoft has issued a support document for the 13 or so (just kidding) people using Windows Home Server, the company's latest product for those attempting to build the digital home of the future. Apparently there's a flaw in the way Windows Home Server works with certain Microsoft applications, such as Windows Vista Photo Gallery, that could result in corrupted files if you use those applications to save files to the server. A list of the specific applications can be found in the support document.
HP's MediaSmart Server, which runs Microsoft's Windows Home Server.
(Credit: Hewlett-Packard)My colleague Ed Bott at ZDNet.com looked into exactly what would have to happen for the files to go bad, and it sounds like there is a convoluted series of steps that would have to be followed to produce the error. Still, as Ed points out, any bug that deletes data is a very, very serious issue.
The main culprit seems to be if you're putting Windows Home Server under a heavy load, and I doubt many of the people running the software have reached that point yet. I can see a day where a simple, easy-to-use home server will be vital in helping people organize (and back up) their vast collection of digital movies, TV shows, photos, and music--not to mention those precious home movies of the kids opening Baby's First QPhone or whatever becomes the hot-selling gadget of 2017.
But that day is not here yet for an overwhelming majority of people, as we've learned this week from Apple and Wal-Mart. The market for movie downloads--arguably the largest files people would want to store--is far from mature.
Unlimited long distance $24.99/mo
I have a need and use WHS now. I've ripped (from my own collection) over 300 movies to disk so I can access them throughout the house on any TV or PC - and my kids love it. Now they can't destroy the discs anymore!
It'll be fun to see them do a complete 180-degree turn and loudly pooh-pooh this little event.
Popcorn, anyone?
/P
Applause to MS for publishing the warning and taking the heat rather than go into denial, and applause to you for publicizing it and adding a little heat! Let's hope they get this fixed fast; it's a very promising product.
You still lose everything in a catastrophe like a fire or flood.
external access (sharing) it is fully legal. You can transfer the
movies/DVD's you purchased over to the platform and use that
to view them on the screens in your house. You have the license
(came with the movie) for home use, non public display.
For the FEW (laughing) windows users this may effect I hope
they issue a patch.
As one of the Apple boys who now uses the computer as a
recorder, player, and tuner, It works GREAT! Just make sure to
have a large enough external drive to store all the media on, and
if MS allows it, learn how to EDIT if you use it for television to
save space. At 2 gig/hr for real resolution it goes by quick.
- Microsoft has no monopoly on "Bugs"
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by old_fot
December 31, 2007 9:34 AM PST
- Unfortunately, errors in the design and implementation of computer programs and operating systems are widespread and not limited to any one vendor. I have been designing and implementing computer programs for more than 40 years and would speculate that there are two major problem areas that need to be addressed assuming that the overall design is correct.
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See all 45 Comments >>1. A rigid review of ALL module interfaces to ensure consistency throughout the product.
2. A programming tool that incorporates strong typing and range checking.
Any problem caused by a buffer overflow is unacceptable and easily avoided with range checking.
It is past time for the purchasers of computer software to continue to accept the poorly designed and bug ridden software provided by most vendors. Consumers would not accept this lack of quality and usability in other products that they purchase.
It is time for consumers to be educated that they do not have to settle for the current bug ridden products that are being foisted on them.
We all have to learn to "just say no" to lousy computer products regardless the vendor.