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HP statement on the Windows Home Server data corruption issue

HP, which makes the Windows Home Server-based MediaSmart Server that I use and love, has issued the following statement regarding Microsoft's ongoing efforts to track down and fix the highly publicized Windows Home Server data corruption issue:

HP has been in close communication with Microsoft on the Windows Home Server data corruption issue. There are two points to remember: we are only aware of a small percentage of customers with confirmed instances of the issue, and it occurs only when utilizing certain programs on Home Server systems with more than one hard drive. We understand disappointment with the estimated June delivery of a fix. But we also understand the challenges MS faces in reproducing bugs that occur so infrequently, the complexity of finding the right solution, and the need to complete extensive testing to ensure the bug fix is done correctly. HP is working with MS and is providing engineering and test resources to expedite this fix. With all the complexities of various operating systems, numerous applications, the variety of networking components, and the layers of software on top of Drive Extender, the testing will, in our experience, take some time to complete. Until that time, HP recommends that all HP MediaSmart Server owners follow Microsoft’s recommendations to ensure their data remains safe. More information can be found on Microsoft’s web site.

It's worth noting, incidentally, that HP hasn't actually had anyone call in with this issue to their support line. I was also told that the data corruption issue isn't even a top five question from customers seeking support. This suggests to me that the issue is indeed rare, as the MediaSmart Server has to be the best-selling WHS solution that's currently available.

Personally, I'm disappointed that Microsoft has been so quiet about this problem. On the other hand, because of the way I utilize the server (i.e. I never directly edit anything on the WHS), I probably won't have any issues. Certainly, I haven't seen any data corruption issues so far.

Comments

 

Airline Travel » HP statement on the Windows Home Server data corruption issue said:

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March 28, 2008 4:44 PM
 

daveinla said:

Gee Airtravel is always first !!!

"Personally, I'm disappointed that Microsoft has been so quiet about this problem."

I would correct and put:

Shame on Microsoft for being so silent about this critical issue !!

you forgot your own vocabulary now Paul and readers have to do the work for you ! ;-)

March 28, 2008 6:26 PM
 

rickhuizinga said:

I am really getting peeved at all the reports that this bug is very rare and only affects a small number of users.

I have had this problem ever since I first began using WHS, and had the data corruption issue kill my OneNote files 2-3 times per week.  I was working directly with MS on this issue back in September & October.  I can easily continue to reproduce this problem should I continue to use OneNote from a WHS share - which is a recommended mode of using OneNote for sharing and synchronizing notebooks across computers.

I have had to give up on using OneNote in this manner, and have stopped using Windows folder re-direction to point my home folder to WHS as many program read/write to the Documents folder directly.  I have had many documents become corrupt, including 10 years of financial history stored in MS Money.

March 28, 2008 6:41 PM
 

Lindy said:

This product had some small appeal when it first come out for a niche market.  Geeks that love MS stuff, that want a server with the SBS 2003 features like RWW but less complexity and more media focus.

This bug coming out early after its release and Microsoft's less than speedy fix basically killed it.  If someone were to ask my advice about this product, it would be a "NO WAY IN HELL" type of answer.

Vista, WHS, Zune 360 RROD....Microsoft's is on a roll.

March 29, 2008 7:51 AM
 

brandon.pope said:

'Bout Time...

March 29, 2008 7:00 PM
 

HP Statement on Data Corruption Issue « MS Windows Home Server said:

Pingback from  HP Statement on Data Corruption Issue « MS Windows Home Server

March 31, 2008 7:53 AM

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Paul Thurrott is the guy behind the SuperSite for Windows. Way behind. :)
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