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We've talked about how useful Windows Home Server is in the past. We've also talked about how Windows Home Server protects your files by duplicating them on multiple hard drives to protect against failure. But my motto has always been, "You can never have enough backups!" If you're Uninteruptable Power Supply fails, your motherboard dies a horrible death, or your server is stolen your only hope is a backup! Fortunately Windows Home Server has a backup method built-in!

How to Backup Your Windows Home Server

To backup your Windows Home Server you will need the following:

  • A Windows Home Server
  • Files on the server you really don't want to lose
  • An external hard drive with a compatible connection
  1. Connect your external hard drive to your server. This will usually be a USB connection, but could be Firewire or eSata.
  2. Open the Windows Home Server Console and click the Server Storage tab.

    3. (click the image for a larger view)

    Note that the external drive is now shown as Not Added under Non Storage Hard Drives.

  3. Click Add in the toolbar. This will open the Add a Hard Drive Wizard. Click Next.

    4. add a hard drive wizard

  4. Select the radio button beside Use this hard drive to backup files that are stored on your home server. Click Next.

    5. backup home server

  5. Select the radio button beside Yes, format this hard drive. click Next.

    6. format hard drive

  6. Type a label for the external hard drive. Click Next.

    7. label backup drive

  7. Click Finish to begin formatting the drive.

    8. format whs drive

  8. Grab a refreshing beverage while Windows Home Server formats the drive.

    9. formatting drive

  9. A summary will be displayed upon successful completion. Click Done.

    10. formatting done

    Note that the external drive now shows under Server Backup Hard Drives on the Server Storage tab.

    (click the image for a larger view)

  10. Click the Computers & Backup tab. Your home server will now appear as a computer available to backup. Click Backup Now.

    11. (click the image for a larger view)

  11. A new window will open showing the shares where your files are stored and allowing you to select which ones you would like to backup.

    12. choose shares

    Make your selections by using the drop down menu inline with the share you want to backup. In the above example I have chosen my personal share along with the Music, Photos, and Software shares.

  12. After you have made your choices click Backup Now which will open a status window showing percent completed along with the share and file currently being backed up.

    13. backup status

  13. When the backup is complete you will be presented with a summary page. Click Close to close the window.

    14. backup summary

  14. Return to the Server Storage tab and select your backup drive using the mouse. Click Remove in the toolbar.

    15. (click the image for a larger view)

  15. Select the radio button beside Temporarily remove it from my home server and click OK.

    remove backup drive

There you have it! Your files are safely backed up on the external hard drive. You can unplug the drive from the server and store it somewhere safe knowing your files will be there if disaster strikes.