Folder Redirection fails if folder with username already exists on WS2012e

Folder redirection will fail on Windows Server 2012 Essentials if there is already a folder in C:\ServerFolders\Folder Redirection, that matches the username. Folder redirection will fail if you delete and recreate a user with the same name.

This is due to the new user not having the permission to create redirected folders since the client still uses the older user’s profile that is cached in the client.

Luckily for us there is an easy resolution:

Rename the existing folder and then re-implement folder redirection. If needed you can then manually merge the user folders.

  1. Rename or delete the old user’s folder under Folder Redirection (if there is any).
  2. Re-implement folder redirection group policy in dashboard.
  3. For each client that the old user has once logged in, BEFORE the new user login, clean up the older user’s profile cache by following steps:
    • Logon the client with Admin account
    • Remove the old user profile from Computer->Properties->Advanced System Setting->User Profiles.
    • Open cmd, type and run ‘gpupdate /force /logoff’.
    • After automatic logoff, reboot the client

From Microsoft Article 2729888.

More On Storage Spaces

Another good write up on Windows 8 Storage Spaces, this time courtesy of PC Pro.

Their 4 page how-to guide gives us an understanding of pools and storage spaces, talks resiliency and parity and explains what happens when a disk fails.

PCPro Check Storage Spaces for Problems

A comprehensive read which you can read here.

Update Rollup 4 for Windows Server Solutions BPA Available

For users of SBS 2011 Essentials and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials, the Windows Server Solutions BPA has been updated for January 2013.

Update Rollup 4 for Windows Server Solutions BPA include the following 3 new rules:

  • DefWebSiteExtended – This rule checks whether the default website is extended correctly.
  • RemoteVDirAuthentication – This rule checks whether Anonymous Authentication is disabled.
  • SelfUpdateVDirSSL – This rule checks whether the SSL protocol is enabled or Anonymous Authentication is disabled in the SelfUpdate virtual directory.

For directions on how to install plus links to the issues fixed, see here.

Lights Management Full Package

If you are using an old HP MediaSmart Server and have upgraded it to Windows Home Server 2011 and you may have noticed that the front indicator lights no longer work.

HP MediaSmert Server LEDs

Well, you can get them back working if you install the "Lights Management Full Package" by "Klode"

…I decided to host a full package for all supported server version including Intel drivers, HpMssService Setup, vcredist_x64, and an updated ReadMe file on what to install on your specific server O/S which includes WHS 2011,  Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials and Windows Server 2012 Essentials.

You can get the Lights Management Full Package here.

The OfficeStor Express from Viridian PC

ITPro reviews the OfficeStor Express from Viridian PC.

Viridian PC OfficeStor Express

Installed with Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials (WSSE) and Western Digital’s latest Red SATA hard disks the OfficeStor Express is given the once over in this comprehensive 2 page review.

This review looks at the units remote management and backup features, bare metal recovery, competition and performance, IP SAN support and Virivault cloud backup.

You can find the review here.

Arkeia Network Backup for WD Sentinel DX4000 Users

Western Digital has teamed up with Arkeia’s network backup software to provide a more feature-rich data-protection solution for larger SMB customers using the WD Sentinel™ DX4000.

WD Sentinel DX4000 Front

The information was released in a press release by WD, of which is the following excerpt:

Arkeia Network Backup v10.0 enables hybrid cloud backups by allowing administrators to combine physical media and Internet transport to replicate backup sets to or from remote cloud storage. Leveraging Arkeia’s advanced Progressive Deduplication technology, Arkeia Network Backup v10.0 permits SMB organizations to protect large data volumes in the cloud without incurring high monthly bandwidth charges. By allowing large backup sets to be moved on physical media and small backup sets to be sent over the wire, Arkeia makes it practical to replicate backup sets from a LAN to remote cloud storage for an inexpensive, tape-free alternative to off-site backup and recovery. More information can be found at: www.wd.com and www.arkeia.com.

The full release can be read here.

Add-In: My Movies Home and Essentials Server Solution v2.13 PR4

The pre-release version of My Movies Home and Essentials Server Solution (formally My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011) has been updated to version 2.13 PR4.

My Movies Monitor Overview

Supporting both Windows Home Server 2011 and Windows Server 2012 Essentials, here is the change log:

  • Fix: ReFS file system drives is now supported for disc copying.
  • Fix: There was a problem connecting to the server on iPhone and iPad.
  • Fix: In some situations a file could corrupt, and the dashboard icon disappear.

You can download this release from here.

Add-In: StableBit DrivePool v1.3.0.7336 BETA

Stablebit_drivepool_M4_logo

The beta release of StableBit DrivePool has another release.

Version 1.3.0.7336 for WHS2011, SBS 2011 Essentials and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials has the following changes:

  • [D] Fixed file system duplication count cache for multiple pools (ported back from 2.0).
  • [D] Fixed constant Pool tab refreshes on some pools.
  • When adding unformatted drives to the pool, DrivePool would always create a new pool. Now fixed.

[D] = Driver was modified (reboot required after update)

You can download this beta release from here.

The BYOB Podcast Episode 109

BYOB Logo

Its another week and its time for another episode of BYOB:

This week on the BYOB Podcast, Windows 8 pricing changes, Logitech Harmony Touch remote, and the Asus Vivobook Q200.

You can catch episode 109 here.

The Home Tech Podcast and the new Drobo 5N

Home Tech Podcast

The Home Tech Podcast this week has Mario Blandini talking about the new Drobo 5N:

This week, The Average Guy Network is the first to break the news on the Drobo 5N, when the guys are joined by Special Guest, Mario Blandini from Drobo.  Mario talks about some of the new features in the Drobo 5N, as well as some of the features that are coming to the entire Drobo range.

You can catch the podcast here.