Microsoft addresses Windows Home Server file corruption, promises fix

Remember that tiny little Windows Home Server glitch that was causing files to become corrupt for no apparent reason? Well, Microsoft has stepped up to bat with a fix... for June! That's right, all you have to do is hang on to your data-shredders for a few more months and the boys in Redmond will have this one sealed up tighter than a drum. The company has changed this issue's Knowledge Base article to reflect the new target, and suggests that users can avoid problems for the time being by using a command-line tool to move files, setting shared folders on WHS to read-only, and not using things like WMP to import to a home server -- certainly not the solutions most people are after. The company has also posted a note about the KB article on its WHS Team Blog, which we wouldn't call a straight-up apology, though it definitely has apologetic overtones. On the bright side, Microsoft says only a small number of users are having this issue, so in all likelihood, you don't even know what we're talking about! Lucky you.

[Thanks, Brian]

Read - Knowledge Base article
Read - An update on KB #946676

[tcc3 @ Mar 11th 2008 9:36AM]

Maybe they'll fix the fact that its completely worthless while they're at it. It screams for Media Center integration. Like many MS projects, its a great idea with poor follow through.

[emailtabs @ Mar 11th 2008 10:25AM]

Media centre integration?. Its a home server. how more integrated do you need.

Click file on media centre = play file from server.

Am i being dumn here?

[Erwos @ Mar 11th 2008 10:33AM]

Yes, you're missing the point. What the Media Center crowd wants is full back-end support for recording. As of right now, you can't even have your WHS box be the target to record to, let alone do the recording itself.

[Chebwa @ Mar 11th 2008 9:45AM]

I saw this comment over on Giz by a user named "mrsteve007" regarding this problem. Since the odds of it being posted again here a pretty slim and I think everyone should take a look at it, I'm reposting it.

"Sigh - nothing more than the typical Gizmodo MS bashing. If any of you bothered to read their release, it only involves these programs when editing backed up files directly on the Home Server.

'• Windows Vista Photo Gallery
• Windows Live Photo Gallery
• Microsoft Office OneNote 2007
• Microsoft Office OneNote 2003
• Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
• Microsoft Money 2007
• SyncToy 2.0 Beta
• Intuit QuickBooks
• uTorrent

Windows Home Server-based computers that have a single hard drive are not affected by this issue, nor are Windows Home Server Computer Backup and Restore capabilities, Health Monitoring, and Remote Access functionality.'

So, lets see, there are *no* issues with computer backup and restore, and it only causes issues when you edit your backed up files from 9 specific programs. Since when has it ever been a good idea to work directly with and edit your backed up files?

I agree it's an important issue to take care of, but it's fairly easy to avoid. Giz should make note that it only affects a small number of programs, versus their sweeping insinuations that all of the user's data could be lost at any moment."

[Kris @ Mar 11th 2008 9:54AM]

Unfortunately Mr mrsteve007 is wrong. As the knowledge base article states, this is related to applications that edit files over a network share. There is also a _long_ list of other applications where this has occured within the same KB article. Did you even read it before re-posting this person's comment?

While many applications are listed, thousands more could cause the same problem.

"OTHER PROGRAMS
Users have reported potential corruption issues when they use other programs to edit or transfer files that are stored on Windows Home Server-based computer that has more than one hard drive. For more information, see the following list. Microsoft is in the process of trying to reproduce the issues and directly assess the causes. The nature of the issues precludes Microsoft from providing a definitive list of affected applications. If users believe they have evidence that they are experiencing the issue, please send a detailed e-mail of their circumstances to [e-mail] so that Microsoft can try to validate the cause and provide specific guidance.
• Photoshop Elements
• Zune Software
• Apple iTunes
• TagScanner
• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Adobe Lightroom
• Intuit Quicken
• MS Digital Image Library
• MP3BookHelper
• ACDSee
• WinAmp
• Windows Media Player 11
• Microsoft Office Excel
• Visual DataFlex"

[Chebwa @ Mar 11th 2008 9:57AM]

So I could just get a Windows Home Server with one HDD and be safe then. Yes?

[Eric Schneider @ Mar 11th 2008 10:10AM]

The list of programs you mentioned are simply the ones which Microsoft has been able to reproduce the problem with. The bug is a low-level problem in how WHS deals with writing data on systems with multiple drives, so it may occur with any program at any time. Their advice to copy files to/from the server and not edit remotely are to help minimize the problem. Following that advice does not guarantee that you will not experience data corruption.

The moderators of the official WHS forums have repeatedly suggested that you back up your data before copying it to your WHS device. That advice is completely counter to the idea of data safety, which is supposed to be a major feature of the system.

[Wwhat @ Mar 11th 2008 10:31AM]

MS has a patented solution, it's called linux!

(Yeah I'm jesting ok, little nested joke)

[vypergts @ Mar 11th 2008 10:41AM]

Single-drive servers are more immune because MS has traced the bug back to the drive extender component of WHS, which really only operates when there is more than one drive in a system.

[mike @ Mar 11th 2008 11:14AM]

"Chebwa said:

So I could just get a Windows Home Server with one HDD and be safe then. Yes?"

That's a great idea. My cellphone only works if it is upside down, so I'll just have to bow very low every time I need to make a call and be ok, yes?

[Steve A. @ Mar 11th 2008 11:57AM]

Hey, thanks for re-posting that! aka. MrSteve007.

It is an issue they need to fix, big time. But as I stated before, there is *no* issue with the non-NAS features of WHS, including all the backup and restore of network computers, Health Monitoring, and Remote Access.

Single drive WHS users also have nothing to worry about.

That said, as soon as I save up the $$$ for an HP home server, it'll be in my media closet.

[iPriest @ Mar 11th 2008 2:01PM]

haha chewba said "windows" and "safe" in one sentence!

It's a Microsoft product so it can't be safe! Haven't you still learned your lesson?

[Trent @ Mar 11th 2008 1:50PM]

I'll never understand someone that defends a product that is clearly broken. WHS was never just about automatic backups in fact if that's all it's for what the hell do you need the WHS for as a USB or network drive running an SMB share would fit the same bill). It was about shared storage for multiple computers, which according to the KB article is completely broken if you use more than a single drive.

That's a broken product ladies and gentlemen. Now why you don't take a Linux live CD and find out that you can have almost everything WHS does and MUCH MORE for free is beyond me.

[Chris in CA @ Mar 11th 2008 1:52PM]

I think there's alot of FUD around this issue. For everyone dumping on WHS, how about downloading/ordering the free trial? The issue "Ravaging Windows Home Server" (Gizmodo) affects only a small number of WHS users. I use WHS in a 3-drive setup and have seen no issues. More importantly, the backup files are not affected at all- the area this product really shines.
Don't forget this is an INTRO product- and a darn good first effort. Yes, I would love to see better media center integration, hopefully in the next version now. You CAN use WHS as the Recorded TV store for Vista Media Center, and you can store Music and Video on WHS for consumption by multiple Media Centers and Extenders.
I'm not a Microsoft Shill, but I have used the product since the first Beta. Yes, I would love to be able to run Media Center and WHS from one well integrated box, sadly that is not available today- maybe next year.
At any rate, try it out and direct your criticism- positve and negative- at the WHS team to hopefully see another even better version soon.

[Saad Rabia @ Mar 11th 2008 9:48AM]

I believe that Microsoft has gone koko. I was going to buy a WHS, but boy, I'm glad I didn't!

[jakem @ Mar 11th 2008 9:56AM]

You can also copy files using Windows Explorer. As I'm in a good mood I'll give Engadget the benefit of the doubt and presume that they made a mistake when they inferred that you could only use the command line.

[CosterMonger @ Mar 11th 2008 10:20AM]

this big of an issue with a vanilla file server {one that was supposed to save me from all the problems of decentralization of storage and backups}, better off buying a NAS, or using an old box.

[Khris @ Mar 11th 2008 10:20AM]

Touch wood.......I haven't had any issues with my WHS box. Although I can't say I'm directly editing files on it either.

[Ryan Worrell @ Mar 11th 2008 10:23AM]

It's gonna be hard to make non-high tech consumers to think they need a Windows Home Server when M$ is dropping the ball like this. M$ is only gonna get one shot at doing this right, and so far they have been their usual selfs and screwed this up. I personally lost some data this way. But that's OK cause it's Time Machine from here on out.

[Neal @ Mar 11th 2008 10:25AM]

Had my WHS up for several months, a home built one at that, I have 3 drives in it, and have been backing up 4 clients the entire time, I have my entire DVD collection on the server as well (plus my music, pictures, and other assorted Gigs of data). I stream my DVD's to my Xbox360, listen to music from the server on other PC's in the house, never had this problem once.

I'd say they are right, I have not known anyone personally who has had the issue, though I can imagine if you do have it, it would suck :(

[rcme @ Mar 11th 2008 1:27PM]

How often do you verify the integrity of all those "assorted Gigs of data"? If you are not running CRC checks against every file to compare to a known good copy, you may have file corruption that you don't even know about.

[Neal @ Mar 11th 2008 2:38PM]

Not true - if you access the files and it says it's corrupt, you know. The DVD's are rips to the HDD's, the pictures are hosted on websites for external friends and family, the music is played constantly, the backups are exempt from this bug, so I would say weekly that 90% of the data is touched.

[Carmelo Lisciotto @ Mar 11th 2008 10:28AM]

My WHS works fine. No issues.

Carmelo Lisciotto
www.carmelolisciotto.com

[Wwhat @ Mar 11th 2008 10:33AM]

Don't be such a prat with putting your name and site in every blog comment post pls.

[Ryan Worrell @ Mar 11th 2008 10:34AM]

There is no signature line and we all know this. You FTL.

[Kizorblade @ Mar 11th 2008 11:12AM]

FTL? For the lose?

"You FTL"

You fail.

[Chebwa @ Mar 11th 2008 12:10PM]

He could mean "For The Loss."

Not "For The Lose."

[Kris @ Mar 11th 2008 12:47PM]

Don't add a signature. It's lame and rude.

-Kris
www.WinMoneyTheEasyWay2847540.com
www.SuckerPeopleIntoVisitingYourSite.com
www.Microsoft.com

[Crand @ Mar 11th 2008 10:48AM]

WHS isn't on MSDN so I haven't used it yet and probably won't until Microsoft fixes that.

[Neal @ Mar 11th 2008 12:44PM]

You won't be using it then, there are no plans to offer it on MSDN.

[Crand @ Mar 12th 2008 12:11AM]

Thanks! I was wondering what I meant by my own comment.

[yaksplat @ Mar 11th 2008 10:50AM]

3.5 TB of data here on my WHS

Zero issues

[XiozTzu @ Mar 11th 2008 11:00AM]

That you know of...

[Joshua @ May 16th 2008 4:27AM]

Seriously, How many of you just sit there and pry on microsoft. the funny thing is, is that you have nothing else better to do than blame microsoft for you misfortunes. You know it is part of the industry. Nothing comes out of the factory working perfectly. Cars, tv's etc etc. Seriously, gets old ready about people (many linux users that have nothing good to say about microsoft.). I am not backing microsoft by any means. I use both and both have there problems. Honestly, i perfer windows but you don't hear me running at the mouth about how bad linux has treated me. Honestly, thing happen. And as for the backups, is there any backup that you have that you know 100% sure that it is legit.
Ignorance. This site is suppose to be for poeple seeking advice and solutions, not listen to people bashing others products. Save it, cause no one wants to hear it. Some of yo might find this offensive but guess what, I am done reading on this post becuase of the lack of useless information you blabbers who have nothing good to say about anything but your stuff and how good it is.

[ScOObyDoo @ Mar 11th 2008 10:56AM]

Saying it "affects a small number of programs" doesn't make the server any more reliable.

That's like saying your car is safe because that known defect in the breaks has only killed a few people.

Ok, I exaggerate for effect, but it's still pathetic that it's taken them 1) this long to find the cause and 2) going to take 3 more months for a fix.

It's like the WHS team is a one man show. Microsoft should have moved every single developer they could find to the WHS team and provided a fix in days, not months.

In the meantime I've got an $800 server with $900 of extra drives I'm too scared to use. I **HAVE** lost files, and that happened in an app that wasn't even listed. Their current solution is to stop using any programs that write directly to the server.

They have officially lost their minds.

[Neal @ Mar 11th 2008 12:46PM]

Brilliant -

Yes, move everyone off any other project they know intimately and understand to spend more than a month to even ramp up to WHS code, then have to get their mind around this particular bug and how it works in regard to the code. Then they can work with other Devs who also aren't even on this team, and merge all this code they just learned about together to fix a major problem (anything that affects the data integrity of a product designed to keep your data safe is MAJOR).

Yes, that is a perfect solution, and I am certain they won't introduce any other problems or bugs into a system they didn't have any experience on over the last 2-3 years like the WHS team members have had, and as you said, actually have a fix in days, so why even bother ramping anyone up, just toss some monkeys at it...


Sarcasm aside, you really don't understand the depth of problems of this nature. Cranking out a bandaid in a few days is not going to happen, and is foolish. Something of this nature is very deep in the inner workings of the O/S and how it manages and handles data. Therefore, the fix will deeply affect the inner workings of the O/S as well. Any change of this nature needs to be tested EXTENSIVELY internally, then again with a group of beta/trusted testers to ensure like hell that it's really fixed, and that is doesn't cause other issues in fixing the problem initially identified.

[ScOObyDoo @ Mar 11th 2008 12:53PM]

I'm not paid to understand the depth of the problem. All I understand is that I have paid HP and indirectly Microsoft for a product that does not work like it was supposed to. This isn't your average Microsoft bug; it's a bug that causes data loss on a SERVER product.

Lets not kid around here; this problem was KNOWN during the Beta (I've read that report from several people that were on the beta team), it was made public in December, and now it's still not fixed. That is three months. Then another three months to fix it. SIX months to fix something that wipes out peoples data.

Could you imagine what would happen if this bug were in XP, Vista or OS X? All hell would break loose. For some reason WHS seems to have a REALLY low priority with Microsoft.

[Trent @ Mar 11th 2008 1:53PM]

Try a Linux server, you'll like it and you won't have to pay Microsoft for a broken piece of Code they don't care about. And really in your comparison you shouldn't say that if the error was in Windows XP or Vista. As WHS is based on Server 08 what you should be saying is that if this bug was in Windows Server 2008 the bug would have been fixed OVERNIGHT.

You said it plainly though, Microsoft doesn't care.

[Neal @ Mar 11th 2008 2:39PM]

Admiting you don't understand something, in the same forum you are proposing solutions...I'll just stop there and let that thought finish itself.

The bug was known about in beta and the product released with this? News to me, could you provide "that report from several people on the beta team" perhaps? Not that this excuses a bug, but would be very unethical to release a known defective product. As for this being a server product, yes it is, however it's also a HOME server product, and not built to the highly availible standards that enterprise products are. Your backups are not even duplicated, the backups themselves ARE the duplication of the data on your client being backed up. Personally I would prefer having the ability to duplicate backup data, but they didn't do it, and it's still considered a consumer product.

[boe @ Mar 11th 2008 10:58AM]

You know I've been using MS products for about 25 years and other than Clippy, Windows ME and Bob - most have been pretty good. Something VERY wrong happened about two years ago and I can't figure it out -

MS Exchange - the writers of the program notified us they werver very upset they never got a chance to complete the GUI in time for release so MS told us how POWERSHELL - AKA DOS from 20 years ago was a better way to manage servers.

ZUNE - what can one say.

Vista - other than MS Fanboys, it has been rejected by the IT community, technical journalists and the public in general.

Come on MS get your $#!+ together - I'm not anti-MS nor am I an linux of Mac fanboy. I am however anti crap. While I'm not a huge fan of apples because I'm a control freak, I do have to admit their ipod is great and the iphone has some great features which will be made pretty complete by the new activsync in June.

I don't think MS is incapable of creating a good OS or applications but lately they don't seem to listen to the public in general. Ballmer is in his own little world - whenever he's asked about the problems in Vista he side steps the question and just said MS has sold a lot of Vista (does he think we don't know he's counting all the copies that were forced on the public when Dell, HP, Sony, lenovo etc were forced to only sell Vista?

[andy @ Mar 11th 2008 11:39AM]

They used to be the guy who came late to the party, but brought the Patron.


Lately, everything is a side project with MS. They used to walk in and drop the new gold standard on everyone. Now, it's like they come in a side entrance, put something on the table, and sneak out.

Take the hardware problems with the 360. The warranty is good and all, but the old MS would have SOLVED the problem. period. The new MS seems to like to just kind of let everything go on limping along.

[Kris @ Mar 11th 2008 12:53PM]

I honestly think the Vista issues are blown out of proportion. I run Vista on about half of my machines and it runs much better than Windows XP did. The security is actually well done as well (it's similar to OS X's security model). Though Ultimate Extras have been a sore spot for me.

Everything else I agree with. The Zune... well, they broke promises on updating it on many occasions then whey they finally release 2.0, they dropped many features... pretty lame.

[CosterMonger @ Mar 11th 2008 12:58PM]

shh. look at the surface. :)

[SiliconDoc @ Mar 11th 2008 11:53AM]

I suppose Microsoft is making more money on tech support calls, so they love their corrupt piece of WHS crud. Maybe after all these years they just cannot figure out HOW a file is to be written to and from a harddrive.
I'm telling you, they have so much horrid bloat going on in their OS'es now the programmers probably want to kill themselves just to end the nightmares.
I also wonder if the music and entertainment industry isn't pulling their legs off ( or have "friendlies" in MSFT's programmer shops) to make sure all their prescious copyrighted material is either paid for or destroyed forever.
I tell ya, they can't stop their own program from destroying data on their own os operating platform...
Dudes, maybe it's the NSA/echelon/SWIFT scan codes that are doing it and it's not BG's fault.

[The Aggie CEO @ Mar 11th 2008 12:21PM]

so umm yea.........

I was thinking about getting an HP Made one........

but I think I'll just make my own Server and put ummm I dunno Ubuntu on it and stream files that way.....

[Kris @ Mar 11th 2008 12:51PM]

I really hate your avatar. What are you, 13?

[CosterMonger @ Mar 11th 2008 1:01PM]

@Kris at least he has an avatar.

[The Aggie CEO @ Mar 11th 2008 4:39PM]

25.......

and I grew up watching DBZ........

Sorry if it doesnt appease you but thats not what its for......

bitch........

[Rob @ Mar 11th 2008 1:24PM]

I built mine using a Dell Power Edge server with 4gigs of RAM, and so far it's been great. There are a number of video codecs that my PS3 doesn't recognize at all, even though they'd be recognize if they were stored in the PS3's hdd. I hope MS figures that one out without me having to run WMP11. The music and picture are accessible via pc, PS3, and XBMC. XBMC recognizes everything from the server. I've read somewhere that people with two hdd are more at risk of suffering from this bug than those with single drives. So, until MS comes out with a working fix, I'm sticking to just one.

For those Linux fans, I'd like for you to show me a Linux option that offers what MS is doing here. I'm challenging you because my trial WHS will expire in 2 months, so if I can save $170, I'm all for it.

[Trent @ Mar 11th 2008 2:02PM]

If you don't even investigate what Linux does offer why in the world would you expect some community member to try to sell it to you? It's your $170, you figure it out.

For just a fraction more (the price includes 3 years of support IIRC) you could have an entire Novell server (Novell SMB package) with Novell directory (single sign on, roaming profiles), Groupwise and pretty much everything that MS charges well over a $10,000 for. If that's too much, take a look at some of the free linux distributions, samba Runs on just about every *NIX OS out there and 100% of the network storage drives come with it.