Microsoft promises data corruption fix in final Home Server Power Pack

7 months of beta testing later, Microsoft is finally ready to say it has squashed the data corruption bug that has plagued Windows Home Server since its launch last year, releasing the final build of Power Pack 1 to existing customers and OEMs.

The update to the company's operating system designed to function as a media server in the home was originally slated to include features such as backing up of shared folders, Vista x64 support, more efficient power consumption and improved performance. However, the release was delayed so Microsoft could figure out, and a include a fix for, the data corruption problem.

The issue occurred when certain programs were used to edit or transfer files stored on a Windows Home Server-based computer that has more than one hard drive. Applications that caused the corruption included: Windows Vista Photo Gallery, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Office OneNote 2003 and 2007, Office Outlook 2007, Money 2007, SyncToy 2.0 Beta, Intuit's QuickBooks, and uTorrent.

Why did it take so long for Microsoft to resolve the bug? After isolating the issue, the company was forced to completely rewrite the storage subsystem for Windows Home Server. A beta release of Power Pack 1, which Microsoft hoped would "prove we fixed the bug," was released last month to testers to make sure nothing was missed.

"Our OEM partners will be updating their systems with Power Pack 1 and HP will release a software update for the HP MediaSmart Server, delivering enhanced media streaming capabilities from PacketVideo, server-side anti-virus from McAfee and compatibility with 64-bit home PCs," the Windows Home Server team wrote in a blog post Monday.

The English version of Power Pack 1 -- which brings Home Server to build number 1800 -- can be downloaded now, with German, Spanish and French versions coming soon. Those who do not download the update manually will receive it automatically in August, when Chinese and Japanese language versions become available.

Microsoft sells the Windows Home Server to OEMs such as HP who utilize the OS on their hardware systems. However, it can be found and purchased on its own through some retailers, although Microsoft won't provide direct support services.

Download Windows Home Server Power Pack 1

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