As was expected, the final version of Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 (PP3) is now available as a free download via Windows Update for systems running Windows Home Server. For those of you who don’t know, Windows Home Server is a server operating system from Microsoft which is specifically designed for home use. It was intended to help families with multiple connected PCs by providing: file sharing, maintaining automated backups (photos, videos, music, documents) plus remote access.
Features that are new in Windows Home Sever Power Pack 3 are as follows:
Windows 7 Support
- Libraries Integration
- Windows 7 Action Center backup warning suppression
- Power Settings
- Console Support for Windows 7
- Windows Search
Home Computer Backup/Restore Enhancements
- Single file and computer restore
- Explorer restore window
- Wakeup fixed
- Backup date format fixed
- Backups can be opened a second time without restarting the computer
- Temp folders are no longer automatically excluded from backup
- General Reliability
Windows Home Server Console Enhancements
- Support for low resolution netbook displays
Windows Media Center Enhancements
- TV archive
- Console view
Check out this article for more details on how Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 integrates into Windows 7 Media Center.
I have been testing Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 Beta since July of this year and it has been running rock solid for me. If you have PP3 Beta installed already, then you must first manually uninstall it before installing the final version. WHS PP3 will automatically prompt you to update the connector software and the Media Center add-in on all the client(s) once you have installed the final version of PP3 on your WHS box via Windows Update.