How to Set Up a Home Server Using an External Hard Drive & a Router

Windows Home Server is an operating system designed to let home users quickly set up a secure network environment. The software is plug and play, meaning that devices connected to the Windows Home Server computer will be automatically detected and installed. One such device might be an external hard drive, which can be used to store many of the Windows Server files and folders. Also, a router may be connected to the network to allow Internet access, and the Windows Server can also be configured to use this device.

External Hard Drive Configuration

• 1

  Log on to the Windows Home Server using an account with administrative rights.

• 2

  Connect the external hard drive to one of the computer's USB ports.

• 3

  Check the drive letter that Windows Home Server has assigned to the hard drive by opening Windows Explorer; for example, Windows Server may have assigned it as the "D:\" drive.

• 4

  Insert the Windows Home Server installation CD.

• 5

  Type the drive letter when prompted. This installs the Windows Home Server files and folders to the external hard drive.

• 6

  Click "OK" when the installation wizard has ended.

Router Configuration

• 1

  When logged on to the Windows Home Server, click "Start," "Settings," then "Network Connections."

• 2

  Right-click the local area network connection, then click "Properties."

• 3

  Double-click "Internet Protocol."

• 4

  Type the IP address of the router into the "Default Gateway" field.

• 5

  Click "OK" to save these settings.