Backup Windows Home Server Folders | External Hard Drive
Protecting Your Windows Home Server Data with External Backups
Employing Windows Home Server for backing up computers within your network is a sound strategy for data protection. However, consideration must also be given to safeguarding the server’s own data. This article details the process of utilizing an external drive to create backups of crucial information stored on your server.
Adding an External Drive for WHS Folder Backup
Once the external drive is connected, launch the Windows Home Server Console. The drive will be visible in the list of available devices, initially marked as unadded. Right-click on the drive and choose "Add" from the context menu to initiate the configuration process.
The "Add a Hard Drive Wizard" will then appear. On the subsequent screen, it’s essential to select the option "Use this hard drive to back up files that are stored on your home server." Selecting the alternative would configure the drive as additional storage, which isn’t the intended purpose here.
If the drive is not currently formatted with the NTFS file system, select the option to format it. Even if you are unsure of the current format, choosing to format the drive is generally safe and won’t cause any issues.
A name must be assigned to the hard drive for identification purposes.
A warning screen will appear; proceed by clicking "Finish." Any desired changes can be made by navigating back through the wizard.
The server will now begin formatting and adding the drive. Allow sufficient time for this process to complete.
Upon successful completion, the drive will be added, and you can click "Done."
Within the WHS Console, the drive will now be listed under "Server Backup Hard Drives."
Backup Folders to External Drive
With the drive configured, the next step is to back up the server’s files. Navigate to "Computers and Backup" in the WHS Console. Your server will initially be listed as "Not backed up" under the "Status" column. Right-click on the server and select "Backup Now."
This will present a screen allowing you to select the specific folders you wish to back up to the newly added external drive. Check the box labeled "Remember these setting for future backups" to automate the process, then click "Backup Now."
The backup process will begin, and a progress box will appear. This box can be minimized or the backup stopped if necessary.
The duration of the backup will depend on the volume of data being transferred. Once completed successfully, close the "Backup Now" screen.
Returning to the WHS Console will confirm that the server has been backed up, displaying the time and date of the last successful backup.
Removing the Drive
Should you wish to remove the drive for safekeeping, the recommended method is to navigate to "Server Storage," right-click on the drive, and select "Remove."
You will then be prompted to choose between temporarily removing the drive or permanently stopping its use for backups. If you anticipate reusing the drive, select the option to temporarily remove it.
To restore data from the external drive, it is not necessary to re-add it to WHS. Simply connect it to any computer. Upon opening the drive, you will find the backed-up shares and can access the required files.
This procedure provides a manual method for backing up data from your Windows Home Server. Future articles will explore automated backup solutions, including options for local networks and online services. Consider also reviewing our guide on configuring computers to back up to Windows Home Server.