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What changes does the home server make to a home computer?

Updated: March 30, 2011

Applies To: Windows Home Server 2011

When you connect a computer to the server, Windows Home Server 2011 makes the following changes to the computer so the computer and the server can work together:

  • Installs the Connector software on the computer.

  • Installs Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on the computer if not already installed.

  • Creates shortcuts on the computer desktop to the Dashboard, Launchpad, and shared folders on the server.

  • Configures Windows Firewall ports on the computer to allow the following features to work:

    • Core Networking

    • Remote Desktop

  • Makes the following changes to the computer to facilitate backups:

    • Creates scheduled tasks to run automatic backups.

    • Installs services that manage backup operations with the server.

    • Installs a virtual device driver that is used during file and folder restore.

  • Installs the Health Agent to detect issues and create the corresponding alert notifications.

  • Creates scheduled tasks on the computer for recurring health assessments and to synchronize health alert definitions.

  • For computers running Windows Media Center:

    • Adds the HomeServer TV Archive menu item to Media Center. You can move your TV recordings to the Recorded TV folder of Windows Home Server 2011 when you enable TV Archive.

    • Adds the Windows Home Server 2011 default shared folders to the Media Center library. You can play media from these shared folders on the server by using Media Center.

  • Adds services to the computer, which the computer uses to communicate with the server and with other Windows Home Server 2011 features.

  • Opens TCP ports 3389 to allow Remote Desktop in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP SP3 home computers.

  • Opens UDP ports 137 to allow NETBIOS name resolution in Windows XP SP3 home computers.

See Also

Concepts

How do I connect computers to the server?