Windows Home Server can use hard drives in different ways, including internal and external hard drives (with USB, FireWire or eSATA connections). This allows for flexibility in organizing available space, but requires careful consideration of the purpose for which this storage space will be used.
The following steps may delete all data on the drive. Before starting, please back up all important data.
1. Use the Windows Home Server console to connect to Windows Home Server.
2. Select the Server Storage tab.
3. If the drive can be detected normally, it will be listed as a non-storage hard drive and its status will be Not Added. Select the drive and click Add.
4. The system will start the wizard to add the hard drive to Windows Home Server. Click Next.
5. Next you will choose how to use your drive, as a storage pool drive, or as a backup drive:
Storage pool: If you want to use shared files and folders, Or if you want to enable replication for all folders, you can select a storage pool. In most cases, a storage pool is ideal because it directly increases the amount of available space. When using an external hard drive, make sure the connection with Windows Home Server is normal.
Backup drive: Use this option if you want to use the drive entirely as a data backup. An external hard drive is recommended.
6. Click Next and the system will display the hard drive type and other technical data you selected. Once you click Finish, the drive will be formatted and made available for use by Windows Home Server. After completing these steps, click Finish to close the wizard.