Microsoft Releases Windows Home Server, Power Pack 1

Microsoft has released to its Download Center a major update to its Windows Home Server product that, in addition to other enhancements, is designed to fix a serious bug that could result in lost files.

Power Pack 1, for Windows Home Server, should fix the glitch -- a known issue in the software since at least March.

The bug can corrupt files, such as applications, music tracks or digital photos, if they're transferred to a Windows Home Server unit equipped with two or more hard drives. It can occur if the files are transferred using a number of specific Microsoft programs, including Vista Photo Gallery, Office OneNote 2007, Outlook 2007, Money 2007 and several others.

Microsoft has previously insisted that it's seen "only a very small percentage of users with confirmed instances of this issue," according to a statement the company released on the issue earlier this year.

Microsoft said the fix took so long because the problem presented no easy solution. "It is at an extremely low level of the operating system and it requires thorough testing to ensure that the fix addresses the issue," according to a Microsoft support post.

Microsoft previously told affected users to set Windows Home Server's Shared Folders setting to read-only and to avoid using media management programs, including Windows Media Player, to import files to the server in order to avoid the bug.

Windows Home Server allows consumers to create a central repository for all the digital content in their homes. Microsoft released the product in November of last year.