Free Microsoft Security Essentials Anti-Virus Software

Not exactly Windows Home Server related (there is a lane tie-in), but I thought you may want to know that Microsoft today has released it's Security Essentials anti-virus software for XP, Vista and Windows 7 (both x86 and x64).  Go out and get your free copy here. I hear that analysts are saying that it's actually pretty good.

So what's the lame tie-in to Windows Home Server? You can finally get your WHS to stop displaying that red icon as it complains that your network is critical because you don't have anti-virus software. :)

 

HP EX485 $389 Today Only from Newegg

 

Newegg has one day only Shell Shocker deals. Today's deal is the HP EX485 Windows Home Server . It's $210 dollars off at only $389 plus includes free shipping. No coupon needed. Just click here to take advantage of this deal.

HP LX195 + 1TB external drive only $374

Newegg has a sweet combo deal on the HP LX195 MediaSmart Server. You can get it for only $374 plus free shipping plus they will throw in a Western Digital My Book Essential 1TB USB Hard Drive. This deal is good through 06/25.

Easily Upgrade your Laptop Hard Drive without Missing a Beat

Add a Hard Drive to your Windows Home Server

Newegg has a great deal if you are looking to add more hard drive space to your Windows Home Server. Using promo code EMCHDD10A you can take an extra 10% off of any hard drive. My favorite for WHS builds is the Western Digital 1TB green drive. Newegg normally sells it for $84.99, but with the extra 10% off, the price falls to $76.49 (plus free shipping).

But why stop at simply upgrading your server? What about that laptop of yours what's always running out of space or worse yet is making a funny noise like the hard drive seek arm is about to fall off? You know that noise.

Upgrade your Laptop Hard Drive

The 10% off deal is good on all hard drives, even laptop drives. So if that laptop drive is getting a little full, here's what you can do:

1. Make sure that your laptop is backed up with Windows Home Server.
2. If you have made changed or added files since your last nightly backup, press the Windows+R keys to bring up the Run dialog and type the following (including quotes) and click OK:
   

"C:\Program Files\Windows Home Server\BackupEngine.exe" -a -d "Upgrading Hard Drive"

3. You will see the following from the system tray as your laptop will initiate a backup and incrementally backup any newly changed/added files
   
4. If you click on the balloon, you can monitor the backup status:
   
5. After the backup is complete, shut down your laptop, unplug it from the AC adapter and remove the battery. You don't want current flowing in your laptop while you are messing with it's internals.
6. Replace your current laptop drive with something respectable, like the Western Digital Scorpio Blue 500GB drive for only $89 (plus free shipping) or any other suitable drive.
7. Not all laptops have easily accessible hard drives. With some, you must even remove the keyboard (not an easy task with a laptop). But if you are lucky, yours will have a compartment of the bottom clearly marked "Hard Drive" with arrows pointing to the correct screws. :)
8. Pop in the disk labeled Home Computer Restore CD into your laptop's optical drive and boot up.
9. Make sure your laptop is on a hard wired network connection (i.e. not wireless) for the restore.
10. Follow along with the instruction and your laptop will be restored as good as new, but with a lot more space available.

There is no need to re-install the OS or re-install any applications. You won't even loose important settings. Thanks Windows Home Server.

The 10% off all hard drive offer expires 06/22 so hurry!

HP MediaSmart Server LX195 only $329

At Newegg, you can pick up an HP LX195 MediaSmart Server for only $329 plus free shipping after $45 off using promo code SERVER645. This offer expires tomorrow, June 12th so HURRY!

1TB Samsung Hard Drive only $69 at Newegg

Newegg regularly has the SAMSUNG EcoGreen F2 1TB drive for $79, but until 06/17/2009 you can get one for only $69.99 (plus get free shipping)! Click here to see this great deal and remember to use promo code EMCLTMM28 at checkout.

I have not personally tried the SAMSUNG drives in any of my builds (have been a WD fan) but with this great deal, I may pick one up.

Get $100 off the HP MediaSmart Server EX485 or EX487

Looking to get in on an HP MediaSmart Server EX485? Well now is your opportunity with a $100 off promo code when you buy directly from Hewlett Packard. Simply click on the image to the left and enter promo code AC5681 at checkout for $100 off plus free shipping. HP is selling the EX485 for $599 - $100 = $499 (plus tax if applicable).

The offer is good from June 1 through July 31, 2009. I just tried the promo code and it works!

HP MediaSmart Server ex487 only $599 with free shipping

Newegg is selling the HP ex487 (the model with 2x 750GB drives) for only $599 plus there's free shipping. Just click here, add the item to your cart and enter promo code EMCLSMS47 and checkout for an instant $50 savings. This deal is valid through 05/21/2009.

Western Digital 1TB Green Drive only $84 with Promo Code

Newegg has the Western Digital 1TB Green Drive for only $84.99 with free shipping. Just click here and enter promo code EMCLSMN28 at checkout. But hurry. This deal is for the next 24 HOURS ONLY!

Save $35 on the HP LX195 only $364 at Newegg

Newegg has lowered the price of the new HP LX195 MediaSmart Server by $35 to $364.99 plus is offering free shipping. No coupon code needed. This is a great price on a great little WHS.

Note that HP LX195 MediaSmart Home ServerAmazon.com has also started selling the LX195, although they have yet to lower their price (which is still $399).

Acer Aspire Easystore H340 Home Server $399 with 2TB

The Acer Aspire Easystore H340 Home Server just went on sale in North America. Canadian firm NCIXUX.com is selling this Atom based Windows Home Server for a sweet price of $399. And included is a free bonus, a 1TB Hitachi SATA drive (for a total of 2TBs). But you have to act fast, the $399 offer ends 4/28. Because this is a Canadian mail order house, there is a hefty $29 shipping fee, but still, you are getting a heck of a deal.

You can see unboxing photos of the Acer Easystore over on MVP Terry Walsh's We Got Served.

Do you believe in second chances? HP EX485 for $450

In life you get few second chances. So if you missed out on the $450 deal on the HP MediaSmart Server EX485 a few days ago, you may want to jump on this one!

Click here to add the Hp MediaSmart Server to your cart. Using promo code SERVER41650 will take an additional $50 off, bringing the price to $450, which included free shipping.

This deal EXPIRES TOMORROW so don't wait on this one and be sorry, again. :)

Brand New HP MediaSmart Sever EX485 $449 w/ free shipping

Newegg has a $100 discount AND $50 promo code AND free shipping on the HP MediaSmart Server EX485. Just click here to add it to your cart and enter promo code SERVER41350 on checkout for an additional $50 off for a total "on your doorstep" price of $449. This is NOT the old model, but the brand new Intel based MediaSmart Server.

And while you're there, pick up a few the Western Digital 1TB green drives for $89 using promo code EMCLRMR23 (also free shipping).

eCOST: HP EX470 MediaSmart Server $336.99

A few weeks ago I reported that eCOST was selling the HP EX470 MediaSmart Server at the low, low cost of $344. Well today only (and for the next 8 hours, 22 minutes and 18 seconds to be precise), they are selling it for $336.99. Remember that this is an "HP Recertified Model" (i.e. a refurb), but the product is backed by a manufacturer's warranty (or so says the fine print).

Click here to view the eCOST page.

Windows Home Server OEM DVD only $89 (plus free shipping)

Newegg is discounting the Windows Home Server OEM DVD for DIY builders to only $89 (plus free shipping). Just click here, add the WHS DVD to your cart and use promo code EMCLRLN27 at checkout to save $10.

1TB Western Digital Drive today only $89

It's almost getting common place for NewEgg to deal the Western Digital 1 terabyte green drives at $89 (plus free shipping) because they are doing it again today! If you missed it last time, then today, for one day only, you can get the WD 1TB drive (my favorites) for $89. No promo code needed, no limit. This is NOT an April Fools joke!

Thanks fasthair for bringing this to my attention.

*** Update ***

Promo code EMCLPNP36 will get you $5 off or $84! (thx Ghost). Offer still good today.

HP MediaSmart Server for $344

 

If you missed the $299 deals on the HP MediaSmart Servers late last year, you may want to jump on this one. eCost is selling the Hewlett Packard MediaSmart Server EX470 for $344. Please note that this is an HP Recertified unit and therefore is NOT brand new, but it is still warranted by HP.

Even though the newer Intel powered MediaSmart Servers hit the street a few months back, these original AMD powered servers are still a great choice if you do the 2GB memory upgrade. Many of the software enhancements that the new units have are supposed to be available to upgrade the older units (we're still waiting HP).

Thanks to @kieronbrewer for tweeting me about this deal.

10% off Hard Drives at NewEgg

Today only, you can get 10% off all hard drives at NewEgg, like the workhorse Western Digital 1TB green drive for $94 plus free shipping ($104 - $10) that draws less power active than most drives do idle or any other drive you wish. Click here to shop and enter promo code EMCHDD10 at checkout. They do cap the savings at $10, but oh well, I'll still take the $10 savings! I'm off to get a 1TB green drive right now!

Deal on Western Digital 1TB Hard Drive

To fill time, and to keep you updated on the best hard drive deals, I'd like to tell you about the latest deal from Newegg. They have the Western Digital 1TB drive on sale for $99, with FREE SHIPPING.

This is the same hard drive that I used in my 11TB Rack Home Server (OK, I bought eleven). It is very green, consuming less power while active than most other drives consume while idle, very reliable and features a 32MB cache.

Click here and enter promo code EMCLNMV45 at checkout.

Pick up an HP EX470 only $379

The HP shopping site is selling the HP EX470 for only $379. If you read my review of the HP EX485 back in December, you know that HP has announced a unit to replace the EX470, but the units are very similar and you can install many of the new software features on the older models.

Please note that this is a refurbished unit. Click here to buy or for detail.