In case if whs server (ex490) first drive breaks down. Can I just buy empty drive and install files from recovery cd? -And still remain all "duplicated" data from the other drives in server?

Secondly, if I want to change bigger drive as this first "os" drive can I someway backup the server drive and install same files to new bigger drive?

Third, can I somehow just backup the server "os" part?

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- Ex490 with E8400
- 4GB RAM, KVR800D2N6/4G
- *DAS501t ESATA enclosure
- 2xHD103UJ, 1TB
- 1xHD203WI, 2TB*
- 1xST310005, 1TB*
- 1xLP ST320005, 2TB
- 2xGREEN ST2000DL003, 2TB*
- 1xWD20EADS, 2TB*
- 1xWD W10 01FALS, 1TB*

The simple answer to your questions is yes you can change the OS or what is commonly called the system drive and perform a Server Recovery. After which you will need to set up the user accounts, reload your addins and a couple other misc tasks. You can also clone the system drive using the guide from the link below:

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2010/01 ... tem-drive/

The system drive is comprised of 2 partitions the OS and DATA partitions. The Data partition is part of your storage pool and that partition on the system drive will be the last area WHS will actually store data on. You may want to expand outside the box as your storage needs grow. Also its best to have file duplication turned on to protect your data in the event of a hard drive failure. Also you may want to consider downloading Alexes BDBB Add-in which he just released and update for but what it does is allow you to back up your client data base.

The last question you had about backing up the OS partition this is something I have never been compelled to do because of the option to perform a server recovery so I will leave that question for others who do backup the OS partition so that you can get a more clearer understanding on how to approach that.

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Exploring the possibilities!

Migrated from WHS2011 to WS2012E: HIGHLANDER

~ Norco 4220 Enclosure
~ Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5
~ AMD Phenom II X4 995 3.2 GHz
~ 8 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
~ 3 Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8