Hi,

Would really appreciate any help on this issue since I am at my wit's end. I have a EX490 with 2 2TB drives on it. Been so long ago but pretty sure one is a backup of the other.

I began to have trouble logging in to the Windows Home Server Console a couple of weeks ago but didn't think much of it because I could still access the mapped drives on my computer. I had chalked it up to me typing in the wrong password.

Well, the hard drive on my computer crapped out and had to reformat it. However, whenever I try to install the Windows Home Connector, it tells me that it can't find my server. I get that same error message when I try to install the software on any other computer.

I'm starting to freak out a bit because I'm afraid I won't be able to access all the pictures and videos on the EX490.

I've tried searching Google for solutions but all the solutions involve accessing the server somehow and I'm not able to do so. My next attempt is to take out one of the drives and connect it to my desktop as a hard drive but need to run out to the store to buy another SATA cable. Not sure if that will work but don't really know what else to do.

Any advice or insight would be greatfully appreciated. Thanks!

First thing I would do is connect the server directly to the pc.
Bypassing all routers modems and switches.
Make sure you use a known good Ethernet cable.
Assuming you use windows:
Goto network and see if you see your server.

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Hi lestat832,

If you connect the server drive(s) to another computer setup to be able to view hidden files and folders you can read the drives and thus your files. Your files will be found in the partitions named DATA in the hidden folder named DE.

You can then copy the files to another location but do not disturb the contents of the servers drives. You can also perform a CHKDSK to repair any issues with the file system that may exist.

Easiest way to connect the drive to a computer is externally using a USB-SATA Cable, Docking Station or external enclosure.

Aside from what you have already written you did not mention anything about the Server LED's and what they are displaying or if the NIC on the server is actually active or not which can be seen by the 2 LED's on the NIC.

Ruben Rocha has already mentioned connecting the server to another computer directly using a network cable and you can use a standard Cat5 or 6 cable as the servers NIC will autosense the connection which will eliminate any issues with ports on network switches or routers.

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