Manage updates with the Download AppHP MediaSmart Server ex475
Manufacturer: HP Part number: GG796AA#ABA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Microsoft's Windows Home Server is the best, easiest-to-use answer to backing up and corralling all of the disparate media files in a networked home. And delivered in this petite, relatively affordable MediaSmart Server ex745 from HP, you get plenty of storage in a well-designed hardware package. We recommend this system all the way to anyone looking to take full control of their data.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
HP MediaSmart Server ex475 price range: $547.36
- Reviewed by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 11/04/2007
- Released on: 11/05/2007
The good: Small enclosure is easily stashed out-of-sight, straightforward hardware and software setup; powerful server software lets you take complete control of the systems on your network as well as the files on them; easy to add storage as needed; expanded features via coming third-party software.
The bad: $749 isn't cheap; potentially cumbersome account management with the various other systems on your network.
The bottom line: Microsoft's Windows Home Server is the best, easiest-to-use answer to backing up and corralling all of the disparate media files in a networked home. And delivered in this petite, relatively affordable MediaSmart Server ex745 from HP, you get plenty of storage in a well-designed hardware package. We recommend this system all the way to anyone looking to take full control of their data.
User reviews
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Best Solution for Home Users
by cringgen on November 13, 2007
Pros: Easy, Fast, Expandable, Strong HP add-on Software
Cons: Can always be less expensive. Limited Mac support
Summary: I am fortunate to have a shipping version of the ex475 now. After only a couple weeks of use, it has delivered everything promised.
PRO's: Setup was easy. 1TB ...Summary: I am fortunate to have a shipping version of the ex475 now. After only a couple weeks of use, it has delivered everything promised.
PRO's: Setup was easy. 1TB is enough initial storage, with lots of expansion options. HP Support was great with my two questions. Warranty is good. Looks good, although I have it stored next to my router in the basement. HP add-on software really differentiates this solutions vs any other Microsoft Home Server solution.
CON's: $749 list price may be $100 too high, but not bad given the easy of use vs. competition. No support for automatic backup for my Macbook Pro. (Everything else is supported.)
I bought this to take advantage of all the key selling points, (backup, photo-sharing, file-sharing, iTunes centralization, etc.). However, one of the best side benefits has been the ability to leverage this with a new HP 47" 1080P LCD HDTV with MediaSmart. I can now access all our videos, photos, and music directly from the TV. Prior to having the server, I had to stream music or photos from specific PC's located throughout the house. This server eliminates that requirement and give me "wire speed" access to ALL media files. Very nice.
HP seems to be ahead of the field currently. Others are sure to ship solutions over the next few months, but this will win the holiday shoppers wallet for 2007.
Finally, the tweaks made to this software by Microsoft, with input from HP, were worth the extra 60 day wait. Microsoft may have actually provided a solid product right out of the gate.13 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not ready for prime time
by miller.90 on March 10, 2008
Pros: The HP hardware is very good
Cons: The WHS software should NOT have been released
Summary: The WHS software is so buggy that Medion, a major German OEM has refused to allow their brand of a WHS server onto the market yet. It's to HP'...
Summary: The WHS software is so buggy that Medion, a major German OEM has refused to allow their brand of a WHS server onto the market yet. It's to HP's discredit that they launched their version and that they continue to promote it.
1 -- The data-corruption bug is a show stopper, and MS announced today, March 11, that they'll probably not have a fix for it before June. It's true that it does not happen on one-drive servers, but without at least one more drive, data duplication cannot be enabled, defeating the purpose of such a device. MS originally stated that only files being opened from the server could be corrupted, but it's been shown that even read-only files can be corrupted.
2 -- The backup system is simply buggy. There are many reports of users not being able to restore failed computers and therefore losing lots of data.
3 -- Many users are frequently seeing "Health Notifications" that the SYS drive in the MediaSmart is failing. This means that it must be "Repaired," a WHS function that supposedly repairs corruption of backup indexes or something. It usually works, but could anyone be inspired by seeing a message that his WHS drives are "failing" all the time??
4 -- The backups cannot be validated, either manually or automatically, meaning that a backup can be corrupted and useless for months while the user is never notified. The user can find out about the corruption only by opening a backup. This means that if you want to rely on the WHS as a backup device, you have to try to open a backup almost every day. This is not a bug, just a show-stopping, deal-busting omission. I'd ask if anyone has EVER heard of ANY backup program that does not allow validation of its backups?
5 -- There is currently no way to backup the WHS, itself. Because of the Drive Extender technology, not even third-party programs can be used for this purpose. This is another show-stopping omission because if something happens to the C: drive in the WHS, the OS must be reinstalled. It preserves the data files, but it results in losing ALL the backups stored to that point. Many users have been forced to reinstall WHS: Bye-bye backups, start over. (This functionality may be added to WHS by the Power Pack due by July.)
The MediaSmart server is a very nice and reasonably-priced piece of hardware, but Microsoft's WHS software was released, IMHO at least 8 months too early. I'd advise that NO ONE buy any WHS software or hardware until MS proves that they've corrected the data-corruption bug -- i.e., not before mid-summer of 2008. Even then, it will probably be impossible to fully trust WHS backups, meaning that the MAIN REASON for the software's existence has not been met.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Vista 64 support soon
by gbedford on November 7, 2007
Pros: Plenty of power and ease of use for a home sever
Cons: small amount of add ons currently.
Summary: Vista 64 support will come soon. Since each connection requires client software, the Vista 64 version is not yet ready. Keep in mind that Vista 64 support for the Zune ...
Summary: Vista 64 support will come soon. Since each connection requires client software, the Vista 64 version is not yet ready. Keep in mind that Vista 64 support for the Zune came out two months after it shipped (works great for me now). Also, Bunny questioned storage and called it built in obsolence. Just about every IT department is struggling with data storage issues. Given that you can put in additional internal drivers, and add external storage, this platform is super flexible. Remember, hard drives have gained storage capacity but the form factor hasn't changed for years. So 5 years down the road, you'll probably be able to plug in a 2tb drive into 1 of those slots or connect it externally.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Vista x64 not supported
by rblacher on November 6, 2007
Pros: Great backup and shared file capabilities
Cons: The title says it all
Summary: This is really about the WHS software, not HP's product.
Potential buyers should note that the client software will *not* run on 64-bit operating systems, including Vista.
Rumor has ...Summary: This is really about the WHS software, not HP's product.
Potential buyers should note that the client software will *not* run on 64-bit operating systems, including Vista.
Rumor has it MSFT is working on a 64-bit client but no release date has been set.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Buyer Beware!!!
by k-kevrom on January 6, 2010
Pros: It looks like it can do a lot.
Cons: As a media server, after hours and hours and...hours working on my own and with HP tech support it didn't do what it was fundamentally supposed to do.
Summary: I purchased an HP MediaSmart Server almost a year ago. My initial thought is ?Smart? should be taken out of the name because ?Smart? is not a word that comes ...
Summary: I purchased an HP MediaSmart Server almost a year ago. My initial thought is ?Smart? should be taken out of the name because ?Smart? is not a word that comes to mind based on my experience. The HP MediaSmart Server was plenty easy to set up ? maybe that?s where HP gets the confidence to call this ?Smart? ? but that?s when my nightmare began. Since that time I?ve repeatedly been on the phone and online (as if THAT ever worked) and emailing trying to get HP MediaSmart Server to simply to the things it?s supposed to do and do them consistently. MANY ?case numbers? (I can even tell you how tech support creates case numbers?I?m that good now!) and hours and hours of effort, both on my own and with HP MediaSmart Server tech support and I?m STILL where I was roughly 12 months ago. The device looks slick, but STYLE should never trump SUBSTANCE, and on the latter there is little to be found here.
Here are some issues I?ve been struggling with interminably:
- Fundamentally, the HP MediaSmart Server is supposed to find music files on various computers and save new content, automatically, to the server, but that works intermittently at best.
- The HP MediaSmart Server does stream media, but, for example it streams songs in duplicate and triplicate making playback via stereo excruciatingly painful for various reasons.
- The McAfee software that comes preloaded ?causes problems? (HP MediaSmart Server tech support speak) and doesn?t work the way it?s supposed to.
- The HP MediaSmart Server is supposed allow you to access content remote via the internet. That worked for a few months, but no longer does. Searching online it seems based on one site or another that feature is no longer supported by HP.
- I?ve recently encountered another problem that just came out of nowhere ? when the Server Console opens it is all black. One big blacked out screen, so the entire system ? computer, console and server itself, must all be rebooted.
- Won?t back up a second computer in the house. HP MediaSmart Server tech support said that computer?s hard disk was going bad and that I?d have to replace it. I did that, at MY cost, only to be told by another HP MediaSmart Server tech support guy later, ?Dude, you didn?t need to do that?You should insist at a minimum on a longer warranty period to compensate you for the time and cost??
I could go on and on, but you get the point. Several others such as Western Digital make ?media servers.? I?d look elsewhere unless you enjoy and have the time to spend hours on the phone with HP MediaSmart Server tech support people. Generally, none of them have been able to help anyway. Caveat Emptor!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good, but WILL format hard drive
by Spinky_ on March 3, 2008
Pros: small,nice looking, fast, silent
Cons: It will format any hard drive BEFORE you can use them
Summary: The pros :
This is a good little server. You can upload/download files via a web interface. Use it as a iTunes server too. You can install different add-in like ...Summary: The pros :
This is a good little server. You can upload/download files via a web interface. Use it as a iTunes server too. You can install different add-in like uTorrent. It's also possible to connect to the server from the internet and manage it from anywhere. I've not been able to do that. To be able to use the full option, the server must be use with IE.... with firefox, I was unable to control the server from the web.
You can use it as a backup server when installing the right software.
The server can also duplicate files on the server, if one drive fails, your files a not lost.
Fast server, use SATA drives with a 1Gigabit network, and it will be very fast
My others computers saw the shares on the drives as soon as I finished installing the server.
The cons :
When you add a hard drive, SATA or USB, or eSata, the wizard adds it to the 'main storage'. If you already have a 500Gig and adds another 500Gig, you won't have 2 drives of 500Gig, like D: E: as in any other GOOD OS, but ONE of 1Tera, D: The wizard informs you that the drive WILL BE FORMATED before you can use it. BE CAREFULL. Once you copy files to the server, let say you want to remove a SATA drive. You must tell the server you will do so, and will transfer the files from the hard drive you want to remove, to the others.... This could take a long time. And when you physically remove the drive, you have an **empty** drive. What's the point if I can remove the drive, but not the files ? I didn't try to shutdown the server and remove a drive, without 'telling' the server. What I think is that the files a partially on each drive.
Formating the drives before using them was the reason why I return this product.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A server should Never Corrupt Data.
by AutomationJunkie on February 26, 2008
Pros: Good Hardware, Size, Expandibility.
Cons: Windows Home Server Data Corruption Bug!
Summary: Microsoft knows that Windows Home Server has issues with Data Corruption, and has been unable to track down the issue. Their own support forums show this issue as known, and ...
Summary: Microsoft knows that Windows Home Server has issues with Data Corruption, and has been unable to track down the issue. Their own support forums show this issue as known, and they don't have a fix! In my opinion this seems to be another instance of a OS that has been rushed to market, and the customers left as Alpha testers. The function of this device is data centralization and integrity. The device to fail in that area makes it a total loss. Until Microsoft fixes this issue with Windows home server, this product is crippled by a failure of an OS! But HP did a nice job on the hardware, too bad Windows Home Server makes it unusable.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Quality construction, keeps SATA drives cool.
by ddfarra on March 9, 2009
Pros: Smooth user interface. Four trays that can support 1 TB HD each and a few USB ports to expand storage capacity in the future. Quiet fan and server telemetry from the unit keeps you informed on vital temperatures within the unit.
Cons: Can be difficult to setup after upgrading the server software. This unit does not like operate from bridges like the D-link DAP-1522. This version does not support Apple's Time MAchine interace like the current releases EX485/487 models.
Summary: I purchased this to replace my on emonth old Linksys NAS200 server, which I could never get to work all the time and it was very slow. The HP server ...
Summary: I purchased this to replace my on emonth old Linksys NAS200 server, which I could never get to work all the time and it was very slow. The HP server retains professional quality,should be ideal for home use, but be carefully read the instructions and my lessons learned.
Now there is little I can add to what has already been written on this HP Server. So let me share with you some personal notes that I have collected in the first week of ownership. If it helps one of you out there it will have been worth the time and effort.
During the first days, I could not get the HP unit to work with a D-Link Bridge DAP-1522. The PC's and iMac could see it but it could not see the computers. The server required a PC to be hardwired connected to the bridge in order to work, which was worry some for me, since I did not want a PC to have to be directly connected ot the server in order for it to operate.
The solution was to hook the HP unit directly to the wireless router port. Maybe I had a firewall problem with the DAP-1522 or some other software problem, I don't know, all I know is it did not play with the bridge without a PC also hooked into the bridge Ethernet port.
Under lessons learned, titled "Damm firewalls":
I recommend that during any server software installation turn off all firewalls. Especailly those found in third party anti-virus programs. They can cause more headaches than anything else. After the installation you can turn them back on. Beware that running more than one firewall at a time this can be a source of problems for any PC software installation and operation situation.
Second lesson learned titled, "Shooting yourself in the foot".
If you buy and install the HP unit eventually you will update the server software, by running the HP updater software. Right idea but it comes with some problems if you are not careful.
Now that your server is updated, the PCs may no longer be able to get a connection to the server. The reason is the server is now operating with a newer version of code. If you reinstall the connection software from the HP CD-ROM to your PC, it willl not be able to communicate to the HP server either. When you attempt to run the connection software it will come back with an error message claiming the server is not powered up or some other excuse, but it will not tell you what to do to correct the problem.
To fix this problem I had to access the server for the latest connection software, which was part of the software update! (That is what the error message should have mentioned in the first place.)
With the firewalls turned off. Use your web browser, enter your "<servername>:55000", where the <servername> is your HP server name that you have given it, or just HPserver if you have not changed it. This should bring you to the server software download page where you must download the connection software to each PC connected to the server.
You can also downlink the server toolbox software from there as well or the HP support web site. The toolbox software can diagnose the connection problems between your PC and the HP sever and provide you with hints as to how to solve the problems.
The other problem I have with this HP server is getting the server web site to work. I have not solved that problem yet, without it I cannot remotely access the server, which was one of it's many selling features (hence minus one star from my rating).
The other problem is the interface to the iMac. While this is a PC product and no expectations should be made concerning the interfacing to the iMac, it was another selling feaure with this unit. Yes, the Mac can see the network drive but it will not appear on the desktop. Yes, you can share files from the mac to the Server but you cannoot with this version of the server use the HP Server as a Time machine storage device, like you can with the 2009 models (EX485/487).
Comparing the server hardware specs (old vs. new), I am sure the only difference is software, such that an update to the server and providing the connection software to the Mac and everything would work fine. But I cannot locate any information on just how to update the Current server to that configuration.
Venting: You would think there should have been an upgrade path offered to owners of the previous generation of HP Servers.
Last lesson learned. One of the things I should not have loaded on to the server was McAfee software. It was one of those so-called recommended downloads the HP server updater came up with, that once installed it reduced the server performance significantly. You have to ask yourself do you really need it on your server? In hind sight I say no. My problem now is how to get rid of it without screwing up the "working" arrangement? My gut feeling is let it be for now and let it expire in a year at which point it should drop out of the "loop".
Best of luck to you.
ddfarra1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Help! This box isn't RAID capable - why do I want it?
by patlar1950 on February 21, 2008
Pros: Reasonable price, decent curb appeal, seemingly easy set-up.
Cons: Not RAID capable - will loose you stuff just like any other PC.
Summary: Help me here. I'm looking to install some sort of Home Server that will protect all my sensitive data, photos and other stuff. While this cute little box will ...
Summary: Help me here. I'm looking to install some sort of Home Server that will protect all my sensitive data, photos and other stuff. While this cute little box will back-up all your files, it's just a likely to loose your data as any other PC. The Windows Home Server software seems to be a simple - maybe quite attractive - back-up software with a few extra bells and whistles. Nothing that I've been able to find about the HP hardware or the Micorsoft software implies that your critical data will survive a catastrophic hard drive failure. I'm back to thinking about converting an old Dell PC to a server of some sort with SATA cards and Linex software. Thoughts....?
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome product
by markosullivan on November 14, 2007
Pros: Great way to backup PCs, set up remote networks
Cons: Not an entry level product, only for serious users
Summary: I love this product. It's a much better solution for backing up all my PCs than my current NAS. The iTunes backup feature is cool and I love the ...
Summary: I love this product. It's a much better solution for backing up all my PCs than my current NAS. The iTunes backup feature is cool and I love the remote access.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part number: GG796AA#ABA
- Description: The sleek, quiet HP MediaSmart Server EX475 provides remote access to files on the server, automatic backup of all networked PCs, media streaming across your home network, a photo sharing Web site, and virtually limitless storage expandability (1TB plus two empty expansion bays). This home server is ideal if you have multiple PCs on a home network, or want the flexibility to enjoy your digital experiences from anywhere over the Internet. It is based on Microsoft's Windows Home Server operating system and supports 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet and both wired and wireless networking (requires wireless router). AMD Live! 64-bit processing power supplies fast file access and timely backups.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Platform Technology AMD LIVE!
- Product Form Factor Micro tower
- Built-in Devices LED panel
- Localization English / United States
Processor / Chipset
- Type AMD Sempron 1.8 GHz
- 64-bit Computing Yes
- CPU Qty 1
- Max CPU Qty 1
RAM
- Installed Size 512 MB
- Technology DDR2 SDRAM
- Form Factor DIMM 240-pin
Hard Drive
- Type HDD - Removable
- Capacity 2 x 500 GB
- Interface Type Serial ATA-150
- Spindle Speed 7200 rpm
Storage Controller
- Type 1 x Serial ATA
- Controller Interface Type Serial ATA-150
Storage Controller (2nd)
- Type None
Hard Drive (3rd)
- Type None
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Storage Removable
- Type None
Monitor
- Monitor Type none.
Telecom
- Modem None
Networking
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet ,
Gigabit Ethernet ,
Fast Ethernet Printer
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included ( 1 pcs.),
Network cable ( 1 pcs.) Expansion / Connectivity
- Bays 4 (total) / 3 (free) x External 3.5" x 1/3H
- Slots Memory,
1 (total) / 0 (free) x CPU,
DIMM 240-pin - Interfaces USB 2.0 - USB 2.0,
4 x USB 2.0 Ethernet - RJ-45 ( 1 in front ),
1 x eSATA,
1 x LAN Power
- Device Type Power supply
- Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Microsoft Windows Home Server
- Software Drivers & Utilities
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 5.5 in
- Depth 9.8 in
- Height 9.1 in
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse HP products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:HP
- Address:
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185
