Step 1: Attach a monitor and keyboard to your home server.

Windows Home Server runs headless (i.e. without the need to attach a keyboard or monitor). However you’ll need to be able to see what’s going on during your re-installation, as well as confirm a few selections during the procedure. So, grab a USB keyboard and mouse, (I find the Apple Keyboard/Mouse combo is great, as it only requires 1 USB port for both devices) and plug them in. Unless you’ve been logged into your server recently, you should see the following screen.

Step 2: Do NOT login. Place the Windows Home Server Installation DVD in your DVD drive.

This is really important - starting the Windows Home Server re-installation from within Windows does not work correctly. You’ll end up with a very duff installation, and lots of headaches. So, we have to start the installation via booting from the Windows Home Server Installation DVD.

Step 3: Press CONTROL-ALT-DELETE and Restart Your Machine.

Step 4: When You Are Asked To Press Any Key to Boot From Your CD/DVD Drive, Do It.

You’ll see a message that Windows is loading files - like this! Then a nice Vista-esqe initialisation screen…

Step 5: Welcome to Windows Home Server Setup - Click Next

Step 6: Load Additional Storage Drivers (if required)

Step 7: Select Server Re-installation

Step 8: Select Your Region and Required Keyboard Layout

Step 9: Read and Confirm Acceptance of the EULA - or Don’t Read It and Accept It Anyway

Step 10: Enter Your Windows Home Server Product Key

Step 11: Confirm the Name Of Your Home Server

Step 12: Click Start to Begin Your Installation

Step 13: Sit Back and Relax!

Step 14: Click the Arrow to Begin Windows Home Server Setup

Step 15: Create Your Windows Home Server Password

Step 16: Decide Whether You Want Automatic Updates Switched On

Step 17: Decide Whether You Want to Send Improvement Information to Microsoft

Step 18: Decide Whether You Want to Send Windows Error Reporting Information to Microsoft

Step 19: You’re Done!

That’s the installation and initial setup complete. Now all you need to do is set-up your users, folders and add-ins (again!) Have fun!