Server with Windows 8?

[cyphon21]

So I recently acquired an IBM x3650 M2 Server.

 

For simplicity, and home use. I've installed Windows 8.1 onto it. It works, everything boots fine etc. 

 

Now I know the machine is pretty outdated, and I would like to update it. I've downloaded the IBM UpdateXpress and it went through every step, downloaded all updated etc. But when I go to comparing step, it gives me an error: Error(s) occur while comparing!

Error message: Cannot find UpdateXpress System Pack XML file or update packages for this Machine Type and Operating System. Ensure that update files for the specified machine-types are present. 

 

I've read the User Guide, and it seems it goes up to Win 7 for supported OS' but it seems to show only Acquire Updates and no check mark in the compare/update column. Page 12 of the following guide: http://public.dhe.ibm.com/systems/support/system_x_pdf/uxspi_userguide.pdf

 

Any help is appreciated. Would love to update this machine.

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Izera]

What kind of things do you plan to use this server for?  normal server stuff?  or are you going to turn this into a gaming type PC?

[cyphon21]

Ultimately, just a media server. 

 

It has an E5506 in it now. Just a single, with 12GB DDR3 ECC RAM. The only drive it in at the moment is a SAS ~70GB drive I was also given with the machine. I've had no luck getting any other SATA drives online on it either, so I was hoping some updates would remedy those problems as well lol. 

[Izera]

I am going to recommend some things that are NOT windows.  They are all free Open source, and once you get them up and running they work really well!

 

First I would recommend Kodi (Formerly XBMC) It can be installed on most operating Systems but if this is going to be a dedicated Media PC you can install the KodiBuntu (wiki install guide) which is a dedicated media OS.

the next one I haven't had any personal experience with but is also not a bad option.

http://www.geexbox.org/

 

These are full Feature Linux Operating systems that are Light weight and Deigned as ONLY a Media PC,  they is all they will do!  If you want more then just a media PC stick to windows 7 or 8 and just install Kodi for windows.

[cyphon21]

Actually, I've worked with XBMC for years. Up until the switch to "Kodi"... I liked it for home media use. But wanting to be remote, I've switched to Plex. So this server is looking to be a Plex server for me so I'm not using up my main rig for all the power or remote streaming from family and when we are out using the iPad or something and my PC decides to do an update and restart.

 

I will check out your links for sure though thanks for the help!

 

After some reading, I may have to do the updates straight from command line.

[Izera]

I really like their new sharing features for the OS

http://kodi.wiki/view/Syncing_and_sharing is a rundown for you to check out if its what you are after.

[john01dav]

It sounds like you need an OS that can hold media and allow remote access to that media. I recommend getting Ubuntu Server 14.04 LTS x64. It is completely open source and easy to use, I use it on all of my servers. You can use a program called SSH to control the computer remotely (it is a command line only OS by default, but you can install a GUI, if you install a GUI then managing it remotely becomes slightly more complicated). Then, use a program called SSHFS (SSH-FileSystem) to remotely mount directories on the server to function just like a regular folder on your Windows computer.

[cyphon21]

Well Windows has been functioning perfectly fine for this task on any other PC, not a server though. I feel like I will need to use a server OS though, like Windows 2012 R2 or Ubuntu Server etc. I was hoping 8 had the functionality built in like 10 will. 

[cyphon21]

So I ended up removing Win 8, and installing Win Server 2012. That remedied the errors for the updates. Everything is all working now! Now time to add some media

[EpicGeekonFire]

So I ended up removing Win 8, and installing Win Server 2012. That remedied the errors for the updates. Everything is all working now! Now time to add some media

 

Good idea, most of these servers are made to run on a "server" based OS.

[cyphon21]

Good idea, most of these servers are made to run on a "server" based OS.

 

That was my thought process as well. I mean, I personally won't be using the functionality of most of the server itself. But at least it's there.