What is the Windows Home Server Vail Launchpad

Windows Home Server Vail has a new addition called the Launchpad – just what is it?

So, what is the Launchpad?

Well, Launchpad provides an easy way for users who have the correct permissions enabled to access Shared Folders, connect to the Remote Access page, start a backup and even launch the full Server Dashboard (which is the Vail replacement for the Windows Home Server Console).

Once you have installed the WHS Vail Connector on a computer, you will notice a new icon on your desktop called Launchpad. If you are unsure how to install the connector, check out this article: Installing the Connector Software for Windows Home Server Vail

After you have double-clicked on the Launchpad icon, you will see a sign-in box.

Enter your username and password (this is the user account username and password, not the admin account as you will be used to with V1).

After this has been authenticated, you will see the launchpad, as shown below:

You can then choose any of the options that you have permission for. Obviously if you want to do more than is listed above then you will need to launch the Server Dashboard.

You may also notice a message telling you that the Launchpad will continue to run in the background – this is normal.

Should you decide that you want to exit the Launchpad, you want to click on the Launchpad icon from the task bar, which is shown below.

And that’s it. Stay tuned for more Vail articles.