Installing the Zune Software on Windows Home Server Code Name Vail

November 15, 2010 by 9 Comments

James over at the Tenniswood blog had a problem trying to install the Zune software on his Windows Home Server Code Name Vail, until he came across a work around.

Screen-shot-2010-11-11-at-09_29

Here is what James said:

I came across a problem installing the Zune Software on my home server, as it doesn’t support server operating systems like Windows Home Server VAIL. After hunting around I finally pick up this tip for routing around the microsoft restrictions imposed by the installer app.

  1. Download the software.
  2. Login to the computer with the local administrator account.
  3. Change the .exe extension to .zip, then upzip the file.
  4. Browse to the \packages folder.
  5. Right-Click on Zune-x64.msi and click Install
  6. Follow the prompts like a regular install of the software.

Nice one James!

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How To's & Guides, Software, Windows Home Server
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About Andrew Edney

This post was written by who has written 6096 posts for Connected Digital World. I am the owner and editor of this site. I have been interested in gadgets and tech since I was a little kid. I have also written a number of books on various tech subjects. I also write for The Huffington Post. And I am honoured to be a Microsoft MVP for Windows Home Server since January 2008.
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  • Lowell

    Just curious as to what the purpose would be here? I love the Zune software, have it on all of our computers. But what's the goal of putting on the WHS?

    • http://usingwindowshomeserver.com Andrew Edney

      I'm guessing because he could?

    • RehabMan

      The biggest reason to do so is so that the Zune Pass music can be streamed from WMP12 network sharing (DLNA style) to other computers and/or devices on your network.

      Since only computers which are joined to your Zune Pass can authorize the DRMed songs that you may have downloaded (not purchased, as most purchased music on Zune Pass is non-DRM), you need to have the Zune software on your server such that it can be added as one of the three computers allowed per Zune Pass.

      Really, MS should have realized this from the get-go, but as we all know different groups inside of MS don't really talk to each other (I know first hand… having worked there a while ago…)

      • JohnCz

        @Rehab, my understanding is that Zune Pass supports 3 computers + 3 devices (WP7 or XBox 360). You are doing this because you have more computers/devices than that in your home?

        • James

          Is it really that hard to beleive? I have 3 Desktops and 3 Laptops in my home. I also have a Zune HD, a Windows Phone 7 (HTC Trophy) and two Xbox 360s. I will be adding another Desktop machine soon… So having one central location for all my DRM media to stream to each other device is actually a really nice feature.

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