Is that headless install step. I've done headless servers before but we attach the keyboard and display during install then remove to run headless.
Since you have this product, get over to a WHS forum like http://www.mediasmartserver.net/category/guides/
http://h30499.www3.hp.com/t5/Network-Attached-Storage-NAS/EX490-Recovery-Disc/td-p/5957277#.VAi3ZRagvvE goes round and round about restore operations. If that fails, then the WHS server is likely dead. Given how many routers can host a HDD that is how I run mine today.
Bob
I have a HP Media Smart Server EX490that used to run Windows Home Server.
For some reason Windows Home Server stopped working and despite best attempts failed to respond. This leaves me with the above server but no OS on it.
I don't think it's worth putting windows Home Server back on it as we are all on Windows 8.1 and I don't think I will have sufficient confidence in it working with 8.1.
What alternatives have I got to run it as a NAS? I would want something reasonably easy to install and maintain and as its a headless installation a guide that is idiot proof (hopefully lots of pictures).
Can anyone make some suggestions please?
Thanks

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