External Hardrive

My organization has a small network of about 12 users. I am running Windows 2003 Server and can't seem to find an external hard drive that is compatible.  The ones that I have tried says Vista/ XP/Windows2000.  I want to use it for backup.  Is there an external hard drive that is compatible with Windows 2003 Server Edition?

Selvin

Hello Selvin, I had never noticed that most external hard drives didn't list server 2003 as a compatible system.  Thanks for pointing that out.  I have found a drive that lists 2003 as being compatible.  You can find it here.  I pointed you to pc connection as that is the supplier that our org gets our stuff from.  I'm sure you could find it at cdw or any other large online suppliers.  Hope this helps.

Best of luck,

Gary

We've been rotating Western Digital MyBooks (500GB) on a Windows 2003 server for a couple of years with good results

Thanks Gary

Selvin

A lot of them won't LIST windows 2003 server but in MOST cases if it runs on XP it SHOULD run on 2003 Server.  I know this because I ran 2003 Server as a desktop for about a year.  There are exceptions of course.  Often times the drivers themselves work and are there already by default - windows picks up the drive, but what is incompatible with windows 2003 server is the software on the cd that came with the drive.  These devices often insist you install their software (which may be the only part that's not 2003 server compatible) before connecting your external device.  Often times you can forego installing their software, plus the device in direct, and it works just fine or with a driver download from the manufacturers website.

i use an iomega external drive that doesnt have any special software, its usb 2.0 and works on everything ive tried it on, even linux and macs

I have used several USB 2.0 drives on SBS2003, including a SATA "docking station." I've just put an eSATA port in one server and expect to use it with no problems on my docking station (USB/eSATA combo).

BTW, these docking stations seem like a great new backup or storage tool; they let you drop in any SATA drive, 2.5" or 3.5." All you have to do to remove the drive is to dismount it through the "Safely Remove Hardware" tool. My dock is about 3.5x5 inches and 2.5 inches high, and uses external power. Several companies are making these. You can get them for about $30-40.