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The bug occurs when people use a third-party application to edit or transfer files on a Windows Home Server with more than one hard disk.

Microsoft has been aware of the problem for months, but claims that the issue is so deep-rooted that it's taking time to find a workaround.

"From the outside looking in, some people would say 'Why is this taking so long?'," the Windows Home Server Team blog reads.

"Fixing this issue is the Windows Home Server team's top priority and the team is making good progress on the fix. We understand the issue really well at this point - it is

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at an extremely low level of the operating system and it requires thorough testing to ensure that the fix addresses the issue.

"We have coded a part of the fix which is currently being tested internally. Internal testing is expected to continue for at least several more weeks."

Microsoft says it's aiming to release a patch in June, but admits that deadline could slip. "Our current plan is to release beta test versions of a fix over the next few months, with a final version currently estimated for June 2008, although that date could change as testing progresses. Thorough testing of the fix is critical and will take time."

Knowledgebase workaround

In the meantime, Microsoft has posted a Knowledgebase article with suggested workarounds for the bug. "As a precautionary measure, users should use Windows Explorer or a command-line tool to copy files to and from the Windows Home Server-based computer," it reads. "Do not use applications to directly edit or change files that are stored on the Windows Home Server-based computer."

Applications that are known to trigger the bug include Photoshop Elements, iTunes and - embarrassingly for Microsoft - its own Zune software.