Creating a Dashboard Add-In

Applies To: Windows Server 2012 Essentials, Windows Home Server 2011, Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials

The Dashboard is a user interface in Windows Server Essentials that provides a unified and consistent means of accessing a number of administrative features. Specifically, the Dashboard is intended to support the following goals:

• Provide a simplified way for administrators to perform complex tasks.

• Provide consistent experiences for discovering features, navigating the system, completing tasks, and getting help.

• Provide the opportunity to extend the functionality of the Dashboard.

It is recommended that you take time to walk through the Dashboard and become familiar with its features to better understand the functionality that can be extended. For more information, see Overview of the Dashboard in Windows Server Essentials.

The following topics describe how to extend the functionality of the Dashboard:

• Add-In Installation Requirements

• Set Up the Development Environment

• Create a Top-Level Tab

• Add a Subtab to a Built-In Top-Level Tab

• Extend the Built-In Tabs

• Extend Setup, Quick Status, and Help

• Extend Wizards and Property Pages

• Best Practices and Troubleshooting

See Also

Manage Windows Server Essentials