Abstract: Server fault tolerance on local area computer networks is provided by novel workstation implemented software which detects failure of a primary file server and reroutes data storage activity routed via the primary file server, to be routed via an invention-provided secondary file server. Shared file management of multiple file servers or intelligent hosts supporting a single or common high availability data storage system, for example a RAID drive, enables server or host fault tolerance to be provided for such a single highly, reliable data-storage system. Cross-mirroring in such a multi-host, high availability data storage system, along with secondary write suppression, enables server fault tolerance to be provided without significant redundant hardware costs and without a single point of failure in the data storage access paths.