XP Pro as server

astrooptics · 07-09-2005, 12:58 AM

I have 10 computers running Win98SE, all P2 and celeron machines and 1 P4 machine. I want to create a server on which all users have their files. I want to create different users and give different folder permissions and maybe at sub-folder level also. I also want to set up a shared internet connection on the server for all to access. I also want to connect 3 laptops using XP Home and XP Pro to this server if required, to view the data and maybe post some files also.
I had done this using Win2000 Server on the P4 machine. However I have had some problem with the HDD and it requires re-format. Do I really need Win 2000 server or can I get these things done using Win XP Pro also. I hope I can get some good answers. I am not a hardware or software expert but based on the inputs, I can get the things done from our computer guy

JokerFMJ · 07-09-2005, 01:45 AM

I don't see any problem doing it with XP Pro accept i'm not sure if you can share certain folders with certain people and not others in XP Pro. Meaning, if you want to share FolderA you either share it with everyone or don't share it with anyone...

I'm not positive though. Sorry, I guess this was pointless. =D

astrooptics · 07-09-2005, 02:32 AM

Thanks for the reply though. I hope someone else is able to give some answers on this.

Volt-Schwibe · 07-09-2005, 02:49 AM

i think if you use permission groups you can still do this no problems.

i will try and test this, but i can't promise i will conclude much from it.

astrooptics · 07-09-2005, 05:19 AM

Hey I just found out that XP Pro does not take more than 10 incoming connections and I was going to add some more desktops in a few months. Looks like I have to go for server system. I heard of Linux Samba, anyone has any experience, or do I have to post that question on another forum?

**johnwill** · 07-09-2005, 09:45 AM

You beat me to the 10 user restriction.

Linux would probably be a good choice for simple file sharing duties. Otherwise, you'll need to consider a server based system. Another possibility is NAS (Network Attached Storage), basically a hard disk with an Ethernet connection.

With any of these systems, don't forget you should have good backups on a very regular basis.

07-09-2005, 12:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
astrooptics Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 36 OS: Win XP Home, SP3	XP Pro as server I have 10 computers running Win98SE, all P2 and celeron machines and 1 P4 machine. I want to create a server on which all users have their files. I want to create different users and give different folder permissions and maybe at sub-folder level also. I also want to set up a shared internet connection on the server for all to access. I also want to connect 3 laptops using XP Home and XP Pro to this server if required, to view the data and maybe post some files also. I had done this using Win2000 Server on the P4 machine. However I have had some problem with the HDD and it requires re-format. Do I really need Win 2000 server or can I get these things done using Win XP Pro also. I hope I can get some good answers. I am not a hardware or software expert but based on the inputs, I can get the things done from our computer guy

07-09-2005, 01:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
JokerFMJ Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 245 OS: Windows XP Pro. My System	I don't see any problem doing it with XP Pro accept i'm not sure if you can share certain folders with certain people and not others in XP Pro. Meaning, if you want to share FolderA you either share it with everyone or don't share it with anyone... I'm not positive though. Sorry, I guess this was pointless. =D __________________ -JokerFMJ. Opteron 165 Denmark Socket 939 Dual Core ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe GIGABYTE 3D AURORA Chassis RoseWill RP500-2 500W PSU BenQ FP91G+ 19" 8ms LCD CORSAIR XMS 1GB 2-2-2-5 WD Caviar SE16 250GB SATA II (Two) NEC 3550A DVD+/- R/RW DL NEC 4551A DVD+/- R/RW/RAM DL w/ LabelFlash ASUS EN7800GT/Top/Silent/2DHTV 256MB ZALMAN 92mm Cooling Fan w/ Heatsink Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 8 Logitech Media Wired Standard Keyboard Logitech MX518 Optical Mouse XP Professional SP2

07-09-2005, 02:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	i think if you use permission groups you can still do this no problems. i will try and test this, but i can't promise i will conclude much from it. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

07-09-2005, 09:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	You beat me to the 10 user restriction. Linux would probably be a good choice for simple file sharing duties. Otherwise, you'll need to consider a server based system. Another possibility is NAS (Network Attached Storage), basically a hard disk with an Ethernet connection. With any of these systems, don't forget you should have good backups on a very regular basis. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

07-09-2005, 02:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
astrooptics Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 36 OS: Win XP Home, SP3	Thanks for the reply though. I hope someone else is able to give some answers on this.

07-09-2005, 05:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
astrooptics Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 36 OS: Win XP Home, SP3	Hey I just found out that XP Pro does not take more than 10 incoming connections and I was going to add some more desktops in a few months. Looks like I have to go for server system. I heard of Linux Samba, anyone has any experience, or do I have to post that question on another forum?