Is it possible to create a Domain using Windows XP Professional or is it strictly limited to Windows 2000/2003 based server operating systems?
I want to create a network for my home but don't like XP's way of handling file shares (i.e. "[user name]'s Shared Pictures, [user name]'s Shared Movies, [user name]' Shared Music, etc)..")
xigxag
28-07-2006 21:06:52
[quotebceb43f685="h3x"]Is it possible to create a Domain using Windows XP Professional or is it strictly limited to Windows 2000/2003 based server operating systems?
I want to create a network for my home but don't like XP's way of handling file shares (i.e. "[user name]'s Shared Pictures, [user name]'s Shared Movies, [user name]' Shared Music, etc)..")[/quotebceb43f685]
Yeah, you would need a win 2000/2003 server OS, and run dcpromo to make it a domain controller. However, even members of a domain will still have user profiles which includes My Documents. Are you wanting to have the same user settings at different computers (roaming profiles)?
Wolfeman
28-07-2006 21:19:08
You need a server. You can share things different ways without having a domain though.
I don't like how WinXP organizes shares in pre-made folders such as "My (insert media here)".
What I want to do is share files from ONLY 1 computer (no other computers in the network will be sharing any files or devices) and I also want to share the printer that's connected to this computer. I want all these shared files to be in a single folder of my choosing.
The other computers will not share anything and will not have any printers attached to them.. So this only computer will handle all print jobs and will share 1 folder with all my stuff to all the other computers. XBOX will be using this computer to retrieve it's files as well.
At least that's my objective.
dmorris68
28-07-2006 21:34:56
You shouldn't need a domain for that. You just setup a simple file/print server, share the one directory and printer(s) you want to be shared, and disable any shares on the other machines. A DC would be way overkill for such a setup.
Unless I'm totally misreading your requirements...
Wolfeman
28-07-2006 21:41:26
[quote3395af101c="dmorris68"]You shouldn't need a domain for that. You just setup a simple file/print server, share the one directory and printer(s) you want to be shared, and disable any shares on the other machines. A DC would be way overkill for such a setup.
Unless I'm totally misreading your requirements...[/quote3395af101c]
Yeah if its under 10 systems a domain is overkill. A file server would be fine for what you need to do.
Understood.
I set up a "workgroup" and I enabled sharing for my files and the printer.. however, when I try to print from the other machines, it can't find the printer. So, I tried the Add Printer Wizard and selected it as a networked printer, it can find my workgroup and the computer where the printer is hooked up to, but not the printer.
The printer is shared from my end...
xigxag
29-07-2006 00:25:33
[quote7badf8881d="h3x"]Understood.
I set up a "workgroup" and I enabled sharing for my files and the printer.. however, when I try to print from the other machines, it can't find the printer. So, I tried the Add Printer Wizard and selected it as a networked printer, it can find my workgroup and the computer where the printer is hooked up to, but not the printer.
The printer is shared from my end...[/quote7badf8881d]
Ok, what you need to do is just share any folder you want available across the network by right-clicking --> properties --> sharing. If your computers aren't seeing each other's shares in 'My Network Places', you might want to run the 'Network setup wizard' under control panel on all computers, it (usually) helps things.
As far as the printer goes, first share the printer on the main machine in the same fashion you shared the foler (give it a 'Share Name'). Then go to add printer wizard on the other machines and choose network printer and then the middle option 'Connect to this printer'
Then input the computer name and printer name it is attached to. (i.e. \\computername\sharenameforprinter) like \\H3x\Deskjet. Should work.
If not, ensure that the computers can connect by going to a command prompt (start - run - CMD) and try pinging the file server