configuring a small network without a server!!!

[kevstar]

I need to install a network with about 5 PC's (running different OS's XP,Win 9X and millenium) and NO server! There is an ADSL router which acts also as a DHCP server so there should be no problem with them seeing the internet or getting IP addresses.

The network must also allow users to see files on other machines, but how do I create usernames and passwords with out a Domain Controller or server? I really need to be able to set permissions on the various files.

If this is not possible, then is it possible that by installing NetBuei on the clients as well and mapping the various drives, they will be able to see each other and share files even if no permissions exist?

Thanks for your help on this

Kev

 

[Accessdabbler]

Not many permissions that you can set for Win9X and WinME computers.

Typically, for the WinXP system, here's what you do:

1. Format the drive for NTFS (all other computers will still be able to read the drive).

2. Go to Control Panel > Users and Passwords. Add a User for each Win9X and WinME client (using the same login name and password that they use on their machines). Put these users in the Guests group.

3. In the properties for the drive, go to the Security Tab. Add the Group "Guests".

4. Go to the Sharing Tab and Create a New Share and give it a name (CDRIVE for example). Ignore the C$ share. Under permissions, add the "Guests" group. This gives ALL members of the Guests group the same level of access. To specifically define each user, do not add the "Guests" group. Instead add each user individually and set their permissions.

The WinME and Win9X computers don't have advanced security or permissions settings. All valuable data should be on the NTFS drive.

 

[kevstar]

Thank you for your help, I will do that.

I presume that the network will work using netbuei and that the clients will be able to view and access each other.

 

[smah]

You really don't need netbuei. Also, the 98 machines can have shares that are password protected. This site contains lots of good info about this setup:

http://www.wown.com/

 

[kevstar]

Thankyou for the link, the site answered all my questions I think!!

When I get round to starting it tomorrow, I am sure there will be a few more questions, but I will look at that website first!

Thanks again for your help

Kev