First off: This is my first post, so I sincerely apologise if I have posted in the wrong place.
Background:
I have a laptop provided by a Client, which gives me access to their backend systems (Via VPN), and enables me to share data with the client through their network/intranet. These systems/networks can only be reached via a Client-branded laptop, such as the one I have been provided.
I (and my team) develop different projects for the Client, and these are to be shared with the client, through the Client Laptop. I work partly on the Client laptop, and some times on other work stations, while my team do not use the Client laptop.
What I need:
1) Be able to (automatically) backup parts of the Client Laptop HD (5-10 GB) directly to my local network. Preferably every evening when I leave the office.
2) Transfer files from my Network to client Laptop, without going through USB Stick/external HD
3) Not have to drag the bloody bastard of a thing with me every single day (I work from the office and home)
Here's the problem:
1) The Client laptop is really an old P.O.S., which often crashes. I get a "new" from them every 5-6 months, but they are 2-3 years old.
2) There are no other options for sharing data with the client (too specific to explain)
3) The Laptop is very tightly locked down:
a) I cannot get Admin rights, and can't install anything
b) There's an aggressive firewall blocking all ports, except port 80 for IE6 (pls, dont ask)
c) My user cannot see or change any of the Firewall settings.
d) No Hacks: The Client's IT-Department will go balistic if I try to hack it.
What I can do:
1) Backup to an external USB HD/Stick
2) Copy/Delete/move files around
3) Run programs that do not require installation (e.g. FileZilla Portable)
4) Run Scripts (.bat/.vbs and anything that can be initiated from VBA)
5) Physically remove the Laptop HD, but then we're very close to what would upset the Client IT dept.
6) I can ping PC's on my network from the Client Laptop, but not the other way.
7) Use IE6
8) Run Task Scheduler (although with some challenges)
What I've tried:
A) Connect the Laptop to My network
This doesn't really work, as the laptop belongs to a Domain, and we have a workgroup/homegroup setup. I'll admit that I gave up after reading several forum posts, stating that you could not connect a Domain PC to a workgroup, but there may be solutions down this path.
B) Using local FTP
I've tried setting up a local FTP Server, and then trying to connect to it from the Client Laptop, using both IE6, ftp.exe and FileZilla Portable, and the laptop cannot reach the server.
There's possibly a solution down here, as the clients Indian team share files with me, using an internal FTP setup, using port 24 and 10.x.x.x IP Address range. I can only reach this ip address when connected through the VPN, and the Indian team won't tell me their setup, as they don't want to get in trouble with the IT Dept. My network uses 192.168.0.x ip address range.
Other potential solutions:
1) External USB HD connected to two PCs(?)
I doubt it's possible, but if there were such a thing as a dual-connected external USB HD, where two PCs could both connect, then this would solve my problem. I could set up an automatic backup on the client laptop, and then have another PC plugged in to the external HD, connected to the network. I haven't been able to find one, though.
2) NAS with USB connection
Kinda the same as no 1 above, but if it's not possible to connect two laptops through USB, then possibly one through USB and the other(s) through the NAS. I haven't been able to find one, though.
3) Backup through Cloud/Internet
I have a box.net and Amazon S3 account, and can in theory backup to there, but this will require some kind of automation script using IE6, which I do not feel too comfortable with. Further, this is sensitive data, so would prefer an all local solution.
4) FTP over Http & Internet
I could set up a SFTP server, and then reach through it from the laptop using a browser-based SFTP Client (e.g. but I honestly do not know if this is possible/secure. This would also be very bothersome to set up.
5) Infinite USB Memory from Infinitec
I was about to order the IUM from Infinitec, as the promo video made it look like it would work. After reading the review on Engadget, I seriously doubt it would work, as it needs to configure the Firewall to accept connections, which is not possible on the Client laptop.
6) Run the Client Laptop on a virtual PC(?)
I could possibly take out the HD of the Client Laptop, and then copy it to a virtual pc on my server, and then cut out the Client Laptop completely. I don't know if this is possible, as I have no experience working with virtual PCs.
Finally: I may be going at this at a completely round-about way, and not seeing the obvious solution, but I'm loosing my mind here.
PS: Sorry for the long post, just wanted to get all the facts in.
Background:
I have a laptop provided by a Client, which gives me access to their backend systems (Via VPN), and enables me to share data with the client through their network/intranet. These systems/networks can only be reached via a Client-branded laptop, such as the one I have been provided.
I (and my team) develop different projects for the Client, and these are to be shared with the client, through the Client Laptop. I work partly on the Client laptop, and some times on other work stations, while my team do not use the Client laptop.
What I need:
1) Be able to (automatically) backup parts of the Client Laptop HD (5-10 GB) directly to my local network. Preferably every evening when I leave the office.
2) Transfer files from my Network to client Laptop, without going through USB Stick/external HD
3) Not have to drag the bloody bastard of a thing with me every single day (I work from the office and home)
Here's the problem:
1) The Client laptop is really an old P.O.S., which often crashes. I get a "new" from them every 5-6 months, but they are 2-3 years old.
2) There are no other options for sharing data with the client (too specific to explain)
3) The Laptop is very tightly locked down:
a) I cannot get Admin rights, and can't install anything
b) There's an aggressive firewall blocking all ports, except port 80 for IE6 (pls, dont ask)
c) My user cannot see or change any of the Firewall settings.
d) No Hacks: The Client's IT-Department will go balistic if I try to hack it.
What I can do:
1) Backup to an external USB HD/Stick
2) Copy/Delete/move files around
3) Run programs that do not require installation (e.g. FileZilla Portable)
4) Run Scripts (.bat/.vbs and anything that can be initiated from VBA)
5) Physically remove the Laptop HD, but then we're very close to what would upset the Client IT dept.
6) I can ping PC's on my network from the Client Laptop, but not the other way.
7) Use IE6
8) Run Task Scheduler (although with some challenges)
What I've tried:
A) Connect the Laptop to My network
This doesn't really work, as the laptop belongs to a Domain, and we have a workgroup/homegroup setup. I'll admit that I gave up after reading several forum posts, stating that you could not connect a Domain PC to a workgroup, but there may be solutions down this path.
B) Using local FTP
I've tried setting up a local FTP Server, and then trying to connect to it from the Client Laptop, using both IE6, ftp.exe and FileZilla Portable, and the laptop cannot reach the server.
There's possibly a solution down here, as the clients Indian team share files with me, using an internal FTP setup, using port 24 and 10.x.x.x IP Address range. I can only reach this ip address when connected through the VPN, and the Indian team won't tell me their setup, as they don't want to get in trouble with the IT Dept. My network uses 192.168.0.x ip address range.
Other potential solutions:
1) External USB HD connected to two PCs(?)
I doubt it's possible, but if there were such a thing as a dual-connected external USB HD, where two PCs could both connect, then this would solve my problem. I could set up an automatic backup on the client laptop, and then have another PC plugged in to the external HD, connected to the network. I haven't been able to find one, though.
2) NAS with USB connection
Kinda the same as no 1 above, but if it's not possible to connect two laptops through USB, then possibly one through USB and the other(s) through the NAS. I haven't been able to find one, though.
3) Backup through Cloud/Internet
I have a box.net and Amazon S3 account, and can in theory backup to there, but this will require some kind of automation script using IE6, which I do not feel too comfortable with. Further, this is sensitive data, so would prefer an all local solution.
4) FTP over Http & Internet
I could set up a SFTP server, and then reach through it from the laptop using a browser-based SFTP Client (e.g. but I honestly do not know if this is possible/secure. This would also be very bothersome to set up.
5) Infinite USB Memory from Infinitec
I was about to order the IUM from Infinitec, as the promo video made it look like it would work. After reading the review on Engadget, I seriously doubt it would work, as it needs to configure the Firewall to accept connections, which is not possible on the Client laptop.
6) Run the Client Laptop on a virtual PC(?)
I could possibly take out the HD of the Client Laptop, and then copy it to a virtual pc on my server, and then cut out the Client Laptop completely. I don't know if this is possible, as I have no experience working with virtual PCs.
Finally: I may be going at this at a completely round-about way, and not seeing the obvious solution, but I'm loosing my mind here.
PS: Sorry for the long post, just wanted to get all the facts in.