Laptops on AD win2003

[moviejunkie]

We are currently in the process of implementing WIndows 2003 into our current network, some of the users have laptops, how would I set up the AD profile so if the user was away from the network would still have access to the desktop/files/etc.. as if he was sitting at the network (I know he would not be able to access any network shares, printers, etc..). I was thinking I would need to use a roaming profile, am I correct? or is there a better way to do it?

 

[pgaliardo]

What OS are the laptops running? I don't think you need a roaming profile in this case. You want to keep the profile local so that even when they are disconnected, they'll be logged on with their cached profile. What you probably want to take advantage off is offline files. You can choose which folders from the network will be replicated to the laptop so that they can access them even when disconnected from the network.

 

[SeanAIX430]

Correct, these laptops which I'm assuming are running XP will have to be joined to the domain, etc and the user of that laptop will have to login to the laptop while connected to the domain. That will cache their credentials on the laptop and it can now be used offsite.

Offline files shouls also be used.