Creating a file server

[AMDPwred]

I've got an old 180mhz PC I'd like to have serve as my file server between my other two PCs (both have Win2000 Pro). Should I do a clean install of Win2K Pro on my old PC? How exactly would I set these PCs up? At the moment I have a Linksys router with my newer two PCs hooked up to it (sharing internet, files and a printer). Also, would I install MS Office on the file server and create a shortcut to it on my other two PCs? How exactly would that work? Thanks for any help!

 

[lowtech1]

File server only needs the minimum install with TCP/IP or NetBeui. But you might wan to install IE if you can afford the space because it makes windows update much easier. If you are already own licenses for the Windows Workstation, then it is best to use a Peer-to-Peer (workgroup) setup. You can even run the file server using DOS, but I would go with Win98 & up to ease the setup.

 

[AMDPwred]

So would I just plug it up to the 3rd slot on my router? What Windows settings would I need to change to set it up?

 

[Beau]

Just install win98 and enable file/print sharing. Also share the root dir's of the drives on the computer so that the have access to them. I don't think you can install office on the file server alone. Office installs too many system files in the windows directory that are needed to run office.

 

[lowtech1]

Like you said, "just plug it into the 3rd slot".

Server using:

Win98 - install TCP/IP and/or NetBeui, enable file & print sharing, and share the directory or drive that you want to share.

WinNT/2K - install TCP/IP and/or NetBeui, and create Users and give them access to the server, and give them permission to the share that you want to share.