Network - File Server

[mysterio2099]

I am wanting to set up my home computers (2 desktops, and 1 laptop) up to a file server (another desktop). With my current internet setup, I have a DSL HUB (4 ports). If I am thinking correctly, for the file server, I would have to have 3 (or however many computers) ethernet ports to run the computers to, and one running to the DSL HUB... Setting up all the computers and server for File Sharing would make all the computers networked to communicate, I think?

Desktop - win98
Desktop - win2Kpro
Laptop - winXP

server may be win98... I am wanting to put win2Kpro on there, since it is much more stable (I don't work well with Linux either).

I believe I tried to put win2Kpro on this computer once before, and it said that all hardware was uncapadable with win2Kpro, but I could still continute. Would it still work if I installed it on this desktop?

I have never created a network like this before. I am needing a little guidence.




-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

oh, and I am not using coax or fiber optic cabling. I am just using either STP, UTP, or ScTP with an RJ-45 connector.

and my house is a stanard size, one story.



-mysterio2099

[glc]

DSL hub? You mean a router?

Plug your DSL modem into the WAN port of the router, plug your computers into the router switch ports, set TCP/IP on all computers to obtain IP address automatically, log into the router, configure it for your DSL, and you are done.

[mysterio2099]

No, i mean DSL hub. the DSL modem, is the hub. I don't have a router or a switch. I have a Lucent DSLPipe (which is a hub) that my ISP gave us for the DSL service.

Need more help please



-mysterio2099

[gunrunnerjohn]

The Lucent DSLPipe is a modem/router combined. Just plug all the cables in to the router ports, and set them for automatic IP and DNS addresses.

[mysterio2099]

Ok, so that will use the DSLPipe (like you say, is a router.. i thought it was a hub) to connect all three computers? What about using a 4th desktop for a file server like i was talking about..... would I run that to the router as well?

Please explain




-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

oh, and if I obtain IP automattically, i dont have the DNS servers in....i can't configure the DSLPipe with that....i have to do it through the TCP/IP settings......

ideas?



-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

nevermind, i feel like a dumb a**.
don't answer the LAST question.....
but do look at the one BEFORE the last


-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

ok, i tried the obtain IP auto.....wont work.
Tried both obtain IP auto, and DNS...no way, won't work...
....now have any ideas?


-mysterio2099

[glc]

I'm not familiar with that unit - but there's something in its configuration that has to be taken care of. Got a link to its manual online?

[mysterio2099]

I have ZERO manuals, which sucks. This company is the only ISP/Phone company around here. They're a freagin' monopoly, i swear......anyways... I attached a picture here of it, maybe i'll give you some ideas.

oh, and I've seen some networks that have the computers connected and communicating, but no internet access. i would love to use my DSL connection ;)



-mysterio2099

-if someone wants to help me closer, they can email me at mysterio2099@hotmail.com
you can find me on msn messenger with that address as well.
thanks! PLEASE HELP! I'M DYING HERE! :(

[Confused]

Do any of the PC's connect? Are you using straight thru cables?
Chas

[gunrunnerjohn]

You connect all the machines to the switch ports on the router, no matter what their role in the network. Here's a link at Lucent that has manuals for several models of the DSLpipe, pick your model and download the manual. I suspect it answers many of the questions. :D

https://support.lucent.com/cgi-bin/gx.cgi/AppLogic+dns.ProdIndex?LINK=Prodcontent

[mysterio2099]

-they all run to the DSL Pipe.

-I looked at that site and I have to go through a bunch of registration crap. I registered, but I haven't got a confirmation (can't login)... so that idea isn't going anywhere.

-a friend of mine on the net told me i should telnet to the gateway (which is password protected by my ISP). I have to try to get the password from them tomorrow.

if anyone has other ideas, please tell me


-mysterio2099

[gunrunnerjohn]

Quite frankly, I'd be somewhat astonished if this unit was incompatible with W2K, since it shouldn't know or care what kind of O/S is talking to it. There is no special software involved, just plain old TCP/IP. Since this came with your service, I'd ask the ISP how to get it going if the manual is no help.

[mysterio2099]

oh, no, no, the internet works fine...
but the computer do not communicate....
i want them to.
I have heard that i can do it with the Lucent DSL Pipe. I didnt want to spend money on more hardware.


-mysterio2099

[gunrunnerjohn]

Install NETBEUI on all of the systems, and I think you'll see better communications. FWIW, the switch section of the DSLPipe is just a switch, and it doesn't care what O/S you're running. :)

[glc]

Don't forget the usual networking requirements - all computers in the same workgroup but with discrete names, and file/print sharing enabled.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Yes, don't forget those things! :D

[piasabird]

Usually on a router, you set up the ISP information on the router. Then on each PC you just select "I Connect to the Internet using a LAN". On each individual PC all you care about are the LAN settings not the Internet settings.

[mysterio2099]

well, my ISP has locked the telnet gateway (hmmm) so I can't mess with anything there for setup... other than that, i have no setup for the DSL Pipe...
I have requested the password:denied
Afterwards, I asked for help networking my computers (still waiting on a reply)
I had thought this would be a little more simple. lol

I have not tried NETBEUI because I am not familiar with it... I'll have to check it out.
Also, I have not set up work groups, or anything like that.

I believe the DSL Pipe settings are a big area of problem.



-mysterio2099

[glc]

Your router is set up right. You have to set up Windows networking properly. All machines have to be in the same workgroup and file/print sharing has to be enabled.

[gunrunnerjohn]

And, since it's so simple, install NETBEUI if you run into any problems, my guess is that will solve any browsing issues.

[mysterio2099]

ok. I can't seem to find where to put a workgroup name in for Win2K... can anyone help with that?



-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

scratch that last one



-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

ok, i have got the network going.....only problem is no one can connect to my computer.... it asks for a password
I never set one up
I have one for windows and BIOS passwords...(I also have a software firewall (not pass to use it though))
I can't figure this out....
HELP!


-mysterio2099

[gunrunnerjohn]

OK, this one is simple. When a computer attempts to connect to NT/2K/XP, there is authentication of the name/password from that computer to the "server" fielding the requect. If you don't have an account on that machine that matches the name/password the client machine is using, the password request is presented. Create an account for any remote machine on the NT based machines, this problem is solved.

I solved this one for my network here by logging on every machine with the same name/password, don't have to put a bunch of accounts on every machine to have sharing work. :D

[azscary]

Please excuse my ignorance, but this appears all well and good for file SHARING but he had said file SERVER. Wouldn't this require a server network and Win 2K Server instead of a peer to peer network???

[mysterio2099]

well, i am just going to run another computer to the network and use it for a file storage (file server)....thats all....
i'm gonna work with the passwords and check back with ya'll!
thanks agagin


-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

"Create an account for any remote machine on the NT based machines, this problem is solved."

what the hell?


-mysterio2099

[azscary]

Yes mysterio2099

If you want to have access to another NT based machine (2000/XP) you must create the acct in the users of the machine otherwise the security manager will not allow access to the other computer.

In the attached screenshot you can see the 2nd computer acct called Sac-02-Win

[azscary]

It would help if I attached the screenshot!

DOH!!!!!!!!!

[glc]

You are logging onto all the machines with a username and password. The NT-based machines need to have all those users and passwords added into their user list in order to access the machine over the network.

Right click My Computer, select Manage.

Users and Groups - Users.

Right click in the users window and add users. If you are lazy and don't care about security, just enable the Guest account.

[mysterio2099]

ok, i see all these things, but how to I use the name/password to login from another computer...
when i try to get in, it shows the Win2K computer name, and a place for a password.. not login name....
help! lol


-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

ok, when i try to get into the Win2K computer, it brings up this
Source: \\COMPUTERNAMEHERE\IPC$\
Password:

cant change the source, i can only type password
what is IPC$ ?


-mysterio2099

[glc]

Just enable the Win2K guest account and be done with it.

[mysterio2099]

you mean to tell me that if I just enable the guest account, it wont ask for that crazy password? It'll just let them right in? ...sounds too easy...



-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

it worked! it worked! it really, really, worked!
thanks guys, so much!


-mysterio2099

[glc]

The only bad thing about enabling the guest account is it will let ANYONE in.

[piasabird]

Install file and printer sharing also.

[glc]

I think that's already been done as it works.

[mysterio2099]

well, now XP is giving me some lip.
when i try to connect to it (it has guest account active), it says it's not accesible..

and what other ways are there, besides enabling guest account?



-mysterio2099

[mysterio2099]

nevermind, its finished. xp is working.

now, what about the guest accounts, and how people can get in? (i do have a firewall)


-mysterio2099

[glc]

IF someone gets past your firewall, they can log into all your shares.

[mysterio2099]

well, is there anything I can do to help keep security besides the firewall?


-mysterio2099

[glc]

Yes, get users properly set up, which we have already discussed. Then you can disable the guest account. The username and password (if any) that you use to log onto the other machines LOCALLY (as when they boot up) have to be entered into the user manager in 2K and XP.

[mysterio2099]

So say on my 2K system i use this to log in:

name: John Doe
pass: 123

on the XP computer, set up an account just like that?

and on the 98 machine, it logs in as:

name: Jane Doe
pass: 321

put that on both the XP and 2K machine, and so on?
Each computer should automatically log in as that when they try to connect to one of the other machines?



-mysterio2099

[glc]

Correct. The 98 box should already be wide open, it doesn't use user-level security.

[mysterio2099]

well.......i'd have to make a whole new desktop on the 98 system....set up the desktop and a lot of other stuff all over again....which takes up space that i dont want taken up on there.....so what would i do about that?


-mysterio2099

[glc]

Huh? You don't have to make any changes to the 98 system. Your other boxes should be able to access anything on it that's shared.