WinXP Pro networking speed issue

[TJohn]

Here's what I HAD going. A small business with 1 server (running win98se) and 10 workstations (running win98se)

Regular windows networking / all users use 1 networking workgroup

Now we've upgraded and have 1 server (running winxp pro) and 10 workstations (running winxp pro)

Regular windows networking / all users use 1 networking workgroup

Here's my problem, it's definitely slower now. The easiest way to tell is to use windows explorer and browse to a networked drive from any workstation. You know the flash light that shows up in the right pane? Well it's there all the time for approx 5 seconds b4 the folders start showing up. Now when we had win98se running, browsing this same way was pretty much instantaneous. Why would it be slower now? And is there anything I can do to quicken it up?

TJ

[ktkendall]

My guess would be the added security with WinXP is why it is a bit slower.

[TJohn]

Can you elaborate a little on that?... and is there anything I can do to speed it up?

Thank you!

[glc]

That workgroup is too large for effective peer to peer networking. Consider getting a real server. XP Pro has a hard 10 concurrent connection limit.

[TJohn]

Do you mean server software? And can the rest of the users still use xp pro?

[SimonFF]

Yeah 10 users is gona slow down a peer to peer network.

We have a 5 user network and we are running a server with Windows Small Business Server 2003 Pro, it comes built in with SQL, ISA, Exchange, and runs a company intranet. Its great for a small business, plus its so easy to set up!

[TJohn]

Thanks! Can I upgrade my current server (machine) that is running xp pro with small business server? Or would I need to re-install with the new software?

[SimonFF]

Nope you cant upgrade, fresh install. Have a look at the link below, should find all the info you need there.

http://www.microsoft.com/sbs

[glc]

SBS may be overkill - Standard should be plenty, compare the costs. Just make sure you buy enough CAL's (client access licenses). Yes, XP Pro is the correct OS for the clients.

[TJohn]

Thanks guys.

[faulkner132]

Originally Posted by glc SBS may be overkill - Standard should be plenty, compare the costs. Just make sure you buy enough CAL's (client access licenses). Yes, XP Pro is the correct OS for the clients.

Standard is more expensive than SBS and you don't get as much stuff (i.e. Exchange and SQL).
The drawback is SBS must be a domain controller and it cannot be used a terminal server. SBS does have the nifty Remote Web Workplace which is perfect for the majority of the small offices out there who want to work remotely.

[Ob1]

also with SBS, there is only one DC allowed. you can have as many member servers as you like, but only one Domain Controller.

[mairving]

Originally Posted by Ob1 also with SBS, there is only one DC allowed. you can have as many member servers as you like, but only one Domain Controller.

Not totally true. You can have other servers as long as they aren't SBS also and you can't separate out Exchange and SQL Server. So you can have a file and/or a print server.You can also go with 'Nix/Samba for a lot less money but a bit more time.

[TJohn]

Is SBS easy enough for an ..... intermediately skilled person to set up? We don't have a "real" IT person but have managed just fine with a few geeks on board.

[faulkner132]

Originally Posted by TJohn Is SBS easy enough for an ..... intermediately skilled person to set up? We don't have a "real" IT person but have managed just fine with a few geeks on board.

Yes. It pretty much sets itself up... of course you may have to do some homework on the management functions, but overall the initial setup is pretty easy.

[TJohn]

Ok... but even in my case, where I have 10 machines using shared drives on my current xp pro server. And will SBS detect those machines or will I need to change networking settings on each b4 attempting the switch? Thanks...

[Ob1]

you will need to install dns in order for Active directory to function on your SBS server, and you can also setup a dhcp server from the SBS server, so you can set all workstations to obtain there ip addresses info automatically.

i recommend purchasing a SBS book to help you through some of this setup since you dont have an It person to do it for you. i used this book when i setup my own SBS server a few years ago.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...35620209&itm=2

[glc]

All the XP machines will have to be reconfigured to log onto a domain. Profiles will have to be recreated.

[Ob1]

you can also copy over the local profiles user data from the workgroup for each user to the new domain profiles onces that person has logged in one time under there new domain profile and created a profile on the machine..

[TJohn]

I think there's enough information in this thread for me to get a new machine with SBS already installed, set it up on the side with an extra xp pro machine and get things working. Then I can reconfigure the rest of the machines so they are recognized by the new server. I'm sure I'll have a few more questions in the near future Thanks again!!

TJ