Setting Up A Computer As A Dedicated Server For A Small Network

[screwmoose]

I am having a really hard time figuring out how to centralized my Wintotal software on one computer and accessing it on my other 2 computers. I have a home network already setup, hard wired. It took me a while but this is running fine, I can see the other computers from which ever computer that I on. I am getting confuse on how to install the software onto my server. All my computers were brought within the past 3 months, all have Vista and at least 3GB Ram on each computer. It says to Map the network drive to a specific letter that each computer can see. Are they saying map the c: drive from my dedicated server to another letter from each computer? I have tried a few different ways and I can't figure it out. What am I suppose to be changing to a different drive letter? I tried installing the Wintotal software to the server computer but it gives me an error saying "Wintotal can't be installed to a networked drive from a Workstation. Please run this installation directly from your network server." I used to use this computer as my main computer before I brought my other computers. If somebody can give me some information on exactly where I am going wrong I would appreciate it.

 

[Couch Potato]

Basically you are going wrong at the point where you decided to administer a network without understanding how to do it. (Either there or at the point where you decided to use WinTOTAL. )

Seriously, if you are struggling with understanding the part about mapping a drive you either need to hire a professional to help you, or go to your local bookstore, grab a book on networking, sit in a comfortable chair and read up on networking. (I recommend the Barnes & Noble on Sand Lake Rd.) Then reread the instruction on networking WinTOTAL with the advantage of understanding networking basics. I think you will find it time well spent.

 

[Rufus]

First you will want to share the ala mode folder on the server's hard drive.

See: How to Share Files and Folders

Then, from each workstation computer, map that folder as a drive such as S:

See: How to Map a Network Drive

This should get you past your current difficulties.