auto - changing workgroups

[Guest]

I have several users who are required to use a given workgroup name in order
to connect to a service on our network. Unfortunately, these students are
asked by their parents to use the home workgroup at home. Of ~300 users there
are about 10% (30) who must change their networking (workgroup) name almost
daily.

I have a registry file to place on desktops to change computername for the
next reboot; but nothing to share with them that can solve the workgroup
dilemna.

Does anyone out there have that magical answer - something that a keypress
can accomplish that will change the workgroup name for the next reboot?

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers,

~mk

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I have several users who are required to use a given workgroup name in order
to connect to a service on our network. Unfortunately, these students are
asked by their parents to use the home workgroup at home. Of ~300 users there
are about 10% (30) who must change their networking (workgroup) name almost
daily.

I have a registry file to place on desktops to change computername for the
next reboot; but nothing to share with them that can solve the workgroup
dilemna.

Does anyone out there have that magical answer - something that a keypress
can accomplish that will change the workgroup name for the next reboot?

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers,

~mk

I'm sorry, but I don't have an answer for your question. However, I
don't think that what you're asking for is necessary.

Workgroup names are included in Windows XP only for compatibility with
Windows 9x and NT. They serve no practical purpose in a Windows XP
network, and they don't provide any type of security or access
control.

There's no need for the students to change the workgroup name when
connected to their home networks. A computer in any workgroup can
access a computer in any other workgroup.

To access another computer, regardless of what workgroup it's in, type
its name in the Start | Run box in this format:

\\computer

To see all of the workgroups on a network:

1. Open My Network Places.
2. Click "View workgroup computers".
3. Press the Backspace key.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Guest]

I doubt that the parents will find this a great solution, but what I did and
what I recommend to my students is to change the name of the workgroup at
home to the same name as that at school.

don r

 

[Bob Willard]

I doubt that the parents will find this a great solution, but what I did and
what I recommend to my students is to change the name of the workgroup at
home to the same name as that at school.

don r

:

OK, but not needed, since the workgroup name is merely a convenience. The
laptop in my house, which used to go back and forth to school daily, uses
the workgroup name of that school; the rest of the PCs in my house use a
different workgroup name -- yet all PCs can shared files and printers with
the laptop regardless of the workgroup-name divide.