Sync'ing User accounts without Server?

[Cameron Dockstader]

I have multiple computers, all network in my home. I would really like the ability for all users to have the same settings across all computers, such as passwords, my document folders, and so on. I have one computer set up to store all of the important documents, and have all of the individual computers 'my documents' folder redirected to their individual network folders. I'm just getting frustrated with having to change passwords on five different computers every three months when it comes time to change them, and having to go to each computer to setup a network folder every time I want to add a user and so forth. Is it possible?

 

[Chuck]

I have multiple computers, all network in my home. I would really like the ability for all users to have the same settings across all computers, such as passwords, my document folders, and so on. I have one computer set up to store all of the important documents, and have all of the individual computers 'my documents' folder redirected to their individual network folders. I'm just getting frustrated with having to change passwords on five different computers every three months when it comes time to change them, and having to go to each computer to setup a network folder every time I want to add a user and so forth. Is it possible?

Cameron,

You'll need to convert the "server" to Windows Server 2003, and setup a domain.

What OS are the other computers running? If XP Home, you'll have to convert to
XP Pro - XP Home can't join a domain.

Once you have a domain setup, join the other (XP Pro) computers to the domain.

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Cameron Dockstader]

Well, it's just for my house, so I don't wanna shell out the big bucks for
Server 2003, but all desktops are pro

 

[Chuck]

Well, it's just for my house, so I don't wanna shell out the big bucks for
Server 2003, but all desktops are pro

You might be able to get an old copy of Windows NT Server, or Server 2000.
Either of those will work for a domain server.

But you will need a server OS (NT Server, Server 2000, or Server 2003). Windows
XP Pro has no domain server functionality - it can join a domain, but that's it.

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.