XP Share Problems

[masterbullfrog]

Hi All

I have a strange problem (or maybe not as i might be corrected here!)

I have 1 main site (where the domain controller sits) 3 remote branches
with about 9 xp clients per site.

The main site runs an advantage database (on windows 2003 std
server)and we have vpn connections between the main site and each
client site. the xp machines connect into the main site via a unc path
into the database and work away.

Recently we installed mini db servers software in each site so if the
vpn went down they could technically work offline. The problem is
however that when they cant access the dc in the main site (when vpn is
down) they also cant connect to the mini db software (which sits on
another xp machine in the client site).

Can someone give me advice and where to start looking or even better a
fix?

I do relise a DC per site would solve my problem but unfortunately
funds for that type of deployment are readily available. So we have
been charged with tackling it another way!

Thanks In Advance!

John

 

[Robert L [MS-MVP]]

We need more information to help. I am thinking it is name resolution issue. Do you have an internal DNS?

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Hi All

I have a strange problem (or maybe not as i might be corrected here!)

I have 1 main site (where the domain controller sits) 3 remote branches
with about 9 xp clients per site.

The main site runs an advantage database (on windows 2003 std
server)and we have vpn connections between the main site and each
client site. the xp machines connect into the main site via a unc path
into the database and work away.

Recently we installed mini db servers software in each site so if the
vpn went down they could technically work offline. The problem is
however that when they cant access the dc in the main site (when vpn is
down) they also cant connect to the mini db software (which sits on
another xp machine in the client site).

Can someone give me advice and where to start looking or even better a
fix?

I do relise a DC per site would solve my problem but unfortunately
funds for that type of deployment are readily available. So we have
been charged with tackling it another way!

Thanks In Advance!

John

 

[Guest]

Not sure what a 'mini db server' is, but I assume that clients need to
connect to a share on it? If so they won't be able to, because in a domain
the authentication can only be done against a controller - and while cached
logons work for the computer itself, they don't work for peer-connections
within the domain.

The other option might be to look at alternative database-connections that
don't rely on file-share access; ODBC or MySQL (via pure IP) might be
options. With an IP connection the user supplies a password directly to the
database server, the domain controller takes no part in it.

That need not necessarily involve a total redesign either, as most modern
database front-ends can use more then one way of connecting to the actual
database.

 

[masterbullfrog]

Hi

The dns is hosted in the datacenter, there is no server platforms in
each remote branch. As for the mini DB, yes you would be right it does
have a share on one of the machines that they all need to connect into
when running in the offline mode.

I never taught of the ODBC connections.... i will look at this first
before continuing
Thanks for your help will post what works (or what doesnt if thats the
case!)

Thanks

John