Hi, I am totally new to Win Server 2003. This might sound stupid. Could you let me know what are the services or any methods that I can use to do the following. 1) Access the HDD of client computers (should the client share their hdd to allow this?), this is only done by mapping? Any other methods? 2) Remotely install a software or update to a client pc from the server. Is this what Remote Installation Services (RIS) is? any other services that has the same function? Appreciate your kind guidance. Thank you in advance. Best regards, Jane

As soon as you join a computer to a domain, its hard drive is shared, and given full control by administrators. To access it, simply type \\computername\C$ (C being the drive letter, the $ means that the share is hidden). As for the remote installation, it can be done through group policy, but I've never done it myself. I do know that it's in User Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Remote Installation Service, and that you need to make an MSI first, which can be done with some 3rd party apps (just search google). Good Luck Rob

You can also use Computer Management to access another machine. Just depends on what actions you want to perform on the machine. Soylent Green is PEOPLE!!!

systernals does provide a utility that allows remote command line execution between client and server (cant remember name off top of my head) and its free admin shares work but are best to disable since hackers know of thier existence and can utilize them best to create custom hidden shares if you can. but admin shares are great but would recomend good firewall applience first a good firewall is worth its weight in gold

Thank you for your suggestions. I will try them out and revert.