I want to use a server with windows 2003 server in a workgroup as SQL Server. The server has all the programs and data needed in its hard drives. The problem is that when the aplications (installed in Win XP PCs) start running they look for the database in the SQL Server and they get the error "no server available". If I open a shared folder in the SQL Server from any XP PC, after I log in (with administrator password) then I can start the applications without problem because I have access to the server. I don’t want to allow people to log in the SQL server, I just want them to use their applications from their pcs without having to do all that. Any ideas of how to solve this problem? Thanks a lot. for all the help.

They need accounts on the server to access server resources. No choice about. After that its just a matter of telling the program on the xp box where to find the sql server. Give a person a fish, they eat for a day. Suggest they internet search and they learn a skill for a lifetime.

The aplications need an username and password so that means that they have to log in 2 times, one for the server and the other for the aplications. Does anyone know any other way to do it? Thanks

Yes. You don't use sql authenication but windows authenication. This is a configuration in SQL enterprise manager. Your program may have requirements that could make this not possible. Check with the software vendor. Give a person a fish, they eat for a day. Suggest they internet search and they learn a skill for a lifetime.

Your life would be much easier if you'd make your server a DC. Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

I shared a folder, I allowed all the users to write and read and yet they can't access the folder without log and password even if they are in the same workgroup. Is it possible to add a user from other computer without using a domain? Thanks

I have a similar setup but with a slightly different problem which I need to post as a separate message. But on your problem, to access resources (database) on the Server as 'Wanderer' has mentioned above you need to add user accounts to the Server. These accounts need to be identical to the Accounts that you have on your XP clients. On your XP Client if as a example you login as "username1" with a password "password1" then you must add an user account to the 2003 server called "username1" with a password "password1".