Hi there, Since we don't have a proper Window Server Licence. We are looking for building a Windows XP Pro SP3 PC as a MINI server for use at suboffice. The aim of using this concerned MINI server is mainly for sharing files, printer and backup crucial data on weekly basis. Would that be possible to do? and How to configure it please? Looking forwards to your advice. Thank you and regards,

You might be interested in Windows Home server then. You can download the 120 day evaluation software from the link. Silence is golden but duct tape is silver

What do you have at the main office? You can use xp as a server to share files and perform backups. This is peer to peer networking though not client/server. Which is why I ask what is at the main office.

Thank you so much for your quick response to SysLock and Wanderer, I really appreciate that. I would rather something stays with the system forever not just a trial server. I have 2003 server and xp at the main office. Can I turn xp to server? we can add a number of clients using User Account to create new account. Also can add the security tap onto the Sharing and Security... properties which similarly does as same as window server. Can anyone experience this please? Thank you in advance

Yes, you can use XP Pro as a server. You may install any kind of services that you wish to (software packages) in addition to the normal file/printer sharing ones that you seem familiar with (built into xp). You may need to do a fair bit of Googling to set each aspect of the server up exactly how you would like it to be. One catch is that XP Pro by default allows only 10 simultaneous connections. If this becomes a problem, you may check out this post: http://archive.atomicmpc.com.au/for... Another catch is that without some hands-on IT expertise, the level of security on this server will likely be minimal, but that may not be a concern in your case. There are hardware concerns as well, such as what you will do if a hard drive fails. Having a RAID setup and a battery backup would be ideal, or if your budget does not allow for it, develop a What If plan that works with the resources available. Consider how much a hardware failure might cost your company and try to keep that potential cost (time and money) to a minimum. Good luck!

Hi Nothingness, Thank you for your sharing experience. What if i set up XP pro with pack 3, would that still have the limitation to 10 connections? Any how, Your advice reminds me on power backup and also data backup thank you for that. Cheers,