Hi,

I have been reading the new posts about the windows home server and have decided that it seems a good idea.

My problem is that I have an old computer but it doesn't have the correct OS (according to the MS site - wrong version of XP).

My question really is this:

Can I set up the old computer through my router so I can save stuff to it and also access things too (bit like a server) away from home? or are there any other server based ways I can go about it?

Only wondered as it would be good to have a central place for our computers to store pictures and also do backups too?

Not the all singing all dancing jobbie, just a simple system?

If it is possible, does anybody have a link to a guide on how to do it?

Thanks,

Ben

The real techs can probably give you a lot of input of this - I can't - but if "a central place for our computers to store pictures and also do backups" is your main concern, wouldn't it be easier (although maybe not cheaper) to get a well-sized external hard disk drive?

:iagree:

My Sys Engineer experience was cut short rather, but seeing how you can get several hundred GB of netwrok drive for less than a hundred notes, it seems like a very long-winded way of setting up centralised file storage IMHO...

If you're doing it as a project, however, don't let me stop you!

Would be easier to just get a external HDD, I just had the old machine and a few wires hanging about.

I suppose I could just get an external one that plugs into my wireless router?

Ben

Why is your version of XP 'wrong' is it a pirate version or an old OEM disc that you installed. If its fully legal phone up MS and get it working again

A networked hard drive would be the easiest solution, and probably the cheapest to buy and run (old PC use a fair bit of electricity).

You'll need a static IP address if you want to access it from outside of your own network, equally you'll to configure to router to allow access (if possible). I imagine most people use the PC server to do routing duties when running a server 24/7.

WHS will allow you to backup your data easily too.

The power consumption of a crappy old PC compared to a modern NAS drive can be a factor.

They can be surprisingly expensive to leave on 24/7

I have a dual 550 PIII that uses next to nothing (under 30W at idle). Compare that to a modern P4 and you are into worrying figures :(

Get one of these, Mmmmmmmm

Play.com (UK) : Maxtor Shared Storage II 2 TB 3.5" Ethernet Network Hard Drive : PC - Free Delivery

The Maxtor shared storage has IMHO issues of it's own. I'd take a look at the discussions on the NAS device thread in the tech shed