ronasty
asked on
Fault Tolerance on the Cheap
Hi,
I am responsible for a Win Server 2003 fileserver. Its a small company with just 3 XP Pro client PCs. Recently I was out of touch for a day when the Server locked up with a reported Virtual Memory problem. Folks couldn't access their files for a whole day. The people at Dell sold the server without an external backup unit, so I 've been making backups to the client computers. But, there's no real transition there if the server goes down. From what I understand, DFS sounds nice but it won't be of any benefit cause I've only got one server to work with. I was hoping that I could find a way to replicate the files on the server's fileshare to 1 or preferably all 3 clients. When the server goes down I would want the clients to be able to work in a workgroup arrangement with the files replicated on to one of the clients. A simple read/write shared folder. Is it possible to react to a downed server in this way? Is there anything similar available? Am I overlooking any considerations here?
Much Appreciated,
Ronen
I am responsible for a Win Server 2003 fileserver. Its a small company with just 3 XP Pro client PCs. Recently I was out of touch for a day when the Server locked up with a reported Virtual Memory problem. Folks couldn't access their files for a whole day. The people at Dell sold the server without an external backup unit, so I 've been making backups to the client computers. But, there's no real transition there if the server goes down. From what I understand, DFS sounds nice but it won't be of any benefit cause I've only got one server to work with. I was hoping that I could find a way to replicate the files on the server's fileshare to 1 or preferably all 3 clients. When the server goes down I would want the clients to be able to work in a workgroup arrangement with the files replicated on to one of the clients. A simple read/write shared folder. Is it possible to react to a downed server in this way? Is there anything similar available? Am I overlooking any considerations here?
Much Appreciated,
Ronen
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How did you have the synchronize options setup? How often?
ASKER
I don't remember at this point. I wanted it to synchronize at startup shutdown and in idle time in between. But if you look around Experts Exchange as I did today you'll see that others have had the same problem. Once it can't connect once it doesn't seem to try again later. It just stays that way, until I go in and take care of it. Not so in your experience eh?
The problem is, the server goes away. Your ticket for access is cancelled. The only real alternative without getting (or building) a second server is to run in a workgroup environment. No central admin, no central point of failure. You can enable a certain amount of syncronization, but it's not as easy. Without a server, domain validation doesn't occur, and you are not able to use the local machine unless you have a cached local profile.
It's really your call. Do you absolutley NEED a domain for 3-4 users? While Bill is probably needing CPR at this moment, it remains your choice. A domain offers robust solutions, but there is a cost associated with it. Part of the cost is equipment. While the bosses are quite happy to buy a new computer if they have a need, they rarely like to buy anything that isn't of utmost importance that doesn't generate income.
Good Luck!
It's really your call. Do you absolutley NEED a domain for 3-4 users? While Bill is probably needing CPR at this moment, it remains your choice. A domain offers robust solutions, but there is a cost associated with it. Part of the cost is equipment. While the bosses are quite happy to buy a new computer if they have a need, they rarely like to buy anything that isn't of utmost importance that doesn't generate income.
Good Luck!
ASKER
Is there a 3rd party solution that is not as dumb?