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I have an old Dell Dimension desktop P3. Can I connect a Cat5e cable to the desktop and my laptop and use my desktop as an external Hard drive? I was hoping to use it similar to a file server a place where I can install print programs and other applications and connect to that PC and access the apps as I need them. Or is this not possible? I also wanted to store vital back up info on it. If this is not possible how can I accomplish this?

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Rob Williams

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Shihansean

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So it needs XPpro for either course youve suggested? Could you explain setting it up as a shared file server? Ive read about it but never actually done this. Thank you for your help.

Rob Williams

As a file server it can be any operating system. For "remote control" the Dell P3 would have to be XPpro (or Vista Business, but won't run on a P3), however as mentioned 3rd party apps like www.uvnc.com will work nicely and accomplish pretty much the same thing. The connecting computer can be running any version of Windows for remote desktop or the 3rd party software providers.

Exact details for file sharing varies slightly depending on the operating systems you are running. The concept is always the same. A general outline can be found at:
http://www.epinions.com/cmd-review-41D6-5C355BF-39FBC8A4-prod1
If using XP Home this site would be more specific:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/813936