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Access Server (and networked files) Remotely

Hello,
I am trying to set up remote access to a server and its files for users to access while at job sites. I know of VPN and Remote Desktop solutions, but was wondering is there any way i can implement the drive to show up in My Computer as a "networked drive" or an accessible drive rather than deploying VPN or Remote Desktop? I'm assuming it is similar to this post: https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/23017762/Access-a-remote-network-drive.html i want to say that i've seen this done but i'm not sure.

If my above request is not possible which solution do you think would best fit my needs? Again i need users to be able connect to a server in the office and be able to interact with the files it hosts. There will be multiple users logged in at the same time.

Thanks for your time and help.

tigermatt

You could use WebDAV for that. WebDAV would allow you to create a Virtual Directory to the documents store in a publically-accessible IIS site (with the site obviously requiring authentication). You can then open the WebDAV folder by opening Internet Explorer, pressing File > Open, entering the path http://servername.domain.com/webdav_virtual_directory/ and checking the box to "Open as Web Folder".

You can also add the WebDAV share as a shortcut in My Network Places using the "Add Network Place" wizard.

A VPN solution is also a possibility, but if your users are moving to various sites with Internet connections which you have not got control over, the firewalls at these sites may block outbound VPN or Terminal Services traffic, which would cause you major issues.

-tigermatt

khaji00

ASKER

tigermatt,

I like the idea of WebDAV, but after reading into it, it looks like it must be hosted on a web server. My server is not published online. It is an offline (from the public) server that hosts files that all our users use. I'm using a simple WinXP Pro box as a server. Would i be able to deploy WebDAV on there? Would i need to load WAMP?

I really like the idea of WebDAV, but think i might need a little more help with this.

thanks

khaji00

ASKER

Also, i'm a little hesitant of publishing these files online and having hackers steal them. i would need rock solid security and also a stealthy web server to be seen only by my desired users.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

tigermatt

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