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How to keep remote user access to local shared files when vpn is down.

I have small remote networks where clients are being authenticated here at our Main office thru a VPN link. They are getting there email also via this VPN link. On each remote network there are local shares in one of the client PC which users can access if the VPN is working properly but if the VPN is down they could not.

Is there a way of setting up the local shares of the remote sites so that users can access them even when they are not authenticated by a DC? I have tried creating a Local Group and give it a full control of the Shares and make the Domain User a member of it but it didnt work. I also try logging on all Domain users initially to the sharing PC with VPN working but when I bring it down they still could not access it. Is there a way of doing it?

mikebernhardt

As far as I know, file sharing is one or the other- domain or local. You can set up local accounts that can be shared, but they will be owned by a different set of users than the domain accounts.

the only thing I can think of is to install AD on those local machines so that they can act as DCs and authenticate users even when VPN is down.

AstralWind

ASKER

Thanks mikebernhardt.
Our remote site are just small, 4 or some 3 users. Is there a way of setting up an mini DC on XP or something like that. We are a charity organization with a tight budget so we are trying to squeeze things out as much as possible.

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mikebernhardt

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AstralWind

ASKER

I wouldn't want to do that because of security. Thanks anyway I will be awarding you the points.