sglee
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Synching folders and files between two servers
Hi,
I have a small number of files and folders on Server 1 in one location.
I also have Server 2 in another physical location.
Can you recommend either Free or Paid software where I can dump what is on Server 1 to Server 2 at scheduled times?
Server 1 is a terminal server where users log in using Remote Desktop Connection program. In case Sever 1 is completely down or if there is a loss of electricity, I would like the users to connect to Server 2 (Terminal Server) and at least have access to the information which may be day old or 1/2 day old (depending on how often I sync).
I expect Server1 to be the main server and Server 2 to be the backup server where users can only look up the information until Server 1 becomes available.
Thanks.
I have a small number of files and folders on Server 1 in one location.
I also have Server 2 in another physical location.
Can you recommend either Free or Paid software where I can dump what is on Server 1 to Server 2 at scheduled times?
Server 1 is a terminal server where users log in using Remote Desktop Connection program. In case Sever 1 is completely down or if there is a loss of electricity, I would like the users to connect to Server 2 (Terminal Server) and at least have access to the information which may be day old or 1/2 day old (depending on how often I sync).
I expect Server1 to be the main server and Server 2 to be the backup server where users can only look up the information until Server 1 becomes available.
Thanks.
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Meeting in the middle is not an option. Cloud is not an option.
Keeping a VPN tunnel between two routers/locations is not an option.
Because of these restrictions, I am looking for a software solution - maybe some type of FTP software that runs on one server or both servers, at the scheduled time it will run the command like ROBOCOPY to keep other server in sync with the main one (server 1).
Keeping a VPN tunnel between two routers/locations is not an option.
Because of these restrictions, I am looking for a software solution - maybe some type of FTP software that runs on one server or both servers, at the scheduled time it will run the command like ROBOCOPY to keep other server in sync with the main one (server 1).
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ASKER
what is smb / NSF? I am not familiar ... could you shed some light on the subject?
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Suppose that there is Server 1 with one public IP address and Server 2 at another public IP address, Both network have routers where port forwarding can be done.
With that said, can you give me some detailed steps that I can follow?
With that said, can you give me some detailed steps that I can follow?
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ASKER
Server 1 (192.168..2.10): ARRIS Cable Router (by WOW ) with port forwarding capability/NAT with internal IP 192.168.2.x network
Server 2 (192.168.1.6): WOW Cable Modem connected to CISCO 1811 with port forwarding /NAT with internal IP 192.168.1.x network.
Server 2 (192.168.1.6): WOW Cable Modem connected to CISCO 1811 with port forwarding /NAT with internal IP 192.168.1.x network.
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ASKER
Windows 2008 Servers on both.
Simple enough. I will try that and post the result.
Simple enough. I will try that and post the result.
Just checking to see if it worked for you?
ASKER
Sorry I got side-tracked. I will try it and post the result.
ASKER
Sorry for the late reply. I finally found the time to try this:I followed your instructions, but it does not work. Here is what I did:
Network A: I have Windows 2008 Server (with IP address of 192.168.2.6) that has share folders for everyone with full permission.
In the router, I forwarded three ports 137(TCP),138(UDP), and 139(TCP) per your instructions.
Network B: on a PC, I opened windows explorer and typed \\IP address\Invoice. Then I got an error.
What have I done wrong?
What is the error? Is the windows 2008 server on a domain?
ASKER
Please see the screenshot for error.Yes It is Windows 2008 on a domain.
So sorry, I checked those last messages from my phone, and I didn't see the logs you had obviously posted.
I see you have firewall settings. Did you open up access to the connecting IP to those ports also?
You normally have to do that unless you place a computer, by IP, in the DMZ. That usually opens up everything, though, and not recommended.
The question is, are you making it through the router / firewall to the actual server2 at 192.168.2.6? Try again and see if you are generating any log entries (failed audits / security entries) on the 192.168.2.6 machine.
If you see nothing, I'd look at the firewall issue. If you have a telnet client, or can install one on Server1, you can then telnet to port 139 at the public IP of your router and see if you get nothing or a connection. You may not get any text, it may just drop to a black window. If you get "connection failed" in any way, you just aren't getting through the router / firewall.
First thing I'd check is your firewall rules to make sure you have allowed access. Just mapping the ports is only 1/2 of the needed config.
I see you have firewall settings. Did you open up access to the connecting IP to those ports also?
You normally have to do that unless you place a computer, by IP, in the DMZ. That usually opens up everything, though, and not recommended.
The question is, are you making it through the router / firewall to the actual server2 at 192.168.2.6? Try again and see if you are generating any log entries (failed audits / security entries) on the 192.168.2.6 machine.
If you see nothing, I'd look at the firewall issue. If you have a telnet client, or can install one on Server1, you can then telnet to port 139 at the public IP of your router and see if you get nothing or a connection. You may not get any text, it may just drop to a black window. If you get "connection failed" in any way, you just aren't getting through the router / firewall.
First thing I'd check is your firewall rules to make sure you have allowed access. Just mapping the ports is only 1/2 of the needed config.
ASKER
Instead of dealing with changes in Production server (Windows 2008), I decided to do it on my test Windows 7 PC. I changed the port forwarding to the ip address of Win7 PC (192.168.2.120) and disabled windows firewall, and created a share "App" where everyone has Read/Write.
On a remote computer, I typed "\\public IP address" and \\public IP address\app" and I got a network error.
When I referred to "firewall" earlier, I was speaking of the firewall in your router. Check it to make sure an external IP is allowed access TO your port forwarding rule. Also, some of these routers have a config (normally a check box) to "block external requests", which means, regardless of firewall, it will block all traffic incoming that did not originate from the LAN side.
Of course, the machine you are connecting to needs it's own internal firewall off. which it appears you have done.
Another note, on Windows 2008, "everyone" doesn't mean "everyone in the world", it means "everyone on my domain".
Not sure if it's part of and AD domain, but keep that in mind. From the connecting server, you can mount a new drive and...I'm not sure if this is a feature they implemented in 2008, I know it's in Server 2012, while mapping a drive you can select "alternate credentials" and name any domain\user you want.
Of course, the machine you are connecting to needs it's own internal firewall off. which it appears you have done.
Another note, on Windows 2008, "everyone" doesn't mean "everyone in the world", it means "everyone on my domain".
Not sure if it's part of and AD domain, but keep that in mind. From the connecting server, you can mount a new drive and...I'm not sure if this is a feature they implemented in 2008, I know it's in Server 2012, while mapping a drive you can select "alternate credentials" and name any domain\user you want.
ASKER
too complicated ... I give up.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
ASKER
Yes I was thinking about using ROBOCOPY between Server1 and Server2 because it is FREE. (if I can't find no good software) But this requires a VPN connection between two servers (they are not on the same network/building), I was looking for a better & automatic solution.