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Connecting Win98 to Win2k server

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by pgonzales

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I am configuring a lab with 28 win98 workstations, I am using a TCP/ip network though a switch. I have a Win2k server that I need to have a shared folder on, that all the workstations must be able to network map too. I can see the server from the workstations, but they can't access it, A dialog box comes up asking for a password, I have never configured it with a password, and nothing happens when I hit enter. This is a new install of Win2k server and I have not installed active directory nor have I configured the server using configure your server wizard. I know this must be a basic question any info would be apperciated

5 replies

by timwalsh

Since Win2K is not acting as a domain controller, you essentially have a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In a P2P network, any computer hosting a shared resource must also host user accounts for all users that must access that resource. The userID and passwords need to be the same as those used to log onto the Win98 computers. With Win2K, just as a user must log-on to a computer to use it, anyone wishing to access shared resources on that computer must also "log-on" to that computer.

In your situation, you really have 2 options (the actual amount of work to accomplish each option will almost be the same):
1. Install Active Directory, thus creating a Win2K domain. Create user accounts for all users who will access the shared folder. Set up the Win98 computers to log-on to the domain. All users must log-on to the domain to access any shared resource.
2. Continue with the P2P network. You still must create user accounts on the server for all users. All computers must be membersof the same workgroup. All users must log on to the Win98 computers to provide a userID and password.

The advantage to creating a domain would be as follows:
You add another computer to the network whose only function is to host a shared printer. In a domain environment, once a user logs on, he can access any shared resource with that single log-on. You don't have to create any additional user accounts. In a P2P environment, you would have to create additional user accounts on any additional computers that host shared resources.

Hope this helps.

by ronypp

If your priority is just to make the shared folder available to the Win98 client system, then i don't think installing AD is neccessary.

1. Create a User and set a password for the user.

2.Right clik the folder and give permission to the user you have just created as read only/full as you need.

After this try connecting from the win98 comp to the shared folder and when it asks for username/password give that of the newly created user.

If you have any clarification, do let me know atrony@ezeesolution.com

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