Adding servers to your network

The type of role you can implement on an additional server computer depends on the Windows-based operating system it is running.

Windows 2000 Server

A computer running Windows 2000 Server can be added to a Small Business Server domain in any of the roles discussed in this paper.

Windows

NT Server 4.0

A computer running Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 in a workgroup can be added to a Small Business Server domain as a file, print, intranet, or application server. Additionally, since the Small Business Server 2000 domain was deployed in mixed mode by default, a computer running Windows NT Server 4.0 can remain part of the Small Business Server network as a backup domain controller.

A Windows NT Server 4.0 primary domain controller cannot be directly added to the Small Business Server network. In this case, you have two options.

Reformat it, reinstall Windows NT Server 4.0, and then use it as a member server.

Reformat it and install a client operating system.

 

Configuring an additional server

Before configuring an additional server, you must install Windows 2000 Server or Windows NT Server 4.0 (if not already installed) and then join it to the Small Business Server domain.

Installing Windows 2000 Server or Windows NT Server 4.0

When installing Windows 2000 Server or Windows NT Server 4.0, accept the default settings, with the following exceptions:

  • Select Per Seat as the licensing mode, and set the number of licenses to be equal to the number of Small Business Server client access licenses (CALs) you have purchased.
  • Join the server to the Small Business Server domain.
  • If you plan to add a file and print server, it is recommended that you install the operating system on one partition or drive, and store data on a different partition or drive.
  • If you plan to add a Windows 2000 Server additional domain controller, perform the following tasks:
  • Install the optional DNS server component.
  • Configure the network adapter with the following settings:
  • IP Address = Static
  • Preferred DNS Server = Small Business Server computer
  • Alternate DNS server = New Server
  • Primary WINS Server = Small Business Server computer

 

Joining the Small Business Server 2000 Domain

If not done during Setup, physically connect the additional server to the domain, and then use the steps in this section to join the computer to the Small Business Server domain. You must be logged on as a member of the Administrators or Domain Admins group to modify domain membership.

To join a computer running Windows 2000 Server to the domain:

  • On the additional server, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  • Double-click System.
  • On the Network Identification tab, click Properties.
  • Under Member of, select Domain, type the name of the Small Business Server domain, and then click OK.
  • When prompted, provide a user name and password to join the computer to the domain, and then click OK.
  • Click OK to close the System Properties dialog box.
  • Restart the computer.

To join a computer running Windows NT Server 4.0 to the domain:

  • On the additional server, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  • Double-click Network.
  • On the Identification tab, click Change.
  • Select Domain, and then type the name of the Small Business Server domain.
  • If necessary, select the Create a Computer Account in the Domain check box, provide a user name and password to join the computer to the domain, and then click OK.
  • Click OK to close the Network dialog box.
  • Restart the computer.

 

Configuring a file and print server

Depending on your needs, configuring a file and print server can involve moving shared folders from the Small Business Server computer to the additional server, creating new shared folders on the additional server, copying user data, and connecting printers to the additional server. Ensure that all users are disconnected from the server before starting this process.

To configure the additional server for file and print sharing, perform any or all of the following:

  • Connect the print devices to the additional server computer, and then add and share the printer(s).
  • Create shared folders on the new server with proper shared folder and NTFS permissions, and copy necessary files from the Small Business Server computer.
  • Move any necessary shared folders and files from the Small Business Server computer. Moving shared folders and files retain their access permissions.

In part three of a three part series, the article will discuss the best ways to configure additional servers.

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Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

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