home network, with usernames, logins, and central files

[pummer]

I just ordered a brand new Dell laptop, which I'm putting Windows XP Pro on. I have XP Pro on a couple of other boxes as you can see in my signature. What I'm looking to do is have a network kind of like what is run at my school, only on a much smaller scale.

I have a Windows 2003 Server box with 5 CALs, and what I want to do is create central usernames so that a user can log onto any of the XP boxes throughout the house and have a network drive mapped from a directory on the server on which that user can store his files, to be accessed on any computer through the house.

I believe this involves Active Directory. If anyone can give me somewhere to start on what is sure to be a very involved project, I'd really appreciate it.

[TimDgsr]

it will require active directory. sounds like you want roaming profiles. no matter what machine the user logs into, they will always have the same desktop/my documents and you can limit them to what and how much storage space they can use.

[pummer]

beautiful. do i have to create a domain?

[BUBBLE]

yes you'll have to create a domain based enviroment so users will be autentcated from the server. and if u need you can make a script along with the user profile so whenever they log in a map drive will be also created in the computer trageting the server computers share folder to them to restore files. Well how to create the domain is a another thing you'll have to visit the ms site for that cause they have very good articales how to that along with pics. Whish you all the best dude.

[coin]

get ye to Amazon, search through the book section for the Dummies books for Active Directory. These guides are well written and easy to follow.