Windows 2000 Server

What is the difference between Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 server?
I have a little problem identifying the difference between these two operating systems, I mean Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 server.

Windows 2000 is an OS from of the NT technology that is for stand alone computers or clients. it doesn't have much firewall internally and needs a third party software to act as its firewall.( that is an antivirus) whereas Windows 2000 Server is an OS also from the NT technology that is installed to servers, that will serve clients in an enterprise network or to the internet. It serves as a gateway for a particular network and hence has a much better security and internal firewall application (though you still need an antivirus). the server version was built with clients to be served in mind. it consumes little resources on its own, and doesn't include packages that are for entertainment, and games and the family stuff, (who wants to play games on a company server) however the non server version is made for an all round service that though does'nt include being a server to other clients. A server OS can act as a DCHP, HOST to other computers that connect to it.... but the clients just connect and cant host or assign IP addresses to more that one computer. In essence Windows 2000 is an OS like any other, a client. whiles Windows 2000 Server is an OS that acts as a HOST, or a DCHP and serves other computers (clients) or other hosts... Good Luck and God Speed.

How do I map a network drive on a WIndows 2000 server with anonymous access?
I would like to map a network file share sitting on a Windows 2000 server from a workstation that does not belong to the domain, using anonymous access Here below is the command I use c:\>net use V: \\FILE-SERVER\V-drive The password or user name is invalid for \\FILE-SERVER\V-drive. Enter the user name for 'FILE-SERVER': System error 1223 has occurred. The operation was canceled by the user. FILE-SERVER is a Windows 2000 server machine belonging to a domain and the mapping is done from a computer that does NOT belog to the domain

right click on my network place--->Map Network Drive-->Browse-->then select the workstation's drive.

Is there an upgrade for Windows 2000 server to Windows 2003 server?
We are a small business with Windows 2000 server. Is there a way upgrading to the 2003 version?

You certainly can. Some might recommend starting from scratch and doing a fresh install. The down side is if your server is more than a file server than that can quickly become time consuming. Not to mention upgrade licenses are cheaper. It's also a good idea to have a full backup before trying any changes to the operating system if it fails you'll be in a heap of trouble. Also if you're running any apps on the server makes sure they are compatible.

How can I connect Windows Me to Windows 2000 Server Family?
I have a Windows Me and Windows 2000 Server Family. As I try to connect Windows Me via switching hub to 2000 Server, it asks me to enter a network password. The message box says, You must supply a password to make this connection: Resource: \\MAIN\IPC$ Password: (Note that it only ask me to enter the password. Resource is already supplied by the system.) Does the firewall of the Server has an effect here? Guys kindly help me with this... Your help will be greatly appreciated! :) Thanks... I don't have domain..

you have to add the WinME computer to the Win 2000 server domain, then log on using an account on that domain ... realize that an account on the domain named "bob" will not necessarily have the same password as the local account "bob" on the WinME system, however, to access resources on the Win2K server domain, you will have to be logged into the domain.

Can anyone point me to a Best Practices document for backing up and restoring Windows 2000 Server functions.?
I have a Windows 2000 Advanced Server installation that is just completely hosed with malware applications that I have been unsuccessful removing. This Advanced Server is used to provide thin clients with access to a few windows app, but primarily to a DOS based app running on ANOTHER server (which is good). I have come to the conclusion that I need to reload the OS from scratch. What do I need to backup so that I can restore data without having to entering everything manually? I want to reload the applications. That's not a problem, but I don't want to have to re-enter drive shares, user profiles, etc. Is there a best practices kind of document, a checklist, that I could use for what I need to capture BEFORE I blow everything away with a reformat? Thanks in advance.

Well, it's pretty difficult to give you a best practice document without knowing what tool you are using. If you don't have or haven't picked a tool for this then you need to. Otherwise you will end up doing everything the hard way (configuring most everything back manually). There's lots of tools out there that can capture profile settings, application settings, etc. I'm pretty biased towards Altiris software as I'm a software tester for the company, but it's probably a good idea to get a list of different software out there and seeing what fits your needs the best. Also, while you are at it, you should see if the software has capabilities for restoring your computer or applications to a good state. Having a backup/recovery system in place will save you from headaches such as this. Anyway, once you've picked a tool for performing the task, find out from the company's support or your sales rep if they can provide you with a best practices document or suggestions on what steps to take in your particular situation. Since I mentioned Altiris, I should probably say which Altiris products would be helpful for your situation: PC Transplant: Captures user and application settings and can migrate them to another computer or the same computer (if you are re-installing or upgrading Windows). Software Virtualization Solution: Virtualizes your software so that you can revert your applications back to a default state (instantly repairing them). It also allows other cool stuff like: activating or deactivating applications with a single command, reverting to different versions of an app, and keep the apps from messing with the base OS. Recovery Solution: Scheduled backups on your computers so that you can recover to a last known good state. Anyway, like I said there are probably other products out there that can get the job done as well. I only mention Altiris since that is what I am familiar with and I really think we have great tools for this type of job. Now, I don't want to sound like a salesman, so I'd still recommend you do your own research on what products can do what you need and which option has the best value for you. I just want to emphasize the point that it is a good idea to have a tool for this as well as a backup\recovery plan. That is probably the only 'best practice' I can recommend for you at this time.

Can I shift Windows 2000 Server to Windows 2003 without migrating?
i have a scenario, assume that a domain xyz.com with windows 2000 server. now i want to configure windows 2003 server as same domain (xyz.com) and format windows 2000 server. is it possible or is it neccessary to join client computer to the windows 2003 domain again. can any body answer to this question.

The migration process from Windows 2000 to 2003 server is pretty easy. You will first need to update the Schema on the 2000 server from the Server 2003 CD. (This basically updates some files and the Active Directory.) You will need to perform and ADPREP and DOMAINPREP command. The next step would to be to setup and install the new Windows 2003 server and make it a Domain Controller and Global Catalog Server. You will also have to transfer the FSM roles to the new server. After this you will want to transfer any services you have such as DNS or DHCP to the new server. So far these steps are pretty transparent to your users. Now transfer all your SHARES to the new server. Once you are convinced everything is working fine, you need to Demote your 2000 server down to a member server. Once you have done this you can delete the server and do as you wish - reformat it and do what ever you want with it. Complete documentation is easily found on the web to do this. Not only from Microsoft but from other users as well. It's pretty easy

What is the solution for Windows 2000 server hanging up on start up ?
After Windows 2000 is loaded the computer hangs up for about 20 minutes. The CPU usage shown is 100 %. After about 20 - 25 minutes the computer functions normally ?

It could be many reasons. If I were you I would check your event logs to see if you have any problem. Also download MSCONFIG file and put it on your c:\winnt\system32 folder and than eother double click on the file to run or go to start>run and type msconfig. From there go to startup tab. Here you will see bunch of items are probably has check marks on them. try to uncheck items don't need to start at the start up. and restart the pc. This is the website you can download msconfig and see more info http://www.techadvice.com/win2000/m/msconfig_w2k.htm Also focus on paging file try to recreate it.

Can one download Windows 2000 Server onto a disk from online?
Is Windows 2000 Server downloadable? Does it cost anything, or is it freely available? I'm trying to establish a VMWare player for Cisco CallManager, and it needs this operating system. If it can be downloaded, where can I find it?

No dear, none of the Windows Software, especially an O/S like 2000 Server, comes free. Of course you can download it from Microsoft Support/Downloads....but at a high cost. Examples Windows 2000 Server 20 CAL License-Only ..$248.95 - SoftwareMedia.com Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, PN X05 ...$499.00 - RainierPC.com Microsoft Windows 2000 Server 5 User ...$276.25 - Buybusinesssoftware.com Alternatively try a cheap software outlet like http://www.dirtcheapsoftware.com/ and you can get one at a reasonable price.

Is setting up Active Directory in Windows 2003 server different to Windows 2000 server?
I was thinking of completing MCSA using Windows 2003 server. I have a book that covers Active Directory based on Windows 2000 server. I am wondering if Active Directory is different in Windows 2003 server from Windows 2000 server?

Yes, it is different. Active Directory in Windows 2003 Server is much more integrated than it was in Windows 2000. Almost every aspect of the server will now use AD unlike Windows 2000 where only some parts used it.

how do I lock down and secure a windows 2000 server?
I have a windows 2000 server as a directory server and have used tools like tweak manager, know how to use regedit, and want to make it as secure as possible. what are the best ways to secure it? I intend on using it as a domain server, without IIS and as a file server and possibly use romaing profiles. Feel free to suggest software as needed also!

Try Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/windows2000/secwin2k/default.mspx