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Small Business Server 2003. Easy to setup?

B

bigdavethehorn

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
412
As title.

A friend has asked me whether I'd be willing to setup a new network for his business.

Proposed setup would be:

Dell server running SBS 2003
2 or 3 desktops probably running XP Home
possibly 2 laptops, possibly running XP Media Centre 2005.

All PC's will be brand new.

I'm quite comfortable setting up a new network using XP Pro, allowing each PC to obtain an IP address automatically and connecting a router to the network.

I'm wondering whether SBS is a step above my experience, should I decline the offer and let a pro do the job?

From what I've read, SBS seems to be designed for people with little experience, as plug and go as is possible, is this correct?

TIA.
 
Hey, first thing is that you'll need XP Pro on all the clients - XP Media Center won't join a domain without unspported hacks to the OS

As far as installing SBS, I've never seen a first time install done exactly right. If you have the time to do a trial run, and are willing to do some research (www.sbsdiva.com , www.smallbizserver.net , SBS newsgroups) you could take a shot at it. Though I would suggest that you line up a local expert in case things go wrong.
 
I make most of my money with SBS....run it at home even. Excellent excellent product. SmallBizServer.net is a great resource....so spend some time over there, they're some great people. I've met Harry Brelsford...went to one of his SMB Nation presentions in NYC a few months ago.

Easy to setup? Generally...yes. Remember one bit of advice....if you've been doing servers for a while, you're used to doing things directly...the old fashioned way. Component by component. When you work on SBS...you must forget that...and do the wizard. SBS is all about the wizards...as the wizard will "touch everything" in all the right places. SBS has a whole buncha stuff running together.
 
YeOldeStonecat said:
Easy to setup? Generally...yes. Remember one bit of advice....if you've been doing servers for a while, you're used to doing things directly...the old fashioned way. Component by component. When you work on SBS...you must forget that...and do the wizard. SBS is all about the wizards...as the wizard will "touch everything" in all the right places. SBS has a whole buncha stuff running together.
Click to expand...

This cannot be over emphasized. ALWAYS use the wizards, especially if you're new to SBS.
 
OK, I'll use the wizards!

An IT chap will be hired if I can't get this to work properly, however my friend would rather avoid this cost if possible (and pay me in pints of Guinness!).

Can I avoid using a domain? My friend is dead set on MCE 2005 for his laptop.

Timescale for setting up isn't crucial, I'll be able to potter about for a few days so it won't be rushed.
 
I'm actually onsite at a clients now...adding SQL to their SBS2K3 box...so they can run a scanning product called "PaperSave"..as a plugin to their Blackbaud Financial Edge.
 
I went straight from peer-to-peer work groups to a Server 2003 domain...

What are the differences between SBS and plain old Server 2003?
 
dx2 said:
I went straight from peer-to-peer work groups to a Server 2003 domain...

What are the differences between SBS and plain old Server 2003?
Click to expand...

SBS= Server 2003 + Exchange + Sharepoint (+ SQL + ISA in the Premium version)

SBS also has minor features like RWW, improved reporting and an improved backup system
 
Shared faxing from desktop is great too!

You get all those cool features..and great savings. SBS2K3 costs a lot less than purchasing vanilla server, stand alond exchange, etc. However..as the name applies...it's only designed for "Small Business"..so (currently ;7 )...it'll only go up to 75 users.

SQL upgrade done...time to service pack it. Then try to nurse Backup Exec back into it. :rolleyes:
 
Ah ok, so its pretty much a bundled domain for a limited amount of users to save on costs.

Going straight servers 2003 wasn't to bad. It was trying to rename a cluster, messing it up and then having to set everyting up from scratch that was a pain, although highly educational and thankfully it wasn't in production. :p
 
pigster said:
Just curious, any advantages of Backup Exec over the built in backup system?
Click to expand...

BE....I started hating it after 9.2, especially hate it now that Symantec owns it. But...better loggin, if you get the SBS version which as the exchange agent...I guess you can restore mailboxes better. But read the article Mariana has at smallbizserver....they claim you can do just fine with the one SBS has.
 
I didn't check out the hack, but if you want to use exchange and outlook with a single sign on then you'll have to replace the xp home machines with xp pro as well. If he wants reliable service I would not rely on a hack to make sure it works right. If MS puts out a patch that screws up the clients ability to login to the domain with their computer accounts who do you think he's going to call?
 
I don't think exchange and outlook will be used, at least not initially.

A simple file server is all he's after.

My experience so far has been with peer to peer networking, with a PC simply called "server" which hosts all files.
I've assigned IP addresses, subnet masks and shared folders & printers.

I haven't however worked with domains which SBS seems to like.

I have however read that SBS walks you through the install process, and looking at screenshots, it seems reasonably straight forward. Am I deluding myself?
 
bigdavethehorn said:
I have however read that SBS walks you through the install process, and looking at screenshots, it seems reasonably straight forward. Am I deluding myself?
Click to expand...

Nope..it truely holds your hand through each step.
 
YeOldeStonecat said:
it'll only go up to 75 users.:
Click to expand...

That is a minor misconception. The rule of thumb is 75 CALS, not users.

So in effect you could have 75 workstations/servers with over 100 users.
 
how would you start learning about windows server and allt he stuff being talked about in ths thread like exchange server and all that good stuff?
 
SJConsultant said:
That is a minor misconception. The rule of thumb is 75 CALS, not users..
Click to expand...

True..my error, I knew that if it was an exam question. Just what's in my head..because I always stick with per user.
 
AMD_Gamer said:
how would you start learning about windows server and allt he stuff being talked about in ths thread like exchange server and all that good stuff?
Click to expand...

Read websites like I posted earlier in the thread and perhaps purchase a book or two.

You can download Virtual Server for free, and then download trial copies of Server 2003, Exchange, etc. Install in virtual server and you can experiment all you want.
 
bigdavethehorn said:
A simple file server is all he's after.
Click to expand...

If the above is true, then you can avoid using a domain. Also, since you are using SBS you have alot of room for expansion, and could add the domain later if it becomes something that might be of use to you in the future.

Remember, with this small networking stuff...stick to the rule of keeping it simple. The more complicated you make it, the more possible issues that could arise.
 
The guys have already given good advice here, but I have to ask...

Why are you doing SBS 2003 at all?

He just wants a simple file server, no domain, no Exchange, and only for 2 client machines?

WinXP Pro makes a great server for those needs.
 
Spartacus said:
The guys have already given good advice here, but I have to ask...

Why are you doing SBS 2003 at all?

He just wants a simple file server, no domain, no Exchange, and only for 2 client machines?

WinXP Pro makes a great server for those needs.
Click to expand...

He's already ordered the server from Dell, I believe it will come with SBS 2003 pre-installed and ready for me!
 
pigster said:
I'm not sure how you would install SBS without a domain.
Click to expand...

Never kick off DCPROMO. At the early part of the install...that first desktop you get to...is Windows Server running just in workgroup mode. Can stop the install there...and not really "finish" the install of SBS and all the components. You're basically running Server in workgroup mode..pretty much like Windows XP running the classic theme.

Of course that makes the SBS package a huge waste of money...as 99% of it goes unused. Clients gets no benefits of all the tools it has. Doesn't really matter that the office is only 2-3 people...even just 1 person...SBS has a lot of tools that are handy for a business..make the office "appear" larger to clients than it really is with all these features.
 
pigster said:
I'm not sure how you would install SBS without a domain.
Click to expand...

YeOldeStonecat said:
Never kick off DCPROMO. At the early part of the install...that first desktop you get to...is Windows Server running just in workgroup mode. Can stop the install there...and not really "finish" the install of SBS and all the components. You're basically running Server in workgroup mode..pretty much like Windows XP running the classic theme.
Click to expand...

You can't install SBS without going through the process of setting up a domain ro going through the SBS setup wizard. If the OP were to do so, then after a certain time period the server would log a licensing error and shutdown.

Refer to this KB
 
This issue can occur if the Windows 2003 Small Business Server integrated setup was not completed. Windows 2003 Small Business Server must be a domain controller and hold all FSMO roles for the domain. In order to facilitate migration from an existing domain, the Small Business Server can function for 7 days after installing without being promoted to a domain controller. After that time, the Small Business Server must be promoted to a domain controller using the integrated setup. If the integrated setup is not completed, the SBCore service will initiate a shut down of the server.
Click to expand...

Looks like your gettin a domain. In the very least it will add a layer of security with logons and passwords and being able to associate them with resources(shares and email accounts) as well as provide for growth in the future.
 
SJConsultant said:
You can't install SBS without going through the process of setting up a domain ro going through the SBS setup wizard. If the OP were to do so, then after a certain time period the server would log a licensing error and shutdown.

Refer to this KB
Click to expand...

Added that in 2K3 huh? Hmm..ah well. I did that for SBS2000 a couple of times....at least once anyways..some accountant wanted to test the 2K enviroment for an old DOS version of MAS90 or AccPac or something like that. Wonder what MS's logic was for adding that to 2K3.
 
YeOldeStonecat said:
Added that in 2K3 huh? Hmm..ah well. I did that for SBS2000 a couple of times....at least once anyways..some accountant wanted to test the 2K enviroment for an old DOS version of MAS90 or AccPac or something like that. Wonder what MS's logic was for adding that to 2K3.
Click to expand...

Yeah, something to do with violating the EULA if you only did a partial setup. Never looked into it far enough to get the full details.
 
SJConsultant said:
Yeah, something to do with violating the EULA if you only did a partial setup. Never looked into it far enough to get the full details.
Click to expand...

It is interesting..thanks for the point out/correction. Read the link..just curious on why the intentional cripple, the logic, can't think of a way it hurts them with someone trying to sneak around it...
 
YeOldeStonecat said:
It is interesting..thanks for the point out/correction. Read the link..just curious on why the intentional cripple, the logic, can't think of a way it hurts them with someone trying to sneak around it...
Click to expand...

Because of the low price, same way with not allowing two SBS servers to coexist in same domain, trusts, etc.

SBS 2003 STD goes for *less* than Windows 2003 Std. ;)
 
SJConsultant said:
Because of the low price, same way with not allowing two SBS servers to coexist in same domain, trusts, etc.

SBS 2003 STD goes for *less* than Windows 2003 Std. ;)
Click to expand...

Guess I can see that. Guess I just never saw Server running in workgroup mode very often out in the field...I've done it a few times to sandbox something...pretty much only once for a client over a long period of time. The other times...for public game servers.

I could see if running DCPromo on SBS forced the rest of the components to install..just odd having workgroup mode. Ah well, it is what it is.
 
YeOldeStonecat said:
Easy to setup? Generally...yes. Remember one bit of advice....if you've been doing servers for a while, you're used to doing things directly...the old fashioned way. Component by component. When you work on SBS...you must forget that...and do the wizard. SBS is all about the wizards...as the wizard will "touch everything" in all the right places. SBS has a whole buncha stuff running together.
Click to expand...

That is the truth, I have been used to doing things just by habit, but i just set up a SBS and it was a rude awakeing, also just an FYI SBS has to be the "top dog" no trusts
 
I would bump the desktops to at pro and attach them to the domain that the server is running. That way you can synce profiles so the server is backing up the profile and documents off each desktop. That way you can set up a single backup solution that will work well. As far as the notebook you can attach it to the domain so it will be able to access files without making it join the domain. Really for 3 or so desktops a server is not needed but at very least you will be ready to expand in the future if needed.
 
pigster said:
Read websites like I posted earlier in the thread and perhaps purchase a book or two.

You can download Virtual Server for free, and then download trial copies of Server 2003, Exchange, etc. Install in virtual server and you can experiment all you want.
Click to expand...

What is Virtual Server, and what does it do? Does it let you "run" the 2K3 trial version on top of XP or something? Where can I download this? Thanks.
 
YeOldeStonecat said:
BE....I started hating it after 9.2, especially hate it now that Symantec owns it. But...better loggin, if you get the SBS version which as the exchange agent...I guess you can restore mailboxes better. But read the article Mariana has at smallbizserver....they claim you can do just fine with the one SBS has.
Click to expand...

Hee hee, we have KVS here. Ugh.
 
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