HP NetServer E 50

Small generic LAN

[pendanticist]

I was gifted an HP NetServer E 50 ( P-2 MMx^tm / 333Mhz ) running NT4, spread across two small drives.

I've read through all the Pdf files regarding the server and couldn't see much applicable, other than it running NT4.

The drives will be destroyed later, but with password-in-hand the machine checks out ok. No issues or problems I can see.

Can I put a fully functional, internet-ready 20G HD ( 2000 Professional ) in place of those two, once I've changed the boot order? ( I think the 2 small drives are currently configured MA / SL )

If the Server currently runs NT4 and I'm running 2000 Professional, are they not compatible in this backward sense?

Is there any reason the Mobo would have a problem accepting the HD formatted to NTFS?

I intend to network several machines to the server for back-up security and ease of retrieval - should that become necessary - with the primary goal of spreading the workload amongst three machines and the server.

All machines could do their own back-up, in turn, backing up to the server and from there to DVD Burner for a more permanent record.

All things equal, I should be able run all peripherals ( lazer and ink-jet printer / flat-bed scanner / CD and DVD burners / etc. ) from the server, just as though it were a regular PC?

Same, same regarding certain software applications. Can most any application be transferred to the server and be operated from that resource?

In true Marine Corps tradition, I'm trying to improvise...

So tell me, is this feasible?

Thanks.

[bull]

Can I put a fully functional, internet-ready 20G HD ( 2000 Professional ) in place of those two, once I've changed the boot order? ( I think the 2 small drives are currently configured MA / SL )

Maybe or not, you will need to try. Hope for the standard drivers to be loaded by win2k. Had two similar cases once, one was fine, the other not. try pressing f8 and select that secure mode (don't know that exactly in english)

If the Server currently runs NT4 and I'm running 2000 Professional, are they not compatible in this backward sense?

Don't fully understand the question but 2000 should accept the hp hardware.

Is there any reason the Mobo would have a problem accepting the HD formatted to NTFS?

No.

All things equal, I should be able run all peripherals ( lazer and ink-jet printer / flat-bed scanner / CD and DVD burners / etc. ) from the server, just as though it were a regular PC?

I don`t think you can have a "remote" cd burner or scanner on a server and operate them from a client. You can have the server operate as a print server though.

[pendanticist]

Hey bull, :)

Ain't seen you for awhile...

I don`t think you can have a "remote" cd burner or scanner on a server and operate them from a client.

Could you not operate it remotely via Remote Access? Or, is that too much of a hassle.

Otherwise, I'd have to install a monitor, kb and mouse directly to the server, right?

[bcolflesh]

Do everything remotely:

tightvnc.com/

[bull]

Hi pendanticist,
always been here, but mostly in #3 and #17, after my favourite playground was taken away ;)
I fear that, though sharing a server cdrom drive for read is no problem, for burning cds you will need kb and mouse. Never heard from any burn software capable of doing its job via network on a remote drive.

[edit]bcolflesh was faster. Seems an interesting piece of software.[/edit]

[pendanticist]

Excellent! Thanks.

>always been here, but mostly in #3 and #17, after my favourite playground was taken away

I hear 'ya, I hang in Recents. Not the same anymore that's for sure. <chuckle> There may be a few others still throwing stuff out in Tracking and Logging, but..well. Yeah. <sniffle> I know. :(

You got any intentions of updating your Collated? There have been some new ones. If not. Sticky me as I may be cohersed.

Anyway, Thanks All.

I got some yard type work to complete, so I don't have much time. When I do though, TightVNC looks like to another piece of the overall solution to my needs. :)

[smellystudent]

Can I put a fully functional, internet-ready 20G HD ( 2000 Professional ) in place of those two, once I've changed the boot order?

If it's already got 2k Pro installed on it, transferring it to different hardware won't work. You need to install the hard drive, then install Windows on to it.

If the Server currently runs NT4 and I'm running 2000 Professional, are they not compatible in this backward sense?

You can access an NT4 server with 2000 Pro if that's what you mean.

Is there any reason the Mobo would have a problem accepting the HD formatted to NTFS?

The drives with NT4 will already be using NTFS :-D

I intend to network several machines to the server for back-up security and ease of retrieval - should that become necessary - with the primary goal of spreading the workload amongst three machines and the server.
All machines could do their own back-up, in turn, backing up to the server and from there to DVD Burner for a more permanent record.

It's easier to train your users to store all their files on the server, from where you can back them up. You may be interested in a server edition of Windows, but it will cost a bit.

All things equal, I should be able run all peripherals ( lazer and ink-jet printer / flat-bed scanner / CD and DVD burners / etc. ) from the server, just as though it were a regular PC?

You can view the server as a PC with knobs on. It'll be great for sharing printers, but as others have noted, you won't be able to burn CDs across the network. However, if you're storing data on the server, it's easy to select and burn it from there.
Note: if you keep NT4 installed, you can't use USB devices.

Same, same regarding certain software applications. Can most any application be transferred to the server and be operated from that resource?

Getting into trickier territory. If you were running a full Server edition of Windows, you could set it up as a terminal server and run applications directly from it. However, unless your client machines are far lower spec than the server, I wouldn't do it.
You can copy the installation files of certain applications to the server for ease of deployment. For example, you can set up an administrative install of Office to provide a customised installation to your users.
Depending on exactly what applications you are using, you may well be able to use the server to share common data, however you would still need the apps installed on each client machine.