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    Creating a desktop network drive?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by vipergts2207, Jan 26, 2008.

  1. vipergts2207

    vipergts2207 Notebook Consultant

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    I have a desktop running windows xp. Is there anyway I can make the HDD inside the computer also be able to function as a network drive? I want to be able to use it to make a back up of my laptop hdd.
     
    vipergts2207, Jan 26, 2008
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  2. GrandAdmiral

    GrandAdmiral Notebook Evangelist

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    What version of XP? You need professional or media center to make this work

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    GrandAdmiral, Jan 26, 2008
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  3. vipergts2207

    vipergts2207 Notebook Consultant

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    It's media center edition.
     
    vipergts2207, Jan 26, 2008
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  4. GrandAdmiral

    GrandAdmiral Notebook Evangelist

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    Go into windows explorer -> Tools -> folder options -> View Tab -> scroll down the list and untick 'simple file sharing'. Then right click on your hard drive and select sharing and security. Select 'share this folder', set your settings and its done.

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    GrandAdmiral, Jan 26, 2008
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  5. GrandAdmiral

    GrandAdmiral Notebook Evangelist

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    Then go into System -> Computer name on both computers and make sure the workgroup is the same otherwise your computers wont be able to see each other. You may also need to deactivate your firewalls while transferring or viewing.

    The shared folder should now show up in My Network Places

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    GrandAdmiral, Jan 26, 2008
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  6. vipergts2207

    vipergts2207 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks. Now is there anyway I can create a complete backup of vista on my laptop? As far as I know the complete PC backup in the backup and restore center on vista is only availale in ultimate, enterprise and business edition.
     
    vipergts2207, Jan 26, 2008
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  7. GrandAdmiral

    GrandAdmiral Notebook Evangelist

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    You could try partitioning your desktop to leave some unallocated space, then copy the entire Vista partition into that space (effectively creating a backup). I dont know how the MBR (Master Boot Record, telling the computer which operating systems it has installed and how to start them) will react to this so it'd probably be best to see what someone else has to say on the matter before mucking with it.

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    GrandAdmiral, Jan 26, 2008
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  8. GrandAdmiral

    GrandAdmiral Notebook Evangelist

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    Just did a bit of research. Found a program called Acronis trueimage which was recommended by the following site http://www.windowstalk.org/Backup_Vista.htm. You have to pay for it but it sounds good. It creates an image file on your hard disk, rather than having to muck around with partitions.

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    GrandAdmiral, Jan 26, 2008
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  9. GrandAdmiral

    GrandAdmiral Notebook Evangelist

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    GrandAdmiral, Jan 26, 2008
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  10. Mecha

    Mecha Notebook Geek

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    True Image rocks.

    used to to backup my entire os and HDD on a 80gig hdd that came with my Sager. i then installed a 320gig hdd in my Sager and put the 80 in an external hdd case. true image let me reinstall the image on the bigger hdd with no problems. once that was complete True image let me again make an image on the OS and make a hidden partition where i was able to have a backup ready so i wouldnt have use my disks if i had to reinstall for some reason.

    used it once and it worked perfect.
     
    Mecha, Jan 27, 2008
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