Networking other PC's to PowerChurch Computer

[NeilZ]

Of course, you could turn OFF password protected sharing in Win7. Considering that Powerchurch has its own password protection scheme built in, this is one layer of security that you really don't need. Of course, this is Microsoft 'helping' you ... right!

To turn off password-protected sharing in Windows 7

1. Open Advanced sharing settings by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type network, click Network and Sharing Center, and then, in the left pane, click Change advanced sharing settings.
2. Click the chevron (down arrow) icon to expand the Home or Work network profile.
3. Under Password protected sharing, click Turn on password protected sharing to remove the checkmark, and then click Save changes. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

[Tracy]

That opens a place for random website hacks to enter into the system. Also anyone that walks up and is able to connect to the LAN directly can also get connected.

Your mileage may vary (YMMV)

[NeilZ]

That opens a place for random website hacks to enter into the system. Also anyone that walks up and is able to connect to the LAN directly can also get connected.

Your mileage may vary (YMMV)

True ... but most churches that use Powerchurch, have maybe 2 or 3 computers networked using Powerchurch. The only problem they would have is needing a good firewall for their Internet access.

[Tracy]

And those firewalls are usually associated with Anti-Virus checking. Exclusions for DBF, FPT, CDX, and PCA files need to be added. An exclusion for the location where PowerChurch is installed to prevent the anti-virus from locking a file to long when running reports, or indexing.

[swm]

That's the problem. No one knows how to map a drive etc. I'm trying to get them setup so they don't have to do all the hard stuff. LOL.

I didn't think XP would be this big of a problem. Bummer.

[NeilZ]

That's the problem. No one knows how to map a drive etc. I'm trying to get them setup so they don't have to do all the hard stuff. LOL.

I didn't think XP would be this big of a problem. Bummer.

Its not XP, its Win7 ...

[swm]

Oh great.

When I went back in to the office to map a drive again on that Windows XP......for the networking of PowerChurch........ here's what I've now found out...... PowerChurch stills comes up with the white screen with the text.....Y:\\PowerChurch11 does not exist or whatever it says...... but when I go into the drive that I mapped for the powerchurch program.....say drive "Y".....when I right click on that drive and open it......a box comes up asking for the password to the Main Bookkeeping Computer with the actual PowerChurch software on it.....when I put the password for the Bookkeeping Computer in the box....the box goes away and opens up Y drive.....when I x out of that and go back to the desktop and double click the PowerChurch 11 Icon, it then opens up with NO PROBLEM...... so it's the password deal that is a problem and there was no where in that box to check REMEMBER PASSWORD......this would have fixed that problem. I didn't want to give out the password for the Bookkeeping computer. Is there a way around this problem???? At least I've get it nailed down to the main problem now??

[Tracy]

That's why I was suggesting a user on the bookkeepers machine with access only to the PowerChurch folder, and the mapdrive.cmd file in the Startup folder of the workstation user. When the user on the XP machine logs in, this will reconnect the mapped drive.

[swm]

That would be a pain for the bookkeeper wouldn't it? They would have to change users to use the internet or Word or ?? Also, I have no clue how to set that up that way unless I get clear instruction. Never had to do that before. Sorry.

[Tracy]

No, the book keeper will use his/her own user for the workstation. The special user will only be used to access the PowerChurch data from other workstations. The CMD file will make sure the connection is ready each time the user logs in on the other workstations. This does away with the requirement to type in a second password before being able to run PowerChurch.

For this abbreviated example, I'm going to say the book keepers machine is called PCHOST.

On PCHOST logged in as a local administrative user,

• in the Control Panel - User Accounts.
  • Create a Standard User. (I'll use PCPLUS in this example)
  In Windows Explorer
  • Add the user PCPLUS to the C:\PowerChurch folder with FULL Rights
    Share the C:\PowerChurch Folder (I believe, you have already done this)
    These are found in the right click menu, properties dialog under Security and Share tabs

On WORKSTATION

• Create the CMD file with the NET USE command in the Startup folder.
  • Here is the command using my examples

    Code: Select all

    net use P \\PCHOST\PowerChurch password /user:PCHOST\PCPLUS

    The net use command is the same as mapping a drive in Windows Explorer.
    The startup folder is found in the Start menu, Programs, Startup. Right click it and select Open

[swm]

Okay, I understand now. I will try this today or tomorrow and see what happens.

[swm]

Well, I still have not been able to figure out how to do this. This CMD thing is beyond me. Is there a simpler way to get these XP computers connected to the Windows 7 Professional computer with powerchurch on it????

[NeilZ]

Have you considered moving the server to the WinXP computer ??

[swm]

No, don't want to do that. I bought a new computer specifically for the bookkeeper station. Is there not a way to network the XP computer to the Windows 7 computer.....in a simpler way?? I am about to pull my hair out over this. LOL.

[NeilZ]

No, don't want to do that. I bought a new computer specifically for the bookkeeper station. Is there not a way to network the XP computer to the Windows 7 computer.....in a simpler way?? I am about to pull my hair out over this. LOL.

Its just Microsoft making it easier for you. FWIW .. I suspect that if you had the computer loaded with Win7 Home, it would have been much easier. That said, you may want to get some tips from this Microsoft web page:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... of-Windows

Now I realize its talking about 'home' computers, but the situation is similar to yours, only a few computers need to be networked, and its a fairly 'safe' environment.