Workgroup with more than 10 PCs

[flipineck]

Hi all,

I had a look through some of the old threads but couldn't find anything, so I hope somebody can answer this.

We have several training classes, each set up as Workgroups, they used to be W98 but we have now got WXP.
The problem started when certain computers couldn't access certain files and folders, though they could all go through one machine to the Internet. Strangly enough the problem only started when 10 PCs tried to join the Group, Microsofts suggested maximum for a workgroup.
I have since found that WXP Pro has a limit of 10, and WXP Home has a limit of 5 Pcs that can join a workgroup.

So the query is: Is there any way around this limit, a registry setting that can be changed? If there is, does this mean we're breaking the terms and conditions of our licenses?
Lastly, can anyone think of a workable solution without migrating to a server?

Any links would be brilliant, I don't mind reading like crazy to find a solution, but I teach all day and don't have the Tinternet at home. I snatch time to download like crazy and then read the stuff at home.

Any help would be gratefully received.

 

[bcastner]

Some thoughts:

1. You can have hundreds in your Workgroup, but no one machine can host more than 10 connections at a time. It may be possible by controlling your mapping to fall well within this limit;

2. Convert one machine back to Win98 as the server.

3. Convert one machine to Linux with SAMBA as the server.

 

[flipineck]

Cheers for the advice, maybe thats the way I'll have to go, I do have access to server software and several versions of Linux but it's not the ideal solution for my class. I do think it's a bit 'off' that Microsoft dictate through software how many computers you can host from one machine, but I do have a dog at home that I can kick.

Cheers again, unless I can uncover some little gem the Win98 option seems the best alternative.