Need help with Windows 7 local Network without Internet connection

ManfredW · 18 Mar 2016

I need to migrate several POS installations from Windows XP to Windows 7. For drivers reason we will use 32 Bit.
The PCs are not connected to any router or Internet source.
As the connections are wired, security is not an issue.
The Network consists of 2 or 3 or more PCs, with one of them sharing the Database file for the others.
All PCs have POS Program installations, and the client installations need to be pointed to the location of the server via an XML file with UNC fixed IP address, like \\192.168.168.1\DBSHARE\
We need fixed IP addresses for this as well as for some Ethernet Printers which do not have a DHCP client. (Their IP address can be set by a vendor utility.

Under XP I just made sure that file and printer sharing was enabled, and shared the \DBSHARE\ Directory for all users (Read and Write).
The Network Cards were set up with fixed IP addresses, and both Gateway and DNS server were left empty.

All worked like a charm.
Windows 7 confuses me with Public/Private/Work/Unknown locations, and limitations of access and users rights.
What is the best way to proceed here?

GokAy · 19 Mar 2016

Select Work when possible. You may be getting unknown especially if they are not connected to Internet (lacks a gateway, a proper DNS etc.).

You should first try setting them normally: Network Location - Set as Home, Work, or Public Network
If that doesn't work, you can try Unidentified Networks - Set as Private or Public to set them as private.

Also make sure:
- Network discovery - https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/185237-network-discovery-turn-off-windows-7-a.html
- Password Protected Sharing (so you don't suffer from being authenticated as a guest) - Password Protected Sharing - Turn On or Off in Windows 7
- File and printer sharing (same place as others)
are all turned on in "Advanced Sharing Settings" within "Network and Sharing Center".

Barman58 · 19 Mar 2016

How are these PCs connected together?, multiple links would normally require at least a switch of some kind, unless your Server device has multiple Ethernet connections and is acting as a router/Switch.

You should only use the Work network type if you are actually running a Microsoft Server Operating System, on your "Server" system, as this controls all user logins and system functions for the workstations (POS)

The Public network is a high security option without sharing (designed for wireless access in a Cyber Cafe),

That would leave the Home option. Although this may not seem the correct option for a commercial organisation it is designed to give multiple PC's access to Each other with some control so is the one to go for, as it meets your needs

It is also worthwhile looking at a homegroup set-up as it can be easier to manage if the shares get complicated

Once we know exactly how you want to proceed, and the hardware involved we can go through the Dual level sharing that is used by Windows 7

GokAy · 19 Mar 2016

Hey Nigel, doesn't Work/Home only affect Firewall settings? Only had to look after your comment, Choosing a network location - Windows Help.

Barman58 · 19 Mar 2016

It does not actually set things in the firewall, but the type of networking chosen does set the default firewall rule set used, so I suppose it does.

I've actually had issues with running a Work Network without a server so always recommend Home as it's easier to set-up especially using Homegroup, as the system controls the Dual layer permissions

In this case you would set all systems to share nothing, from the list presented, when setting up the homegroup, then Add the DBSHARE to the homegroup on the server with read only rights and it should just work as Homegroup controls the NTFS and Share permissions