Hi
I have a client whos just got an SBS2011 server. It's running great, all PC's on the network are Windows 7 or 8.
The client has a number of old laptops it would like to put at a few desks around the building for general use by staff who don't get given their own laptop (i.e. factor staff rather than office/sales/managerial staff)
Now these old laptops have windows XP on them. I was considering trying to avoid putting XP on the new network because of redirected folders. Wanting to avoid any mismatches with data. I have thought of the following;
1. Rebuild the laptops with XP, do not join to server use as stand alone with internet access - The users will want network access they will want to access data on the server, and with no log in as such the staff will have to Authenticate when connecting to \\server (windows explorer) which will then retain the settings of the first person to authenticate during that PC's boot - this leads to security risk
2. Rebuild and join to the server and set up a GPO to try and stop offline files for the XP laptops (or a reg edit) - however will redirected folders still work right? Worried that a proper office user with a Win 7 or 8 laptop will log onto one of these (types of things the users at this place do) I don't want issues with their data because of OS confusions.
I would prefer to join the XP laptops to the SBS2011 as I feel it would be more secure. The factory workers all will have log ins for email and they are not going to do much, photo viewing web browsing and word maybe excel.
Any advice on how you'd set this up? things to watch out for? considerations to make.
I know XP is expiring in a year but by then these older laptops maybe retired as some older Win 7 laptops get passed down to the role etc.
Thanks
Tris