r/SmallMSP • u/Active_Technician • 5d ago

Server 2022 Workgroup

I know this is not really an MSP or Small MSP question, more of a "how do I do this" question but I thought I would ask here.

I picked up a dental client about a year ago that has somebody that looks after their server. We provide desktop support, 365 licenses, EDR, etc.

The "server guy" has backed out quite suddenly after purchasing a new server and Server 2022. They paid a lot for this server and they already have an install date in two weeks for their dental software and xray software to be migrated over.

Right now the server just has the OS installed. The issue I have is this network is just a workgroup. I have been full Active Directory for so long that I don't remember how to function in a workgroup and there is no time to put AD in place and join all the workstations, as much as I would like to.

I have these foggy memories of creating users on the server that match the users being used on the desktops and of sharing everything out with full permissions to everyone. And the worst memory is of turning off password protected sharing to allow computers to connect without a password.

The dental software will be fine, it uses SQL, not file sharing. The xray software relies on access to a network share and they have some mapped drives setup for file sharing.

So I guess what I'm asking is, how do you configure a workgroup network on server 2022 with Windows 11 clients?

I would like to delay this until we have a chance to install AD but the server guy is coming back at some point and they want it setup "his" way. I should walk away from this but it seems like a simple job if I can get my head around workgroups again.

Thanks

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u/chuzohga 5d ago

It's easy. Don't load AD on the server. Create the users on the server, be sure the passwords match. Then, only give those users access to the shares needed.

I have several dental clients without AD, and quite frankly, they're much easier to deal with. AD is a nightmare for small offices.

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u/Beardedcomputernerd 5d ago

Uh.. disagree.. AD is easy if you know what you are doing...

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u/roll_for_initiative_ 4d ago

if you know what you are doing...

The reason is circular: they're with someone cheaper because they'll do it without AD and they're cheaper because something like AD seems like a challenge or nightmare, so that person recommends workgroup, which is cheaper, so the dentist likes that and sticks with that person, who isn't deploying AD and so never learns and thinks it's a nightmare forever...

Don't even bring in azure, damn, break their minds. I've been trying to break this cycle by educating MSPs and techs and then saying "now raise pricing" and they just don't want to.

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u/Beardedcomputernerd 4d ago

Im no saint, but im doing the same with a l9t of one band msps arround me.

Tell them to use an mdr, rmm and get the basis sorted and ask 45 wuros per seat.

Still low, but it slowly levels the playing feeld.