How to deal with this situation?

[Adept PC Repair]

I have done regular work for a business which has 7 client machines and a "server" which is simply a desktop pc running file and printer sharing over the workgroup.

I do not like supporting the business as I feel it goes against what I would do. I do appreciate however that all workgroup machines are "home edition". This obviously doesn't allow me to offer a server to run a domain as they cannot join the domain. The only route would be to upgrade all systems to professional.

I have a few questions:
1. Can I just upgrade each system without a full "upgrade"? I can't fully remember but I know there was some registry edit of some kind to change from retail to enterprise for example, but I guess moving from 7 home premium to 7 professional isn't an option without spending a couple of hours on each machine?

2. How would you feel working for such a business? I personally would feel embarrassed if they ever moved on to use somebody else for their IT support and they told them my name. I do not endorse their setup whatsoever, yet they continue to buy junk from pc world to get the job done.

3. This is a company who the director generally avoids spending money until it bites him in the ass. Even though the computers were on a work group, he had a lot of important files in a folder on the desktop of his laptop. He kept them there because he didn't want the rest of the company to see them. Their current setup is a cloud backup service on the server, not on any of the workstations. His hard drive went faulty and he required a data recovery which was outsourced. He then placed the "repaired" hard drive back in his laptop and continued to use it! I could not believe he did that.. anyway - main question is, if they continue to use the network as a workgroup, is there any way he can store his files on the "server" and not allow access to the other computers, especially as the "server" is being used as a workstation by staff? Obviously this is where AD would thrive, but currently isn't possible as far as I know.

 

[Markverhyden]

1. If a legit pro/enterprise license key is not used in an upgrade it's not a legit OS upgrade. The world is full of halfwit hacks to try to improve functionality. So legit, some not. That includes like downloading GP files to install on a version that did not come with them. But what are you trying to do? Just having W7 Pro, in of itself, is not that big of an improvement. It's all of the policies that make a difference.

2. I've run into many businesses with this type of setup. I'll do what I can to put them on the correct path. But I never complain about the previous tech unless they used hacks license cracks and grabbing files off of other versions.

3. Even on home editions you can use account names and passwords to restrict access to files/folders. And simple NAS also provide that function.

 

[coffee]

Write them up a letter. Include in it:

1. You really appreciate their business
2. There are certain changes that should be made - list them and why.
3. You want to continue to service them but are not responsible for any problems while in its current state. You will work for them on a break/fix role only at this point.

I have several clients like this. IMO, It can be changed but takes time to do it. I think you have to just break down the upgrades and tackle them one at a time. Eventually they can get there.

At this point, Just delegate them to a break/fix status and leave it at that I suppose. Not much else you can do.

coffee

 

[fincoder]

I guess moving from 7 home premium to 7 professional isn't an option without spending a couple of hours on each machine?

The Windows Anytime Upgrade feature allows entry of a Pro product key to automatically switch from Home to Pro without re-install. I've done it (quite a few years ago now) with an OEM key (system builder license). It used to allow purchase of the Pro key online, but I presume that option doesn't work any more.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

1. Can I just upgrade each system without a full "upgrade"? I can't fully remember but I know there was some registry edit of some kind to change from retail to enterprise for example, but I guess moving from 7 home premium to 7 professional isn't an option without spending a couple of hours on each machine?

2. How would you feel working for such a business? I personally would feel embarrassed if they ever moved on to use somebody else for their IT support and they told them my name. I do not endorse their setup whatsoever, yet they continue to buy junk from pc world to get the job done.

3. is there any way he can store his files on the "server" and not allow access to the other computers, especially as the "server" is being used as a workstation by staff? Obviously this is where AD would thrive, but currently isn't possible as far as I know.

1- Upgrades of Windows from homeless to Pro retains data, profiles, etc. I usually uninstall the antivirus..and kick in the upgrade. How long it takes..depends on health and horsepower of the workstation. Could be from less than 15 minutes..to over an hour...

...a problem is...Windows 7 anytime upgrade got disco'd a while ago. MIGHT be able to find legit keys for sale at some Microsoft software reseller..

2- Yup..have had some clients or potential clients that simply will not listen to your pitches to follow best practices and do things right. Sometimes you just gotta say "Look..maybe I'm not the right IT guy you....this isn't how we do things". I know some people don't want to turn away potential business when you're first starting out and trying to fill your plate. So just make a judgement. But if your plate is already somewhat full..these kinds of clients can suck the time and life out of you and not be worth it.

3- Yes there are ways to lock down folders on just workstation levels without a server. But agree..a server is really the way to do things.

 

[Adept PC Repair]

Thank you guys, I approached him today with what may have seemed like a bit of a sales pitch but I just want things done correctly. Didn't go down well.

I assume the method of making certain folder only accessible by a certain user on a workgroup is to enable password protected sharing?

If a staff member double clicks the folder on the server won't it ask if you want to take control? Which is a simple "yes" by the staff member and they're in?

 

[fencepost]

Only if the staff members are running as local administrators on that "server"