Win 8 Pro needed on client to join domain - how does this affect media sharing

[mar2k]

I know that RT tablets and PCs running the stepped down Windows 8 (non-pro) cannot join a domain. Some of the upcoming CloverTrail Intel tablets show Windows 8 as OS, not the pro version.

 

I won't really have a need to back up these machines necessarily but by not being able to join the domain, will they not see the server shares at all - pictures, music, video?

[jmwills]

There is a post somewhere on the forums about altering/skipping the domain joining when add clients to a WSE 2012 setup. Either way, any Windows machine would be able to see and access the folders with the proper credentials, member or not.

[ikon]

Agreed. A computer has no requirement to be joined to a domain in order to see or access files and shares on the domain. It's all about the permissions on the shared folders and files. If the permissions are set for Guest access then any computer should be able to access them. Alternately, you can use an account that has domain priviledges to access the shares. You just try to access a share and enter the credentials when the popup login window appears.

[mar2k]

OK thanks for clearing that up.

[Poppapete]

Would those machines get backed as well or would they only be able to access the shared files?

[jmwills]

There is a thread on the forum stating that you can, with a slight alteration, backup those machines not on the domain,