i have 4 computers all in the same workgroup with mapped network drives and i was wondering if there is a program that will manage computers, users, and passwords from one location

Eaisly, probably not. But You can use what is built into XP Pro (If I remember your other post). The best thing is to have a single administrator account on all 4 computers. The account needs the same name and (this helps) password. Additionally, static IP addresses will help (my suggestions will involve static IP addresses)

Use the Microsoft Management Console to manage the computers. (from one of the XP Pro machines)
To start the management console, Click START and RUN
type MMC and hit enter (make sure the other computer is on)
When the console opens, click on FILE
select Add-Remove Snap-in
Click on the ADD button
in the list scroll to "Computer Management"
Click on the ADD button
Select the radio button for "Another Computer"
Type in the IP of the computer in your private network
Click on Finish
Click on Close
Click on OK
Now, expand Computer Management>System Tools>Local Users and Groups
Select USERS
Add/delete, modify the user in question (you can right-click the user and change the password (don't need to know the old password) or double-click for properties.

For ease, when you quit, save the console and give it a name you will remember (Bob's Laptop, Sherry's Kitchen Computer). The next time you need to make changes, use the saved console. You should find it in the control panel under advanced tools.

Repeat the above procedure for each computer.


To really make it easy, up where you added your IP address for the remote PC, click on FINISH, then on ADD, Computer Management..use the IP address for the 2nd PC.
Rinse and Repeat for the 3rd. For the 4th, use "Local Computer" Now, you will have all 4 computers in one Management console.

You can use that console (computer management) to review remote logs, user changes, start/stop services... You get the point. It has limits. You can not remotely defrag, and can not set policies that way (use Group Policy if you have that option instead of Computer Management).

If you have more info, or specific questions, Return and we will attempt to help some more.

sweet thanks much!!!

Make one computer a domain controller, and let the other three join the domain.

Windows XP Pro can not (to my knowledge) be a domain controller. That requires Windows Server 2003, or Windows Server 2000.
Windows XP PRO does allow you to run an IIS server (web, ftp, telnet, smtp), but does not contain Domain Controller. That is a function of the Manage My Server (mmc) console with the server version of windows.

Yes, your correct. Sorry, i forgot to mention that. I've been working with Server 2003 and just got carried away.