Static IP question

[mitchadvanced]

Newbie question:

We are running MS Server 2003 with about 20 client computers. I would like to assign static IP addresses to some of these machines to allow remote desktop access. When I do assign a static IP address on a local machine I am able to connect to the client from a remote pc, but I am unable to access any network resources (email, files, etc.).
I am able to access the network when I change local settings back to "obtain IP address automatically."
What is the best way to allow a client to have a static IP address but still have access to network resources?

[YeOldeStonecat]

First..lets make sure some things are correct as far as DNS..refer to this article. The server MUST use itself for DNS as the article shows, and the workstations MUST use the servers IP for their DNS, as the article shows.

http://www.speedguide.net/read_articles.php?id=1660

Now...what is running DHCP for your network? Hopefully the server....if so, simply create "reservations" in the DHCP manager for your workstations.

[ErikD]

Also there is really no need to use static IP addressing just to get remote desktop to work in a properly setup network. DNS should resolve the name for you and connect to the proper workstation, even if IPs change when using DHCP.