PowerEdge SC600 memory upgrade 1718

You definately don't have to tell me how great the concern is for backups. That is actually the main issue I was working on with the server until the virtual memory error appeared. We were in the process of using BackupExec in trial mode to give them 'proof' of how it works before they drop $500 or so on purchasing it. The backup issue is one I hope to resolve this week and get them numerous tapes ready so that they can run a good 1-2 weeks worth of backups before considering doing anything... other than adding an additional 512-1gb of memory.

At one point a few years ago when they ordered the Dell server and ran into the trash software issues, I had considered the option of a secondary server to do the job. However, this software really only functions without issue on Win 95-98 which is the platform it was orginially designed to run on. Before they had ordered the server, they had NT4 client-workstations (which I built customized to their needs) but were running a Windows 98 system which housed the trash software running as a network app. Ironically enough they called it their "server". Part of the reason it's a network app is because the program itself is poorly written not to run on individual workstations and store data in a central repository on a server, but instead is hardcoded to require the data be stored in the same folder as the running app. Only solution was making it a network app. Also when I had installed a test copy of the software on a standalone test computer, it failed to function property on NT4. Running it on 2000 was better, however the author of the program has mentioned many times in response to their inquiries that it's not tested nor recommended by him to run it on the NT codebases of NT4-2000-XP. That was about a year and half ago when he stated that, so I'm not sure how much has changed since. Probably not much based on prior experience.

Having that seperate server would be a good option, although again they aren't willing to spend on a second server. We had a discussion just yesterday pertaining to their possible purchase of another server to be used for databasing with a potential purchase of GPS software to track their trucks. I could tell it was a bit of a surprise that I mentioned another server because based on the requirements of the GPS and databasing software they are interested in... this current server would be hammered to rest.

Speaking of that 4GB parbreastion, that actually came from Dell with the 4GB C:and 116GB D:-. Personally I don't understand why Dell would have done that either. Anyway that leaves me with figuring out the best way to go about this. Optionally I wouldn't mind seeing them get another file server with Win2000 or 2003, something I could start from scratch on by installing the OS myself, parbreastioning myself, and planning for everything well in advance. Although at the moment as long as they can get through their next billing period (end of april) then they will be happy.

Brad