hmmm...thanks for the help....I read through the directions in the link you provided, and noticed that line about "desktop experience" must be added to the server....I added it, rebooted, and now running "net use * http://localhost/" succeeds on the server. I can browse the default web directory as the "z" drive.
From the LAN, I tried to map the drive on a server 2003 box using the mapping you suggested, \\192.168.1.199 but I'm prompted for a share. "windows requires a share to publish to.please try another location"
If I try \\192.168.1.199\<anything> I get a windows challenge/response, but I then get an error "the folder you added does not appear valid. please choose another".
Also, trying from a remote location with XPHome, I try to add a network place as http://<publicIPofServer> and it accepts the setting, prompts me to create a shortcut, but doesn't prompt me for a login/pwd or anything else. When I try to open the shortcut, eventually a blank window appears, like it's connected but nothing's there...weird.
So close, yet so far!