HElP! Need to create a multi user geodatabase

[MatthewLenox]

I am new to this subject.  Currently, I am the only editor working on a GIS project inside a personal geodatabase.  I need to convert our data to a multi editor geodatabase, so two people can edit the same geodatabase without locking each other out.  I created a file geodatabase, but this will not fit our needs.  I believe I need to create an ArcSDE geodatabase?  If, so what would be my first step?  Any help would be great.  Thanks!   

FYI:  I am using ArcMap 9.3 and have access to ArcInfo and ArcEditor.

[DerekLaw]

Hi Matthew,

FYI: you can have multiple editors editing within the same File geodatabase, as long as they are editing different stand-alone feature classes or feature datasets.

If you need the ability to have multiple editors editing the same feature classes or feature datasets in the same geodatabase, then yes, you will need an ArcSDE geodatabase.

To start, I suggest you listen to this Esri Instructional Podcast:
Migrating from Single-user Geodatabases to Multiuser Geodatabases

http://www.esri.com/news/podcasts/instructional-series.html
(do a filter by Geodatabase)

Since you have ArcEditor/ArcInfo level of ArcGIS Desktop, you will have access to Personal ArcSDE (aka., ArcSDE for SQL Server Express) which supports 3 concurrent users, one of which can be an editor.

Help documentation reference:
Administering a database server

Hope this helps,