I built RetroNap, a server compatible with the original Napster 2.0 beta 6 client, to revisit the early days of peer-to-peer file sharing. If you used Napster back then, you’ll recognise the interface.

What you can do

You can search for MP3s shared by other connected users, download files directly from them, and share your own files. What’s available depends on who’s online and what they’re sharing.

It’s also something to try on a retro Windows machine, or between a couple of virtual machines with some MP3s of your own.

How to try it

You’ll need a Windows computer or virtual machine capable of running Napster 2.0 beta 6, a copy of the client, and an internet connection. You can connect to my server without building or running RetroNap yourself.

  1. Download and install the Napster 2.0 beta 6 client. The project page includes a download link.
  2. Follow the connection guide to point the client at RetroNap. This involves changing your computer’s hosts file, which usually requires administrator privileges.
  3. Start Napster, choose the MP3s you want to share, and search for files from other users.

Windows 98 needs an extra workaround, covered in the guide. Network restrictions can also prevent direct transfers between users even when both can connect to the server.

The full instructions are on the RetroNap project page, also available in Portuguese.

The source code is on GitHub.