Database Users

[TUTORIAL] Access Your Galaxy Tab as a Shared Mapped Drive Over Wi-Fi

Your device must be rooted for this to work
Get "Samba Filesharing" from the Market and install it.
Configure it on your network in the settings- very straightforward- it will give you an IP address 192.168.1.x and the name \\Android for your device
If you are using Windows 7, Right-click Computer and click Map Network Drive, otherwise open up My Computer and click the "Map Network Drive" at the top
Enter the IP address (given by the app) and the Username and Password you chose during setup
Optional: Set a NETBIOS name and use that instead of the IP address and then you would type in \\netbiosname
Optional: Map the drive to your Internal sdcard or External sdcard depending on your preference- example \\netbiosname\sdcard (default) as the path in map network drive.
That's it! Now you have a drive in My Computer mapped to your Tab (or any other Android device)

that's a cool, how-to man.

One extra step, you must have a rooted device for this app to work.

unrealtrip said:
One extra step, you must have a rooted device for this app to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the observation. I've included it
Sent from my Galaxy Tab using XDA Premium App

Thanks mkhattab.
mkhattab said:
Your device must be rooted for this to work
Get "Samba Filesharing" from the Market and install it.
Configure it on your network in the settings- very straightforward- it will give you an IP address 192.168.1.x and the name \\Android for your device
Open up Computer/My Computer and click "Map Network Drive" and enter in the IP address (given by the app) and the Username and Password you chose during setup
That's it! Now you have a drive in My Computer mapped to your Tab (or any other Android device)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello mkhattab .
Thanks a lot for the great write up on how to get Samba working. It's a great program and certainly makes the good, old USB cable almost obsolete .
If I may be so bold as to add a line for us Windows 7 users,
Item #3: Right click on my computer and and then carry on as above........."Map Network Drive"......etc.
Thanks again

For those who dislike typing, and frequently change networks, set a NETBIOS name and use that instead of the IP address.
Type in \\netbiosname in the start menu or Run, or as \\netbiosname\sdcard as the path in map network drive.

Magaboo said:
Hello mkhattab .
Thanks a lot for the great write up on how to get Samba working. It's a great program and certainly makes the good, old USB cable almost obsolete .
If I may be so bold as to add a line for us Windows 7 users,
Item #3: Right click on my computer and and then carry on as above........."Map Network Drive"......etc.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Magaboo- I added your note. I am also using Windows 7 but hadn't thought of it

codewisp said:
For those who dislike typing, and frequently change networks, set a NETBIOS name and use that instead of the IP address.
Type in \\netbiosname in the start menu or Run, or as \\netbiosname\sdcard as the path in map network drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the addition. I have included it in the guide

Thanks for the tip. I have been using swiftp to transfer my files between tab and pc. Only problem is, ftp client must be installed in pc.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

Just a side note...
I don't know if anyone here using the hacked .apk for Skype for 3G calling but if you do you will notice that you cannot receive calls while the tablet is sleeping (like if you press the hardware button).
The option for WakeLock here that prevents it from sleeping now allows me to receive calls no matter what. Funny thing is that I couldn't even get the filesharing to work but now I have full functionality over Skype. Hah!
Thank you for the thread. And as I am sure there are other ways to do this, but I am just happy I can receive calls whenever now. And maybe I'll work a little harder to get Samba working as well...

Thanks for the great guide dude.
Just one question. I have File Expert installed on my Tab. There is also an option where I can share my files over the computer. Is the setting here similar to Samba Manager? Thanks

angelofwar87 said:
Just a side note...
I don't know if anyone here using the hacked .apk for Skype for 3G calling but if you do you will notice that you cannot receive calls while the tablet is sleeping (like if you press the hardware button).
The option for WakeLock here that prevents it from sleeping now allows me to receive calls no matter what. Funny thing is that I couldn't even get the filesharing to work but now I have full functionality over Skype. Hah!
Thank you for the thread. And as I am sure there are other ways to do this, but I am just happy I can receive calls whenever now. And maybe I'll work a little harder to get Samba working as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting!
Can you point me to the thread that contains the 3G-hacked/enabled version of Skype?
Sent from my Galaxy Tab using XDA Premium App

Accessing and viewing files from pc on A500

So I want to access my pc files from the tab using es file explorer. I set up file sharing on my pc so now i can see the files but when i try to open the folders i get a message telling me it can't be opened. Can anyone give me a basic run down of what I need to do to getthis to work. And is it easy to access my files from any pc, say can my neighbor get into my files with his laptop if he knows what he's doing?
I'm still on xp on my pc. As far as I know I have no password on the pc. The only account I have is admin and when I installed my tiny xp I don't think i set up any passwords.

So either this is a complete dumbass question or something else.

File Manager HD
Use File Manager HD, it's much better for accessing files on network. choose Lan Connection from the menu, select create, input ip, usename and password. i use it everyday to transfer files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1231609

Lyle Dylandy said:
Use File Manager HD, it's much better for accessing files on network. choose Lan Connection from the menu, select create, input ip, usename and password. i use it everyday to transfer files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1231609
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gave it a go but won't allow me to connect. Says connection unavailable. Got my ip from an ip checking site put in my wireless router username and password (correct?) But still no joy. Should i be doing something else?

Try putting the stuff that you want to share in the public folder on your pc.
On my Windows 7 machine it is in C:\Users\Public. That should do it.
Oh and the public folder should probably be treated as just that. Public. I am behind a nice firewalled router so only the folks on my network can get to them without being a total H4X0R. You can change the permissions on that folder if you really want to lock it down. But I really don't use that feature, so I have no way of knowing the process.

irishmoe said:
Gave it a go but won't allow me to connect. Says connection unavailable. Got my ip from an ip checking site put in my wireless router username and password (correct?) But still no joy. Should i be doing something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to control pan and make a account with a account name and password and admin rights.
Now see what your local IP for your machine is, not your internet IP. Should be something like 192.168.2.something or 1.something.
Now you have your windows log in name and password and your machine IP.
Use your tab software to connect, uncheck anonomous log in so it will ask for user name and password and IP. Also if your router has security turned on you will also née that password.

irishmoe said:
So I want to access my pc files from the tab using es file explorer. I set up file sharing on my pc so now i can see the files but when i try to open the folders i get a message telling me it can't be opened. Can anyone give me a basic run down of what I need to do to getthis to work. And is it easy to access my files from any pc, say can my neighbor get into my files with his laptop if he knows what he's doing?
I'm still on xp on my pc. As far as I know I have no password on the pc. The only account I have is admin and when I installed my tiny xp I don't think i set up any passwords.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have yiu checked permissions on the share. Change them to everyone r/w and see if that fixes it. Also check ntfs permissions
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk

Thanks to all of you will give it alla try later after work. If i can't do it now then i'm a complete idiot

If you dont have any password on your windows account and you dont want to create an new account, try this:
1st. Check your local IP by doing this: win start menu, select run, type "cmd" in the shell type "ipconfig" and you will have something like 192.168.2xx.x
2nd. In Es File Explorer or File Manager HD just enter the IP and log as anonymous
You must have shared folders in windows, to do so, right-click on the folder you want to access, properties, sharing, tick "share this folder on the network" OK
You should be able to access the folder.
Good Luck!

did exactly as suggested and worked a treat up to a point. Now I can see the directories but they are empty???
I don't hav any paswords on my xp so didn't need to set up a new account shared the files on the network. Entered ip, got to the folders, music etc, but each is empty.

Sure you are not looking at the public folders and not your local..?

Ok, I dug out an old WinXp lappy that was in the closet and I can see the files. Here's how I did it.
I put what I wanted to share into the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents of the Xp machine.
Then on the tablet I selected the lan tab in ES File explorer. Chose the settings box and selected 'new', and then 'server'. I entered the ip manually.
When it asked for a logon I ticked the 'anonymous' box and logged in. Everything else was blank.
Everything worked.
Hope that this helped.

JdgM3NT4L said:
Ok, I dug out an old WinXp lappy that was in the closet and I can see the files. Here's how I did it.
I put what I wanted to share into the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents of the Xp machine.
Then on the tablet I selected the lan tab in ES File explorer. Chose the settings box and selected 'new', and then 'server'. I entered the ip manually.
When it asked for a logon I ticked the 'anonymous' box and logged in. Everything else was blank.
Everything worked.
Hope that this helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That worked perfectly. Weird how it won't work any other way for me

irishmoe said:
That worked perfectly. Weird how it won't work any other way for me
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Click to collapse
Glad to help. Enjoy!

irishmoe said:
That worked perfectly. Weird how it won't work any other way for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right click on the folders you want to share, like music and video or whatever and share them. They should be viewable on your a500 if you get them shared proper. That way you don't have to copy everything you want to share to the public folders. But public is better than no shares.

shaun298 said:
Right click on the folders you want to share, like music and video or whatever and share them. They should be viewable on your a500 if you get them shared proper. That way you don't have to copy everything you want to share to the public folders. But public is better than no shares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried that Shaun but it doesn't work. Can see the folders but they are empty when viewed from tab. No big deal anyway just wanted to put my sons stuff there so he could watch it on the tab when his mum and dad need some downtime.

irishmoe said:
Gave it a go but won't allow me to connect. Says connection unavailable. Got my ip from an ip checking site put in my wireless router username and password (correct?) But still no joy. Should i be doing something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want your PCs Internal IP Address, not the external one for your Router (any PC you use to check that site will return the external IP of the router)
Click Start, then click Run. type "CMD" into the box. a command window will open. now type "IPCONFIG" look at the one for Local Area Connection. the IP address there is the one you want. BTW you need to do this on the PC that you want to get files from.
Of course if you want to get to the files from anywhere in the world then you do need your external and some open ports.
Another thing to note. XP started a trend in that Passwords are required to share things across a network that are manually shared.

How to Connect your Android Tablet to a Homegroup Network

Android has an app named "ES File Explorer" that lets you connect to a Windows Homegroup shared folder, and upload or download files. You must have Wi-Fi in your home or office, so the Android can connect to the wireless network. The Android app connects to the shared folder. This process is useful if you lost your USB cable and cannot connect to the local desktop using a cable.
Step 1
Click the "Computer" icon in the Windows "Start" menu. Right-click the folder or drive you want to use to share files with the Android device. Click "Add a network location." A configuration window opens.
Step 2
Click "Next" in the opened window that displays the computer's IP location. Type a username and password for folder access and a name that displays in the list of networks on the Android. Click "Finish" to set up the sharing on Windows.
Step 3
Tap the "Settings" button on your Android device. Tap the "Wireless and Networks" option. Tap "Wi-Fi Settings" and select a Wi-Fi hotspot name to connect. If a password is required, type the password and click "Connect" to connect to the network.
Step 4
Tap the ES File Explorer icon on your Android's home screen. Tap the "LAN" tab to create a new connection. Tap "New" to open a configuration window. Tap "Scan" to automatically scan the list of open networks.
Step 5
Tap the network name you set up earlier on your Windows computer. Type the username and password to access the shared resource. The Android app returns to the main screen. Tap the "Local" tab to see a list of files on the Android.
Step 6
Tap a file you want to transfer. Choose an activity from the list. For instance, tap "Copy" to copy the file to your Windows computer.

Ya can even do this through File Explorer HD(which i use) and ASTRO File Explore.

Be careful when "moving" files with ES file explorer... I moved a nandroid backup, from internal to external with ES, and it deleted it instead... Other users have been having issues if you take a look at their support forum - but nothing's fixed yet.
I think it's only large files that it gets confused with.

I've had pretty good luck with it but have only done copies but not moves.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

Why is my entire C drive read/write from my android? Ive set all but one folder on the drive as 'not shared.' ....
Also, since while on the topic, does anyone know how to map the android phone in network map. Its not viewable anywhere on the pc as connected.

slapheady said:
Be careful when "moving" files with ES file explorer... I moved a nandroid backup, from internal to external with ES, and it deleted it instead... Other users have been having issues if you take a look at their support forum - but nothing's fixed yet.
I think it's only large files that it gets confused with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been unlucky too but learned that in android terminology.
MOVE = Cut + paste
COPY = copy + paste
Always copy when using android.

Awesome tip! I have been using ES File Explorer for some time now and never realized you could access network folders with it. Thanks! :good:

whats a tablet or phones username and password?
I have enough experience with esfile explorer to know how to add computers to the LAN section... so far its been pretty easy to user the computers username and password. In my case, all my computers have the same username and password. But when I try to add another tablet thats on the network (like my wifes) im able to put in the IP address, but I cant figure out what to put as the username and password. Does anyone know how to obtain a username and password from a tablet device to add to ES File Explorers LAN list? Even for a smart phone? And it wont take anonymous. But I know that we don't have usernames or password with out tablets and phones as far as I know, so im at a loss as to know where to start even looking.

You can install an app like Samba
Samba will let you share files on a network from any android device and gives you the option to add a username and password. There may be other better options out there but I've used this with decent success. It seems to have problems with large files sometimes but I'm not sure if that's an issue on the ESFile end or Samba end.
varxtis said:
I have enough experience with esfile explorer to know how to add computers to the LAN section... so far its been pretty easy to user the computers username and password. In my case, all my computers have the same username and password. But when I try to add another tablet thats on the network (like my wifes) im able to put in the IP address, but I cant figure out what to put as the username and password. Does anyone know how to obtain a username and password from a tablet device to add to ES File Explorers LAN list? Even for a smart phone? And it wont take anonymous. But I know that we don't have usernames or password with out tablets and phones as far as I know, so im at a loss as to know where to start even looking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

What Exactly Does It Do???
Hey i've done it, used it... and it's great, It is like my android have 500GB of hard disk space when i'm home..
But questions are there... how does this connect to the pc, it's not a part of homegroup it does not show there, even if my libraries are not at sharing, i can still see them in android, in fact i see them no matter what.. I use my PC log in password and user name to connect this, NOT my homegroup password...
What exactly is this?? anyone who knows... plz explain
Edit: Also that i don't have to install any client on my PC, This is a true wireless connection... But i cannot track it from PC, i can copy anything from pc without my pc knowing it.. SCARY
(BTW i'm using windows 8.1 and Xperia P (LT22i, nypon) running 4.1.2 JB, stock.. phone is rooted and bootloader unlocked)

There are several great file managers that can access Samba shares. I use ES and FolderSync. But I would prefer to manage shares somehow centrally so that they can be used in any app on my android device. Does anybody know such a kind of app that creates system wide usable shares?

extractorx2 said:
Hey i've done it, used it... and it's great, It is like my android have 500GB of hard disk space when i'm home..
But questions are there... how does this connect to the pc, it's not a part of homegroup it does not show there, even if my libraries are not at sharing, i can still see them in android, in fact i see them no matter what.. I use my PC log in password and user name to connect this, NOT my homegroup password...
What exactly is this?? anyone who knows... plz explain
Edit: Also that i don't have to install any client on my PC, This is a true wireless connection... But i cannot track it from PC, i can copy anything from pc without my pc knowing it.. SCARY
(BTW i'm using windows 8.1 and Xperia P (LT22i, nypon) running 4.1.2 JB, stock.. phone is rooted and bootloader unlocked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed this using fx explorer too. I can log in to my home pc wirelessly using the same username and password and can see a C$ folder (which is my entire pc harddisk) and even though it's not shared at all or on any home group i can access it with my phone!!
Very worrying.

username and password
I cannot get pass the step to add an username and password. Is the password the one I obtained from my homegroup set up? Where do I obtain the username?

[Q] Wireless Storage

I apologize in advance for my ignorance. I have no idea how to use Wireless Storage. I have followed instructions but my computer (windows 8) wont navigate to the \\10.0.0.10 link provided by the Wireless Storage application. So confused...please help me sort this out and learn. I have xfinity with the wireless gateway tower and I have turned off firewall for the network under router settings. Nothing works.

It's not well documented.
I'll assume your trying in a browser(?). The address has to typed into explorer, not internet, address bar. Then you'll get the password pop-up and can browse the phone.
If though on Linux you're boned. It's nearly impossible.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

I went to explorer, still cannot connect. It's windows 8

I dont know if that could be the source of you problem, but that ip-address looks pretty nasty... Check your router configuration and/or apply a static ip to your g2 in the form of 192.168.xxx.xxx (it probably needs to be on the same subnet (same address except last group of numbers) as your pc...)
What I had to enter in my explorer to get it to work was
\\192.168.xxx.xxx\G2
(Replace the x'es with your actual ip and don't forget the \G2 at the end)
You can also map that address as a network-volume for easier access later.
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda-developers app

That IP isnt nasty at all.
10.x.x.x. is also used for LANs, just as 192.168..
Anyway, just open your windows explorer (not internet explorer !! )
and type \\<your IP\
A prompt should open asking u for user and password.

[Q] LG G2 Wireless Storage?

So I have seen on reviews that LG G2 has a wireless storage function. Does this Wireless storage works like a wireless hard drive (no internet connection required, feels like the hard drive is connected by cable) or is it just like those apps available on play store which needs a internet connection to function?
And also how good is LG compared to Samsung at bringing updates to their devices?

ichilouch said:
So I have seen on reviews that LG G2 has a wireless storage function. Does this Wireless storage works like a wireless hard drive (no internet connection required, feels like the hard drive is connected by cable) or is it just like those apps available on play store which needs a internet connection to function?
And also how good is LG compared to Samsung at bringing updates to their devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works over WiFi. You don't need Internet, just local network.

So I need to be connected to a router for it to work?

You're LG and PC has to be connected to the same network
Sent from my LG-G2 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

An article I came across, I did not write this I have just copied and pasted to give a clearer understanding of this feature.
*************
So I had seen this feature on the G2 when going through the settings, and pretty much disregarded it as something silly or not useful. Boy was I wrong. It turns out you can use this to access the files on your phone via a PC or Mac on your wifi network via a file sharing function called SMB (Server Message Block). No need to plug in a cable and none of those slow and terrible web interfaces. It's essentially wireless USB storage and the transfer speed is very good depending on your wifi network. Yes there are Apps out there that do this, but this is native in the LG software on the G2 which is always a plus. Here's what you do ...
There's a toggle for it on the notification window. If you don't have the toggle selected, hit edit at the very end, select it, and move it to where you want it on your toggle bar. You can also turn it on by going to Settings > Share & connect > Wireless storage.
If you used the toggle, a notification will pop up in the window that includes your phone's IP address and the username and password.
Option 1: Direct search
Double Click on Computer on your PC to open your Explorer. Click the search bar at the top and type in the following:
\\192.168.x.xx (the IP address listed on your Wireless storage screen)
You will be prompted to enter your username and password and once done a network folder labeled "g2" will pop up and you will have wireless access to your phone.
Option 2: Map a network drive
Double Click on Computer on your PC to open your Explorer, then choose "Map network drive" from the top menu, choose a drive letter then for the folder type in the following:
\\192.168.x.xx\G2
Like in the direct search method, the IP address you'll want to enter is the IP listed on your Wireless storage screen. Make sure you also include all the forward slashes and the \G2 at the end.
You will be prompted to enter your username and password and once done a mapped network drive labeled "G2" will pop up on your explorer screen. Double click that drive and you will have wireless access to your phone.
*NOTE*: The \G2 at the end seems to be required in order to map a network drive, but it is not required when doing a direct search in the explorer search bar. This is probably because the "g2" folder is what is shared, and you can only map to a shared folder. Interestingly, the \G2 is also required if you prefer to access your phone via a web browser, as is listed in LG's instructions on the Wireless storage screen itself, but fails to include this information. I tried many different ways and simply entering the IP address or \\G2 in a browser window simply doesn't work. I'm sure there are some technical reasons for this, but I'm just a tech enthusiast not a professional.

I thought it works like a wireless hard drive.
So how good does LG update their devices to latest version of Android (like how many months before they update)?

ichilouch said:
I thought it works like a wireless hard drive.
So how good does LG update their devices to latest version of Android (like how many months before they update)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We can't say. LG apparently changed a bit of their politics with this phone. Remains to be seen.

LG just integrated a feature that also a number of apps provide for all devices since a long time. (E.g. "Samba Filesharing".) Nothing new, except the apps need root, while LGs solution works without.