Database Users

Easy Remote File Access Idea

Let me start by saying this: I do realize there are other methods to accomplish this, and that this method will not work for everyone. But for me it's simple to set up, as well as neat and tidy.
I've started combining the use of Dropbox with Wyse PocketCloud for Android. I'm sure everyone is already familiar with Dropbox. Wyse PocketCloud, if you don't already know, is a fantastic RDP client for Android.
With this setup, I'm able to have access to any file on my computer at any time from anywhere, with acceptable levels of security.
Using Wyse, I remote logon (yes, even over 3G) to my desktop at home. I then use Wyse to find the file I need on my desktop, and then copy it onto the Dropbox folder on my desktop. Through Wyse, I've remotely added a file on my home computer to my Dropbox cloud. I can then logoff from Wyse, open up Dropbox on my phone, and download that file to wherever I need it. I've already been saved by this - I was able to obtain a copy of an important PowerPoint for work from my desktop, download it to my SD card, then mass-storage it onto my work computer.
There are other great uses for Wyse, but this is my favorite. I hope and pray they expand the Beta.
Steps:
1. RDP compatible OS (I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate)
2. Download Wyse PocketCloud from Android Market
3. Sign up for Dropbox and install the client to both your home computer and your Android device
4. Enable RDP on your home computer
5. If you're home computer is behind a router or other type of firewall, don't forget you'll need to set up an appropriate port forwarding rule!
This was a fantastic solution for me - I hope it helps others as well. If anyone else can think of creative uses for Wyse, I'd love to hear them.

i use wyse all the time. for the above mentioned use and i run a dlna server on my pc to feed media to other devices in the house, so if i need to share a new folder etc, and i dont want to go to the computer, i just wyse it.

Alternative - e-mail the file to yourself (using Wyse or another RDP Client)
Another alternative is to use an RDP Client to e-mail the file to yourself, and then access the e-mail on your phone.

RDP is vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack unless you are using certificates. I've also seen many a winbox hacked via RDP in the past, not really sure if they just used dumb passwords and accounts or what, but in each case the box was owned by a bot. As a result, I don't allow RDP anywhere at any time to any box.
If I want remote access RealVNC with encryption (Only in paid version) but don't think there is a Droid app for that yet, or I use something with an SSH tunnel.
As for files, I have files on a network share which is then mounted via NFS on an internal network to a Unix server which I can then hit with something like AndFTP using an SSH connection to get and put.
This includes access to all MP3, ISO, Movies, data, web etc.. access
This is not limited to use via a smartphone though, any SSH file transfer program will work from any Internet facing box.
I've used dropbox in the past and it is okay, but the above gives me full access to files without pre-planning what I am going to need.

RDP is vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack unless you are using certificates. I've also seen many a winbox hacked via RDP in the past, not really sure if they just used dumb passwords and accounts or what, but in each case the box was owned by a bot. As a result, I don't allow RDP anywhere at any time to any box.
If I want remote access RealVNC with encryption (Only in paid version) but don't think there is a Droid app for that yet, or I use something with an SSH tunnel.
As for files, I have files on a network share which is then mounted via NFS on an internal network to a Unix server which I can then hit with something like AndFTP using an SSH connection to get and put.
This includes access to all MP3, ISO, Movies, data, web etc.. access
This is not limited to use via a smartphone though, any SSH file transfer program will work from any Internet facing box.
I've used dropbox in the past and it is okay, but the above gives me full access to files without pre-planning what I am going to need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's really helpful information. It sounds as though there may not be a fully secure method to access your root that way? Wow, even just typing that makes me glad I don't really have sensitive info on that box.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

Downloading files from home server

I have a home server (Windows Home Server) with tons of stuff on it. When I am traveling, I have tried to access and download epub format ebooks, and the browser gives me an error message that the download failed because that file type is not supported by my phone device. (Aldiko didn't help with this)
I have noticed this with other file types also.
Is there a way to download ANY file type from my home sever, even ones "not supported" by the phone? This would be very useful thing to be able to do.
The home server is accessed via a web browser (https).
stock Dell Streak Froyo.

setup ftp server on your home server
open a port on your router and do port forwarding to ftp port on your server
WAN port like 44444 -> serverip:21
then use a filemanger or FTP client (I use EStrongs file manager, but there are several others) to connect to the external IP of your router at port 44444 (or whatever port you chose above)

Radimus said:
setup ftp server on your home server
open a port on your router and do port forwarding to ftp port on your server
WAN port like 44444 -> serverip:21
then use a filemanger or FTP client (I use EStrongs file manager, but there are several others) to connect to the external IP of your router at port 44444 (or whatever port you chose above)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to study up a bit to do something like that. I was hoping there was just some way to allow android to download any file type through the web (http).

The FTP server solution is one way to go. Have you tried a different browser??

Edrill said:
The FTP server solution is one way to go. Have you tried a different browser??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried different browsers and apps such as crutch and download buddy. Some of those do let me download the file, but when I try to open the file, it won't. Yet, if I transfer the file by USB or Dropbox, it works fine.
Very frustrating...
Don't know that I want to go through the trouble of setting up an ftp server for something that seems so obvious... can't believe it's not part of the android OS to allow such web based file transfers within the browser???

why not use dropbox? its free, and 2gig will store a lot of epub format ebooks
https://www.dropbox.com

I use Download all files.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/download-all-files/com.hwkrbbt.downloadall

I use a VPN setup. i think it's the most powerful, albeit a bit tricky to setup. should you need help configuring it dont hesitate to ask. however, whatever your solution, remember a couple of limitations:
- you can access mapped net shares (smb) using almost any file explorer (i use astro), you can copy your files to the sd, but you cannot run remote files. that's because generally no app is able to deal with the smb protocol.
- to circumvent this limitation, you must be root. i don't exactly know the passages but the general method is to create a mount point to your net share (something like \mnt\network1 or whatever), so the system (and most important the apps) will be tricked to think they are dealing with local files. if you are not root, upon reboot the mount point will be forgotten. I read about this somewhere around here.

@ stoney73: I do use Dropbox, but would like to be able to access anything on my server while I am traveling.
@tenorntex: I just ran across that app and will likely give it a try.
@crashDebug: sounds interesting. I would have to do a bit of research and educate myself before I could attempt what you're describing.
Thanks all. It will be solved eventually.

[Q] App to create wifi network and share files

I want to share files with an iphone user and a pc.
Is there an app that creates an ad-hoc network and create a web file server to do this?
I know there are apps for both these things separately, but I don't need to tether and I wanted a single button to do all (and I don't even know if combining apps would allow me to do this).
As an added bonus, if the created web server allows uploading files it would also allow to get files from iOS and pc.
Is there an app for this?

The easiest method that comes to mind is that you can turn most Android devices into a Samba file sharing server, which would be easily accessible from Windows, and most likely in iOS too provided you have the proper client app installed. The only problem is that to set up a Samba server in Android, you need to root your device first. Samba Filesharing in the Market will help you set it up once you're rooted. I don't have an iOS device so I've never been able to try it, but I've read that NetPortal on iOS is a good app for accessing CIFS/SMB shares.
Setting up a Samba server doesn't necessarily create an ad hoc network as well, though. That's something you'll need to configure separately, usually via another third party app, like Wireless Tether.

I use file expert, it creates an ftp server, it's very handy to use....
on my htc magic I use "remote web desktop" but it doesn't work on my transformer...

Dropbox. Everyone should have it, use it, love it
Seriously I use it all the time to keep everything sync'd up on 4 PC's and 2 mobile devices, as hosting for all the things I post online and to share / sync folders with friends (shared collection of ebooks ftw).
I know its not quite 'on the fly' as you were after but its an option

I would have suggested Dropbox, but cloud storage is still much slower than a local server, and is fairly limited in maximum storage. With Samba or FTP, you can use massive external hard drives to host your content, which I'm assuming the OP plans on doing.

network drive access

I have a maxtor shared storage II NAS. It has a static address. All the PC can see the drive via drive mapping. I've tried various programs to map network drive on my Acer. It fails. I can see the drive and can ping it. I can't connect.
Running 3.1,rooted. Stock rom. A any ideas?

da_maxx said:
I have a maxtor shared storage II NAS. It has a static address. All the PC can see the drive via drive mapping. I've tried various programs to map network drive on my Acer. It fails. I can see the drive and can ping it. I can't connect.
Running 3.1,rooted. Stock rom. A any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, try es file explorer. After installing, in the to left corner it has a drop down box that should be on "local" by default. Click it and choose "lan" and see if it shows up.

I've tried es explorer. It sees the drive. But I can't access it. It says incorrect user name. I don't have user names or passwords for the network share.
On other PC, I can enter the path into a web browser and open the share. This doesn't work from my Acer. Maybe need to try different browser?

I use ES File Manager to access my NAS and PC shares without issue. It also works well with FTP.
Could the problem be how your NAS is configured? Perhaps you could try ES on a regular computer share. If that works then the problem isn't ES.

Map Network Drive

I have an old Maxtor Shared Storage II network drive. All PC access via "map network drive" in file explorer. No issues with WinXP, Win7, and Ubuntu.
Been trying to get my Acer A500 connected. Unable. Used ES File explorer, File Manager HD, Add SMB, and lots more. I can't get my acer to see the NAS.
A500 with HC3.2, not rooted.
Most apps say failed to login. Tried anonymous not working. I created an account on the maxtor. Still login failures.
Any thoughts ? Apps that will work ?

Just a guess but try taking browser to its IP address see if it prompt for log on.
Or maybe a FTP program like cute FTP.or something similar.you could share the drive thru your desktop.
Just a shot in the dark.

I can use the browser to access the admin page which 192.168.0.100. This uses port 80. I tried using the browser to access the public folder. Doesn't work.
When using a port scanner for 0.100, I see port 445 available. It won't allow me to login via tablet. All windows machines work fine.

So ES File Explorer is finding the drive, just failing login?
Also, are you sure it is directly finding the drive on the network by itself, or is it picking it up as a shared drive off of your PC or other computers that have it mapped?

I had a very similar issue with a networked NAS, seemed like no program would see it. The only one I ever got to work is File Expert (free in the market)

jeromekobriger said:
I had a very similar issue with a networked NAS, seemed like no program would see it. The only one I ever got to work is File Expert (free in the market)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Just tried it and it works great for me.

jeromekobriger said:
I had a very similar issue with a networked NAS, seemed like no program would see it. The only one I ever got to work is File Expert (free in the market)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I loaded and tried File Expert. Same results. No connections.
Ran, Overlook Fing app, scanned for services. I see port 80, 139, 445, 631, 3689, and 8080.
I can login via browser and manage the Maxtor NAS. Again the address is 192.168.0.100. I named it "maxtor_nas". I believe port 445 is SMB connection. No matter what program\app I use to connect, it fails. Says can't load directory or invalid login\password. I tried the admin and anonymous login, no success.
I'm using a Dlink DIR-655 router. I still can't see the default "public" directory on this Maxtor Shared Storage II, NAS. I've tried entering IP address, Device name, etc. I can't connect.
THanks for the help !!

an update. I ran Ubuntu on one machine. I can mount the network drive. So the router and network setup, maxtor settings appear OK. Something with android connection.

jeromekobriger said:
I had a very similar issue with a networked NAS, seemed like no program would see it. The only one I ever got to work is File Expert (free in the market)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same..

Tried File Expert on both Acer A500 and Nextbook Next8p. Still no connection. I've moved the NAS to the DMZ, no connection. I've added a new account name and password, no connection.
I can "map" network drives from other computers on my network. Both Win and Ubuntu. Android devices can not make the SMB, Port 445, connection.
My Maxtor Shared Storage II has the latest 3.1.28 firmware.
Any Ideas ??

da_maxx said:
Tried File Expert on both Acer A500 and Nextbook Next8p. Still no connection. I've moved the NAS to the DMZ, no connection. I've added a new account name and password, no connection.
I can "map" network drives from other computers on my network. Both Win and Ubuntu. Android devices can not make the SMB, Port 445, connection.
My Maxtor Shared Storage II has the latest 3.1.28 firmware.
Any Ideas ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using an HTC G2 (Desire z) I'm able to connect to SMB share on Ubuntu machine just fine with File Expert. Managing files (edit/delete/copy works great but can't stream video from Samba. Of course WI-FI needs to be on.

update. Tried my kids droidx and droidx2. Both fail to connect with file expert. Tried notebooks from friends. Windows and Linux "map network drive" work fine. There's something wrong with android connecting to port 445.

da_maxx said:
update. Tried my kids droidx and droidx2. Both fail to connect with file expert. Tried notebooks from friends. Windows and Linux "map network drive" work fine. There's something wrong with android connecting to port 445.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely you need to change the security settings for the SMB share (I don't know if your nas supports such settings). I have the same issues with a win7 share that I could access with fileexpert until a certain update on the app. Now I can get it working only with file manager hd.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

nflaysm much
da_maxx said:
I have an old Maxtor Shared Storage II network drive. All PC access via "map network drive" in file explorer. No issues with WinXP, Win7, and Ubuntu.
Been trying to get my Acer A500 connected. Unable. Used ES File explorer, File Manager HD, Add SMB, and lots more. I can't get my acer to see the NAS.
A500 with HC3.2, not rooted.
Most apps say failed to login. Tried anonymous not working. I created an account on the maxtor. Still login failures.
Any thoughts ? Apps that will work ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samba is poorly configured in the OEM firmware for Maxtor Shared Storage II NAS drives, which prevents Android from connecting.
To allow Android to connect, the Samba configuration file (smb.conf) must be modified so that the line "security =" becomes "security = share". Unfortunately this file is overwritten each time the drive is rebooted or setting are modified through web admin.
Here's my workaround:
Install custom firmware
- Can't post links, thanks XDA. Google: "Mod with SSH, Telnet, FTP and Optware (2008-04-24)"
Login to the drive with root permission
- Use putty.exe to SSH to the drive IP address - U:root P:root
Create a correctly configured Samba configuration file
- Change to the configuration file directory: cd /usr/lib
- Make a copy of smb.conf: cp smb.conf smb.conf.OK
- Modify smb.conf.OK: vi smb.conf.OK
- Change the line "security =" to "security = share"
- Save the file: <esc>:x
Copy our new configuration file over the default on each reboot
- Change to the init.d directory: cd /etc/init.d
- Modify rcS: vi rcS
- Add the following line above the final line "exit 0": cp /usr/lib/smb.conf.OK /usr/lib/smb.conf
- Save the file: <esc>:x
Reboot and enjoy!
This works for me, as your network and drive may be configured differently, your mileage may vary.
This may also apply to a similar problem with the Maxtor Central Axis NAS drives.