Understanding shared folders

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials

Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials enables you to store your files in a place that is always available, always on, and reliable.

The following shared folders exist on the server by default:

  • Music

  • Pictures

  • Documents

  • Videos

  • Recorded TV

Using the shared folders link on the Launchpad, you can upload or downloads files to any of the shared folders that are listed by dragging and dropping files between the local computer and the shared folders. Shared folders enable you to stream music and videos, play slideshows or recorded TV programs on any computer that is connected to the server, or can play a slide show to view pictures.

Accessing shared folders

There are several different ways that you can access your shared folders on Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials from a client computer that is connected to the server:

  • Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials Launchpad

  • Remote Web Access

  • Start Search

  • Network

Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials Launchpad

After you connect your computer to the server, a Launchpad shortcut is added to notification area of your desktop. Double-click the Launchpad icon and enter your network credentials to access shared folders using the Launchpad. For more information about the Launchpad, see What is the Launchpad?

Remote Web Access

You can access shared files and folders from any remote computer using the Remote Web Access website. From a computer within the home server network, open the Internet browser and type https://<servername>/remote. Using Remote Web Access, you can access your music, pictures, videos and recorded TV media files even when you are away from home. You can not only access your files stored on the server, but you can also upload, download, move, or rename them. You can also play your recorded TV programs, stream music, or play a slide show using Remote Web Access. For more information about Remote Web Access, see Use Remote Web Access.

Note

Remote Web Access on the server must be turned on in order to access the Remote Web Access. For information about managing Remote Web Access, see Manage Remote Web Access.

Start Menu

In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, click Start, and then type \\<servername> in the Start Search text box. Double-click a shared folder in the window to open it.

In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, and then type \\<servername> in the Open text box.

See Also

Concepts

How do I manage access to server folders?