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Windows File Sharing (SAMBA)
pg. 21

One of the easiest, most convenient ways to administer your virtual server is through the use of Windows File Sharing technology.

If you are running Windows 95/98/NT on your PC, you can actually map your virtual server’s file system as a network drive. This feature allows you to drag and drop files back and forth between your desktop and your virtual server, as well as manage your file system–all with the click of a mouse!

The information contained in this chapter is provided to assist you in administering your virtual server. It is important to note that, due to the vast number of Windows releases from Microsoft and the differing software and hardware configurations available, we  cannot assist in diagnosing problems you may have with these procedures. If you encounter difficulties setting up Windows File Sharing, please try rebooting Windows before attempting another connection. If you continue to experience trouble, contact Microsoft Technical Support for further assistance.

Windows File Sharing does not work with Windows 3.1.

Step 1: Configure your PC

Before you can use Windows File Sharing, you must ensure that your PC is properly configured.

To do so, select Start -> Settings -> Control Panel, then double-click the Network icon.

Once inside the Network folder, verify that you have the TCP/IP Protocol installed on your PC. If you are using Windows 95 or 98, you also need the Client for Microsoft Networks.

Next, create a file in your Windows directory called lmhosts, or modify your existing lmhosts file. There are several forms this file can take, depending on the version of Windows you are running.

If you are not sure where the lmhosts file is located, select Start -> Find -> Files & Folders. Then, type ‘lmhosts’ in the Named: field. Make sure the drive that contains Windows (usually C:) is selected in the Look in: field, as shown below:

In the example above (from the Windows 95 OSR2.5 release), the file is named Lmhosts.sam. Make a copy of this file, using Windows Explorer or other means, and name it lmhosts.

Open the new lmhosts file with a text application such as Notepad, and add a line to the bottom of it that contains the IP address of your virtual server, as well as a name to identify its file system with. For example, if the IP address of your virtual server were 207.159.23.22, your lmhosts file might look like this:

207.159.23.22 yourname

The yourname tag can be any name you want, such as the login name you use with your virtual server. After you type this line, press Enter a couple of times. You must ensure that Windows does not append a file extension to the file (such as .txt or .doc). In most Windows editors, you can do so by choosing Save As and enclosing the filename in quotation marks.

Once you have modified the file and saved it, reboot your machine so the changes can take effect.

If you are running Windows 95, go directly to Step 3; otherwise, go to Step 2.

Step 2: Enable Plain Text Passwords

WARNING! By enabling plain text password use, all passwords are sent on the network in an unencrypted format. These passwords may be viewed by anyone using a network-monitoring program. If security is a concern for your network environment, do not enable plain text passwords.

By default, Windows 95 already allows plain text passwords. If you are running Windows 95, skip ahead to Step 3: Map the Network Drive.

For security reasons, Windows 98 and NT by default do not allow you to send plain text passwords. Because Samba servers require plain text passwords, you cannot connect to Samba servers unless you change the registry entry to enable plain text passwords.

The procedure for enabling plain text passwords differs slightly, depending on the version of Windows you are running, and whether or not you have an installation disk. Follow the instructions below for the version of Windows you are running (Windows 98 or Windows NT):

Windows 98

To enable Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) plain text password use in Windows 98, use one of the following methods. If you have a CD-ROM, we recommend using Method 1. You should use Method 2 only if you do not have access to the Windows 98 CD-ROM.

Method 1

If you are not comfortable with editing the registry directly, we strongly suggest that you use this method, as it will prevent you from making any detrimental changes to your computer’s settings.

1. Insert your Windows 98 CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Go into the :\tools\mtsutil directory of your Windows 98 CD-ROM.
3. Right-click on the Ptxt_on.inf file, and then click Install.
4. Reboot your computer.

Method 2

Use this method to enable plain text passwords only if you do not have access to the Windows 98 CD-ROM.
Run Regedit.exe from the Start menu.
Locate the following key in your registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\VNETSUP

Change the data value for EnablePlainTextPassword to 1.
Reboot your computer.
Go on to Step 3: Map the Network Drive.

Windows NT

You must have administrative access to enable plain text passwords on Windows NT. Once you are logged in as Administrator, follow these steps:

Run Regedt32.exe from the Start menu.
Open the following Registry location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Rdr\Parameters

Choose Edit -> Add Value from the menu.
Enter the following information:

Value name: EnablePlainTextPassword
Data type: REG_DWORD

In the Data: box, type 1. Make sure Hex is selected and press OK.
Go on to Step 3: Map the Network Drive.

Step 3: Map the Network Drive

To test your file sharing, establish a connection with your Internet provider, then open Windows Explorer and choose Map Network Drive from the Tools menu. Select an available drive letter from the Drive selection box and type the following in the Path box:

\\virtual server\username Enter

The virtual server tag should be the exact identifying name that you used in your lmhosts file. The username should be the username of your virtual server, typed exactly the same way (Windows is case sensitive regarding its login protocols).

Your PC will attempt to map a drive to your virtual server. This process may take up to several minutes the first time. If all goes well, you will eventually be asked for a password. Type the password that you use to login to your virtual server, and then press Enter.

Your virtual server’s file structure should appear as the drive letter you selected in Windows Explorer. If you like, you can create a shortcut to this drive on your Desktop. Then, whenever you click on the shortcut, your computer will attempt to re-establish the connection.