VPN access to network file shares

[JPL]

Hi,

I provide IT support to a locally based charity, and would like help to get
one of their users connected to their file shares over a VPN connection.

The file shares are on a server running Windows Small Business Server 2003
R2. The VPN connection is directly to the server using Microsoft PPTP.

The user can connect to the server via VPN and can use Outlook Web Access
without problems.

The network file shares appear to be setup correctly. This is done via a
VBS script, which reports via WScript.Network.EnumNetworkDrives.Item(i) that
the mappings have been successful.

However, the newly mapped drives (P:, Q:, etc.) are not shown in the Windows
Explorer Folders pane, and the user is umable to find them, much less access
them.

I suspect the problem relates to the PC OS, as the PC runs Windows XP Home
Edition. (Everything works without any problem when connecting from a PC
running XP Pro.)

I have no access to an XP Home PC myself, although I understand that XP Home
cannot join a domain and is restricted to Simple File Sharing. I have not
used Simple File Sharing and do not understand thye details of its operation
or limitations.

Is it possible to connect to the network shares from XP Home? If so, how
may this be configured?

JPL

 

[Sooner Al [MVP]]

I would expect you could use the UNC, ie. \\FileServerName\ShareName or
\\12.34.56.78\ShareName (where 12.34.56.78 is the LAN IP of the file
server), when connected to the VPN to access the folders and files.

--

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows – Desktop User Experience)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
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http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375

 

[Sooner Al [MVP]]

I forgot to add you might post to the microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs
news group for help. Its probably more pertinent.

--

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows – Desktop User Experience)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS-MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights...
How to ask a question
http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375

 

[JPL]

Al,

Thanks for your help.

UNC is a good idea - I shall suggest the user tries that.

I'll also try the SBS and XP Networking forums.

JPL