File server

[Chris Linder]

I have a computer that’s connected to my home network and has an internal IP address like 192.168.1.104 / I would like to connect to this computer with windows remote desktop from any computer that has internet. Essentially using that system as a low end file server. How do I connect to this system externally !!!!!! Dos it have something to do with creating a port …… Please help I would be very appreciative!!!!!

O also Ill be using Windows XP Pro for all this

[hobey19]

for remote desktop, you want to forward port 3389 to the ip address of the remote desktop connection. you will then need to know what your wan ip address is, so you can access it remotely (www.whatismyip.com)

i am not sure i see the connection between file serving and remote desktop. remote desktop, as far as i know, does not allow you to copy/paste between machines. if you are looking to serve files, you should look at setting up an ftp server. be careful, though, as most ISPs frown on users hosting servers on a home internet line

craig

[mikeL]

I use Serv-U ftp server from rhinosoft, easy to setup, and use. After the 30 day evaluation reverts to the personal edition.

[Chris Linder]

That worked out very nice , Once I routed that port it was all go ! Thanks a lot man .
The only thing is that the files transfers so darn slow. I guess its all up to how fast your internet is right. Im going to try this program your referring to. Basically this program makes any computer act like a file server correct.

[mikeL]

If you have a dynamic IP from your ISP you should set up a DynDNS account. I use dynDNS that way it always checks my IP address to my ftp server, and keeps it updated in case it changes.

Have you opened any ports for pasv, Serv-U uses ports 2000 to 2010, I also use a different port, and not port 21 for the server

[Chris Linder]

I think you may have lost me a little , What is it that a DynDNS account. is going to do for me

[hobey19]

dyndns will allow you to have a domain name (like 1life2live4.gotdns.com) so you wouldn't have to memorize the whole ip address. it just makes it easier. then, once you have signed up for an account, you can put that information in your router, and your router will update dyndns every time your ip address changes, assuming it isn't a static ip address

craig

[Chris Linder]

WoW that would be cool , But I dont think I have a static IP address , I mean Im not paying for one . My IP address never changes no matter how many times I turn the computer off or on , could that mean its a static IP address

[mikeL]

With a dynamic IP your WAN address will change if your reboot your modem. Most ISP's regular home internet connections are dynamic IP's, and their business packages will be static IP's.

[Chris Linder]

But technically isn’t this program going to help me with that. I have an account and started using it ( WAY COOL ) I download that little tool that helps my IP address from changing and keeps it updated , The only thing is when I try to use the feature that enables me to use www.djcsl.kicks-ass.net from a browser it takes me to my router and not my file server , I’m a little hung up on that one……

[mikeL]

What IP is dyndns updater using it needs to be your WAN ip, also do you have DDNS enabled within your router.

[Chris Linder]

Ya the updater has my WAN address but I cant find the DDNS setting in my router , also I just found out that using this DynDNS account only lets me connect internally , I tried from another computer outside my network and couldn’t connect using the name and host that I created with DynDNS. ( THAT’S FRUSTATING ) any advice would be well appreciated !!!!

[mikeL]

Is your dns updater colored green, If so then the updater is working. What brand router are you using? I run DD-WRT firmware, and have a separate tab for DynDNS settings.

Also you may have to designate a port other than 21 to get your FTP to work, don't forget to change the port in the port forwarding tab also.