Map Network Drives on Windows with VPN

[jashtiani]

I have MacOS Server running on an iMac at home and I have files on this device (and I have a portable hard drive connected to my AirPort Extreme that I would also like to access) that I would like to access from a Windows Laptop (Windows 10). I have gotten the VPN connection working, but I don't know how to access the files on the iMac or the External Hard Drive. Can anyone help me figure out how to access the files from Windows?

Also, is there any way to speed up the VPN connection when connected to MacOS Server?

 

[belvdr]

Using a VPN will cause a performance drop, and hardware is the only way to speed it up. Also, if you are full tunneling (i.e. sending Internet traffic down the tunnel), you can increase regular Internet performance by disabling that (split tunneling).

Are you able to browse the share locally? If not, fix that first by using the Sharing section in System Preferences.

 

[jashtiani]

Browse the share locally, you mean browse the files on my iMac from my laptop? Can you clarify what you mean?

 

[belvdr]

Yes, from the same local network, can you access the shares?

 

[jashtiani]

The files are on my iMac. I want to access those files from my Windows Laptop when I am at school. The iMac is running MacOS Server. I can access those files like normal, because I use that iMac everyday

 

[belvdr]

Okay, so can you access those files from your Windows laptop when you are connected to the same network?

This is to test that sharing is configured properly first.

 

[jashtiani]

When I am connected on the VPN, I don't know how to access the files. How do I go about accessing them on Windows?

 

[belvdr]

You're not answering the questions. Are you able to access the files from your Windows machine while on the same network? Ignore the VPN at this point.

 

[jashtiani]

I don't think so. But I don't know how to access them on the same network either. How would I do that?

 

[belvdr]

Rather than rehash it, here's a link:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/apple-in-the-enterprise/apple-os-x-server-configure-file-sharing/

 

[jashtiani]

So, after checking it looks like those settings have already been set. What should I do now?

 

[belvdr]

Try to map the share

\\<ip address of iMac>\<share>

 

[jashtiani]

What should be in the <share>?
[doublepost=1490661336][/doublepost]OK, I was able to get the network shares mapped on the Local Network on my Windows Laptop. So, in regards to being outside of the network, when I am at school, I would just connect via the VPN and click those same shares to access the respective files?

 

[belvdr]

I think that should work, as long as the VPN allows it and the iMac's IP doesn't change.

 

[jashtiani]

OK, so after trying it at school, it seems like it is working. I can access the files just fine. But here are my remaining questions:

1. How do I map the Home Folder on my Mac from my Windows PC?
2. How do I modify the permissions so I can delete files that are on my iMac from my Windows Laptop?
3. How can I speed things up in Windows or on my iMac?

 

[belvdr]

OK, so after trying it at school, it seems like it is working. I can access the files just fine. But here are my remaining questions:

1. How do I map the Home Folder on my Mac from my Windows PC?

To give it a drive letter, open Windows Explorer. Click the Home menu ribbon, click Easy Access, then Map as Drive. Enter the drive letter and UNC path (\\server\share).

2. How do I modify the permissions so I can delete files that are on my iMac from my Windows Laptop?

If you are using the same username and password as you do on the iMac, you should be able to. I'm not a macOS Server guy.

3. How can I speed things up in Windows or on my iMac?

Speed what up exactly? This sounds like it should be a new thread if the iMac is slow to start with.