Simple Network question

Chimp Paradox

Chimp Paradox

Chimp Paradox

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17 Sep 2014
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544
Can anyone help?

I have my main PC upstairs, with lots of storage, and the HTPC downstairs.

All I need to do is get the downstairs computer to read from the upstairs computer. What is the fastest and most reliable way I can do this? I don't throwing money at it! :)

Thanks
 
Assuming they are both connected to the same network its free.

You can share the folders on your upstairs PC by right clicking them and choosing Share. Set permissions as you need to and voila, map the shares on your downstairs HTPC.
 
Windows shares are absolutely fine and won't be causing the problems you are getting. I'd hazard a guess and say your power lines may be cutting in/out and thats what's making it unstable. You could install Plex server if it's videos and music you want but it's adding overhead for something Windows can do perfectly well.
 
I am going to switch out the adapters anyway so that will remove that variable. Are you aware of a good online guide for the windows sharing idea? Do I have to set up a home network as such for that to work?
 
You don't have to set anything up really.

Right click the folder/drive you want to share.
Share with > Advanced sharing
Advanced Sharing
Give the share a name, then choose Permissions
If you trust your network is safe and nobody naughty will be on it, click Everyone and give full Allow access.
Hit OK on the windows until you're back to explorer.

Go to other computer and map network drive.


Search youtube for "share folder in windows <insert your version number here>" if you need a visual show through.
 
Brilliant. Thanks Steve! I have it up and running will test it shortly.

What is the point of Homegroup and all that sort of stuff?

Conceptually, all that I a doing, as I see it, is that I have 2 computers connected to a router. Then, using that connection, computer 1 is merely reading files from computer 2.
 
Just did some testing of data across the shared folder by copying from the shared section onto the local computer which was accessing from the network. Only getting, variable, 700kbps. Thats pathetic!

What is odd is that if I do an internet speedtest, I get maximum rate, which is 20mbps.

Ive also changed drives, so done one copy from the slowish hard drive and another from a very fast SSD and its still only a 700kbps copy, so its not hardware related in that sense
 
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Try it with the computers connected directly to the router.

IE, not using Wireless and not using Powerline.


Also, don't confuse Mbps with MBps (bit vs byte)

700KB/s is around 5600Mbps
 
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Do it temporarily as a test, to rule out a software/config/driver issue.

If it works well when they're both plugged in directly then the best option is to run a long cat5e or cat6 ethernet cable to both machines.
 
Hi Guys

One thing that is going wrong here, in relation to the mapped network drive. It is not "logging in" as standard. Despite selecting "remember these credentials" it requires that I input it each time after a reboot. Any idea how I can automate this?

Thanks
 
Strange it should save them , you can creat a shortcut if required. Also on window 8 I'm sure you can view and change your other credentials.
Also invest in a 10m cable handy to have arround anyway for testing.
Cable is cheap running some up a wall into the loft and down again works well :)
 
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