smb://.....wtf?

Django x2 · 21 Jul 2010 at 14:38

So, I've been asked to download a fully licenced copy of CS5 for a MAC. I have a Windows 7 machine which I'm using to browse to the file (the install is held on a file server at work).

When I choose the Windows version through IE, I get my little pop up box asking me to download, run, save, etc.

When I click on the MAC one, nothing happens. IE just sits there.

I note that hovering over the MAC link references smb://etc, etc whereas the windows one just uses http://

What is smb:// do I need safari or a MAC to access it?

Frozennova · 21 Jul 2010 at 14:40

SMB is the proper name for network file sharing so you need to be using Finder/Windows explorer

Django x2 · 21 Jul 2010 at 14:45

Cool thanks, however, if I paste the link into Windows Explorer, it comes up saying there is no program associated to perform the requested action, etc

Django x2 · 21 Jul 2010 at 14:56

Its ok, I resolved it by taking out the smb:// and going \\servername\ instead

manic_man · 21 Jul 2010 at 15:12

smb probably refers to a Samba network path.

Generally Samba is preferred for sharing network resources cross platform as it is supposed to be a good cross compatible way of doing so.

Doesn't matter now you have it resolved, but my guess would be that if you had clicked that link on a Mac or on a Linux box, you would have gotten a more friendly response, by default Windows doesn't know what to do with Samba stuff.

matthab · 22 Jul 2010 at 12:50

off the top of my head windows like to use UNC path address's.

Burnsy2023 · 22 Jul 2010 at 12:57

manic_man said:
smb probably refers to a Samba network path.

SMB stands for Server Message Block a protocol that Samba implements.

manic_man · 22 Jul 2010 at 13:28

Burnsy2023 said:
SMB stands for Server Message Block a protocol that Samba implements.

See I was kinda right

LizardKing · 22 Jul 2010 at 20:23

Lucero said:
Its ok, I resolved it by taking out the smb:// and going \\servername\ instead

I guess they didnt anticipate any sane person downloading a Mac version on a windows machine!