Understanding shared folders

  • Article

Windows Home Server 2011 enables you to store your files in a place that is always available, always on, and reliable.

The following shared folders exist on the server by default:

  • Music

  • Pictures

  • Documents

  • Videos

  • Recorded TV

Using the shared folders link on the Launchpad, you can upload or downloads files to any of the shared folders that are listed by dragging and dropping files between the local computer and the shared folders. Shared folders enable you to stream music and videos, play slideshows, or recorded TV programs on any computer that is connected to the server, or can play a slide show to view pictures.

Accessing shared folders

There are several different ways that you can access your shared folders on Windows Home Server 2011 from your home computer that is connected to the home server network:

  • Windows Home Server 2011 Launchpad

  • Remote Web Access

  • Start Search

  • Network

Windows Home Server 2011 Launchpad

After you connect your computer to the server, a Launchpad shortcut is added to the notification area of your desktop. Double-click the Launchpad icon and enter your network credentials to access shared folders using the Launchpad. For more information about the Launchpad, see What is the Launchpad?

Remote Web Access

You can access shared files and folders from any remote computer using the Remote Web Access website. From a computer within the home server network, open the Internet browser and type https://<servername>/remote. Using Remote Web Access, you can access your music, pictures, videos and recorded TV media files even when you are away from home. You can not only access your files stored on the server, but you can also upload, download, move, or rename them. You can also play your recorded TV programs, stream music, or play a slide show using Remote Web Access. For step-by-step instructions on accomplishing these tasks, see:

Note

Remote Web Access on the server must be turned on in order to access the Remote Web Access. For information about managing Remote Web Access, see Manage Remote Web Access.

Start Menu

In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, click Start, and then type \\<servername> in the Start Search text box. Double-click a shared folder in the window to open it.

In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, and then type \\<servername> in the Open text box.

Network

In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, click Start, click Network, and then double-click the computer icon next to SERVER. There may be more one than SERVER item in the list. Double-click the icon that displays the name of your server running Windows Home Server 2011.

In Windows XP, click Start, and then click My Network Places. The shared folders that your user account has access to automatically appear.

Note

This does not work if your computer is joined to a Windows domain.

See Also

Concepts

How do I manage access to server folders?
Use Remote Web Access