Dolphin isn't able to reach the shared Windows directory (error occurred).
Dolphin isn't able to reach the shared Windows directory (error occurred).
I experimented with several options (the ones available in "Discover", such as PCMan, thunar). However, none could even access the network folder. I then tried the live session again to identify which Dolphin version was being used. That version also required 25.04.3, and I managed to reach the shared folder. But when I installed Free File sync from Discover (an older release) on the live session—assuming it was a proper install—I encountered the same issue. Later, when I installed Free File sync via Discover on my regular Debian system, the problem reappeared. FFS also failed to browse the network folder. Installing Free File sync seemed to be the culprit. In the live session, I manually installed the latest FFS version from their site, but it didn’t resolve the issue. Eventually, I removed FFS from both my regular Debian and the live session, reinstalled Dolphin, and hoped it would fix the problem. Still, Dolphin crashes when accessing the shared folder. I noticed a sync tool (Syncthing) was installed, but I couldn’t use it. It appears both systems require the same software to function properly. Now I’m unsure how to sync files without relying on Dolphin. I won’t install Free File sync again, as it seems to have caused this problem. I’m considering using Time Machine instead, but I didn’t set it up initially. Once I resolve this, I might reinstall Debian, but first I need a clear plan to fix the sync issue. I’ve used FFS on all my Windows machines for years without any problems. It’s a useful tool because it gives precise control over syncing, storing changes, and so on. All files remain in standard formats, making them accessible without FFS. That’s why I hoped it would work here. I only had the older Free File Sync version from Discover installed. I re-attempted the live session without FS from Discover, but only added the current FFS release. This still caused the same problem. So I think I’ll need an alternative method to sync my files (mirroring).
I used grsync but couldn't locate any network settings. The menu options for customization were limited. I only needed to set up FFS as a mirror. Is that even achievable? https://freefilesync.org/manual.php?topi...n-settings I managed to sync manually with FFS and an external HDD, but this isn't a sustainable long-term option.
Regarding Debian:
- I still appreciate it; its boot and shutdown performance is outstanding. My W11 machines run on more powerful hardware (including faster SSDs) and take longer, which is understandable given the additional software.
- I discovered that becoming a regular user wasn't straightforward. I attempted to add myself via Terminal commands, but it failed. I had to manually edit the sudoer file. Apparently, when creating a root user during installation, the actual user doesn't receive sudo privileges. This might explain why Windows users often lack admin rights.
- I successfully set up WhatsApp and linked my locally stored movies.
- Would I reinstall Debian? Yes, I would if I had fully understood the issues.
- To another person, I'd suggest Fedora KDE. Last week at work, someone mentioned a W10 PC they couldn't upgrade to W11. I suggested Rufus and also shared Fedora 42 KDE with a link. On their site, they can see how great Fedora looks and even download it via USB. The installation process is straightforward, with clear partitions—no more daunting steps than Windows. Once set up, Debian will behave exactly like Fedora.
- However, if someone just clicks the Debian website and doesn't immediately download the ISO, they might end up back on Windows 11. That could lead to complications with sudo rights and a less-than-ideal experience.
- Debian depends on someone experienced to configure it properly. Once that's done, the user can operate like Fedora. But the setup process is where a typical user might revert to Windows, especially if they don't navigate the site effectively.
I attempted several approaches without success. I thought Opensuse might be a different operating system entirely. I downloaded an ISO of their Leap distribution, but it ran an outdated Dolphin version (around 17.x) and wouldn't open the network directory. Then I tried a Tumbleweed or SlowRoll ISO, which included the latest Dolphin version and displayed the SMB folder in the network location. However, it still couldn't show my W11 PC. I haven’t altered anything in the live ISO. Accessing shared Windows folders seems very unusual on Linux. I’m considering using this PC with Debian for a while, but if no solution emerges, I might have to reinstall W11. My initial goal was to run Linux on a home computer for remote work with two monitors, so I’m putting those plans on hold.