Remote Network Drive refers to accessing files on a network from distant locations.
Remote Network Drive refers to accessing files on a network from distant locations.
I've put Windows Server 2012 R2 on my server and need to connect remotely as if it were a local network share. I've set up Remote Web Access with Windows Server Essentials Experience and added anywhere access, plus a VPN and Microsoft domain. Now I'm unsure how to create a remote network drive or folder that looks like a regular local share on my laptop and two friends' devices. The server, my laptop, and my desktop are all connected through the router from Verizon FIOS. The purpose is mainly for my laptop and two friends to back up data or use it while at college. The hardware specs include a CPU from Intel, a SuperMicro motherboard, 2x 16GB DDR4 RAM, an AMD FirePro GPU, and storage devices like a Sandisk drive and RAID arrays.
On a local network device, access the provided links: http://[SERVERNAME]/connect or http://[SERVERIP]/connect (unless using DNS). This will provide the necessary connection if it wasn't installed before. The advantage is that the VPN remains active continuously, eliminating the need to manually start the VPN since data travels via HTTPS. Have you configured external ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) on your server? Then you can map "network drives" or simply utilize shared folders.
This connector simplifies both local and remote connections. Without it, setting up an SSTP VPN from the Network and Sharing Center in any Windows version is the simplest approach. SSTP operates on port 443. You should map a network drive using its IP address to the desired location. Ensure all accounts are individual AD accounts on your server for proper access control.
I'll examine that further, thanks. Actually, I already have some books on Windows Server 2012 R2, but they moved into configuring SANs and clustering—something I wasn't required for. I'll need to set up AS as well. I'm hoping this will work out. Or maybe ask my friend if they're okay with connecting their PC to the server (I think they will).
They won’t have to; I can share some guides if you’d like, along with screen captures for setup.
Found a way to install the connector software on newer Windows versions without linking the PC to the server. The issue with my Windows 7 was it automatically changed accounts to the server, but my Windows 10 laptop has the icon in the corner and runs quietly. Quick clarification: how do you switch between Server Manager → File, storage services → Shares and Windows Essentials Dashboard → Shared Folders? The Essential shares are visible in Server Manager, but not the reverse. Ideally, users should only see their own shares in Server Manager and a simple “Shared Folders” link on My Computer so they view just their folder—not the entire shared directory in Essentials.
Windows professional and enterprise editions automatically join domains unless you modify the registry to block it. Essentials simplifies setup for AMD users. The connector aids remote access, though a VPN and mapped drives are still needed if required. I personally and my wife rely on the connector for remote connections, while my brothers use a simple folder share. Also worth noting is "work folders" in Server 2012—could be helpful.