Share files across internet

[DrDave1958]

I have a small network (3 or 4 machines) behind a linksys router connected to a cable modem. All my data files (Excel, Word,...etc) are on a server on this network. I want to be able to open, change, then save my files back to the server via the internet.

I've done alot of reading on the internet, but I really don't know how to go about this, FTP, Intranet, Webserver, webhosting,....etc? I know I could use VNC or PCanywhere to remote in to the server, but that limits me to one user at a time, and of course the refresh rate. I setup an FTP server with a shared folder containing an Excel file, then I launched Excel and did a file open, typed in ftp://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/c:/MySharedFolder
and could see my file. When I selected my file and clicked on open, I get an error message stating I didn't have access or permission to open the file. I've set the permissions in my FTP server program, and on the folder and file, but with no luck.

Could someone point me in the direction I should be looking?

Thanks, Dave

[rpertusio]

(You want to do this over the Internet? or do it from within your intranet (network)?)


Ok. how about using the following:

\\xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx\c$\
or
\\ComputerName\c$\

If you have administrative privledges, you should be able to access it like that.

IF you can successfully browse those files and open them, you can permanently 'map' a drive letter. (Right-click My Computer, and Map a Network Drive...). From there, assign a drive letter, and then you'll be able to access the other computer by simply typing Z:\ (or whatever you choose to set it at)

- rp


(EDIT.. added some other info below)

Alternately:
Can you try adding a Network Place, and map the FTP path?

go to My Network places -> Add a network place

Then, in Excel, simply navigate to 'my network places' and the new network place you created, and see if you can open it.

[DVNT1]

Keep in mind, anything hosted behind the router will require you to make adjustments within the router to permit access.

[blubomber]

If your server is running windows 2000, then you can do a VPN connection. You will have to see if your router supports VPN passthrough, or maybe you can set the router to be the VPN server.

[DrDave1958]

Here's what I have so far....
Using the following syntax: "ftp://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/d:/MySharedFolder"
I have successfully opened, modified and saved an Excel file on my server thru the internet, but I have two questions. I can't open the file in Excel by going to "file open" , I have to launch it from Windows explorer (which is not a problem), I just wondered why that is.
Secondly, I can only access my folder if I setup my FTP software to allow "Anonymous" user to login. I'm wondering how full of holes this is?

Thanks,
-Dave-

[rpertusio]

Try this syntax:

ftp://USERNAME@xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/d:/MySharedFolder
or.. even:
ftp://USERNAME:PASSWORD@xxx.xxx.xxx....MySharedFolder

When you open Excel, paste that first (or second) line into the "file name" box, and press [enter]

Anonymous login is dangerous if users can access it over the internet. You might be safe with the router blocking incoming traffic. Better, would be if you can specify in your FTP program to limit to certain IPs. (eg. give 123.456.78.9 access, but block all other IPs)

Lastly, the most secure would be to eliminate (disable) the anonymous account altogether, once you find a way to get it working without using that account.

- rp

[meese]

Get away from ftp. Look onto VPN.