Connect to server problem, HELP!

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Connect to server problem, HELP!

Hello everyone,

I am trying to access my shared folder on my windows PC through my macbook. All shared folders are accessible from other “Windows” operating systems on my Home Network. Have in mind that I have already enabled the “shared” feature on my mac via “System Preferences and on my Windows Desktop. Also I cannot see the “shared” sidebar in finder nor is it available in “Finder Preferences”. When I try to connect to my Desktop PC using my mac via “connect to Server” it fails. But when I use “Windows Remote Desktop” on my mac, it connects with ease to my Desktop PC. What seems to be the problem here?

I am going nutts towards this situation I’m in.

As you can see there isn’t a “shared” sidebar option:

In the picture above you can see it is not connecting when using “Connect to server”.

Now with Windows Remote Desktop it connects without any problems:

Posted on Oct 17, 2018 6:10 PM

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Answer 1

Moozito

Community Specialist

Oct 18, 2018 2:49 PM in response to lyrix_3zooz

Hello lyrix_3zooz,

I understand that you are having an issue with file sharing on your Mac. I use my Mac a lot and know how important it is to have your device running correctly. I'm here to help.

Here is a resource that can assist you:

How to connect with File Sharing on your Mac

Specifically:

Tips

When entering a URL, the name of the shared disk, volume, or directory you are attempting to connect to (share name) must be specified. You are not prompted for it.

You cannot type spaces as part of a share name when connecting. In place of any space in the share name, use %20 .

When troubleshooting a connection issue, you can ping the IP address of the other computer using Network Utility. A successful ping verifies a TCP/IP connection between the two computers. This is an important first troubleshooting step when there's no response or a timeout for a connection attempt, since SMB connections involving a Mac require TCP/IP. However, a successful ping does not mean the SMB service is also available or working from the other computer.

Check Microsoft support resources for information about setting up file sharing on your Microsoft Windows-based computer. These may include Help files installed on your PC, or the Microsoft online Knowledge Base.

When troubleshooting an SMB connection issue, use Console in the Utilities folder. Console logs can help advanced users identify an issue. Some log files may appear only when logged in as an administrator.

If you are connecting to a Windows SMB resource, check to see if your firewall is blocking TCP ports 137, 138, 139 and 445. After trying the above steps, you may perform advanced troubleshooting by inspecting log entries in the Event Log of the Windows SMB resource (if you have access to it), or the relevant logs in Console on your Mac.

If you are connecting to Windows XP, make sure that the Internet Connection Firewall settings on your Windows computer are not preventing your connection. SMB uses ports 137, 138, 139, and 445. These ports should be open on the Windows XP computer. This may require "Advanced" configuration of the XP firewall.

Mac uses SMB only over the TCP/IP protocol, not the NetBEUI protocol.

It may be necessary to contact your network administrator in some situations in order to grant access to your Mac from the SMB resource, or its host network configuration.

Learn about connecting to legacy AFP services

Please let us know if you are still having issues after reviewing the link.

Have a great day!

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Connect to server problem, HELP!

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