How to Connect a Windows Client to an NFS Server

Share files on Windows and Unix.

Network File Sharing (NFS) is a type of service hosted by Unix servers. The Windows operating system cannot connect and share files with a Unix server without an external application. Luckily, Microsoft offers a free download for administrators who need to connect Windows machines to a Unix server. This application installs on the Windows server or client and only requires a few configurations to view and save files on your Unix machine.

Instructions

1. Download the NFS add-on (see Resource) to a folder on your server or Windows client. The add-on is a small application that only takes a few steps to install.

2. Double-click the "Install.exe" file and select "I agree" at the license agreement screen. Select a location for the installation files and click "Next." The add-on only takes a few seconds to install on the computer. After it installs, you need to configure the protocol.

3. Click the Windows "Start" menu and select "Programs." Click "Administrative Tools" and then click "Services for Network File System (NFS)." This opens a configuration screen.

4. Right-click the icon labeled "Services for NFS." Click on the "Properties" option. This opens a new configuration window.

5. Select "Active Directory domain" and click "OK." This sets the Windows domain server as the control object that gives users access to the NFS shared folders. Active Directory contains all your user settings, so the users automatically gain access to the NFS shares when they log into the domain.

References

• Microsoft: Specifying How Client for NFS Retrieves UNIX-Style Identity Data

Resources

• Microsoft: Utilities and SDK for Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications