How do you add a NAS device to Libraries?

Question

original title: network storage and libraries__

How do you add a NAS device to Libraries? I've tried some of the online suggestions but none have worked so far. Any proven methods?

Answer 1

Please try this and report if it is working:

1. First you need the "UNC" path to your NAS share, could be something like: "\NAS\Video Collection"
2. Next create a folder on your hard disk with an "unusual" name; e.g. "C:\abcxyz". Integrate this folder as usual into your video library.
3. Now go to the directory

*C:\Users\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries*

Copy the file "Videos" on the desktop 4. Right mouse click on the "Videos" file on desktop, then "Open With ..." -> "Editor" Then you see a plain text file. Search for location of "C:\abcxyz" and replace it with the UNC path \\NAS\Video Collection. Delete the following packages with the cryptic numbers between <serialized>...</serialized> Then the corresponding area should look like this:

      <simpleLocation>

        <url>\NAS\Video Collection</ url>

      </simpleLocation></li> 5. Save the file "Videos". Copy the file "Videos" from the desktop back into the folder *C:\Users\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries*

and override the existing "Videos" file. 6. Now you can delete the folder created in the meantime "C:\abcxyz" and the file "Videos" on the desktop.

Answer 2

Create a symlink to the nas (i use a dns-323) e.g.: mklink/D C:\Symlinks\Music \192.168.2.2\volume_1\home\media\music then create a Junction point to the symlink e.g.:: mklink/J C:\Music C:\Symlinks\Music * replace the ip with the ip of your nas or its name. you can make the symlink anywhere but make sure you point the junction point to it.

and then just add the junction point to your library.

tell me if this works

Answer 3

I found another way that didn't require creating new folders, text editing or creating Symbolic Links. As well, using this method results in Windows not giving you the "Location Not Supported" message on everything. I'm running Windows 7 Enterprise FWIW.

1. Go to Start and select your User name in the top right.
2. We will use the folder "My Music" for this example.
3. Right click on the "My Music" folder and select Properties.
4. Select the Location tab at the top.
5. Change the path to the EXACT UNC location of your Music folder on your NAS.
6. Click Apply.
7. It will ask you if you want to move everything to the new location.

7A. Select yes and anything in your My Music folder will be moved to your NAS. I recommend Yes.

7B. Select No and nothing will be moved. After it is complete, you will see two Music folders. Delete the one corresponding with the C: drive.

8. Now you should only see one Music folder and if you go into it, it should go to your NAS location.
9. If not, and you selected No on Step 7, you deleted the wrong Music folder, try again.
10. Now do that for all the folders you want. I personally have a "profile" folder on my NAS and have redirected all my staple folders on each of my computers to my NAS. Now no matter what computer I go to I have my same Desktop, My Documents, Downloads and Favorites.

Changing your Library Location

1. With the same window open from above, you should see Libraries listed in the left window pane.
2. Right click on one of your Library locations, again we'll use My Music, and select Properties.
3. Remove all listed locations by highlighting a location and selecting Remove on the right, then select Apply.
4. You should now see no locations listed for that Library and only "Include A Folder" as an option.
5. Now select Include A Folder.
6. In the tree on the left you should see your username at the top, select it.
7. Now on the right hand side you will see the folders you modified from the first steps at the top.
8. Select your My Music folder and select OK.
9. Repeat that for each Library you want to modify.

This may seem like more steps than the original answers, but it's really not. I just put in the step-by-step directions for those that may not be so familiar. Also, by changing both locations you can ensure that no matter where the OS takes you to try to save stuff, it will go on your NAS. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Thanks Richard,  was ther suppose to be a link embedded in your reply for the possible solution?

Answer 5

By default those locations can not be added to the Windows 7 Libraries because they have to be indexed.

I just came across this suggestion that might help - it also recommends a software program that can help as well.

I have not tested the methods - just sharing them as a possible option.

Back up to be on the safe side.

--

Richard Hay

http://WindowsObserver.com

Unofficial Microsoft and Tech Evangelist

"I'm A PC!"

MVP for Windows Desktop Experience

"Louisv1220" wrote in message news:55447a3a-64c9-431c-abcb-6f720fd0daaf...

How do you add a NAS device to Libraries? I've tried some of the online suggestions but none have worked so far. Any proven methods?