Before Amanda can backup any Microsoft Windows file, the files or directories must be made accessible to Amanda. This is called sharing a directory. This directory become a share.
Before any sharing can be done, the network must be configured to allow such operation. Open the control panel and select the network. It should have the two services that are shown on the right: Client for Microsoft Network and File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks. The first one is there, else you would not be able to access to the network. The second can be added by clicking on the button File and Print Sharing. On the window that appears you must select at least the first box: I want to give the others access to my files. ![]() |
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Network control panel | |
File and Print Sharing window
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Shares can now be created. Open a Window Explorer select the directory you want to share and open the properties dialog box. This is done with the right button of the mouse.
![]() Select properties of a directory |
In the properties dialog box, you must first select the button that allows to share that directory. Then you must select a name for that share. In selecting the name, you must make sure that only letters and numbers are used. Upper case and lower case letters are equivalent. Do not use space in the share name. |
![]() Properties dialog box |
Choosing an access type is the critical point. Creating a share gives remote access to a directory and its contents. Accesses can be read only or full. Giving too much access compromise the security of your files.
Access is protected by a password, that can be left empty, in that case anyone can access the files without restriction. When a password is set, a remote user must enter the password to access your files.
Read only access is often left without password, so anyone can see your files, but cannot modify them. Amanda needs a full access in order to perform incremental backup. Amanda will not accept a full access type without password.
Three cases can arise:
In any case, you will be asked to confirm the password(s) that ou have entered.
Note:
be sure to remember the passwords in use, there will be no confirmation later,
but Amanda will not be able to perform the backup of your files if the password
is incorect.
Note: password must be limited to letter and numbers only in order to work with Amanda.
You can proceed the same way for other directory that you want to share. Unless needed (case 3 above), it is recommended that you use the same password for every directory that you share.
Once it is shared, a directory will appear with a hand holding the folder icon, to remember that this directory is shared.