Backup of Win95 and Win98

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.

Step 1: setting up the network

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.
	Network control panel
File and Print Sharing window

Step 2: creating a share

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

Step 3: choose an access type

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:

1. the directory was not shared at all. Select the Full access type, as needed by Amanda, and set a password for Full Access. You will have to remember this password and enter it below.
2. the directory was already shared as read only. Select the access type that Depends on Password. Different passwords can be set for read only and full access. Read only password should be left untouched, set a password for Full Access. You will have to remember this password and enter it below.
3. the directory was already shared as full or depend on password access type. Do not change anything. Supposedly, a remote user has access to your files to do some collaborative work. You must know the password that has been set as Full Access.

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.

Step 4: adding the share to Amanda