How to Configure File Sharing between Mac and Windows

[El Tigre]

Recently we had received some questions from users, that were willing to perform backups in heterogeneous networks. For doing this, file sharing is essential. So, we have decided to conduct a guide for file sharing between a Mac and a Windows machine. We have chosen Mac OS X Lion/Windows 7 configuration because this one didn't seem to be covered well. For sure. you can also use this guide for Windows 8. Let's start.

To begin configuring your network storage backup, open “System Preferences” from Apple menu and click on “Sharing” icon from “Internet & Wireless” section. Then, please, do the following steps:

1. Click the Lock icon to unlock if its already Locked, you may need to enter the current logged in user password

2. Now turn the “File Sharing” service On by click on its check-box

3. Under “Shared Folders” section select folder that you want to share. If the folder is not in the list Click the + button to add specific folder in the Shared Folder list

4. Under “Users” section select the current logged in user and change the user Rights to “Read & Write” by clicking on tiny arrows. Also change Rights of “Everyone” to “No Access”

5. Now Click on “Options” button

6. Check the “Share files and folders using SMB (Windows)” option, then check the logged in user name Check-box, enter its password and click OK. Then click the Done button

            7. Note down the IP address as shown on your Mac and close its File sharing window

8. To proceed , open Run windows in Windows 7 by pressing Ctrl+R buttons from keyboard

Type the IP address of your Mac computer that you have noted down in step-7. Type the IP address in the format as shown below and hit the OK button

This will prompt for the Username and Password of the Mac computer. To Type the Username that you have selected in step-5 and 6.3 and its Password, hit the OK button

You will see all the shared folders of Mac OS X Lion in Windows 7. Now you can Cut, Copy, Paste or Delete any Mac’s shared files or folders from within Windows 7 and perform your tasks.

We hope this guide helps, thank you for reading and good luck with your backup!