[Q] Mounting a Network Attached Storage drive to Kindle fire - Kindle Fire General

Hello, I'm trying to mount my university's network drive known as netfiles to my kindle fire either through an app or some other means.
Here are the specifications of such a drive:
These files are stored on a network attached storage (NAS) platform known as "NetFiles." NetFiles utilizes the SMB/CIFS protocol to provide shared access to networked storage, allowing both Windows and Mac users to store and share files with one another."
Now I have done this on my PC laptop rather easily before but I am unsure of how I would go about doing so for my android kindle fire, which is Linux based I suppose?
They provided the following:
For reference the method for Windows is:
After you login to the University network [both my laptop and kindle fire are logged into the university network], NetFiles can be reached via this path (Click Start > Run in WinXP or Start > Start Search field in Windows Vista/7): \\netfiles\users\<letter>\<netid> where <letter> is the first letter of your <netid>.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and
I'm a Linux user, how do I mount my NetFiles volume?
With this command from the shell (logged in as the "root" user):
smbmount //netfiles/users netfiles -o username=<netid> workgroup=richmond
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I've accessed the shell before using adb and my kindle is rooted so that does look possible but I won't be able to try that for at least another day as I left my cable somewhere else.
HOWEVER, the school does offer access even when not on the network or offcampus through VPN. And they provide a downloadable VPN profile for me to use and configure. So I guess my last overall questions are:
1. Should I consider the Kindle Fire OS to be Linux based when looking for general methods for such things?
2. Should the provided method with shell and root access work?
3. Are there any VPN Client apps of note that I should look for?

Install File Expert to get on SMB shares. Always has worked great for me.

The Kindle Fire is Android-based, which is Linux-based. Install busybox and many of the commands should work. You can also install something like ConnectBot if you don't want to wait until you have access to adb and a cable.
As for mounting the network share, I'm not sure if smbmount is installed. Using an app like CIFS Manager would be easier (you need either a custom kernel or the cifs kernel mods, both available on this forum, and be sure to put a .nomedia file somewhere so a poorly written app doesn't attempt to scan the whole remote share). An alternative is to use something like Ghost Commander or the aforementioned File Expert to browse the shares.
For VPNs, it depends on the type of VPN. OpenVPN can be downloaded (also needs a tun kernel mod or custom kernel). PPTP is part of stock android, and it'd probably be easier to use cyanogen mod if you need to use it.

I connect to my NAS (and also my pc) with ES File Explorer. It uses SMB. I just select NEW>Server and put in the ip address (actually just the name of my unRAID server) and hit connect. It works great. Once you set up the server it saves the ip address or name and you just select LAN, pick what you want to connect to and BLAM you are connected.

using ES File Explorer - can i use a video player of my choice? I understand there are video players that can play several format videos (just cant remember which ones)...

I think FileExpert's built-in player might be able to stream from a network share (last I checked only one file explorer had that feature). If you want to stream with any media player, use CIFS Manager. If you want to copy the video to your Kindle Fire then play it locally, any of the file explorers listed will do.

izomiac said:
I think FileExpert's built-in player might be able to stream from a network share (last I checked only one file explorer had that feature). If you want to stream with any media player, use CIFS Manager. If you want to copy the video to your Kindle Fire then play it locally, any of the file explorers listed will do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on CIFS Manager, especially if you want to use specific apps for certain file types. Here's the guide to set it up on the Kindle.

https://lh6.ggpht.com/xAPu77wHdSLx_uyQ_GKTiKNB21h4t_jZMtq0LGDxRTPxEu12Eo4nyItN5M5ycwiMBvKS
I can't figure out what IP I'm supposed to be putting for this, as its not something from my actual computer but my University network, to which both my laptop and kindle fire are connected.

Actually my friend brought back my cable!
Here's the problem
when not adb rooted, I lack the permissions after entering shell to do the following:
smbmount //netfiles/users netfiles -o username=<mynetid> workgroup=richmond
But when I retry with adb root I get a # instead of a $ and it does not recognize the command smbmount.
Is there anything I'm doing wrong?

qryptiq said:
using ES File Explorer - can i use a video player of my choice? I understand there are video players that can play several format videos (just cant remember which ones)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I forgot to mention I needed to use MX Video player with ES File Explorer to stream video.

im gonna give it another go and see if i can get any further

You shouldn't have to put an IP address in, the hostname ought to work. It also looks like smbmount is mostly depreciated by mount.cifs, which you call with "mount -t cifs" (this is what CIFS Manager does behind the scenes).

i have been using es file explorer to connect to all my SMB shares. and using moboplayer to open videos stored on those smb shares. works awesome.
moboplayer:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.clov4r.android.nil
es file explorer:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop

matthew.fiore said:
i have been using es file explorer to connect to all my SMB shares. and using moboplayer to open videos stored on those smb shares. works awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are streaming without cifs mounting and injecting the kernal module? I HAVE to use cifs to stream otherwise it would copy the videos over the network first.

I'm starting to think the adb shell method didn't work because I didn't realize that my device OTA updated to 6.2.2 and I lost root.

izomiac said:
You shouldn't have to put an IP address in, the hostname ought to work. It also looks like smbmount is mostly depreciated by mount.cifs, which you call with "mount -t cifs" (this is what CIFS Manager does behind the scenes).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont even know what the hostname should be...i have all of the information i need i feel i just dont know where to put it...

If the smbmount command was "smbmount //netfiles/users netfiles -o username=<mynetid> workgroup=richmond" then your share path is "//netfiles/users" and the mount point is a directory of your choosing. Username/Password should be self explanatory. Options might be necessary after you get it setup if you find that only the root user can browse the directory or something.

I think this clears things up, I'll try this later tonight.

Related

Tested cifs.ko and nls_utf8.ko (from factory kernel)

Just for interested people, I have compiled cifs.ko and nls_utf8.ko from US version SGHI897 kernel (from samsung opensource website). This package has been tested under JF6, (out-of-box settings, but rooted). Key notes:
0. mount with -o iocharset=utf8, -t cifs
1. use "busybox" to do "mv or cp or mount or umount"
2. use direct "#" prompt to do "insmod"
3. better use GScript after you have tested these ko's
hiway123 said:
Just for interested people, I have compiled cifs.ko and nls_utf8.ko from US version SGHI897 kernel (from samsung opensource website). This package has been tested under JF6, (out-of-box settings, but rooted). Key notes:
0. mount with -o iocharset=utf8, -t cifs
1. use "busybox" to do "mv or cp or mount or umount"
2. use direct "#" prompt to do "insmod"
3. better use GScript after you have tested these ko's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, other than it means someone's gonna come up with SOMETHING new to play with here....... =)
techmik67 said:
I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, other than it means someone's gonna come up with SOMETHING new to play with here....... =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
coz, from searching the forum, there is no cifs and utf8 support for captivate. The first is used when using captivate to mount remote windows share folders. In other words, you can use rockplayer on captivate to browser media files on windows desktop. For some reasons, there could be encoding problem to view these media files' names, such as asian characters. Then the second one is needed.
hiway123 said:
coz, from searching the forum, there is no cifs and utf8 support for captivate. The first is used when using captivate to mount remote windows share folders. In other words, you can use rockplayer on captivate to browser media files on windows desktop. For some reasons, there could be encoding problem to view these media files, such as asian characters. Then the second one is needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can definitely see why UTF8 is important, though I have no idea what to do with these files to be honest. also, linux-based system that doesn't support UTF8, really?
Kaik541 said:
I can definitely see why UTF8 is important, though I have no idea what to do with these files to be honest. also, linux-based system that doesn't support UTF8, really?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't quite understand your meaning, sorry. But anyway, just for interested people...
the module works great thanks for your effort.
network pimp... android novice.
hiway123, i pulled down your make of cifs.ko; loaded it in a network folder on my ext sdcard, but am not sure what to do now. (insmod, etc)
I attempted a few mount commands, and a few other linux norm paths, but I think I am lost here. Can you give a 1, 2, step of how to run the mount command? your post was rather cryptic. (i know i know, for the interested only! well definitely interested...)
*Note* I downloaded this nifty app: CIFSmanager app from the market, and it is open enough that it allows for the user to direct path for the cifs module (insmod path) to the file you compiled (again which is now on my sdcard) it seemed to be happy with it, but gave me some other error I believe had something to do with it not being root. (phone is rooted, have several apps with root level access... however haven't yet figured out how to run certain individual apps as root, that don't automatically try to obtain root access. blah blah blah, another project.)
anyhoot - i would love to be able to mount a vfs on this bird! had the captivate for about a month and love'n it! I got tons of media I'd like to stream over the network and found a few nice apps (ARCmedia / rocket, etc.) that i tested (direct copy to sd) and played my .flv files just fine! :-D
now all i need to do it trick the system into thinking my network paths are mounted resources. (Everything else works well, I can access network shares, view pictures, docs, standard video that the default video player can play fine.) So next step is to learn what YOU know.
sorry for the long post! - th x
tucxforever said:
hiway123, i pulled down your make of cifs.ko; loaded it in a network folder on my ext sdcard, but am not sure what to do now. (insmod, etc)
I attempted a few mount commands, and a few other linux norm paths, but I think I am lost here. Can you give a 1, 2, step of how to run the mount command? your post was rather cryptic. (i know i know, for the interested only! well definitely interested...)
*Note* I downloaded this nifty app: CIFSmanager app from the market, and it is open enough that it allows for the user to direct path for the cifs module (insmod path) to the file you compiled (again which is now on my sdcard) it seemed to be happy with it, but gave me some other error I believe had something to do with it not being root. (phone is rooted, have several apps with root level access... however haven't yet figured out how to run certain individual apps as root, that don't automatically try to obtain root access. blah blah blah, another project.)
anyhoot - i would love to be able to mount a vfs on this bird! had the captivate for about a month and love'n it! I got tons of media I'd like to stream over the network and found a few nice apps (ARCmedia / rocket, etc.) that i tested (direct copy to sd) and played my .flv files just fine! :-D
now all i need to do it trick the system into thinking my network paths are mounted resources. (Everything else works well, I can access network shares, view pictures, docs, standard video that the default video player can play fine.) So next step is to learn what YOU know.
sorry for the long post! - th x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a samba server in LAN, say at 192.168.1.1. So, I do these steps:
1. unzip my package to your computer, there are two ko files. Then use USB cable to transfer these two files to your phone in /sdcard folder.
2. on the phone, I used "terminal emulator", run "su" into root mode, make new folders like "busybox mkdir /system/lib/modules", you may try other directory name, I don't think that does a matter. Move the two ko files from /sdcard to this newly created folder, remember to use "busybox mv" command.
3. create a mount point on your phone, "mkdir /sdcard/smb" for example. or "busybox mkdir" I cannot remember.
4. insert modules, using "insmod /system/lib/modules/cifs.ko" and "insmod /system/lib/modules/nls_utf8.ko", remember these commands must be run everytime after you reboot your phone, so I use Gscript to create a shortcut, it's very convenient.
5. mount server's samba share folder in the phone, using "busybox mount -t cifs //192.168.1.1/your_share_folder /sdcard/smb -v -o user=yourusername,pass=yourpasswd,iocharset=utf8".
6. now, you can use rockplayer to browse into /sdcard/smb on your phone to view what is shared.
7. It is better to umount your folder once you finish transferring files. Then simply do "busybox umount /sdcard/smb".
Actually, only commands 5-7 are needed after your first attempt. Of course, if you have not done step 4 after a reboot, you need to do that step as well. I use Gscript in market to create shortcuts to these 4-7 commands. That's more convenient instead of typing on such small screen.
Have you tried this with any of the Custom ROMs in this section? If so, which ones work? Can you tell me how to compile a CIFS.KO?
Can it be compiled against the ROMs supplied here?
Thanks in advance,
Freaking brilliant, was exactly what I was looking for...thanks OP!
*edit*
Should mention, I used the posted .KO with stock rogers rom (i896) and it seems to be working flawlessly from my testing so far. I've even been able to stream some lower bitrate HD video and have it run smoothly and consistantly
insmod: init_module '/system/lib/modules/cifs.ko' failed (Exec format error)
something wrong?
i use SetiroN's kernel... and I9000 Froyo - maybe that is the reason?
Id assume that the kernel you are using isn't compatible and the module will have to be compiled for it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I896
love the rom just wish had few diff tweaks

CIFS Manager works with Fascinate

CIFS_3.ko
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761414
I followed instructions from that thread
Use Estrongs or Astro (I use Estrongs File manager)
1) Create a directory called cifs on your sdcard.
2) Put the extracted cifs_3.ko into it.
3) Install CIFManager from the Market [free!]
4) In settings check use insmod and
5) In the location box put this minus quotes "/sdcard/cifs/cifs_3.ko"
Now it will work even when you reboot.
CIFS Manager latest version is in the market now (free)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=756158
Watching Avatar 720p streaming from PC and its flawless. The advantage is your having your network drives mounted so you can choose the player to play media. I have found the default player to work best of all the ones I tested, it plays mkv with subs and has the 5.1 sound option.
jatilq said:
CIFS_3.ko
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761414
I followed instructions from that thread
# mkdir network
mkdir network
# insmod /sdcard/network/cifs_3.ko
insmod /sdcard/network/cifs_3.ko
CIFS Manager latest version is in the market now (free)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=756158
Watching Avatar 720p streaming from PC and its flawless. The advantage is your having your network drives mounted so you can choose the player to play media.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very good to know, thanks for testing that out.
You have no ideal how long I been wantiing this. In Froyo we have the option of Androstream Pro which is the closest Ive seen to iPhones AirVideo.
I watched a few episodes of TV last night using this method and it was perfect. I had to check use ismode and point to the cifs_3.ko so it loaded on startup. Now I just need to figure out how to use a dyn.dns service to connect through internet.
Awesome, got it to work!
Once :-(
Is there an easy way to get the shell to # instead of $ without running the rage exploit ?
Also how to make it stick a reboot ? CifManager do not seem to be able to load the cifs module automatically.
BTW this is the root I run (h**p://rootzwiki.com/index.php/Smartphones/Samsung-Group/Fascinate.html), all my root requesting apps seems to work fine.
timeToy said:
Awesome, got it to work!
Once :-(
Is there an easy way to get the shell to # instead of $ without running the rage exploit ?
Also how to make it stick a reboot ? CifManager do not seem to be able to load the cifs module automatically.
BTW this is the root I run (h**p://rootzwiki.com/index.php/Smartphones/Samsung-Group/Fascinate.html), all my root requesting apps seems to work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont even need the shell. Create a directory called cifs on your sdcard and put the extracted cifs_3.ko into it. Install CIFManager and in settings check use insmod and in the location box put this minus quotes "/sdcard/cifs/cifs_3.ko"
Now it will work even when you reboot.
jatilq said:
You dont even need the shell. Create a directory called cifs on your sdcard and put the extracted cifs_3.ko into it. Install CIFManager and in settings check use insmod and in the location box put this minus quotes "/sdcard/cifs/cifs_3.ko"
Now it will work even when you reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate when I'm stupid, I did put the right path but not the right file name...
Works perfectly now thanks!
I got this working as well. Very cool feature! Now we need to run Samba on the phone so we can go the other way
I know we can set up an FTP server but it would be awesome if it could auto share the sdcard via cifs when connected to certain wife networks.
martian21 said:
I got this working as well. Very cool feature! Now we need to run Samba on the phone so we can go the other way
I know we can set up an FTP server but it would be awesome if it could auto share the sdcard via cifs when connected to certain wife networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DLNA does work that way? I haven't testing serving with it.
jatilq said:
DLNA does work that way? I haven't testing serving with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This way your shares are mounted so the phone sees the media as being local. I'm able to play movies that wouldn't play through DLNA because I can't select the player for them.
I love you.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Can someone post the version of cifs_3.ko they are using? I've tried just about all of them and whenever I try to mount a share my phone resets.

[GUIDE] Mount Windows or Linux share on Kindle using CifsManager

NOTE: These instructions may be outdated. If you've installed a recent ROM, the cifs drivers are probably built in, and you should be able to use Cifsmanager as long as the "Load cifs module" option is checked.
These are my notes for mounting a remote Windows share on my Kindle Fire. Note that this also works with CM7.
Why do this? My usage example is so I don't have to manually copy comics down to the Kindle for reading with Perfect Viewer. I can read them directly via Wifi on my Kindle. It's also a lot easier to manage the files on the PC.
Root is required
CifsManager Free
https://market.android.com/details?id=ws.plattner.cifsmanager&hl=en
Drivers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1396960
Big thanks to riverzhou for providing these files!
Steps
1. Install root if necessary - find another guide for this
2. Ensure a proper share is available from PC
3. Install CifsManager - note, not available on Amazon appstore, so will have to install from Android Market, or side load
4. Copy drivers to /sdcard/cifs
5. CifsManager
Load cifs module -> checked
Load via insmod -> checked
Path to cifs.ko: /sdcard/cifs/slow-work.ko:/sdcard/cifs/cifs.ko
Use IP for share, like this: 192.168.15.100/sharename
Create folder on sdcard for mount point, like /sdcard/comics
Ectoplasmic said:
These are my notes for mounting a remote Windows share on my Kindle Fire. I have it working, and will tidy up the steps as time passes.
Why do this? My usage example is so I don't have to manually copy comics down to the Kindle for reading with Perfect Viewer. I can read them directly via Wifi on my Kindle. It's also a lot easier to manage the files on the PC.
Root is required
CifsManager Free
https://market.android.com/details?id=ws.plattner.cifsmanager&hl=en
Drivers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1396960
Big thanks to riverzhou for providing these files!
Steps
1. Install root if necessary - find another guide for this
2. Ensure a proper share is available from PC
3. Install CifsManager - note, not available on Amazon appstore, so will have to install from Android Market, or side load
4. Copy drivers to /sdcard/cifs
5. CifsManager
Load cifs module -> checked
Load via insmod -> checked
Path to cifs.ko: /sdcard/cifs/slow-work.ko:/sdcard/cifs/cifs.ko
Use IP for share, like this: 192.168.15.100/sharename
Create folder on sdcard for mount point, like /sdcard/comics
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked out pretty good for me! Thanks
I just tried this... worked well for me as well.
Nice, now if only I can get rooted again after the 6.2.1 update, I'll be able to follow my own guide again
Can someone explain how to set up the computer side of this? I got the Fire side working (I think), but I'm not sure how to get a remote share working under Windows.
brian112358: it really depends on your version of windows.
Ectoplasmic: You're Awesome. You just single handedly gave my kfire 2TB of resources while on my home network.
brian112358 said:
Can someone explain how to set up the computer side of this? I got the Fire side working (I think), but I'm not sure how to get a remote share working under Windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was having problems with my Windows shared folder as well. After trying all kinds of variations on my path name I eventually started from scratch, but instead of manually entering my mount paths I let CifsManager do it for me. Then everything worked as it should, even though my manual entries were exactly the same as the automated ones. Go figure.
Anyway, I'm on a 32-bit Windows 7. First, find the folder you want to share and Right-Click>Properties>Sharing>Advanced Sharing>Check the Share this Folder box>Ok. Take note of the name. (Mine was "Downloads")
The share path for my folder is now:
192.168.1.101/Downloads
In CifsManager I followed the OP's instructions for setting the driver paths, but I did not create a folder for the mount point on the KF. Instead, I set Mount point prefix to: /mnt/sdcard/cifs. I then added a New Share Path and only entered the following:
Share Path: 192.168.1.101/Downloads
*Tap on Mount Point field and it should auto fill
That's it. CifsManager then created a new folder: /mnt/sdcard/cifs/Downloads. I do not have a password login for my pc so I left user as "guest" and password blank. Works perfectly now. Like I said, everything was exactly the same as my manual entries, but for some reason it works now
Hope that helps.
golucky said:
brian112358: it really depends on your version of windows.
Ectoplasmic: You're Awesome. You just single handedly gave my kfire 2TB of resources while on my home network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it's working. I also noticed a little better Wifi performance since the 6.2.1 update, at least with this app.
This is really handy to have. Saves a lot of trouble copying files to the Kindle. This is the sort of thing that needs to be baked into custom roms.
Followed the steps in the OP. Only thing is I'm still getting the same errors that I got before adding the drivers provided.
if I use the IP of the share I get : Mounting the share has failed with an error. mount: No such device or address. (I can browse to the IP/path with ESFE)
if I use the network name I get: Mounting the share has failed with an error. mount: Invalid argument.
I tried to insmod the cifs.ko via terminal and it threw an error code there too. "Exec format error"
I'm running NRG's ICS CM9 ROM 6/23 with Hashcode's 3.x kernel (dated Jun 8 in About tablet info)
Edit: or could it be the drivers just don't like the 3.x kernel. Leaning towards that after a little more reading.
ProfEngr said:
Followed the steps in the OP. Only thing is I'm still getting the same errors that I got before adding the drivers provided.
if I use the IP of the share I get : Mounting the share has failed with an error. mount: No such device or address. (I can browse to the IP/path with ESFE)
if I use the network name I get: Mounting the share has failed with an error. mount: Invalid argument.
I tried to insmod the cifs.ko via terminal and it threw an error code there too. "Exec format error"
I'm running NRG's ICS CM9 ROM 6/23 with Hashcode's 3.x kernel (dated Jun 8 in About tablet info)
Edit: or could it be the drivers just don't like the 3.x kernel. Leaning towards that after a little more reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed cifs from the market. Did not bother with the drivers and cifs connected with my server the first time. I am on twa's job ROM.
ghost_og said:
I was having problems with my Windows shared folder as well. After trying all kinds of variations on my path name I eventually started from scratch, but instead of manually entering my mount paths I let CifsManager do it for me. Then everything worked as it should, even though my manual entries were exactly the same as the automated ones. Go figure.
Anyway, I'm on a 32-bit Windows 7. First, find the folder you want to share and Right-Click>Properties>Sharing>Advanced Sharing>Check the Share this Folder box>Ok. Take note of the name. (Mine was "Downloads")
The share path for my folder is now:
192.168.1.101/Downloads
In CifsManager I followed the OP's instructions for setting the driver paths, but I did not create a folder for the mount point on the KF. Instead, I set Mount point prefix to: /mnt/sdcard/cifs. I then added a New Share Path and only entered the following:
Share Path: 192.168.1.101/Downloads
*Tap on Mount Point field and it should auto fill
That's it. CifsManager then created a new folder: /mnt/sdcard/cifs/Downloads. I do not have a password login for my pc so I left user as "guest" and password blank. Works perfectly now. Like I said, everything was exactly the same as my manual entries, but for some reason it works now
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi -
I set mine up just like this ... and it did indeed create the mount point /mnt/sdcard0/cifs/comic. I get the little green circle on CifsManager ..BUT.. when I click on the mount, CifsManager gives me this error: This feature depends on an installed file manager (astro/estrongs).
I do have Astro installed, and also Perfect Viewer (comic reader). I can navigate to /mnt/sdcard0/cifs/comic via root-manager and I see my comics, but can't load them. If I try to load them via any other method (while cifs mounted) I get file not found.
What could be the problem please ??
Thanks
Not sure if this will help anyone. I just came back to this thread thinking I needed the syntax for installing the drivers. Turns out I didn't.
Every relatively modern ROM I've installed (CM9, CM10) has not needed drivers, either on my KF, or my Samsung. However, I found it necessary to ensure "Load cifs module" is checked in the CifsManager settings.
Also, if you're using PerfectViewer, something I didn't know for quite a while is that you can actually browse and read from network shares directly from the app. Use the "open file" method and not the bookshelf, change from Local to Lan and go from there.
I still like to use CifsManager for various reasons

[Tutorial] Stream videos on Cifs / SMB share using CifsManager (req. ADB & Root)

Here's something a lot of people are trying to do and are asking questions about, so I tought it would be nice to put it on all in one thread.
Works with Stock firmware and kernel! - NOOB A-B-C EDITION for Windows-
Requirements:
Root access;
Android SDK installation - ADB commands;
What to do:
1- Download this file (Thanks pershoot!) and unzip it.
2- Now copy it into the SDK's "platform-tools" folder. (Default path for a x64 Windows computer should be something like "C:/Program Files (x86)/Android/android-sdk/platform-tools/"
3- Enable USB debug (Settings / Applications / Development) on your Tab and plug it into your computer.
4- On your PC ( ), open a Command Prompt. (Start Menu / Program Files / Accessories)
5- Browse to your /platform-tools folder. (Type in a couple "cd.." [Enter] "cd.." [Enter] to be sure youre at root , then type in "cd Program Files (x86)/Android/android-sdk/platform-tools")
6- Type in
"adb shell" [Enter]
"su" [Enter]
"mkdir /mnt/sdcard/Movies/CIFS" [Enter] // This is your mounting point. I recommend to use an empty folder within "Movies" 'cause it'll be easier to use with the Video Player app
"mkdir /data/local/modules" [Enter]
"push cifs.ko /data/local/modules" [Enter]
"chmod 755 /data/local/modules" [Enter]
"chmod 644 /data/local/modules/cifs.ko" [Enter]
"insmod /data/local/modules/cifs.ko" [Enter]
7- You can now unplug your device and install CifsManager;
8- In CifsManager, select "Menu" (Right of "screenshot button") / Settings
- Check "Load cifs module"
- Check "Load via insmod"
- Path to cifs.ko will be "/data/local/modules/cifs.ko"
9- Configure a new share in CifsManager correctly (IP address/folder to mount, mount point should be "mnt/sdcard/Movies/CIFS" or whatever you chose.)
That should be it; I'm now able to flawlessly stream 720p movies directly from my NAS over WiFi. Rooted Stock UXKK2 ROM & Kernel (Android 3.2)
Thank you, come again!
I stream from cifs/samba (windows) shares using es file explorer and bs player. Browse the lan tab to my shares and open the file. No root required. I also use wild media server and upnp.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
Another vote for upnp here. I have a nas with a server on it and with bubble upnp and mx player I haven't found a file that I can't play.
Twonkey is a good and really simple to set up upnp server. Check it out.
Right; but the difference is that with this trick, all those smb/cifs shares will appear within your Tab's own storage; and will be accessible by all apps!
For example, the wonderful Mizuu Media manager now thinks my Tab has something like 12tb of storage; and I have hundreds of movies and tv shows with all the covers, screencaps, fanarts, trailers, actors and movie info and shyt exactly like in XBMC on my computer. See a couple screenshots
It actually is fully compatible with XBMC .nfos and stuff; if you backed it up in separate files. =)
The thing is this will work with ANY app; add zillions of mp3's to your library, or ebooks.. etc..
wewewi999 said:
Right; but the difference is that with this trick, all those smb/cifs shares will appear within your Tab's own storage; and will be accessible by all apps!
For example, the wonderful Mizuu Media manager now thinks my Tab has something like 12tb of storage; and I have hundreds of movies and tv shows with all the covers, screencaps, fanarts, trailers, actors and movie info and shyt exactly like in XBMC on my computer. See a couple screenshots
It actually is fully compatible with XBMC .nfos and stuff; if you backed it up in separate files. =)
The thing is this will work with ANY app; add zillions of mp3's to your library, or ebooks.. etc..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very cool advantage. Any performance boost when mounting with your method versus browsing via file managers like ES?
GorillaPimp said:
Very cool advantage. Any performance boost when mounting with your method versus browsing via file managers like ES?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fact access through CIFS.ko a bit slower. I did not compare it with ES but with Ghost file manager.
Transfer rate with CIFS.ko is about 1.1 MB per second.
Ghost file manager - 1.4 MB per second.
I like ES because it's creating SMB shares on a fly and let you open up file with corresponding apps, so movie can be opened with video player and would stream.
I use plex.. It works great.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Is this working with Seagate Goflex satellite? Has anyone tried this? Thank you.
Will mapped folders show up in Mass Storage Device Mode?
Thanks for the wonder tutorial.
Can I asked if the phone is plugged into another PC or host as a Mass Storage Device, will the mapped folders also show up?
I thought it would be interesting if it does and I can plug it directly to the USB port of my TV where it could play the media files directly as a USB drive.
Thanks.
Ignore me, misread the last post.
Andre
Thanks for your guide, I've cifs.ko, kernel support of this and cifs manager.
I've a bad problem with a not latin char, so i tried add nls_utf8.ko modules but dont works
Any idea? Thanks
I'm also using cifs manager but a lot of my MP3 don't show artist, title a.o. means when mounted it can't read the id3tag...somebody an idea??
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app
Sorry duplicare post
Hi. I would like to mount some shared folders on my android 4.0.4 (Samsung galaxy tab 10.1 - P7500) but when I use this tutorial the CMD on laptop (windows 7) says:
sh/system/bin: push: not found
So I tried almost everything to get cifs.ko moved to data/local/modules but there is not much I can do. Can you help me out? What I do wrong?
Also ADB cant list my device (the list is empty) even though I tried installing many drivers (google, KIES, samsung). It got listed only oce but then it was "error: device offline" Please help me out.
Thanks in advance,
Matt
OK. So I used root explorer instead of ADB and moved cifs.ko to data/local/modules. Unfortunately it can't be installed thru insmod because there is another error (exec error). Any clues? Pleeease...
anybody know of a way to mount cifs over 3g/4g??
OK. So I used root explorer instead of ADB and moved cifs.ko to data/local/modules. Unfortunately it can't be installed thru insmod because there is another error (exec error). Permissions are set correctly. Wrong cifs? Any clues? Pleeease...
cavemandaveman said:
anybody know of a way to mount cifs over 3g/4g??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can be accomplished with a VPN connection to your file server and the vpn built into android.
Need some help too
I have a Belkin N750 as a router. It comes with Twonky as a media server. On the Allshare devices I have at home I'm not able to play MP4 videos with subtitles and that's when my android devices come in handy.
Using ES File Explorer and MX Player I'm able to play MP4 videos with subtitles from my NAS.
For that I use a Razr XT910 and a Samsung GT N8000.
This setup works very well as long as it runs on ICS.
Recently I upgraded my GT N8000 to JB and it stopped working.
Now it has to download the video before start playing.
Does anyone know what I have to do to have it working back as it used to be?
Thanks.
Help with the question above anyone?

Using the Galaxy Camera on Linux

I use Linux for everything. When you connect the Galaxy Camera to Ubuntu 12.10, it will do pushups.. https://plus.google.com/u/0/104711040110222472212/posts/jKv7Q1AW95z , fail to transfer files and be generally unusable.
So, to transfer video and pictures from the camera, put the device into ADB mode and use this short script:
Code:
cd Desktop
adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/
adb pull /storage/extSdCard/DCIM/
This isn't really technical, but it took me a while to figure out how to transfer files because the MTP is really broken for Linux. Hope this helps.
Or use something like File Expert and transfer via Wi-Fi (with the added advantage that you don't have to fool with a USB cable). You could even use the silly app I wrote for sharing files to a php uploader script on a web server: http://home.comcast.net/~tomhorsley/software/upwithphp/upwithphp.html
i prefer FTP server ultimate for file transfer.
it requires a wifi connection, but FTP allows me to browse my camera from both my pc(windows explorer) and phone(fx file explorer) almost as if it's a local folder.
and it's password protected.
i'd assume any decent linux file manager supports FTP too.
Those options take too long. I'm transferring 10gigs of files across at a time.
I don't own this device, but maybe this helps:
http://www.webupd8.org/2012/12/how-to-mount-android-40-ubuntu-go-mtpfs.html
It worked just fine with my S3 with Kubuntu 12.10. That one can't do pushups though, so maybe this only solves part of the problem

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