How to let the MBP see the SBS2003 based files!

November 5, 2009 6:56 PM

[Mac - Windows Filter] What is the best way to access files on a Windows Small Business Server 2003 from my MPB?

So I landed an awesome gig in my field with a great organization. They need me, I want to be here. Win, win, right? Well, they keep all their materials on a MS Windows Small Business Server 2003 - and are all windows users, I am a mac user. I need to get to the files on the SBS2003 from my MBP. What is the best way?

I have a network log in. Should I mount the SBS directory in finder? If so how? Should I install Parallels and connect that way? If I go the Parallels route can I open the files I need access to (mostly word, excel and some graphics files) on the Mac side with all the associated Mac-Awesomeness?

Please keep in mind that I know nothing about SBS! (But have full access if I need it.)

Help hive mind, I need your technical expertise and experience. Thanks in advance!

Details: New this summer Unibody MBP 10.5.8

posted by Fuzzy Dog to computers & internet (5 comments total)

If I go the Parallels route can I open the files I need access to (mostly word, excel and some graphics files) on the Mac side with all the associated Mac-Awesomeness?


You'd have to shift them from the virtual windows machine into the OSX environment.

If they tell you the name of the server, and the shares, you should be able to (without parallels) just go Command-K, and then mount the share using the address: smb://servername/sharename

Don't use parallels. Really.
posted by pompomtom at 7:08 PM on November 5

Woo Hoo. Thanks! Worked perfectly. I knew there had to be a super easy way! How about a follow up. How do I make a link to it, so that it is available when I connect to the new network?
posted by Fuzzy Dog at 7:19 PM on November 5

Once you've got the network drive mounted, drag it into the left-sidebar of the Finder, under Places. Click on that and it should re-mount the drive if it's accessible.
posted by Dipsomaniac at 7:22 PM on November 5

Applescript to mount SMB share.
posted by wongcorgi at 7:24 PM on November 5

How do I make a link to it, so that it is available when I connect to the new network?

Dispomaniac has it. Another way is, from the cmd-K window, just hit the '+' button to add the address to your list of oft-used addresses.
posted by pompomtom at 7:24 PM on November 5