Problems with android connecting to a samba server

[JustAnotherUser]

Hi guys,

I am currently running a home network (router + 3g modem). Connected to this network I have a NAS adapter(NexStar FX) which connects a external hard drive and printer to the network. The adapter runs the hard drive as a samba server. Even with my limited networking experience I was able to connect my windows PC easily. My problem is that I can't seem to connect to it with both my phone (HTC one) and tablet (Nexus 7). On both android devices I can connect to the internet so I know it's connected to the router. I have also been able to print through the network (although in a limited kind of way). I use ES file explorer but when I scan the network I only find my windows PC and I cant connect to it by adding the IP manualy. I believe the basics are in order (HD in FAT 32 format ect), but I have a very limited understaning of the whole android system.
Would rooting my android devices help in any way? (Until now haven't had a need for rooting so the both android systems are standard) If not what might I need.
Secondly does anybody know of a android printing app that uses the LPR protocol, I currently have one(lets print droid) but it's use is limited (turns every page into images and the the file becomes to large if anything longer than one page is printed).

 

[jonbanjo]

I have connected to a samba server using ES file explorer and I'm not rooted. As far as I can remember I just went to Network/LAN/add/new to get it to work. I don't remember trying a scan. I'm now using sftp on ES File Explorer instead and don't have a samba server running on the network to see if a scan detects anything.

As for LPR if its Cups server, I believe Remote Cups works that way.

Also, for Cups my app, JfCupsPrint might work for you. That one connects over http (using a modified version of the cups4j library) and needs a Cups server configured for sharing.

 

[JustAnotherUser]

Thanks,

Still can't get the samba server to work, but using your idea I was able to set up a working ftp server.

Still find it strange that the samba server doesn't work, but hey atleast now i have a working system.

I will also give cups a try later on.

 

[jonbanjo]

Glad you at least have file access.

I've just had a look at the user manual for your device. The documentation is pretty thin but I believe I was thinking along the wrong lines with Cups. print bot looks to me more of an alternative to try.

 

[divinebovine]

It might be worth trying a different samba client app on your phone. It's possible that ES File Explorer, as much as I hate to admit it , might be imperfect and doesn't like your samba server.

 

[jonbanjo]

I guess it could be something like that. I've just started a Samba server up on my Linux PC. The only thing I can say is that my Samba version (3.6.12) is working with the current version of ES File Explorer (3.0.5.1).