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Tutorial: Moving Stuff Between Android and PC

Thanks for the tutorial darkuni, but you cost me a lot of money:) I read that your PC file manager is Directory Opus. I checked it out and liked it very much, but was scared off by the hefty price tag of $69 AUD (Pro version). I then decided to compare popular file managers for Windows since the built-in Windows Explorer is so limited. After a few days, I realized that I had been spoiled by Directory Opus and tried to find a discount to help rationalize the purchase. I finally did find a discount and purchased it for $55 AUD. Note: the Light version for $29 AUD wouldn't work since it doesn't support FTP.

For those interested, you can get a free 60 day evaluation of Directory Opus Pro. I also discovered a great tutorial here: http://www.asiteaboutnothing.net/opus/. Also the license is good for your PC plus a personal laptop.
Pete
 
The UI of the File Expert app has recently changed to something much different. The feedback on the Google play store seems overwhelmingly negative. I'm hoping the functionality is still good.
Pete
 
spypher said:
No one has mentioned this yet...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funkyfresh.samba&hl=en

It's a great implementation of a SAMBA server... I got it up and running in no time...

It's got AP whitelists so that you only have shares on access points you choose

It uses every bit of wifi bandwidth it can, so it's fast for anything other than huge media files

It doesn't require any extra software on your computer (macs and windows support SMB shares out of the box)

You can Map Network Drive on your computer and access your phone files from a drive letter

You can open files on your phone in any windows program directly... just like it was a local disk...
Click to expand...
Thanks. I tried the Samba Filesharing app and did a benchmark test copying a folder of 336 MB. It took slightly longer than Directory Opus in combination with File Expert run in FTP mode.
Pete
 
guys i have this error when copying, i need help please, i can't access my SD Card

the error sound like this the file that i copy to the device not supported on this device, if it as media file , you may use windows media file
 

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I have been using both File Expert and ES File Explorer as FTP servers to communicate with Directory Opus (as an FTP client) on the PC. This is essentially what darkuni is doing. I prefer ES File Explorer overall, but File expert does have an option to keep the FTP link alive which is handy.
Pete
 
It's so easy to just pigeon-hole all PC file managers together - but there really is a difference. The whole point of going with File Expert (for me) was that FTP is completely integrated into Dopus - meaning I can work with my phone files EXACTLY the same as any other drive plugged in (for the most part).

Even plugging the phone in with a USB cable only nets me a "basic" MTP crap device (which BARELY works within Windows Explorer and worse in Dopus).

Like I said, there are a million ways to do this - AirDroid, et al - but in the end - having a standard protocol FTP server on my device means (as always with Android) "Whateva ... I do what I want". :)

Sorry about the cost ... but you have to admit - it's worth the bucks once you learn to unleash its power.

paroots said:
Thanks for the tutorial darkuni, but you cost me a lot of money:) I read that your PC file manager is Directory Opus. I checked it out and liked it very much, but was scared off by the hefty price tag of $69 AUD (Pro version). I then decided to compare popular file managers for Windows since the built-in Windows Explorer is so limited. After a few days, I realized that I had been spoiled by Directory Opus and tried to find a discount to help rationalize the purchase. I finally did find a discount and purchased it for $55 AUD. Note: the Light version for $29 AUD wouldn't work since it doesn't support FTP.

For those interested, you can get a free 60 day evaluation of Directory Opus Pro. I also discovered a great tutorial here: Directory Opus 101—How to Configure Dopus tutorial. Also the license is good for your PC plus a personal laptop.
Pete
Click to expand...
 
paroots said:
The UI of the File Expert app has recently changed to something much different. The feedback on the Google play store seems overwhelmingly negative. I'm hoping the functionality is still good.
Pete
Click to expand...

The functionality is much improved. The Webtop is a lot like AirDroid now. It supports integrated DLNA (!) and tons more stuff.

The new UI is "better". I have a huge list of suggestions to the developer.
 
Nothing at all wrong with ES File Explorer. However, File Expert lets you make insta-sharing shortcuts on your homescreen. For me? That's HUGE. Last I checked, ES didn't offer that.

paroots said:
I have been using both File Expert and ES File Explorer as FTP servers to communicate with Directory Opus (as an FTP client) on the PC. This is essentially what darkuni is doing. I prefer ES File Explorer overall, but File expert does have an option to keep the FTP link alive which is handy.
Pete
Click to expand...
 
darkuni said:
Sorry about the cost ... but you have to admit - it's worth the bucks once you learn to unleash its power.
Click to expand...
That's true, although I'm still on the learning curve and cannot claim to have unleashed, but a fraction of its power.
Pete
 
darkuni said:
Nothing at all wrong with ES File Explorer. However, File Expert lets you make insta-sharing shortcuts on your homescreen. For me? That's HUGE. Last I checked, ES didn't offer that.
Click to expand...
What exactly are insta-sharing shortcuts and how do you create them? Also, how do you use FE to access the root of phone? When I connect from Dopus, I see the sdcard only with no way to move up. I have purchased the Pro version.

Update:
I've been using File Expert v5.0.2 with the Pro plug-in for the past few days. I find it very buggy. I've been trying to do the following, without success:

  • Access root of phone from Dopus
  • Create shortcut to any other folder besides sdcard

It seems that the developer needs to do some serious debugging. In the meantime, I submitted a bug report on their forum, but have not yet received a response. In contrast ES File Explorer seems bug free and totally consistent. I'll keep at it for a few more days hoping for a response before I abandon it and ask for a refund.
Pete
 
Great tutorial ... I've had Fe for a while now, but your tut really explained a lot of things i didn't understand, THANK YOU!

I don't have a pc, but i was wandering, is there a way i can post screenshots with file expert. I have the pro version.

I've been using box.net, but i don't like how they just give you a link to click, i want the screenshot posted not a link.

TIA
 
I have still not received any response from FE to either my email or forum posting. In the meantime, I have asked several questions on the ES forum and received timely response to all of them. Guess it will be ES for me; a great little program that does what it claims. BTW, I did learn that ES has a fixed timeout when acting as FTP server. The developer has stated that he will make it user-settable in the next version.
Pete
 
I recommend Solid Explorer, especially for network sharing. Flip it to landscape, you get two windows and you can drag and drop to transfer files. Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, Skydrive, ftp, sftp, smb/cifs and an ftp server are all built in.
 
paroots said:
What exactly are insta-sharing shortcuts and how do you create them? Also, how do you use FE to access the root of phone? When I connect from Dopus, I see the sdcard only with no way to move up. I have purchased the Pro version.

Update:
I've been using File Expert v5.0.2 with the Pro plug-in for the past few days. I find it very buggy. I've been trying to do the following, without success:

  • Access root of phone from Dopus
  • Create shortcut to any other folder besides sdcard

It seems that the developer needs to do some serious debugging. In the meantime, I submitted a bug report on their forum, but have not yet received a response. In contrast ES File Explorer seems bug free and totally consistent. I'll keep at it for a few more days hoping for a response before I abandon it and ask for a refund.
Pete
Click to expand...

I don't believe "internal storage" is available for "sharing". I've honestly never tried it. I'll give it a spin.

Sharing any folder is pretty easy:

1) Find the folder to share
2) Long Press it
3) To Share immediately, hit NETWORK SHARE.
4) To create an insta-shortcut on your home screen, hit MORE then CREATE FTP SHORTCUT. When you touch that, on your home screen, it will immediately launch FTP sharing for THAT folder, and you're ready to go.

badblue1 said:
Great tutorial ... I've had Fe for a while now, but your tut really explained a lot of things i didn't understand, THANK YOU!

I don't have a pc, but i was wandering, is there a way i can post screenshots with file expert. I have the pro version.

I've been using box.net, but i don't like how they just give you a link to click, i want the screenshot posted not a link.

TIA
Click to expand...

Not TOTALLY sure what you're asking. My solution for handling the sharing of screenshots has been to use a really nice ImageShack app which returns you a direct link to the photo - ready to share.

paroots said:
I have still not received any response from FE to either my email or forum posting. In the meantime, I have asked several questions on the ES forum and received timely response to all of them. Guess it will be ES for me; a great little program that does what it claims. BTW, I did learn that ES has a fixed timeout when acting as FTP server. The developer has stated that he will make it user-settable in the next version.
Pete
Click to expand...

I'm glad you have something that works for you. This is why competition is healthy .. Keeps EVERYONE working.

I have submitted at least a DOZEN issues/bugs/suggestions to FE's team. The problem now, I think, is that they are supporting an iOS version - so their resources are cut down. Shame. I told them it was a bad idea :)

EarlyMon said:
I recommend Solid Explorer, especially for network sharing. Flip it to landscape, you get two windows and you can drag and drop to transfer files. Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, Skydrive, ftp, sftp, smb/cifs and an ftp server are all built in.
Click to expand...

I reviewed it a couple versions back. IMHO, doesn't touch X-Plore - but again, that was a awhile ago.

About time to update my file manager matrix anyway ... ;)
 
X-Plore has improved a lot over time and I agree, it's very good. I prefer the Solid Explorer interface because like EStrongs File Explorer, it has less razzmatazz to it. I can see the more graphical appeal of X-Plore though. I use it to open html files.
 
darkuni said:
I don't believe "internal storage" is available for "sharing". I've honestly never tried it. I'll give it a spin.

Sharing any folder is pretty easy:

1) Find the folder to share
2) Long Press it
3) To Share immediately, hit NETWORK SHARE.
4) To create an insta-shortcut on your home screen, hit MORE then CREATE FTP SHORTCUT. When you touch that, on your home screen, it will immediately launch FTP sharing for THAT folder, and you're ready to go.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I've tried that, but it doesn't work if you setup a shortcut to anything not at sdcard level or below. For me it's worthless since I often want to move up or down within the phone's folder hierarchy.

BTW, you can also create an FTP shortcut in ES and it works at any level on a rooted phone. Once you connect via Dopus you can then gain access to all folders on the phone.
Pete
 
EarlyMon said:
X-Plore has improved a lot over time and I agree, it's very good. I prefer the Solid Explorer interface because like EStrongs File Explorer, it has less razzmatazz to it. I can see the more graphical appeal of X-Plore though. I use it to open html files.
Click to expand...
I gave Solid Explorer (SE) a quick spin. Like File Expert, the FTP server function does not allow you to access the root. I'll continue my review.

Update: I've discovered something interesting about SE; its FTP server doesn't timeout like ES File Explorer (ES) does. I can start up Dopus on the PC and connect even when the phone is sleeping. Now I just have to see what, if any, battery penalty might be involved. I've also noticed that ES File Explorer shows up as a constant 2% drain at Settings/Battery even when it's not being used?
Pete
 
recently when i joined my android to my windows vista for mass storage(i have usb debugging mode always on as i always do mass storage) i was prompted to a box saying "do you want to scan and fix removable disk (G:)/(h:)". i at first ignored and cancelled it few times but it kept on coming so i decided lets fix it anyway and checked "scan and fix" but then windows says "windows cant check the disk while its still in use"...now what to do??
i later unchecked scan and fix option and checked recover and repair option and it did work and i was able to use go through my files in android...but again when i joined the box pops up again every time
although i am able to see my files but i have noticed that all my folder's have turned into(work as) application(?????), earlier i used to just copy-paste them, as my backup, into my PC but now i cant(since now they are now folders turned application)...where am i lacking guys, what am i supposed to do??
all i want is smooth mass storage and no sticky situation
 
theSinz said:
recently when i joined my android to my windows vista for mass storage(i have usb debugging mode always on as i always do mass storage) i was prompted to a box saying "do you want to scan and fix removable disk (G:)/(h:)". i at first ignored and cancelled it few times but it kept on coming so i decided lets fix it anyway and checked "scan and fix" but then windows says "windows cant check the disk while its still in use"...now what to do??
i later unchecked scan and fix option and checked recover and repair option and it did work and i was able to use go through my files in android...but again when i joined the box pops up again every time
although i am able to see my files but i have noticed that all my folder's have turned into(work as) application(?????), earlier i used to just copy-paste them, as my backup, into my PC but now i cant(since now they are now folders turned application)...where am i lacking guys, what am i supposed to do??
all i want is smooth mass storage and no sticky situation
Click to expand...
I'm no expert, but I'll respond while we await an expert response. That message is intended for things like thumbdrives that can be scanned, formatted, etc. I would definitely never allow it to scan, repair, etc my phone. This is not the tool to fix/repair the phone. If things no longer work via your USB connection, I can't really offer any advice. In my case, I'm rooted and could easily do an Nandroid restore, but I'm not suggesting that in your case since I don't really understand your present status
Pete
 
I've continued to use Solid Explorer Beta2 and so far, with one exception, it seems to work well. The exception, as mentioned before, is that I can't connect to the root via FTP from PC. The advantage over ES is that it doesn't time-out. I rate both SE and ES well above File Expert.
Pete
 
Davdi said:
Or, the easy way, use Dropbox.
Click to expand...
I gave it a try: sloooo!

Besides, I like to keep my personal info local and accessible whether I have internet of not; maybe I'm from the old school:)

The OP (darkuni) says it much better than I in post #20 above, but of course each to his own.
Pete
 
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