Database Info

[Noob Guide]Access Windows PC files directly from Android through Wi-Fi [UDATED:22/9]

Please read the whole guide once before trying. This will help in making the process easy as most of the parts are covered in detail.
1. Introduction:
You got a file in Windows PC and you intend to transfer it to your Android device. The most common way is that we connect the device to system via USB cable. However there are alternatives such as the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is a very slow method when compared to USB and Wi-Fi. So let us take Wi-Fi as the medium. Now let me first tell you various advantages and disadvantages regarding USB when compared with WI-Fi:
Disadvantages of USB v/s Wi-Fi
1. The phone should be near to the system = you being near the system too ---- This is avoided. All you need that the PC and device to be connected to the Wi-FI network
2. Cluttering of wires ---- Avoided
3. Drivers may have to be installed ---- No drivers needs to be installed
4. In a whole way, its not very productive ---- Oh very productive
Advantages - the only one is that files transfer speed is high ---- Yes. USB has a upper hand here. Wi-Fi transfer speed is low when compared. But the difference is just a few minutes. We can live with that
So excited to start using the Wi-Fi method? Then make sure you meet the requirements.
2. Requirements:
1. Wi-Fi router - PC should be connected to this either through LAN/ Wi-Fi
2. Install ES File Explorer in your Android device (you can try other file explorers like FX File Explorer, Solid Explorer, Astro File manager). The methodology for other apps are quite similar. I will take ES File Explorer as example as I have found it to be simple and fast.
3. Windows PC with 2000/XP/Vista/7/8 (I have not tested in Windows 8 personally)
4. Administrative access for Windows PC
3. Steps:
Step 1. Install ES File Explorer
Step 2. Find IP Address, make static IP and find system name [optional]
i. Find your IP address - to do this follow the steps as below:
a. Start -> Run (or press Windows key + R)
b. Type "ncpa.cpl" (without quotes) and press enter
c. You will see the Network Connections now
d. Identify the one which is connected to the Wi-Fi router. It will be either the LAN adapter or Wireless adapter. In my case it is the Wireless adapter.
e. Double click on the connection
f. Click on details and here note down the IPv4 Address. Also make not of IPv4 Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and DNS Server.
View attachment 1343982
ii. If you are going by IP address method then it is better yet to make the IP address as static [thank you kjplasma for the tip].
An static IP address means that your system will be having the same IP address all the time and will not be changed anytime later by the router. To set static IP address:
a. Go to Network Connections
b. Double click on the connection
c. Click on properties
d. Double click on - Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and fill up the IP address as you have noted them down above.
e. Click on OK for all dialogue boxes.
View attachment 1343983
iii. You can even make note of the system name by checking the properties of “My Computer”. To do this:
a. Go to Start - Right click on My Computer [Shortcut -> Windows + Pause/Break]
b. You can find the computer name under "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings"
View attachment 1343984
If your going by this method then it is not necessary to note down or change the IP address. However I feel that tracking your system through IP address in ES File Explorer is much more efficient and fool proof. Either the system name or IP address its okay.
Step 3.a. Windows 2000 PC
i. Open ES File Explorer in your device
ii. On top right corner tap on "Local" - select LAN
iii. Tap on "New"
iv. Here you can either scan for your system or Click on Server
v. Here in server field type the IP address (that is IPv4 Address) or the system name
vi. Type in the Username and Password which you use to access your Windows PC
vii. Give a name under "Display as" for easy identification
viii. Tap on OK.
ix. Now you will see an laptop with globe icon. Tap on it and you will see all your files/folder of the system there.
Step 3.b. Windows XP PC:
i. Firstly you will need to enable Guest account by going to Control Panel – User Accounts – Guest Account – Click on "Turn on Guest account". This is because there is no other way I found to access the files in Windows XP in Android device with actual user name and password.
ii. Share the drives or folder you want to access [Refer the Reference Note 1 below to know how to share a folder]
iii. Open ES File Explorer in your device
iv. On top right corner tap on "Local" - select LAN
v. Tap on "New"
vi. Here you can either scan for your system or Click on Server
vii. Here in server field type the IP address (that is IPv4 Address) or the system name
viii. Type in the Username and Password which you use to access your Windows PC
ix. Give a name under "Display as" for easy identification
x. Tap on OK.
xi. Now you will see an laptop with globe icon. Tap on it and you will see all your shared files/folder of the system there.
Step 3.c. Windows Vista/7/8 PC:
i. Share the drives or folder you want to access [Refer the Reference Note 1 below to know how to share a folder]
ii. Open ES File Explorer in your device
iii. On top right corner tap on "Local" - select LAN
iv. Tap on "New"
v. Here you can either scan for your system or Click on Server
vi. Here in server field type the IP address (that is IPv4 Address) or the system name
vii. Type in the Username and Password which you use to access your Windows PC
viii. Give a name under "Display as" for easy identification
ix. Tap on OK.
x. Now you will see an laptop with globe icon. Tap on it and you will see all your shared files/folder of the system there.
Note: If you are using blank password for logging into windows then follow the steps below:
a. Run - gpedit.msc to access Group Policies
b. Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options
c. Find -> Account: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only
d. Double click on it and select "disable"
View attachment 1343985
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
4. Reference Note 1 - How to share folders:
On Windows XP:
a. Right click on the folder you want to share
b. Go to the sharing tab
c. Click the "If you understand the risk but still want to share the folder, click here"
d. Under "Network Sharing and Security" tick on "Share this folder on the network" and also on "Allow network users to change my files"
e. Click OK
View attachment 1343986
On Windows Vista/7/8:
a. Right click on the folder you want to share
b. Go to the sharing tab
c. Click on "Advanced Sharing"
d. In the next dialog box tick on "Share the folder"
e. Click on "Permissions" and tick on all the checkboxes under allow.
View attachment 1344010
5. Troubleshooting:
1 - The "Login Error"
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
You might get a login error at times. It happens highly when you use the computer name instead of the IP address and sometimes the error pops up even when using the IP address. You can try the below troubleshooting steps:
a. Delete the connection entry
b. Make a new entry and use the IP address this time
c. If the problem still persists, then try opening it 5-6 times repeatedly by ignoring the error.
d. If the problem still persist, then delete the connection, exit ES File Explorer completely and create a new connection again by using the IP address. This time it should work.
I feel this is a bug in the app. Hope it will be fixed in future.
Note - I was using ES File Explorer before FX File Explorer came to play store. Later after trying FX File Explorer, it had not given any error at all and hence its much more reliable. But for that you will have to pay as the app is out of beta.
2 - Wrong Username/Password even when entering the correct one
This usually happens if you put the system name instead of the IP address in the app. What you can do delete the entry and then close the app and reopen it and try a new connection with the IP address itself as this will solve the issue.
6. Useful tips:
1: You can increase the transfer speed by moving near to the router. The closer you are to the router the higher speed you gain.
2: You can even make shortcut of the folder in the network and place them on the home screen of the app. Do to that on ES File Explorer simply long press on the folder and choose "Add to server list".
7. Other Notes:
1: Please note that no internet connection is required to make this possible. Everything is done through the local network. Take out the idea from your mind that Wi-Fi is only for internet.
2: There are various other apps like KiesAir, AirDroid. But that will require you to be near the PC and access the files through a WebUI. But the guide which I have laid out here works from PC to device directly. You can sit at your living room, kitchen or bedroom or where you like within the Wi-Fi network and you are good to go.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope you find this guide useful. Please leave feedback and do post here for queries. Thanks!
Thank you Sun90, Bala_Gamer for heads up and others who responded for making this guide even better.
PS. Too bad that FX File Explorer network module is being made as a paid add-on. This was expected as the app is not of beta. Still it an awesome file explorer. Worth buying those add-ons.
Change log:
v0.1 [21-Sep-12]
-Initial guide
v0.2 [22-Sep-12]
-Changed app from FX File Explorer to ES File Explorer
-Made the guide even more detailed
-Added more screen shots
-Added troubleshooting
-A step closer to Noob-Proof guide

nice guide dude... keep them coming
edit:
windows 2000 ? epic

this will be a very usefull guide for sure ma8, especially for people with USB connectivity issues
Good work once again:good:

bala_gamer said:
nice guide dude... keep them coming
edit:
windows 2000 ? epic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my server in office at my place with Windows 2000 actually its so insecure that it does not even need proper authentication.

Sun90 said:
this will be a very usefull guide for sure ma8, especially for people with USB connectivity issues
Good work once again:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Or even lazy to sit by the PC for people like me

Nice guide harsha......But Windows 2000...ROFL

Made the guide a bit detailed and added screenshots. Hope this helps in making it noob proof.

Hello there,
i have an PC which is connected to plasma TV for movies. Also have Laptop.
I successful connected them to personal network since the Windows 7 sharing is a bit confusing than to XP.
I had to to add "Everyone" with permissions. Also had to add permission to the folders properties (Security tab).
So now i have access to the shared folder with read/write permissions, and it's working like a charm.
Than i tried this guide and can work it out. I've added static private/unreal IP and still have internet and network access to the shared folder.
But when try to add sever it returns error "Cannot find the server".
I've tried every possible way (with and without checked anonymous box also with/without domain, display as, ip/shared folder and so on) and nothing. Than i turn off windows firewall and still nothing.. any ideas?

soadfan said:
Hello there,
i have an PC which is connected to plasma TV for movies. Also have Laptop.
I successful connected them to personal network since the Windows 7 sharing is a bit confusing than to XP.
I had to to add "Everyone" with permissions. Also had to add permission to the folders properties (Security tab).
So now i have access to the shared folder with read/write permissions, and it's working like a charm.
Than i tried this guide and can work it out. I've added static private/unreal IP and still have internet and network access to the shared folder.
But when try to add sever it returns error "Cannot find the server".
I've tried every possible way (with and without checked anonymous box also with/without domain, display as, ip/shared folder and so on) and nothing. Than i turn off windows firewall and still nothing.. any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey. Kindly read the thread u linked below. Someone else might have already had an issue like yours and for a solution in that thread. Let me know if you still not able to get it work. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1896999
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Harsha Raj said:
Hey. Kindly read the thread u linked below. Someone else might have already had an issue like yours and for a solution in that thread. Let me know if you still not able to get it work. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1896999
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, no solution atm
Both PCs running 32 bit Windows 7 Ultimate
THIS is the router.
Phone is HTC Vision, running ICS Mimicry 1.5
EDIT: Upgraded router firmware to the latest version with no effect
EDIT2: Tried to set static ip for phone, different from PCs IPs > internet disappear. Rollback to DHCP and suddenly everything start working.

Thanks for this awesome tutorial, now I can enjoy my media library on my android without having to buy expensive router and "Stream" it through DLNA.

nice guide, i've used airdroid in the past, which is fairly easy - but this seems like a more secure way to transfer files.

Hi everyone!
I used ES File Explorer with my Xperia Z3 and Windows 10 desktop PC and all worked well. My PC failed so I purchased a new laptop and now I cannot get ES File Explorer to see the new laptop. I checked the server's IP address using Windows 10 settings > Network and Internet and can see the IPv4 address and also another quad number for IPv4 Servers and have tried both.
I also checked the username and I am very sure it is the email address that I use to log on to Windows 10. I also tried the Anonymous setting but nothing works. I get the screen stating login failed, WLAN is off, SMB server is out of network scope etc.
I think Kaspersky manages my firewall but I am not experienced enough to play with those settings. I will keep searching but any advice is much appreciated!
Edit :- I found the solution here.
https://techjourney.net/cannot-conn...-network-shares-shared-folders-in-windows-10/
Ofiaich

See the full post above...
This solution worked a few times on both my Xperia Z3 mobile and Xperia Z2 Tablet, but now doesn't!
emailed the developer of ES File Explorer and awaiting a response..
ofiaich

[25/03/2014]Use ES file explorer to send huge and multiple files at fast speed.

Many of the users use ES file explorer as file manager its just not a file manager it can do as well as has many tools.
Many of the users might know this technique. Some of them don't so just thought of sharing this technique.
This technique/tool was suggested from a friend. I m just sharing.
This technique can only be used in ES file explorer version 3 and above
This technique uses wifi hotspot and wi-fi. Its more faster than bluetooth you can even send 500 mb of files easily
It works even in unrooted phones.
Needed:
ES file explorer in both phones.
Wi-fi hotspot and wi fi working.
As you know as there are two phones so one is receiver another is sender.
So in order to send a file to receiver the receiver has to create a hot spot
For receiver:
1.Open ES file explorer
2. Scroll to tools.(You can get it by tapping on options button right side of your home button)
3 Tap on it.
4. Scroll down you will see net manger.
5. Tap on it
6. Tap on Create a hotspot network
7. Hot spot will be created named(ex: ES_5614) and password for that will be displayed.
8. Done from receiver side
For sender:
1. Open ES file explorer.
2. Select the file my long pressing on it.
3. Tap on more.
4. You will see a option of send tap on it.
5. Then you will see a page of create a hotspot network & Join a network.
6. As you are the sender you have to tap on join a network
7. It will find the name of the hotspot(ex. ES_5614) tap on it and enter the password.
8. It will now join. You can see in the status bar.
9. It will go back to previous page.
10. Now again tap on send.
11. You will see the name of the phone.
12. Tap on it.
13. Receiver will get a notification. Select the folder and select ok.
14. File transfer will start.
For sender to be receiver follow the steps for receiver and vice versa.
You have successfully send a huge file at fast speed without the need of bluetooth.

In Sense based Roms
In some sense based roms the hotspot doesnt start from ES file explorer due to some security issues done by HTC.
Still you can send files through ES file explorer.
All you have to do is:
For Receiver:
1. Go to settings
2. Enter a password..
3. Create a hotspot.
3. Done.
For Sender:
1.Go to settings
2.Start you wi fi
3.Connect to the hotspot(Created by Receiver)
4. Connect to the hotspot.
5. You will see connected status in status bar.
6. Done.
Now both Receiver and sender open es file explorer.
For Sender:
1. Long press on the file you want to send.
2. Tap on send (You will get it by tapping on more)
3. You will see the phones name.
4. Select it. File transfer will start.
5. Done.
For receiver:
1.Accept the request
2.Select the folder. Select OK. File transfer starts
3.Done
You have successfully transfered files between ES file explorer.

Great discovery bro!!
Till now i never knew that es file explorer had that wifi file sharing option..
I was so frustrated using those flash transfer , Xender, etc apps.... they would make my pico reboot every time i tried to start them.. :crying:
but Thanks to u I got another better option..
Please keep on sharing such great things with us bro :laugh: :highfive:

This works with the Kindle as well. Install ESFile Explorer from the kindle store and transfer away. I use this to put apps on the Kindle that are only in the Google Play store (Clash of Clans for instance). After transferring just open the apk and install it. Make sure to tick the option in settings to install from unknown sources.

Change Mac address manually

Did a new thread here other than this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...s-manually-t3251445/post63882735#post63882735
While i was trying to change mac address with apps and terminal on my samsung it didnt work.i have the new samsung A5.i have found a method to change the mac address manually on samsung but needs the following:root and a root browser(can be found in playstore.first root your phone, there are alot of methods online to do that, and download esfile explorer(the root browser).when you open esfile explorer swipe from left to the right or press something on top left to open a black window called on top fast access, on this window there is a category called tools press it and now enable "root explorer" and "show hidden files", now change the category to local and press device, now go to efs-->wifi and now youll see 2 files, .mac.cob and .mac.info , in both of these files there should be only you original mac address, open each of these files if necessary,as text then with es note editor and now press on top right and press edit, now just change the mac address of yours to your victims and save these files(but dont forget the original mac address)and get out of esfile explorer and restart the phone to take changes, then go to setting--> about device-->status and youll see that your wifi mac address have changed.this operation can be reverted by doing the same method.
Wiked dudes production

Lord_of_Death said:
While i was trying to change mac address with apps and terminal on my samsung it didnt work.i have the new samsung A5.i have found a method to change the mac address manually on samsung but needs the following:root and a root browser(can be found in playstore.first root your phone, there are alot of methods online to do that, and download esfile explorer(the root browser).when you open esfile explorer swipe from left to the right or press something on top left to open a black window called on top fast access, on this window there is a category called tools press it and now enable "root explorer" and "show hidden files", now change the category to local and press device, now go to efs-->wifi and now youll se 2 files, .mac.cob and .mac.info , in both of these files there should be only you original mac address, open each of these files if necessary,as text then with es note editor and now press on top right and press edit, now just change the mac address of yours to your victims and save these files(but dont forget the original mac address)and get out of esfile explorer and restart the phone to take changes, then go to setting--> about device-->status and youll see that your wifi mac address have changed.this operation can be reverted by doing the same method.
Wiked dudes production
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked beyond my imagination on Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 on 4.4.2. Am so happy. You rock "Lord_of_Death''.

Sayntziro said:
It worked beyond my imagination on Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 on 4.4.2. Am so happy. You rock "Lord_of_Death''.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, i really appreciate it, but its no big deal.

Sayntziro said:
It worked beyond my imagination on Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 on 4.4.2. Am so happy. You rock "Lord_of_Death''.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would really appreciate it if u spread the word about this.

Really doesn't belong here. Would get wider viewing if place in proper forum.

PolishPoet said:
Really doesn't belong here. Would get wider viewing if place in proper forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what kind of forum would u suggest. and yes it belongs here, and this is one of the best forums, its the xda forum

This forum is for Android wear watches. You are in the wrong forum

PolishPoet said:
This forum is for Android wear watches. You are in the wrong forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow ur right, i wasnt able to know where i put this bunch of words cz im using xda app. the app sucks to say the truth.

did another thread in software and hacking.... http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...s-manually-t3251445/post63882735#post63882735

"Manual" mac address changing

Ps: i dont know if somebody did this already so dont judge me.
While i was trying to change mac address with apps and terminal on my samsung it didnt work.i have the new samsung A5.i have found a method to change the mac address manually on samsung but needs the following:root and a root browser(can be found in playstore.first root your phone, there are alot of methods online to do that, and download esfile explorer(the root browser).when you open esfile explorer swipe from left to the right or press something on top left to open a black window called on top fast access, on this window there is a category called tools press it and now enable "root explorer" and "show hidden files", now change the category to local and press device, now go to efs-->wifi and now youll se 2 files, .mac.cob and .mac.info , in both of these files there should be only you original mac address, open each of these files if necessary,as text then with es note editor and now press on top right and press edit, now just change the mac address of yours to your victims and save these files(but dont forget the original mac address)and get out of esfile explorer and restart the phone to take changes, then go to setting--> about device-->status and youll see that your wifi mac address have changed.this operation can be reverted by doing the same method.
Wiked dudes production

Wiked dudes production

Thread close at OP's request.

FTP sever on watch lol

I managed to get an FTP sever running on my gwatch r using ES file explorer (yes it does work on wear and with root access as well if you are rooted)
I found it useful for transferring files to and from the watch to my phone LG G 3 obviously it's much faster than the other methods of Bluetooth file transfer I came accross. I also managed to do all this without touching a p.c just my phone, watch and a wifi connection.
If anyone is interested in how I did this then leave a reply and if enough people are interested I'll make a guide laugh
Sorry about the delay in getting this up lots going at work and home lately
Please read carefully as you can brick your device while playing in TWRP and I will not be held responsible for any damage caused by using this Guide.
Pre-requisites
Android device/phone (I’ll be using An LG G3 D855) or Tablet Rooted with ES file explorer and Wear media installed (play store)
Android wear device (I’ll be using a G-watch R) with root/unlocked bootloader? and TWRP installed
Wifi access point/router (your home wifi)
First of all we need to get ES file explorer on to the watch.
There are a few ways to do this (ADB ect) but I am trying to do these instruction without using a PC.
Using ES file explorer on you android device ensure root access mode is enabled (Slide from the left of the screen and scroll down to ‘Root Explorer’ and switch on) Then go to Local--- /Device/data/app Locate the ES file Explorer .APK and copy the file to another folder that doesn’t require root access ie Downloads folder
Ensure your Wear device is connected to your Android device and open Wear media on your Phone/Tablet.
Click on the picture of the Watch at the top and choose a non root destination folder for the .APK
Then click on the picture of the Phone at the top and locate the ES file Explorer .APK and click transfer/copy this will the put the .APK on your watch but not install it.
Now to install ES on your watch
Now go to your watch and reboot into recovery (TWRP)
Click mount and ensure System has an X next to it by clicking on it
Click advanced and File explorer Locate the ES .APK (mine is called something like com. Estrongs.android.pop) in the wear media destination folder you chose earlier
Click the file and click copy
Navigate to System/app and paste the .APK into this folder
Go to Wipe Advanced wipe and select Davlik Cache and Cache then swipe to wipe and reboot your device
Es should then be installed on your watch
Open the app on your watch open the menu and scroll to near the bottom and turn on root explorer and turn off gestures (there really annoying on a watch)
Then find Network and click Net manager to turn on the wifi on your watch and let it connect to your wifi access point
Just above should be Remote manager click on this and then ‘Turn on’ (this should then enable FTP access to your watch. If your go back to the watch face you should see a notification that an FTP server is running and it will give the IP address ie 192.168.xxx
Now open ES on your Phone (ensure connected to same network as the watch) open the menu and scroll to network and choose FTP
Click new at the bottom then FTP
For Server enter the address your watch is showing (192.168.xxx) tick Anonymous box
Choose a name for the device in ‘display as’ field and click ok. (please note the default port is 21 and should work in most cases but if the notification on your watch has a different port number ie 192.168.0.2:3721 use the numbers after the : so in this case I would enter 3721 into the port box under the Server part 8n ES and not leave the default of 21.
This should test the connection when you click ok
If all has worked you should now be able to click on the FTP you just created and it will show the files and folders on the watch. You can now use this to transfer files between your Phone and watch at a decent speed? ( I do backups on the watch using TWRP and transfer these to my phone or home server which also has an FTP service setup in ES)
Done
This was thrown together in about 10mins So I know it’s a bit rough. I would like to add screen shots at some point and if there are any errors you spot please let me know and I will correct ASAP (I’m sure there are loads lol)
Please also let me know if this worked for you

I would say most people would be interested so it'd would be good if you shared.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using XDA Free mobile app

FTP on a watch? lol that sounds amazing. I am interested in hearing out how you did this.

We are waiting for u

waitting

nice idea.

Sorry guys thanks for the positive response been really busy of late will try to get some basic instructions up this weekend

awesome.
gotta try it tomorrow

You can also run Airdroid app on your watch over wifi. You can upload/download files and install apks using webinterface. The tricky part is to read the port number and ip address that it displays when the app is launched. On the phone this app can do much more than that.