Belkin N+ Network Drive

[BaRR]

I decided to set up a network drive today. Problem is, networking isn't my forte and I'm at a loss of how to access the drive. The Belkin Router says that it recognizes the drive, but I'm not sure how to access it remotely. Help please?

[dahlarbear]

The Belkin Router says that it recognizes the drive...

1.  What does this mean?  How, where, and what does it say...

2.  Is this "network drive" a self-contained unit that plugs directly into the network (plugs into ethernet switch or hub; not connected directly to a computer port)?

3.  What is the make and model name/number of this product (network drive)?

[BaRR]

Thanks for the response. As long as the USB drive isn't unsupported, the USB indicator on the router should turn blue. It turned blue just like the manual said it would, but I don't know how to access it.

This is the product: http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=459640

Basically, the router has a USB port on the back which you plug a USB stick or external hard drive into, and you should be able to access it from other computers on the network. I'm not sure how to go about this, though, as I've never networked anything besides my Dell (Actually Lexmark, branded Dell) Printer.

[Computer_Commando]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/maintain/mapdrive.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/windows_share_your_folders.mspx?mfr=true

[BaRR]

Ok, that's helpful. But it doesn't solve my problem, because the drive isn't showing in the Networking section.




[Saving space, attachment deleted by admin]

[dahlarbear]

1.  I've found three Belkin references relevant to the USB storage device that you may attach to your router:
     a.  F5D8235-4 N+ Wireless Router - Product Manual  (aka User Manual)
     b.  F5D8235-4 N+ Wireless Router - Storage Manager Software
     c.  Which Hard drives are compatible with the N+ router

Please note, Windows 7 is not listed as a compatible operating system for the optional Storage Manager Software.  Perhaps the documentation hasn't caught up with the product...

2.  User Manual.  See pages 20 through 21 within the PDF document (using page numbers in the document).  If you install the optional Storage Manager Software, they claim the storage device will appear as a drive letter within your "My Computer" folder on each computer the software is installed.  They also claim use of this software permits you to safely eject the device.  Software appears to be available on setup CD that came with your router or the download page reference given above (don't know if they are same version or whether update is available).

If you choose not to install the software, they claim you can access the storage device from any computer using its device name (volume label?).  For example, from a browser address box enter "\\192.168.2.1\DeviceName" without the quotes.  I think on Windows XP you could also access device from Start -> Run box using same address "\\192.168.2.1\DeviceName".

Another interesting feature, they claim if you plug a suitable USB hub into the USB port of the router; you can share up to four USB storage devices through it (you must provide adequate power to hub and drives).

Interesting...  Let us know how it works out.

[BaRR]

Thanks. That's actually why I asked the question here, the manual isn't very helpful. So far, the ONLY error messages I've gotten from the router weren't covered in the manual. Go figure. I'll try the software out and see if it works on W7, I've had many Vista apps run just fine on it.

[BaRR]

AFAIK the software doesn't seem to be compatible with Windows 7, but I'm just confirming what you already said.

[dahlarbear]

These links report some success (and what they did):
     a.  Can not map network drive on Belkin N+ (Good stuff starts at Response 17)
     b.  WD My Book 1TB not recognised by belkin modem router USB storage