Scan To Folder, Possible Workaround for Vista

[Toner Boy]

Hello,

Below was posted in a previous thread named "Scan To Folder, Impossible With Windows Vista". I thought that if this is a universal solution for everyone with the continuing SMB scanning issues, this information should be posted in a new thread for all to see.

Okay... I finally decided to look for alternatives. If Vista CANNOT scan via SMB with a network folder as a destination (Or difficult to setup SMB), then scan via FTP... I know... some MS operating systems do not have the FTP service available. So, get a 3rd party FTP program!

I downloaded the FREE version of Golden FTP Server and installed on my Windows Vista Home Premium. Setup took me less than a minute and I scanned a PDF within seconds!

Hint: You must add a folder under 'Open shares' and 'Enable full control'. Also, I am not certain if this is the same with all Vista Home PC's, but I could not access the FTP server with the computer name; only the IP address (i.e. 'ftp://192.168.0.7/scans').

On the Scanner Machine: FTP Option must be available. You may be able to leave the username and password blank (this is what I did since the scan was accessing anonymously). Generally, the shared folder for FTP would need to be typed in the directory feld as follows:

'/scanFolder' - This is true for most Sharp machines.

Let me know if ths helps anyone.

Aaron

[DarthAlbin]

Running this would open port 21 on the PC. This presents a security risk. Make certain you have informed permission from cust IT before running this

[Cipher]

I agree with DarthAlbin.

Scan to FTP is a completely different method of scanning.
Most administrators would not tolerate a FTP service running on a workstation within their domain.

[tmaged]

Once I figured out the easiest way to do it is add the shared folder in the Public folder, I haven't had a problem scanning to Vista.

[Master-of-None]

Two things to look for in a Free 3rd Party FTP Utility.

1. Use a FTP utility that allows for simple Ip white list control.
Create a white list that only allows the MFP's IP.

2. Use a FTP utility that can run as a service instead of as an application.


As with everything there are always security risks.

But lets be real ....
A Properly configured FTP Server is less of a risk then smb will ever be.



Connect ON !!!

[TheOwl]

Don't know if most people know this, but there is an inbuilt FTP server within Windows Pro and Server Editions.

To install it, goto "Add/Remove Programs" then "ADD/Remove Windows Components". There is a part in there called "IIS" or "Internet Information Service". Double click on that and tick "File Tranfer Protocol (FTP) Service".

Once installed, it can be administered by by going to "Administrative Tools" then "Internet Information Service".

I haven't had too many problems with IT people letting me install this as it is a Windows component and not a third party solution. You still have the problem of having to open up port 21 on the computers firewall, but you have a greater chance of installing it because it is made by Microsoft.

[wavetrain]

A little off topic since you are talking about serving FTP, but...

I recomend the Freeware program 'FTP Surfer' from Wisper Technology as an excellent FTP client.

[Star]

(Quote)
"Once I figured out the easiest way to do it is add the shared folder in the Public folder, I haven't had a problem scanning to Vista." (unquote)

What do you do with those Vista computers where someone has kindly deleted/eliminated the public folder?

[TheOwl]

Ok, I think I may have found the issue with scanning to shared folders in Vista. I was working on a Vista machine today with a newly created share and the Toshiba that I was working on, couldn't send through the file.

I am pretty sure that Vista as a default, requires "Digital Signing of SMB Packets" which is part of the Group Policy. As soon as I enabled the digital signing of SMB packets on the Toshiba, everything started to work.

Not all machines are capable of doing this, but you can turn of the digital signatures from the Vista machine. Not a good chance that the clients IT people would agree to this, but the option is still there.

[copy shop]

Scanning to ANY folder on XP Vista, 2003 etc

I setup several computers in the same office with vista , xp and windows 2003 on the network.


this is the software i use . Scan Trip -- See attachment

• Once installed , Then you simply input the ip address of the copier, create the scanning forlder - it's default is C:\scans. If you want to use that, you have to create that folder first in your c drive.
• If you want to use a shared network folder, then browse to the network folder, copy the folders address and paste it into the scantrip software in place of c:\scans, then at the top under settings, choose SAVE settings. (or you will have to do this everytime you open scantrip)
• Put your paper on the top adf tray
• Put the coper in scan mode, select NETWORK, then HDD
• Select manual address in bottom right corner
• type in a name or test as name in box 1
• in box 2 - press the hard key #1 so the box number is 0001
• then press entry to save it, it will say press start to scan-
• Then after it scans go to your computer, open scantrip and select retrieve, and be sure to check the box DELETE after retrieval, and this will keep the controller hard drive clear of scanned files.
• Once you have retrieved the file, it should be in pdf format providing your copier is set to scan to pdf.
• If not you will need to turn this feature on in the 25 mode, which you will find in your service manual.

[print_scan]

Never heard of SMB problems with Vista

What machine are you connecting? It could be that the machine you are trying to do SMB scanning cannot produce the digital signature that Vista requires for security. Check the manufacturers tech support and upload latest firmware.

[TheOwl]

Ok, found another possible solution to the original problem of SMB. Reading through one of the other threads posted with similar information, I remembered a few things and TonerBomb (from this forum group) has posted a PDF with all the information you will need. Thanks goes to TonerBomb for the information which reminded me.

First of all, Vista provides three main network locations when you first connect to a new network.

Home
Public
Work

Each network location has a different set of rules and polocies attached. If you right click on "Network" and go to the properties, this will take you to the "Network and Sharing Centre". Here you will be shown a section named "Sharing and Discovery".

You might find that "File Sharing" is set to off. Now this can be turned off, but you can still have access to the "Public Folder Sharing" if it is turned on.

Turn your "File Sharing" on and everything should be good. But remember that Vista still requires signing of digital smb packets and if your machine isn't capable of this, then you might run into other problems.