Fool-proof NAS software that is free and is well documented

[Benxd10]

I have been waisting my time trying to setup many NAS softwares such as:
FreeNAS
Nas4free
Unraid
Ubuntu

My problem is that these softwares either work but cost money, don't even boot, or have unfix-able permission errors.
I have wasted weeks trying to fix these problems via reading online forums.
Now i am finally posting my problem to a forum.

 

[USAFRet]

What are you wanting this to do?
What hardware will this be on?

Any Linux OS can be used on a PC to serve as a NAS box.
Just takes a bit of learning.

 

[Benxd10]

I wish to just be able to store files on my network.
I am currently using a Dell Optiplex 745 with a Q6600(not exacly recommeded due to tdp), and
3 left over HDD's (1TB, .75TB, 32TB).

 

[USAFRet]

I wish to just be able to store files on my network.
I am currently using a Dell Optiplex 745 with a Q6600(not exacly recommeded due to tdp), and
3 left over HDD's (1TB, .75TB, 32TB).

(I'm assuming that "32TB" is a typo for "3TB")

That function can be done with any OS.
Linux, Windows, FreeNAS, etc, etc, etc.

My previous house server was a low end Pentium G840, running Win 7, then 8.1, then 10.
You're most probably most comfortable with Windows, so any other DIY option will incur a bit of a learning curve.

I recently bought a Qnap NAS box to do this function.

 

[Benxd10]

Okay, i am most proficient in windows, so ill use windows 7.
My problem, in the past, was dealing with permission errors.
Could you direct me to a guide that is legit for fixing those errors, or must i give more information because i am being vague?

 

[USAFRet]

Okay, i am most proficient in windows, so ill use windows 7.
My problem, in the past, was dealing with permission errors.
Could you direct me to a guide that is legit for fixing those errors, or must i give more information because i am being vague?

On the 'server' box:

File and Print Sharing
Network Discovery
Password protected sharing - OFF
Right click on a particular folder, Share With...
Permissions = Everybody.

On the client systems:
You should be able to see this shared folder on the Win 7 box.
If so, map a drive letter to that folder.

A guide from Microsoft, here.
Other sources...
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-share-folders-without-homegroups-in-windows-7-3434911/
http://www.digitalcitizen.life/share-libraries-or-folders-using-advanced-sharing
http://www.wikihow.com/Add-a-Shared-Folder-in-Windows-7

 

[Benxd10]

Ill try that when i get my server up and running.
My concern is that I've tried that a long time ago, and sometimes it worked.

 

[USAFRet]

Ill try that when i get my server up and running.
My concern is that I've tried that a long time ago, and sometimes it worked.

Done correctly, it 'just works'. Not sometimes...all the time.

 

[Benxd10]

please click the link to see my issue. it is a photo which i was unable to add the normal way.
LINK
This is what i meant by sometimes, but i should have been more specific.

EDIT; i can access any other pc on the network just fine and the server PC can copy files from my main pc from over the network.

 

[USAFRet]

please click the link to see my issue. it is a photo which i was unable to add the normal way.
LINK
This is what i meant by sometimes, but i should have been more specific.

That is either permissions, or that system is offline.

 

[Benxd10]

I just rechecked the option of password protected file sharing and it was not how i set it last time.
Every other setting was exactly the same as i set them before.
I don't know why password protection changed and not the rest.
Now that my problem in my last post has been fixed i have another problem.
Click this to see my issue.

 

[USAFRet]

And you've specifically shared "New Folder"?

 

[Benxd10]

I have not specifically shared the folder.
I assumed that sharing the entire disk also shares its sub-folders.
Now that i have shared that "New Folder" it works.