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MemberManual / TransferringFiles / OpenAFS / Windows

This is the chapter of the MemberManual that describes how to install the OpenAFS client on Windows.

TableOfContents

Please note that OpenAFS runs a service so you must have a user account on Windows that allows management of services. For example, the powerusers group on Windows XP has such privileges but the default limited users account does not.

Software to Download

You will need to download the latest versions of the following software:

  1. Kerberos - [http://web.mit.edu/Kerberos/dist/index.html download page]. We recommend downloading the "Installer" with the EXE extension.

  2. OpenAFS Client - [http://www.openafs.org/pages/windows.html download page]. We recommend downloading the "32-bit EXE installer for individual installations".

Installation

Kerberos

First, install Kerberos. Here's some details to input at certain dialog prompts during the installation:

  1. Choose Components -- select only KfW client and KfW documentation.

  2. Kerberos Configuration -- the defaults are fine. Ensure "Use packaged configuration files for the ATHENA.MIT.EDU realm." is selected.

  3. Network Identity Manager Setup -- the defaults are fine but you can safely uncheck this as OpenAFS will automate Kerberos authentication.

  4. Proceed with the installation.

OpenAFS

Install OpenAFS and input the following when the appropriate dialog prompts:

  1. Choose Components -- select only AFS Client.

  2. CellServDB Configuration -- the defaults are highly recommended. Ensure "Use packaged CellServDB file." is marked.

  3. Client Cell Name Configuration -- For "Enter AFS cell name" use hcoop.net. The rest of the defaults are sound.

  4. AFS Credentials Configuration -- These defaults are good unless you would prefer to launch the AFS client manually.

  5. Proceed with the installation and reboot.

Post-Install Configuration

Assuming you allowed the AFS client to start at boot, you will be presented with the prompt below this paragraph. If you did not, then navigate into the Start Menu and open the AFS Client.

attachment:afs_obtain_new_afs_tokens.png

hcoop.net should be the AFS cell. Enter only your HCoop username and your Kerberos password. Press enter. If successful, you will notice that in your system tray a lock icon will be clearly visible without any red markings.

Now click on that lock and the following dialog should appear but tailored to your user credentials:

attachment:afs_show_tokens.png

Click on the Driver Letters tab and then click the Add button at the bottom of the dialog so that you see this:

attachment:afs_map_drive_letter.png

As the screen capture shows, you can enter in the location of your home directory. If your username is test then your AFS home directory is at /afs/hcoop.net/user/t/te/test. Click OK. Now go to My Computer and see if there is a new drive icon. It may well be named auton, where n is an integer. It may also be named whatever you provided to the Submount editbox (see above).

Now you should have access to AFS using explorer or any software such as text editors.

Hints and Tips

If you are using Explorer to view your AFS share, your right-click on file or folder context menu will have a new entry called AFS. Within this sub-menu, you will find tools that allow changing of Access Control Lists (permissions), creating new mount points, and more. With this context menu, it is possible that you won't have to ever use the command-line to manage your share!

Troubleshooting

AFS Worked, But Now it Doesn't

Sometimes when a computer goes to sleep and then resumes, the AFS service will not work. This may also be the case in other situations.

That said, the first step to solving AFS problems is to stop and start the AFS service using the AFS Client.

  1. Click on the Advanced Tab.

  2. Click on Stop Service and wait a few moments.

  3. Click Start Service.

You should now be ready to use your AFS shares. Again, please note that you must have appropriate privileges to stop and start services.

Vista Users: It is better to click on the AFS Client Advanced Tab and then click on the Configure AFS Client button. User Access Control (UAC) will then be initiated so that you can stop and start the service under the General Tab. UAC is new to OpenAFS Client as of version 1.5.26. If you still receive privilege errors, then run the AFS Client as Administrator.