The File Explorer module is used to upload, download, edit, and delete files located on a Windows File Share directly from the portal without needing an FTP or Remote Desktop session.

This module functions outside the realm of the normal permissions hierarchy. Permissions are managed by administrative users with access to the target Windows File Share.

This module requires specific configuration prior to use in the Module Settings editor. Please see the File Explorer Configuration page for configuration instructions.

The File Explorer module depends on existing Windows File Shares that are accessible to the system service account.

The module can be configured to display any number files in a directory tree, but large file sets may cause local performance issues. You cannot upload or download a file larger than 3GB using this module. Uploading or downloading files larger than 1GB may cause local performance issues.

Viewing and Downloading Files

To view and download files the end-user must have the appropriate permissions to the configured destination file share as described in File Explorer Configuration.

The module works very similar to the Windows Explorer on your desktop in that it displays hierarchically in a tree on left side of the screen. When you select a folder in the tree the contents of that folder appear on the right side.

Click the file name hyperlink to download the file to your browser or click the icon to initiate a remote session to view and/or edit the file.

Editing Folders and Files

As long as the Allow Changes option is configured and interactive user has the appropriate permissions to the remote folder they can perform relevant add, rename, and delete operations from the browser. By pressing the Upload button the user can choose to upload a file from their local file system to the remote folder.

Using RemoteApp with the File Explorer Module

To use RemoteApp to view files remotely the module must be configured to use RemoteApp Code in File Explorer Configuration.

If enabled, users will see and can click on the icon next to a file to launch a Remote Desktop session and open the selected file with the default editing tool configured on the remote server. The file is opened on a Remote Desktop Session Host - not your local machine.

NOTE: To use the RemoteApp capability of the module the Prerequisites for Remote Desktop must be met.

NOTE: Because RemoteApp files are generated on the fly they will not be digitally signed and you may receive a warning on your local machine when using these shortcuts. In most cases this can be safely ignored but in some environments you may be restricted from running unsigned code.

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