[html] An URL to a Windows shared folder

Is there a way to incorporate a working link to a Windows shared folder into an HTML page? E.g. a link to \\server\folder\path?

For simplicity, let's say the page will be opened on a Windows machine (and on the same intranet where the server is located, of course.)

I've tried a few tricks with file:// scheme, but none of them seemed to work.

File protocol URIs are like this

file://[HOST]/[PATH]

that's why you often see file URLs like this (3 slashes) file:///c:\path...

So if the host is server01, you want

file://server01/folder/path....

This is according to the wikipedia page on file:// protocols and checks out with .NET's Uri.IsWellFormedUriString method.

This depend on how you want to incorporate it. The scenario 1. click on a link 2. explorer window popped up

<a href="\\server\folder\path" target="_blank">click</a>

If there is a need in a fancy UI - then it will barely serve as a solution.

If you are allowed to go further then javascript/html facilities - I would use the apache web server to represent your directory listing via http.

If this solution is appropriate. these are the steps:

1. download apache hhtp server from one of the mirrors http://httpd.apache.org/download.cgi

2. unzip/install (if msi) it to the directory e.g C:\opt\Apache (the instruction is for windows)

3. map the network forlder as a local drive on windows (\server\folder to let's say drive H:)

4. open conf/httpd.conf file

5. make sure the next line is present and not commented

   LoadModule autoindex_module modules/mod_autoindex.so

6. Add directory configuration

<Directory "H:/path">

Options +Indexes

AllowOverride None

Order allow,deny

Allow from all

</Directory> 7. Start the web server and make sure the directory listingof the remote folder is available by http. hit localhost/path 8. use a frame inside your web page to access the listing

What is missed: 1. you mignt need more fancy configuration for the host name, refer to Apache Web Server docs. Register the host name in DNS server

1. the mapping to the network drive might not work, i did not check. As a posible resolution - host your web server on the same machine as smb server.