Installing WHS Mobile Friday, September 25 2009 - Announcements

While the documentation is in the works, I figured I’d better write up how to setup and install the add-in.

  • First of all, just install it through the console like any other add-in.
  • Next, go into your router’s control panel and port forward port 8169 (TCP)
  • Go back to the WHS Console and click settings.
  • On the left side of the settings dialog, scroll down and click WHS Mobile.
  • You will see a drop down box. Click the arrow to the right of it.
  • Select the user you want to give certain permissions to.
  • Then go through and check the boxes for each feature you want to allow.
  • If you want to allow another user, select the user and repeat the checkbox process.

For iPhone:

  • Before launching WHS Mobile, go to the iPhone’s settings.
  • You will see WHS Mobile on the very bottom of the settings page, tap it.
  • For domain, enter in your home server’s remote access domain. (e.g.: myname.homeserver.com)
  • The username is one of the accounts you setup in the add-in.
  • The password is the account that goes with that username.

For Windows Mobile:

  • After launching WHS Mobile. Click Actions and then Settings.
  • Enter in your home server’s remote access domain. (e.g.: myname.homeserver.com)
  • The username you configured in the add-in
  • And the password that goes with the username.
  • After you are done entering in the specified fields, click Save.
  • Then click Connect to connect to your WHS.

I’ve changed the add-in once again, to further automate specific setup tasks. So please use this version (v1.5.2) and follow the instructions above.

Comments

Stephen L on 9.25.2009 at 12:43 AM

Thanks for this Brent. I know some people have had a few issues in getting this up and running but I want to thank you for your efforts. You are clearly all over it and respond promptly to everyone who posts issues here. I know you are a one man band and that you probably haven't slept much in the last few days!


Fleon on 9.25.2009 at 4:14 AM

Hey, it works! Picked it up today.

So now for a feature request? I can view pictures just fine, but it's really slow over AT&T's network- is it possible to have this add-in optimize and shrink down the pic before sending to the phone when using "view"? Would be fantastic!

Thanks!


Rod on 9.25.2009 at 9:35 AM

I am excited about this, but can't pass my router settings. I did enable the port forwarding, but my ipod touch still can't connect (and i did set it up). error is either the WHS Mobile domain is incorrect (which I don't think so) or the domain cannont be contacted (which I am guessing is the cause). I have a D-Link DIR-655. The router also has Virtual Server rules and applications rules, options near the port forwarding rules. Honestly , they kind of look very similar, if not the same to me. I never know which one to use. Took me forever to set up the logitech squeezebox duet... Can't wait for this to work though. Thanks~!


Robert on 9.25.2009 at 2:54 PM

Well, followed the steps above. Opened the port and verified settings via telnet. Everytime I run the iphone app I get the invalid domain message. If I'm on the local subnet the message comes across pretty fast. If I'm on ATT it takes longer but eventually times out. Not really sure what to try next. IIS shows the website installed and I've verified the domain name. xxxx.homeserver.com that is the correct syntax right?


Brent Friedman on 9.25.2009 at 9:17 PM

Rod,

Try reading this: www.portforward.com/.../default.htm It may help.

Robert,

What version of the add-in do you have installed? It'll say in the WHS Mobile settings tab via the WHS Console. If you have 1.5 or 1.5.1, install 1.5.2 that's linked to in this blog post. When on your LAN, try using the local IP of the WHS versus the domain name. Does it work then?

Fleon,

I'm working on see why there is such a drastic change in speed over 3G.

Stephen L,

I actually hadn't slept in a couple days up until now.


Peter on 9.26.2009 at 7:47 AM

Brent, thanks for the excellent support. I applied the port forwarding as you suggested and all seems to be working now.

Great app.


Dallas Knox on 9.26.2009 at 9:59 AM

Brent,

Just wanted to drop a line and say thanks for the app and to let you know about an issue I had with the app.

I was trying to use the administrator account to log on through the Iphone version and it crashes the app. When I use a named account it works perfect. I tried this with the Guest account and it seems to work very well also. So just the admin account seem's to be crashing the app.

Hope this helps


Gary on 9.26.2009 at 12:39 PM

I'm still having trouble with one of my accounts.

I followed all the steps as stated above. Now, I can reach the WCF service page both from LAN and WAN no problem. My accounts are configured under the WHS Mobile settings page (on the server). Attempting to log in with one of my accounts works fine. Trying to log in with the other gives me a "Oops! Domain not blah blah" message. Both have access to all folders and are configured for remote access. Neither are admin accounts.

For the iPhone settings, I used the format SERVER: myprefix.homeserver.com

USERNAME: [account name, no domain]

PASSWORD: [password]

Port fowarding is definately set up on my router, which I can verify both by hitting the WCF service page and using www.canyouseeme.org.

The only difference I see between the accounts is that the one that isn't working has a space in the name. Any thoughts?


Gary on 9.26.2009 at 12:43 PM

P.S. - Going into my music folder gives me a "Please Wait" screen for a terribly long time (several minutes). I have about 1200 albums -- is WHS Mobile getting the entire list at once, or does it use paging of some sort?

Thanks for your time.


Ian on 9.26.2009 at 1:25 PM

Would agree with Gary. I can only get this to work if the username does not have a space in. Using a username with a space in results in the Domain no etc error.


Brent Friedman on 9.26.2009 at 6:28 PM

Dallas Knox,

I'll allow Administrator through. I actually had it blocked by code for security reasons.

Gary,

It's a bug (found by Shibby). Please read his comment that says how to get around it ( http://blog.compugeeksoftware.com/blog/addins/releases/whs-mobile-1-5/#comment-993 )

As for long load times, that's because the code assumes there will be thumbnails to go with it. I don't think the delay is from getting the folder listing. For smoother/faster scrolling, WHS Mobile loads the thumbnails before hand. Otherwise, it would lag when scrolling because it would download the thumbnail when it displays an item/cell. I'm still getting familiar with Objective-C and the iPhone SDK. There may be a way to have it load the thumbnails in a separate background thread. I'll have to research it along with some other suggestions.

Ian,

Please read the initial comment in reply to Gary.


Andrew on 9.27.2009 at 5:42 AM

Hi,

Looks like a great app, but I seem to have a problem to get it to run. I have configured everything but it crashes on startup on the ipod touch (wifi internal network) any ideas? I am using guest and local lan

Thanks

Andrew


David on 9.27.2009 at 12:20 PM

Funny when I write anything negative it doesn't send the comment.


Chad on 9.27.2009 at 1:05 PM

Thank you for app. Finally got it to work. I did not realize that your domain had to be prefix.homeserver.com. I had a domain of prefix.hpshare.net and this app would not work. Is it true that the domain must be prefix.homeserver.com for this to work?

Either way thanks for the great app, as it works with the homeserver.com domain.

Thanks again for you work.


Jaap on 9.27.2009 at 1:53 PM

Sounds great but despite following al the steps and those referred to in the other thread no luck.

Portforward ok. Username no spaces. I hope a solution will come. thanks Jaap


Gary on 9.27.2009 at 7:01 PM

Brent,

Thanks for the response. I should note that I haven't actually been able to get my music list to finish loading. It sits for a long time, then exits to the "dashboard" or whatever. Please let me know if you want me to pull the crash logs off my phone or anything.

P.S. - You seen MonoTouch? :- )


Brent Friedman on 9.28.2009 at 12:01 PM

Andrew,

You have at least firmware 3.0?

David,

Your comment that got automatically blocked was spam. Unless you don't consider a comment that says: "ddd" as spam.

Chad,

That's strange.. Does the *.hpshare.net sub-domain point to your IP address? It might explain some users problems though.

Jaap,

If you send me an email (can be found on the support page - link at the top of this page) I might be able to help you out.

Gary,

Thanks for letting me know. Apple submits the crash logs to the respective developers. So I should have your logs in the little developer control panel. I'll check later, I have to get to class soon. As for MonoTouch, I haven't seen it. From the name, I'm going to assume it's an iPod with single-touch (hence mono)?


ingalls on 9.28.2009 at 10:17 PM

Hello and thanks for this great plugin.

I used it with windows mobile and it worked great. Now, I have a Iphone. So I buy the plugin.

My routeur is upnp. I m under windows homeserver pp2.

I choose my user account and checked the 3 first options.

In the iphone, I put my adress IP, and my user name and pass. There is no space in the names.

It works for the first time, and after few hours, I've got the error message:

oops, No data received from the server

I use the 1.5.2 version of whs mobile.

No solution except reinstall the plugin in WHS.

Is there something I should change in WHS mobile, a security that saw my intrusion before? Or the routeur?

There should be something to change after my first intrusion wich changed that the plugin repared in the reinstallation...

thanks for help


speedtriple on 9.29.2009 at 1:15 AM

Does not work if space in username.


Stephen L on 9.29.2009 at 2:33 AM

speedtriple: this is a bug that has been addressed hete: blog.compugeeksoftware.com/.../whs-mobile-1-5


Ingalls on 9.29.2009 at 6:18 AM

My username is Ingalls, so there is no space in my username...

I don't think this is the problem.

It work after the installation of the plugin for one hour in wifi or G, and after, the message

oops, No data received from the server

thanks for help/update


Josh Morgan on 9.29.2009 at 7:10 AM

Is there a direct link for the add in for the homeserver because I did not know you had to install it on your homeserver as well. I just have the app installed on my phone.


ingalls on 9.29.2009 at 7:23 AM

http://blog.compugeeksoftware.com/blog/add-ins/WHS%20Mobile%20(v1_5_2).msi

blog.compugeeksoftware.com/.../installing-whs-


Brent Friedman on 9.29.2009 at 8:29 AM

Ingalls,

Try restarting your WHS.

Josh,

There is a link at the top of the page and now, right above this comment.


ingalls on 9.29.2009 at 9:29 AM

no change with restart...

I can't find anything... Only if I reinstall the whs plugin 1.5.2, It will work for 1 hour and after the same message...


ingalls on 9.29.2009 at 9:42 AM

I did that and it worked:

Did you get your copy working again? Remote into your WHS and navigate to C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\ in Explorer.

Next right click Temporary ASP.NET Files and choose properties. Next, click the Security tab. Click the Add button. Type in: Windows Home Server Users

Click OK. Then click the Allow check box for Full Control. Then click OK. Run iisreset and then try reconnecting with your iPhone.


ingalls on 9.29.2009 at 12:22 PM

Hope there will be soon the ability to download/open files!!

Thanks


Josh Morgan on 9.29.2009 at 5:59 PM

Thanks for the help I am now able to connect to my homeserver. It is a little slow when you are on the 3G network, I have not tried it on wireless yet. Also when I click on UPNP the app crashes.


Rod on 9.29.2009 at 6:31 PM

Brentm

"Rod, Try reading this: www.portforward.com/.../default.htm It may help." already did, and it all checked out. I am good on that end. It's something else.


Rod on 9.30.2009 at 3:19 AM

Brent, WOW you are tireles in trying assisting us all, SUPER KUDOS to you man!

I just tested the port forward and it is open. Question I have is that the little port forward app asked me to use my desktop IP address for the test and NOT the server IP, so I had to switch from 192.168.0.100, aka WHServer to 192.168.0.100, aka desktop. I then switched back to the server IP. I am assuming this is the one I need, right?

Still fighting this, will reinstall following your instructions on top of this page. Man, I can't wait for this thing to work. ;-) later


Diehard on 9.30.2009 at 3:46 AM

Thanks Brent. 1.5.2 is working for me.


theefman on 9.30.2009 at 6:37 PM

Brent, the command you gave me to uninstall the 1.0.5.5 service C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\Installutil.exe /u "C:\Program Files\Windows Home Server\WHS Mobile.Server.exe" does not work as the exe does not exist on my server, even after a reinstall of 1.0.5.5. Tried the latest version 1.5.2 and that doesnt work either, service doesnt start even after a reboot.

How can i get this uninstalled?


Brent Friedman on 9.30.2009 at 9:15 PM

@Rod,

You need to use the IP of the WHS to port forward properly.

@theefman,

try: sc delete WHSMobile

If that doesn't work:

sc delete "WHS Mobile"

@ingalls,

Working on it.

@Josh Morgan,

I'm working on both. I'm still not sure why 3G is much slower though.


Brent Friedman on 10.01.2009 at 3:39 AM

@Gary,

I've fixed the thumbnailing process. It now loads the thumbnails asynchronously without making anyone wait at a loading screen. The change will be in the 1.5.3 update once Apple approves it...


flochie on 10.01.2009 at 12:29 PM

hi brent,

i purchased the app yesterday and want to use it on my new Ipod touch (fw 3.1).

first i received the message that the domain can't be found, whether i tried through www or LAN. port is open and forwarded to WHS by IP.

now i tried creating a new user (without space) and the error message disappeared. instead now the app is crashing (both through www and LAN).

any help?


Bjoern Buerstinghaus on 10.01.2009 at 1:57 PM

Hi Brent,

have Problems with 1.5.2 on my german whs and also on a german whs vm.

My english whs vm with p3 installed works great with iPhone App and WM App.

The error on german whs occurs while the installation process is running permfixer.exe.


Brent Friedman on 10.01.2009 at 3:56 PM

flochie,

When does it crash? On launch? When you tap a specific item?

Bjoern Buerstinghaus,

Is the "Windows Home Server Users" users group spelled differently on the German WHS?


Gary on 10.03.2009 at 4:37 AM

Thanks for the update. You are a beast.

Also, Monotouch allows you to compile .NET code to run on you iPhone: http://monotouch.net/

It's got a hefty cost, and from what I've seen so far the documentation is lacking, but it's still pretty cool seeing your C# code run on the iPhone.


Bjoern Buerstinghaus on 10.03.2009 at 5:50 AM

Hi Brent,

the users group on german WHS has the same spelling - "Windows Home Server Users" - as the english version.

If you need more information let me know.


Brent Friedman on 10.03.2009 at 11:07 AM

Gary,

Interesting, thanks!

Bjoern Buerstinghaus,

I've produced a fix, but it will be in the v1.5.3 update. It's in the review process at Apple.


Bjoern Buerstinghaus on 10.03.2009 at 1:52 PM

Ok thanks


Skippi on 10.04.2009 at 3:05 PM

Hi Brent,

Just downloaded today your iPhone app from the French appstore, and installed your add-in v. 1.5.2 on my French WHS (PP2). I cannot connect to my WHS from my Iphone 3GS (OS 3.1) and please find my comments below:

- I did forward port 8169

- there was an error with Permfixer when installing the add-in (too short to read the message, but I saw the 'exception' word)

- The 'Windows Home Server Users' group on French WHS has the spelling 'Utilisateurs' (there is also another group named 'Utilisateurs avec pouvoir') ; I did allow full control to the 'Utilisateurs' group, and even added a group with the English spelling.

- last, I checked the iPhone app version and it reads version 1.0 on the French appstore and on the properties of the downloaded ipa file: ?? Could this be the source of my connection problem?

Please help, thanks!


Skippi on 10.04.2009 at 3:12 PM

Apparently the iPhone app on the US appstore also is version 1.0 ? Should it be version 1.5.3 instead ?


Stephen L on 10.05.2009 at 1:03 AM

Skippi. You are confusing the iphone app and the WHS addiin (it is confusing). It is the WHS addin that needs to be installed on your WHS using the WHS console that is v1.5.2 (v1.5.3 coming soon). The iphone app is still 1.0.


Skippi on 10.05.2009 at 6:28 AM

Yes indeed, but the iPhone app was removed from AppStore a few weeks ago: I was then expecting an update (1.01?) when back on the store ?


Robb on 10.05.2009 at 9:16 AM

Skippi. When the iPhone app was pulled from the app store, it wasn't due to a problem in the app. It was due to a problem with the add-in. Brent wisely pulled the app until the add-in could be updated to work properly with the app. So, the app is still the same version that was originally in the app store. The add-in was however updated.

It does sound like a new version of the app is awaiting Apple's approval. The new version of the app will bring added features.


Skippi on 10.05.2009 at 12:27 PM

OK Robb, thanks for the update. Although it does not help me in trying to get this promising app to work :-( I've read all the comments and applied all possible solutions that Brent wrote, including using the local IP address of my WHS, but without luck (still the "Uh oh!" message). I am wondering what's wrong ?


KenSanders on 10.05.2009 at 1:47 PM

Installed on my Touch Pro(Touch screen). Works as described. Excellent. Can't get it to open on my HTC S620 Smartphone(Non-touch screen) Both Running Windows 6.1.

Error as follows:

Unexpected error in WHS Mobile.exe

Details:

WHS Mobile.exe

NotSupportedException at Microsoft.AGL.Common.Misc.HandleAr(PAL_ERROR ar) at System.Windows.Forms.Control._InitInstance(WNT wnt, UInt32 dwStyle..........

Happy to provide the rest of the error message if needed.


Ralph on 10.06.2009 at 6:48 AM

HTC MDA VarioIII (UK) WM6.1 & v1.52

Did the port forwarding, Installed both parts, but on my mobile I get the message

The application requires a newer version of the Microsoft.Net Compact Framework than the version installed on the device.


Brad on 10.06.2009 at 10:05 PM

Had the same issue as Ralph.

Fixed by connecting my phone to my computer and making sure it could be seen by my OS.

Went here:

www.microsoft.com/.../details.aspx

Downloaded the 3.5 framework. It installed a cab file on the phone.

Once done, the app should work fine after that.

Good luck and thanks for the great app!


Brent Friedman on 10.08.2009 at 4:40 PM

Skippi,

There is a bug in the installer for non-English Systems to work around this:

Download PermFixer.zip

Extract the contents to a share on your WHS.

Remote into your WHS, and run PermFixer.exe. Then try reconnecting with your iPhone. If that doesn't work, check the Windows Application Event Log for errors on your WHS.

If you don't want to follow this, please wait for the v1.5.3 update.

 

KenSanders,

I believe I noted this in the release post but Smartphone devices (non-touch screen Windows Mobile phones) are not currently supported. I have to port the whole thing to the smartphone SDK.


Roger on 10.12.2009 at 5:14 PM

Trying to install v1.5.2 and get this message: Cannot connect to Internet Information Server (-2147221164)


Brent Friedman on 10.13.2009 at 1:03 AM

Roger,

You are trying to install it on a Windows Home Server, right? If so, restart your WHS and try again. Sounds like IIS wasn't running.


David Jacobson on 10.20.2009 at 11:19 AM

WHS Mobile 1.5.3 and the iPhone app work fine for me (clean install)! A note: might be something else, but, my port forwarding rule for port 8169 kept disappearing / removing itself after some use. I would have to remote back into the WHS console and recreate it. I then created the 8169 port in the UPnP section of the iPhone app itself (it was not there) and it persisted. Makes me wonder if the WHS Mobile iPhone App might accidentally be removing the 8169 forwarding rule???


Ed on 10.22.2009 at 5:55 AM

I've seen this add-in mentioned several times on WeGotServed, but have only just taken the plunge. Following your instructions, all worked fine - connected first time!

[Thanks must go to the Router Control add in, which allowed me to do everything, including set up the port forwarding, remotely from my browser at work!]


Brent Friedman on 10.22.2009 at 5:12 PM

David,

So you created a manual port forward but that kept removing itself but a dynamic one (via UPnP) stuck? I'm not sure why.


Chris on 11.15.2009 at 9:19 AM

After working through technical problems on the server and my Treo Pro (WM6.1) I'm communicating but get incorrect password errors. As much as I can tell the password is right. I tried to copy/paste from a clear text note to be sure, but your app won't let me paste. The ability to display the password when first entering it would be nice. Besides that, though, I'm certain I've entered it correctly.

The "Enable Remote Access to PCs" option is disabled in Settings. Is that known? My phone is WM.

The server version number is 1.5.2


jdhonse on 11.16.2009 at 6:37 PM

I am having the wrong password error. I am using ver. 1.5.2 and have reinstalled, ran iisreset, port is forwarded on router and firewall. I have tried multiple users, same error. When I try to browse the /mobile.svc page, I get a mesage stating that

Metadata publishing for this service is currently disabled. Along with a lot of stuff that I don't understand. Any advise?


jdhonse on 11.16.2009 at 8:45 PM

I just found ver. 1.5.3 and fixed the logon error stated earlier. now the only problem is app crashing on large pictures file. Is there a fix yet?

Thanks for an awesome app! I am very excited about this app and will be looking forward to upcoming updates.


jdhonse on 11.16.2009 at 8:45 PM

I just found ver. 1.5.3 and fixed the logon error stated earlier. now the only problem is app crashing on large pictures file. Is there a fix yet?

Thanks for an awesome app! I am very excited about this app and will be looking forward to upcoming updates.


Kevin on 11.30.2009 at 9:02 PM

Just bought your app. Followed all the directions on the site. Ports are corrected forwarded. Have installed v1.5.2 twice now. I can access the server from the web using same account I entered in WHS Mobile on the iPhone. Everytime I use the app, I get the same message..."the system has failed to login. Are you sure you have the right password?" Would like a workaround or a refund.


Kevin on 12.04.2009 at 10:23 PM

Installed v1.5.3 and all is well. Would love to be able to stream video...


dodcom6 on 12.10.2009 at 7:46 AM

downloaded earlier versions of Iphone app and it wouldn not connect. 1.5.3 seems to have fixed logging in issues. Issues with opening picture files like jdhonse; crashing. It's worth the 1.99, I mean c'mon it's 1.99! It's a great start and I look forward to some updates...


Jens on 1.12.2010 at 8:30 AM

Thank you for this Great Iphone WHS App.

Hope the WOL feature will soon be part of the program.

Thanks o lot Great Work