How to transfer files over wi-fi to a Blackberry Playbook

I have been playing around with a Blackberry Playbook (no pun intended) recently to see what is the best way to access network shares and transfer files.  Today I will show you how to mount your Playbook as a network share on a Windows 7 system and transfer files to it.  This works for Workgroups only as I have not yet tried connecting a Playbook to Active Directory.

On the Playbook

1. On the home screen tap on Settings (this is the grey cog on the top right hand corner of the screen).
2. We need to jot down the ip address of the Playbook so tap on About – Network.  You should see the IPv4, IPv6 and MAC Address.  Write down the IPv4 address as we will need this later.
3. Now in Settings scroll down the menu on the left until you come to Storage and Sharing and tap on it.  Locate Network Identification and tap on Properties.  This is where you enter details for the network so choose a name for your Playbook, enter the name of your Workgroup and a User name to access the Playbook when it is mounted.  Once done tap Back.
4. Back on the Storage and Sharing screen make sure that File Sharing, Wi-Fi Sharing and Password Protect options are all set to on.
5. Tap on Change Password to set a password to access the files when the Playbook is mounted.

Your Playbook is now correctly configured.  Now onto Windows 7.

On Windows 7

1. Go to Start – Run and in the Open box type file://10.0.0.172 where 10.0.0.172 is the address of the Playbook on the network.
2. A box should appear asking for network credentials.  Enter the username and password you set up earlier on the Playbook.
3. Once accepted you will see two shared folders on the screen – certs and media.  All of your files will be in media.  You can now happily transfer files back and forth between your PC and your Playbook.

Update 22/03/12

If you just want to get data off the Playbook an easier way is to download an app called Wifi File Explorer.  Once downloaded and installed you can access the data through a web page!!

About the Author

Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling.

For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more.