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I've read the answers to a similar question, but I'd like to ask it here with a very narrow scope. Assuming Windows 8, not enterprise (which means no services for unix applications providing native NFS capabilities), how can I mount an NFS share?

edit: Third party software is acceptable, and the only answer, I think.

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  • look other answer in the post you linked :) there is nfs client you can install, a free's one; citi.umich.edu/projects/nfsv4/windows
    – yagmoth555
    Jul 16, 2015 at 12:49
  • That is a little do-it-yourself... I am hoping for an answer that involves installing some software, but am not up to compiling something myself. Many people who went from windows 7 to 8 have lost the ability to use their NFS NAS, and a good answer to this question would be very helpful to a lot of people.
    – Basil
    Jul 16, 2015 at 15:36
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    Check the page, there is a binary available to download :) citi.umich.edu/projects/nfsv4/windows/120612/…
    – yagmoth555
    Jul 16, 2015 at 15:41
  • I didn't see that, I'll try it :)
    – Basil
    Jul 16, 2015 at 15:46
  • FWIW, I am running enterprise 8.1 with the NFS utils to mount a remote NFS share, and got a BSOD within 4 hours of setting it up. Might be more reliable using the third party software.
    – StampyCode
    Aug 12, 2015 at 9:26

2 Answers 2

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+50

Well, officially you can't. Here's why (may be you know it already) for reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2769923

Services for Network File System (NFS) feature is available only in the Windows 8 Enterprise edition. This feature is not available in Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro editions. Users when upgrading from Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise edition to Windows 8 Pro edition can no longer use Services for NFS feature.

So what are the alternatives? Microsoft says clear and concise:

In order to continue to use Services for NFS feature in Windows 8 client, Windows 7 users will have to upgrade to Windows 8 Enterprise edition.

So, the remaining options I can think of,

  • Doing some kind of hack.
  • Installing some third party software.

The other option that comes to my mind, is to use samba file sharing, if the requirements are fulfilled.

P.S. I'm not going to recommend a particular product here as it goes against Serverfault's policy. You can search for it in internet and find one that best suits your need.

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  • I am looking for a third party option, I will edit the question to make that clearer. Also, Microsoft has withdrawn their media pack that allows the upgrade to 8.1 pro. If you edit this answer to explain how to use one of the third party options, I'll accept it and reward the bounty :)
    – Basil
    Nov 18, 2015 at 17:25
  • @Basil, as you can see, I have updated my answer and removed the third party software names, as product recommendation goes against serverfault's policy. The one softwared that I have found Ex2Fsd seems robust and easy to me. But I haven't tried it yet. You can give it a try,
    – Diamond
    Nov 22, 2015 at 10:02
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I think if you want stability then you should opt for commercial solution. I tried several free client but they were all very unstable. Long time ago I had good experience with unix client software from Hummingbird. I guess the company was acquired by OpenText now but the software is still available and maintained. Here is a link. Depending on your situation $245 may be too steep for a single piece of software though.

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