Access to external HDD?

Lexx

Hey!

I'm thinking about getting a external HDD for the Pi.
But before I do that, I have a question. Or maybe two ;)

When using the external HDD, can you access the files through the network? Would make it extremely easy to manage games and other media.

Do I have to get a USB Y-Cable, one connected to the Pi and one to the PC?

Or are both methods not possible?

Any help would be appreciated 💛
Lexx

backstander

When using the external HDD, can you access the files through the network? Would make it extremely easy to manage games and other media.

Yes, you can setup the external HDD to be shared over your network.

To do this, you'll need to add something like this to the bottom of your /etc/samba/smb.conf

[external]
comment = external
path = /media/usb0/
writeable = yes
guest ok = yes
create mask = 0644
directory mask = 0755
force user = pi

This should work as long as your external HDD is mounted at /media/usb0/

You can use most of the information from here also with external HDDs
https://retropie.org.uk/docs/Running-ROMs-from-a-USB-drive/

Do I have to get a USB Y-Cable, one connected to the Pi and one to the PC?

I don't think you can connect an external HDD to 2 different devices/PCs at the same time.

ExarKunIv

oh cool i was wondering how to do that for my usb, i knew there must be a way. i just never looked too hard. other things on my plate

backstander

other things on my plate

I completely understand that!

Lexx

@backstander Thank you very much!

Just ordered one. Will try it as soon as it arrives.