Windows XBMC remote connect to WHS

I have a Windows Home Server in one location where I have all my movies stored. This server is sourced by my Apple TV which is on my local network and it works just fine.

Now, I've set up remote domain web access (HTTPS) with username and password on this same WHS so I can access all the same movies via the internet from a second residence. However, whenever I attempt to connect to this WHS from the remote Win7 machine with XBMC I either get an error that it can't connect or if I persist I get what looks like an empty root folder. I can connect to the server remotely from the same Win7 machine just fine via an internet browser with login credentials and I can see and have access to the files there.

I've tried a myriad of things from using no remote folder to copying the exact root path from the internet browser. Using no specific port (because there wasn't one in the browser bar) to trying both common https ports. Nothing so far has worked. I'm not sure if the problem lies with the WHS setup or with XBMC, but if anyone out there has an idea of what might be the issue I'm all ears.

Has anyone had issues like this? I'm all ears for any suggestions...

There are a few things to consider when attempting what you are trying to do.

- What protocol are you trying to use on the Win7 XBMC PC to access the WHS (NFS, SMB, FTP, etc...)?
- Have you opened the corresponding ports on the firewall and the WHS for said protocol?

Remote domain web access is not practical. You are better off looking into Dynamic DNS (assuming you don't have a fixed IP).

The easiest way to do what you are trying to do is configure FTP (SFTP preferably) sharing on the WHS, open the necessary ports on the router and the WHS (it has its own firewall). Configure the remote XBMC site to access the FTP shares. I highly recommend you make the FTP shares read only and password protected.

After all this is done, I hope you have a good ISP with good upload speed or the streams will buffer making them unwatchable.