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Simple Samba Share on Ubuntu/Debian (Full English Guide)

Step 1: Install Samba

sudo apt update
sudo apt install samba -y

Check Samba version:

smbd --version

Step 2: Create Share Folder

sudo mkdir -p /srv/samba/share

Set permissions (for testing, full access):

sudo chmod 0777 /srv/samba/share

In production, use proper ACLs instead of 0777.

Step 3: Create Samba User

Samba user must exist on the system:

sudo useradd sambauser
sudo passwd sambauser

Add user to Samba:

sudo smbpasswd -a sambauser
sudo smbpasswd -e sambauser

Step 4: Configure Samba

Edit config file:

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Add at the end:

[Share]
   path = /srv/samba/share
   browsable = yes
   writable = yes
   guest ok = no
   read only = no
   force user = sambauser

Step 5: Check Configuration

testparm

Fix errors if any.

Step 6: Restart Samba

sudo systemctl restart smbd nmbd
sudo systemctl enable smbd nmbd

Step 7: Configure Firewall (if UFW is enabled)

sudo ufw allow samba

Step 8: Connect from Windows

  1. Press Win + R.
  2. Enter:
\\<server_ip>\Share
  1. Use Samba username/password.

Step 9: Troubleshooting

  • Check logs:
journalctl -xeu smbd
  • Validate config:
testparm
  • Test share availability:
smbclient -L localhost -U sambauser