Need NFS Server for Windows 7/8 so that I can access it from ESXi

[IT_Architect]

Need NFS Server for Windows 7/8 so that I can access it from ESXi  that I have running on VMware Workstation.  I've tried FreeNFS, but it  doesn't seem to work right.  I can get ESXi to take it, and I can create  files on it, but when I try to add a VM to inventory it comes up with  unknown.  invalid.  When I go there via SSH, and to an ls, it shows the  files, but returns unknown when I type pwd, so there is something not  right there.  Anybody know of a good NFS Server for Windows 7/8 that works for this?

Thanks!

[vmroyale]

Just wondering - why not build out a Linux NFS guest in Workstation as well? Or use the NFS in Openfiler the same way?

[IT_Architect]

In the production environment I use Windows 2003 Servers with UNIX tools for that.  They also are my schedulers to run scripts on all of the VMs, a centralized cron so to speak, so I can schedule, visually see, disable when needed, and run now when desired.  With Workstation, I can do the same thing with Windows 7/8 to prove scripts and batch files.  I could do something like what you suggest or with FreeNAS.  I'd then have to us an NFS client on Windows and need another VM.  This way I can just work in Windows to download and drag files around, and have Windows export directories as I do in the production environment...that is provided I can find something that works right.  LOL!

Thanks!

[kpcongdon]

Just a thought, your FreeNAS install may have defaulted to NFS4, which would cause problems for Vsphere.  Check that and make sure it's exporting its volumes VIA NFS3, and you should be able to connect. 

Also, FreeNAS is able to export the same volumes via CIFS, so your Windows servers should be able to access the volumes as well if you enable CIFS.

[IT_Architect]

Oops!  I think you missed something Kurt.  I used FreeNFS, not FreeNAS.  FreeNFS uses 2.0 and 3.0.

Thanks!