In our previous article we showed you how to create an iSCSI target on a free SAN server called OpenFiler. In this article we will show you how you can connect a Windows Seven machine to an iSCSI target. Once connected, you should be able to mount it as a local hard drive. iSCSI is the next best protocol after Fiber Channel because it offers good speeds and is not as expensive as Fiber Channel (as a matter of fact you can have free iSCSI target servers such as OpenFiler). iSCSI is a preferred choice for IT users especially those who work on virtualization platforms such as VMWare ESX or ESXi.

Please note that for Windows versions earlier than Windows Seven / Vista and Server 2008 (XP, 2000, Server 2003) you would need to download a free client software from Microsoft called Microsoft iSCSI initiator. In Windows Seven, the iSCSI initiator is built right into control panel. So lets get started, here are the steps you need to take in order to connect your Windows Seven machine to an iSCSI target.

Step 1: Go to Control Panel, then administrative tools. Make sure your view is set to small icons

Step 2: Click on iSCSI initiator

Step 3: Click Yes when prompted to start the iSCSI service

Step 4: Double Click on iSCSI initiator then on target tab provide ip address for iSCSI target server

Step 5: Quick Connect should discover the target and the report should indicate login succeeded