# Creating file share datastore for HPE Alletra MP File Storage

## About this task

Shared storage space can be created using the HPE Alletra MP File Storage datastore type for easy file storage and access. You can create an HPE Alletra MP File Storage datastore using existing file shares on the storage server.

## Procedure

1. Navigate to Infrastructure > Clusters.
2. Click into the detail page for the cluster where the datastore is to be created.
3. Select the Storage tab.
4. Under the Data Stores sub tab, click Add.
5. From the ADD DATASTORE wizard, input the following: 

   NAME:
   :   Enter a name for the datastore in VM Essentials.

   TYPE:
   :   Select the datastore type as HPE Alletra MP File Storage.

   STORAGE SERVER:
   :   Select the storage server that is created using the ADD STORAGE SERVER screen.

   FILE SHARE:
   :   Select a file share to be used for datastore from the list of existing file shares on the selected storage server.

   FILE ACCESS IP:
   :   Select the IP address that has access to the datastore from the list of IP addresses authorized for accessing the file share.

   NFS VERSION
   :   Select the version of the NFS protocol from the drop-down list.

   GROUP ACCESS
   :   Select the check box to provide access to a specific group.
6. Click SAVE.

## Results

![Add data store](https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/api/document/sd00008058en_us/GUID-164DAFD9-920C-451F-BFE0-F48C59E70DC2-high.png)

The datastore is added and displayed in the Datastore tab. Verify that its status is marked as healthy and that it is currently online.
