Map a Network Drive on Windows
The Windows operating system makes it possible to access files on a Windows server. Server-based files made available for others to use are called "shares". These may be files shared with colleagues, personal files, or, in this example, a web site.
Network resources like Windows shares are protected by accounts and passwords. On the UW-Madison campus, they are also protected by firewalls. For off-campus access to Windows shares, a virtual private network (VPN) account and program are required to bypass firewalls. If interested, ask your technical support staff about VPN access.
Three pieces of information are required to connect to a network drive: a user account, the server name, and the share name.
Log On
1. To connect a network drive, open any computer, drive, or folder icon then choose Tools > Map Network Drive... from the menu. Note the Drive letter, because this is the name Windows gives to the drive. Type the server address in the "Folder" text field, and click the Finish button to map the network drive. Ask technical support staff for the server address if you have not already been given one. The example server address is to "\\soe-b2\cjd", a combination of the server name, soe-b2, and the Windows share "cjd".
Figure 1: Make a New Connection.
2. If successful, a window appears with the content of the share. If the share window does not appear, another window will prompt for your username and password. Type your username and password into the window then click the OK button to connect to the share.
Moving and Editing Files
3. The folder and its contents can be treated like any other set of files on your computer. Files can be edited in place or they can be copied to a folder or other location on your computer. Likewise, files and folders can be dragged and dropped into the web site folder.
Figure 2: Mounted Network Drive.
4. When you are done with the network drive, choose Tools > Disconnect Network Drive... from the menu, pick the share name, and click the OK button.
| Author: | Chris Dowling |
| Revised: | 2009-03-26 |
| Keywords: | Windows share, web |