Mapping to a network drive is creating a connection to a new drive on your computer to access its contents

For Windows

Step-by-step guide


  1. Open the File Explorer and click on This PC



     2.  Click on Map network drive at the top.




    3.  Select a drive letter except reserved letters U or V. In the Folder box, type the path to the server, for example \\netapp1\IT Public Folder




   4. Check "Reconnect at Logon", which will ensure this mapped drive recreates itself each time you reboot.  Do not check "Connect Using Different Credentials".  Click Finish.  

   5. You can also browse the different folders in the "share" by typing in the network share and clicking Browse.


In the future, when you want to connect to this server, the mapped drive should be available. 

For Macintosh

Step-by-step guide


  1. Open Finder
  2. Open Go>Connect to Server 
  3. Type: smb:// and the folder that you would like to open
  4. If you are logged in using a local account you will need to enter your CW credentials (the same as your email password)
  5. If you are unsure of the exact link you can open the root folder and browse from there.
  6. After you connect to the folder you want you may want to add it to your "Favorites" for next time by clicking the + next to the server address


Remember....

Remember that if you copy an address from and email sent by a PC user you will need to change the \'s to /'s



Network Folders on Mac

  • If there are spaces in the folder name you can add an additional / at the end of the address. 
    • ie. smb://netapp2/PPLV Public/
  • It is best NOT to check the box "Remember my Password."  This will save your password in your keychain and has the potential to cause account lockouts when you need to change your password.
  • It is best to set frequently visited folders as "Favorite's" instead of creating an alias or shortcut to them on your desktop.
    • When a you create an alias or shortcut on the desktop the computer will constantly try to connect and if it is unable it will cause errors.
  • While in Finder you can use the key combination of "Command ⌘ + K" to open the "Connect to Server" window




1 Comment

  1. Smith, Roger

    We need to update the Windows portion to Win 10.