Frequently
Asked QuestionsNetwork Drives
Map a Network Drive - Includes VPN instructions
Network shares are spaces set up on the server whose intent is to provide an easy method for sharing files. In this way files can be shared by a department, by a small group of users, between an instructor and their students, or between students. When you map a drive, you associate a drive letter with a path. It enables you to instantly jump to this shared location without having to go through a series of time-consuming steps.
Open My Computer. Go to Tools -> Map Network Drive... Select a Drive letter*, use the down arrow to change the letter selected. In the Folder field, enter the path to shared space. Use the format in the Example (\\server\share\...). Check the Reconnect at logon box. Click Finish. If all information is correct, and you have permission** to access this share the folder should open automatically. The new drive letter will appear in your list of available drives in My Computer.
Drive Letter selection: It is better to select a drive letter from later in the alphabet (for example H on). There is a problem with USB drives in that they only want to use the first drive listed after your CD or DVD drive. For example, if you open My Computer and see your CD or DVD listed as Drive D: the USB Drive will want to use Drive E: only (or if your CD or DVD is listed as Drive E: the USB Drive will only want to use Drive F:). This becomes a problem if you have already used Drive E: (or F:) as a mapped drive. If you have a mapped drive listed as the drive letter after your CD or DVD drive, disconnect it and remap it using another drive letter. Then try accessing the USB Drive again.
Permissions: If you have recently been given access to a shared drive, you will need to log off and back on again before you try to map to this share in order for the security changes to take effect.
Additional Drive Mapping Information for VPN users
For Windows® 2000, XP Pro, Vista (Business and Ultimate)
U: Drive Mapping - Enter the following in the folder field:
\\capitan.mala.bc.ca\users\last initial\username
e.g. \\capitan.mala.bc.ca\users\b\blakeboj
Network Share Mapping - Enter the following in the folder field:
\\capitan.mala.bc.ca\shares\initial\sharename
e.g. \\capitan.mala.bc.ca\shares\i\its
For Windows® XP Home, Vista (Basic and Premium)
U: Drive Mapping - Enter the following in the folder field:
\\Hall.mala.bc.ca\users$\last initial\username
e.g. \\Hall.mala.bc.ca\users$\b\blakeboj
Network Share Mapping - Enter the following in the folder field:
\\Hall.mala.bc.ca\shares$\initial\sharename
e.g. \\Hall.mala.bc.ca\shares$\i\its
Desktop Shortcut, an alternative to Mapping a Network Drive
Shortcuts created for use at home require an active VPN connection prior to opening
Shortcuts created for use on campus do not require a VPN connection
Mapping to a Shared or U: Drive with a Mac
The full path to the share is required when mapping using a MAC. Please contact the Helpdesk (ithelp@viu.ca or Local 6300) for this information.
In order to map to your U: drive with a MAC, your U: drive must be shared. Please contact the IT Helpdesk (ithelp@viu.ca or Local 6300) to have this done.
If you are off-campus, you will need to connect to the VIU network using VPN (Virtual Private Network) before you can map to your U: drive. Please see our information on VPN for a MAC.
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Instructions for Mac OS X:
- Open the GO menu
- Select: Connect to Server...
- Enter the complete path to the U: drive or share
- Type smb://server path/usersname$ or smb://server path/shares$/share initial/share
- e.g. smb://hall.capitan.mala.bc.ca/blackboj$
- e.g. smb://hall.capitan.mala.bc.ca/shares$/i/its
- Click Connect
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Links:
Network Storage at Vancouver Island University
Requesting a Shared Drive
Managing your Quota