How do I Access/Map a Network Drive in Windows?

Answer

Faculty and staff have the ability to access or map Network drives. However, IT recommends the use of OneDrive or Sharepoint Online so documents will be available from multiple devices both on and off campus.

*Please note: If you are off-campus, a UNCW VPN connection is required in order to complete these steps and access the drive(s).

Some examples of Network drives are Samba, Seashare and ARCshare.

 

  1. Click on the Windows "Start" button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
     
  2. Navigate to "File Explorer."

    The windows 10 toolbar highlighting the location of "File Explorer"
     
  3. Click on "This PC."

    A Windows 10 File Explorer window highlighting the location in the left side panel of the "This PC"
     
  4. Ensure that "This PC" is selected in the left sidebar, and then select the "Computer" tab at the top.

     Windows 10 File Explorer showing the "Computer" tab at the top of the "This PC" window.
     
  5. Once you click "Computer" from the top menu you will see a drop-down menu where you can select "Map Network Drive."

    A Windows 10 File Explorer window that is showing the location of the "Map Network Drive" and button, which is found by selecting "This PC" then the "Computer" button from the top menu.
     
  6. Chose a drive letter that is not in use, and select it.

    The "Map Network Drive" with the example SAMBA production share name "\\jobp.x.uncw.edu\SHARENAME" entered in the "Folder" text box.
     
  7. In the Folder field, type in the drive/share name you are mapping.
    Examples:
    - Samba Dev: \\jobt.x.uncw.edu\SHARENAME

    - Samba Prod: \\jobp.x.uncw.edu\SHARENAME

    - ARCshare: \\arcshare\FOLDERNAME

    - Seashare: \\seashare\FOLDERNAME

     
  8. Be sure the checkbox for "Reconnect at sign-in" is checked.
     
  9. UNCW-owned computers:
    Do not check the box to "Connect using different credentials."

    Personally-owned computers:
    Check the box "Connect using different credentials."
     
  10. Click "Finish."

    *Personally-owned Computers: You will be prompted for a username and password.

    Select "More choices" > "Use another account" > Enter your UNCW username in the format "uncw\username" (note backslash) and password > "OK."

  11. You will now see your newly mapped drive under "This PC." This will be there every time you log into your computer. If you are off campus, you will need to connect to the VPN before using your mapped drive.

If you need further assistance, submit a service request or CHAT with TAC.

0% helpful - 1 review
Print Article