Mapping a Network Drive

To shared filesystems through the CS Lab's SAMBA server, you must map a network Drive. To do so you will need to login to the SAMBA server and authenticate yourself with your UNIX username and password. Once authenticated you will have access to the home directories (\\share\homes), the project directories (\\share\project), the large temporary filesystem (\\share\xtmp), the department account (\\share\dept), and the research project directories (\\share\research) and all their corresponding sub-directories. This will also make printers available through SAMBA.

There are several methods for doing this, but many require advanced knowledge of your configuration. There are two simple methods:

Method 1:
  1. Click Start → Run
  2. Type cmd
  3. In the DOS command window, type net use * \\share\homes as shown in the sample image below.
  4. If you encounter an error message here, make certain that you have made the necessary registry change to allow for plain text passwords (See our Share FAQ for instructions). If you continue to have problems, try the second method listed below.
  5. Enter your UNIX username and password when prompted.
  6. The mapped drive will appear under My Computer and can be accessed from any Internet Explorer or Windows Explorer windows. This is an example of how you will see the new Network Drive listed under the My Computer window:
Method 2:

Alternatively, you can map a network drive using the context menus of the My Computer or My Network Places icons:

  1. Right-click on either the My Computer or My Network Places icons on your desktop. Select Map a Network Drive....
  2. In the pop-up window, enter \\share\homes in the Folder box.
  3. Uncheck the Reconnect at logon radio box.
  4. Select Finish.
  5. You will be prompted for your UNIX username and password.
  6. Your drive will be mapped and will appear as a drive under My Computer.