File Storage - Mapping Network Drives

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Last updated: Jun 28, 2024 by
Mike Grosshandler
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ITS recommends using Microsoft Teams or OneDrive as your file storage location instead of the network drives so that you can access your files from anywhere.  Using Microsoft Teams or OneDrive for Business does not require mapping a drive, nor using VPN from off campus.

Note:

On-Campus

If you are using a University computer, some network file spaces may automatically connect for you.  If the network file space you are looking for is not automatically connected, follow the instructions below.

Off-Campus

If you are working remotely (outside the University network), you will first need to use the VPN to connect to the University network.  Once connected with the VPN, follow the instructions below.

Instructions 

Connect (Windows)

  1. Open File Explorer, go to This PC, and click Map Network Drive from the Computer tab of the Ribbon above. If you are running Windows 11, you will need to select the "More" menu (the three dots) on the File Explorer Ribbon, then select Map network drive".

  2. In the Map Network Drive window, the first line will have a letter in it. You can change this to any letter you want as long as it is not already in use.
    On the second line labeled Folder, enter the path for the network file space you wish to map: 

    Network File SpaceDriveFolderNotes
    Home Folder (U: Drive)U:\\lincoln.univ.albany.edu\NetIDReplace the word "NetID" with your UAlbany NetID
    Departmental Folders (V: Drive)V:\\lincoln.univ.albany.edu\DivisionalCodeReplace the word "DivisionalCode" with your divisional code
    U-wide Folders(any available)\\lincoln.univ.albany.edu\netapps
    S: Drive (100MB personal file space)S:\\storage.albany.edu\NetIDReplace the word "NetID" with your UAlbany NetID

    If you get an error that "Network discovery is turned off..." that means you clicked Browse... instead of entering the folder path. This function is not supported now. Please type in the path as indicated above.

  3. Click Finish in the Map Network Drive window.

  4. If you are prompted with the Windows Security dialog box:
    • On the Username line, enter ualbany\NetID replacing the word NetID with your NetID.
      For example, if your user name is ab123456, enter ualbany\ab123456
    • Enter your MyUAlbany password.

  5. Click OK.

Connect (macOS)

  1. Click on Finder in the Dock, then select Go on the menu bar.

  2. Select Connect to Server.

  3. In the address box, enter the address for the network file space you wish to map:

    Network File SpaceServer AddressNotes
    Home Folder (U: Drive)smb://lincoln.univ.albany.edu/NetIDReplace the word "NetID" with your UAlbany NetID
    Departmental Folders (V: Drive)smb://lincoln.univ.albany.edu/DivisionalCodeReplace the word "DivisionalCode" with your divisional code
    U-wide Folderssmb://lincoln.univ.albany.edu/netapps
    S: Drivesmb://storage.albany.edu/NetIDReplace the word "NetID" with your UAlbany NetID

    If you have been mapping drives using cifs://, ITS recommends switching to smb:// for a more secure and efficient way to map your network drives on a Mac.

  4. A prompt will appear now for you to enter your Domain (UALBANY), NetID, and password.  For Name, enter UALBANY\NetID. 

    replacing the word NetID with your NetID.  For example, if your user name is ab123456, enter UALBANY\ab123456

  5. Follow these instructions if you wish to always map that drive at startup.

Connect (Linux)

  1. The process will vary depending on your version of Linux.  Generally, enter the address for the network file space you wish to mount:

    Network File SpaceServer Address

    Notes

    Home Folder (U: Drive)smb://lincoln.univ.albany.edu/NetIDReplace the word "NetID" with your UAlbany NetID
    Departmental Folders (V: Drive)smb://lincoln.univ.albany.edu/DivisionalCodeReplace the word "DivisionalCode" with your divisional code
    U-wide Folderssmb://lincoln.univ.albany.edu/netapps
    S: Drivesmb://storage.albany.edu/NetIDReplace the word "NetID" with your UAlbany NetID


Documentation is also available for accessing Network Drives from an iOS device or accessing Network Drives on Android.

Disconnect (Windows)

  1. Open File Explorer. Your mapped network drives should be located in the left window.
  2. Right-click on the drive you wish to disconnect and select Disconnect.
  3. Your drive is now disconnected.

Disconnect (macOS)

  1. Select Finder, which is located at the bottom of your Mac screen.
  2. Under the Shared section located to the left of the dialog box, select the network drive you wish to disconnect. Then, select the Eject symbol to the right.

Disconnect (Linux)

  1. The process will vary depending on your version of Linux.  Generally, you can run sudo umount /localpath



Need more help? Contact the ITS Service Desk.