How do I map to a network drive on a Windows PC?

How do I map to a network drive on a Windows PC?

Computers have a built in way of connecting to remote servers, allowing you to access and work with your files on that server. You'll use this connection and type in the address, or path, of the server you're trying to connect to (much like having an actual address, 123 Main Street, the computer needs to know where to go). When connecting to a network drive, you'll start all your paths with \\titan, which tells your computer that it will be connecting to a remote server and is the protocol that allows your computer to access files over a network.

You should have the path of your server. It will look something like this: \\titan.tccs.tufts.edu\xxxxxxxx

  • The path to your Q: drive will end with the name of your departmental share.
  • There should be no spaces in the path name and drive paths are case sensitive.
  • Q: or R: drive syntax = \\server\departmental-sever\your_department

Example Q Drive paths:

  • \\titan.tccs.tufts.edu\UIT$\Admin

  • \\titan.tccs.tufts.edu\as01$\your_department

  • \\titan.tccs.tufts.edu\flt01$\your_department

If you are unsure of what either path should be, contact the TTS Service Desk at it@tufts.edu or call (617) 627-3376.

Note: The use of \\titan\xxxxxxxx will work when physically on the Tufts network, but you must use the fully qualified domain name of \\titan.tccs.tufts.edu\xxxxxxxx when connecting from a remote location. Therefore, the best practice is to always use \\titan.tccs.tufts.edu when mapping your Tufts network drives on a Windows computer, even if you are on the Tufts network.

  1.  Go to Start > Computer or Start > My Computer.
  2. The Computer window will open and display all available drives. Click Map Network Drive.
  3. Click the drop down window next to Drive: and select an unused drive letter. Note: You may select any drive letter, but if you want to match your Tufts drives at work, Q: is the drive for your departmental share drive.
  4. Enter the Drive Path.
  5. In the folder field, enter the exact path to your network drive. Note: Paths are case-sensitive.
  6. Click Finish.
  7. A Windows Security window will appear.
  8. In the first field, enter tufts\your-Tufts-Username.
  9. In the second field, enter your Tufts Password.
  10. Leave the Remember my credentials checkbox unselected.
  11. Click OK.
  12. Enter network password
  13. In your My Computer window you will now see a Network Location section with your drive

Note: Your new drive will remain as a Network Location even after you disconnect from AnyConnect, but clicking on it will result in an error message telling you that the network path was not found.  As soon as you reconnect to AnyConnect, your drive will be accessible again.