Mapping a Network Drive

IMPORTANT!!! Please READ CAREFULLY!!!

Recommended encrypted methods for remote file access are described in the Remote Access section.

According to Mass law 201 CMR 17.04 paragraph 3, it is illegal to transmit files containing personal information across public or wireless networks without encryption. Transferring files by mapping a network drive using SMB/CIFS/SAMBA — commonly known as "Microsoft Wndows Network" — IS NOT encrypted, and is therefore insecure. This method can be used only for desktop computers permanently located on site and connected to our firewalled network by cable, which is in accordance with Mass law 201 CMR 17.04 paragraph 6. If you insist on using this method remotely, you will have to use VPN software provided by FAS to connect to the campus network first, and then access your home folder or shared group folder. Recommended encrypted methods for remote file access are described in the Remote Access section.

Mapping a drive (Windows)

(Admin Staff: this is the option you're likely looking for)
If you've been granted access to one of those shares, you may want to map a persistent (or semi-persistent)
drive to the share so you can access and/or store files there.
You can do so following these steps:

1. Open "My Computer" (it's on your desktop or in your Start menu)
From the menu, select "Tools" then "Map Network Drive"

2. In the window that opens, select a drive letter, F-Z, to use for this share (Tips: Use whatever letter you'd prefer, it's completely arbitrary. You may want to pick something that calls to mind the share's purpose. For example, if this were the Holtongroup share, you might use letter H.)
Next type in the path to the share (most likely we sent this to you in an e-mail). Example: \\physics.harvard.edu\holtongroup
If you select "Reconnect at logon", the drive will map itself every time you log in. If you do not select this, you will need to map the drive again when you need it. (We do not recommend selecting this option if you are using a computer that is not always connected to the network or if it is your home computer)
Click "Finish"

3. When prompted, enter your Physics username and password. (If a domain box is present, enter "PHYSICS" in it.) If your computer tries to put your computer's name and a slash in front of your username, change the part before the slash to "PHYSICS" like so: PHYSICS\myusername
You will need to enter your password each time the share connects, or you may check the "Remember my password" box to have Windows save your password. If this is your home computer or laptop, we suggest you do not do the latter as Windows will sometimes get confused and try to use your local password and fail to map the drive.
Click "OK"

4. A window showing the contents of the share should open and you will find the new drive listed in My Computer and when you choose the Save option from a program.

Temporary access to a share (Windows)

If you only want temporary access to a share, as opposed to mapping a drive, you can do the following:

1. Click "Start"

2. Select "Run..."
3. In the "Open:" box type the path to the share (example: \\physics.harvard.edu\myshare )
4. Press return/enter or click OK
5. Enter your Physics username and password when prompted. If a domain box is present, enter "PHYSICS" in it.
6. Press return/enter or click OK (Do not check the "Remember my password" box. It will only cause you grief later.)
7. A window showing the contents of the share will open. You can move files back and forth by dragging and dropping between this windod.

Connecting to shares from Mac OSX

To connect to a share from OSX, you need only do the following:

1. Click on the Finder (or click the Desktop)

2. Select "Go" from the menu at the top of the screen (or press Apple+K)
3. For "Server Address:" enter the path to the share like so: smb://physics.harvard.edu/sharename
4. Click "Connect"
5. Enter your Physics username and password when prompted (Make sure domain reads "PHYSICS")
6. Press return or click OK.

The share will mount in the Finder and on your desktop.