Network Drive Mapping

 


Overview:  The CIE Network is currently comprised of multiple servers, including the CIE Network file server.  This file server permits 
  • sharing of files between two or more persons or departments
  • file back-up, so that no files stored on the servers are lost

Using the CIE Network, CIE staff can 

  • easily share information with co-workers
  • reduce redundancy of work
  • retrieve all necessary information in a timely manner

This online document explains how to "map" a CIE network drive. 

 

Introduction

"Mapping a network drive" speeds your access to network folders and files.  A "mapped" network drive functions as if it were a "local" drive on your workstation -- for example, the floppy drive, CD-ROM drive, or hard drive on your workstation.

 

Mapping Your Drive

  1. To map a network drive, begin by "right clicking" on either the "My Network Places" icon or the "My Computer" icon located on your Windows XP desktop.   Next, select "Map Network Drive" as shown here:

       

    The following screen will be displayed:

  2. The "Map Network Drive" Window (shown above) requires you to 

     

  3. Drive:   By default, a letter of the alphabet (e.g. "H" or "I") will be displayed in the "Drive" field of the "Map Network Drive" Window.   You may simply accept that default setting.  To change the drive letter to be mapped:  click on the drop-down box in the "Drive" field and select any available letter.  All letters of the alphabet will be available except those already assigned.  

    EXAMPLE:  A CIE team might wish to designate the same drive letter on each team member's workstation -- e.g., "G" -- for the unit's shared folder.   This would permit a standard reference for the team:  "It's on our 'G' drive."


  4. Folder:  You must identify the "path" (the full, formal location) of network folder you wish to map.  You may do so manually or by "browsing" to the desired network folder location.   It is strongly suggested that you "browse" to the desired network folder location.    [To enter manually the Network drive path, simply type the correct, full path into the "Folder" field.  For example:  "//Svrmain/Admin/Program Files"]

  5. To "browse" to the desired network folder location, click on the "Browse" button.  The following screen will appear:

The "Browse For Folder" box lists all the UWM networks that our network can "see" -- for example, "Honors" and "Psychology."   Aside from the CIE network, CIE staff members do not have access to these networks, however.   Click on the "Cie" icon.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you accidentally click on a non-CIE UWM network, the error will clear itself in about two minutes.  Simply wait until you are able to select the network "CIE".  Also, do not be concerned if more network icons are displayed than are currently shown on the example screen.  As other UWM networks an enabled or disabled, they will either be appear on, or disappear from, this list.


After you click on the "Cie" network icon, the following "Browse For Folder" screen will appear, listing all the workstations, laptops and servers currently logged onto the CIE network:

Scroll down until Svrmain is displayed, as shown here.  "Svrmain" is the CIE's main file server.

Click on Svrmain.  The primary directory of the file server will then be displayed, as shown here:

 

Select the folder you wish to map, and to which you have permissions:  


FOLDER PERMISSIONS

PLEASE NOTE:  Unless you are a CIE Network administrator, or have otherwise been granted permission, you only have access to the non-personal folders and files of your team.  For example, if you are a member of the OPP team, you can only access the OPP folder.  

There are two exceptions to this rule:

  • All CIE staff have access to the "AdminShared" folder, which contains program files used by the administrator to install software on CIE computers

  • All CIE staff have access to the "CIE" and "Archive" shares which contain documents of interest to all CIE members.  (CIE staff access to the Admin, CIE and Archive shares is limited to "read-only."  Staff CANNOT write to these folders).  

The main folders of a given CIE team -- for example, OPP -- have three subfolders:  OPPShared, OPPStaff, and OPPStudents.  OPPShared contains all the shared files for the OPP, OPPStaff contain all the personal folders for the staff members while OPPStudents contain all the personal folders for the students.  

The personal folder of a CIE staff member, a subfolder located within the Staff folder to which the staff member is assigned, can only be accessed by the folder's owner.   This maintains the privacy of the personal folder.  


After you have selected the folder you wish to map, click "OK."  You will thereafter be returned to the "Map Network Drive" Window.  The "Folder" path will now be identified, as follows:

Simply click the "Finish" button.  After a few moments the mapped network folder will open itself on your Windows desktop.  This will confirm that your connection was successfully created and display the contents of your mapped drive.

  

You may repeat this process as many times as necessary until you have mapped all the network drives that you need.  Your mapped drives will thereafter appear in your "My Computer" list.

Created on July 10, 2001 by Robert J. Beck with Charles Carerros
Center for International Education of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Updated:  January 24, 2005