Drive mapping: Instructions for Windows

This page provides the steps to map drives for Windows systems.  For instructions for Apple/Mac systems, click here.  For answers to frequently asked questions about drive mapping, click here.  For a general explanation of drive mapping, click here.  Contact the Help Desk if you experience problems.

What is your situation?

What you need to do depends on how your computer is set up, where it is located, and how it is connected to the network:

On campus, wired connection

Almost all Windows desktop computers located on the campus are set up so that you must login in with your Medical ID to the "medical" domain when the computer starts.  Consequently, your home directory and shared drives are mapped automatically.  (When the computer is set up and configured, a "script" is also configured which runs when you login and performs the mapping.  Additionally, a drive mapping can be set up as part of your directory profile.)  

If your computer is not part of the medical domain -- you will know this because you don't have to log in with a Medical ID when you start it -- then your drives must be mapped manually.  Use the mapping steps below.

On campus, wireless connection

Wireless users usually do not have drives mapped automatically, even if they log in with a Medical ID as part of accessing the medical campus wireless network.  Use the mapping steps listed below.

Off-campus (remote access)

Off-campus users usually do not have drives mapped automatically.  (In you have a laptop, the "script" that runs when it is wired to the campus network generally does not work for a remote connection.)  Use the mapping steps listed below.

Steps to map a drive in Windows

(1) In "My Computer," in the "Tools" menu, select "Map Network Drive".

(2) A "Map Network Drive" window will open.  In the "Folder" field enter the drive path.  For example, to map your home directory , enter the following:

\\medfs03\~username

where username is your Medical ID (e.g., "jsmith"). 

(3) Authenticate with your Medical ID and password.

(4) The drives(s) you selected will show up as "Network Drives" in the My Computer display, below the "Hard Disk Drives" and "Devices with Removable Storage" sections.  You can access them as you would any other drive or folder, if you have the appropriate permissions.

(5) To disconnect from the drive, select it with a left mouse click, then right click and select "Disconnect."

More information

How to connect and disconnect a network drive in Windows XP (Microsoft)
Step-by-step instructions and links to additional information