Network file services

Users of the Medical School network have access to a personal file directory (called a "home directory") as well as shared file directories ("file shares") for their departments.  Sometimes these are also referred to as "H drive" files (for the home directory) and S, T, U, V, etc., drive files (for shares), because of the way they appear on your computer's file directory listings.  For more information on each, click on the links.

Network file directories must be "mapped" so that your computer knows where to find them.  For most Windows systems being operated on the medical campus, this happens automatically.  For other systems (like Macs), and other locations (such as at home), some manual mapping may be necessary.  See Drive mapping: Frequently Asked Questions, Drive mapping: Instructions for Macs and Drive mapping: Instructions for Windows.

File security, file restoration

These directories are maintained on our central file servers.  The servers are kept in physically protected, environmentally controlled locations, and make use of redundant components for added reliability.  Files on the servers are backed up on tape every night.  Tape copies are periodically moved to off-site storage vaults. 

If you store files on your computer, you run the risk of losing that data if the hard drive crashes and the information cannot be restored.  We can restore from the nightly backup tape, regardless of how the files were deleted or otherwise compromised.  (Unfortunately, if you place a file in one of these directories, then delete it the same day, it will not be backed up that night.)

We can restore individual files or entire directories.  Our backup images for these directories go back 90 days.  We will perform one restoration per month, or up to 12 per year, per person.  The restoration process can often take several hours and requires our dedicating staff time to perform the restore.  Please make every effort to reduce the number of restorations you request.