Mounting a Network Drive

Creation date: 1/15/2021 7:36 AM    Updated: 6/4/2024 4:50 PM    how to
NOTE: The following instructions include brackets where your personal information is supposed to go. DO NOT type the brackets; just put your specific information in that place without them.

Windows

With the new file storage, Windows users shouldn't need to manually map the drives they need anymore.  They should map automatically for the user unless they have not been put in the proper lab group or office group.  If a new computer is put in place, it not being in the proper place in Active Directory could also cause problems with drives not mounting.  Investigate these before attempting to manually mount a network drive.

If you need to manually mount a drive in Windows:

NOTE: The following instructions include brackets where your personal information is supposed to go. DO NOT type the brackets; just put your specific information in that place without them.

  • Open Windows File Explorer and go to This PC.
  • If the file server connection shows on this page, right click and select 'Disconnect'.
    • NOTE: This may cause your explorer to freeze. If this happens…
      • Open the command prompt (search cmd in the start menu).
      • In the console type the following:
      • Type net use [the letter of the broken drive]: /delete and press Enter
  • Right-click on This PC in the list of locations on the left.
  • Select Map Network Drive
  • Choose the drive letter from the dropdown menu.
  • In the space below the dropdown menu type:
    • \\fs.chem.byu.edu\[the path for your drive]
    • You can check the box to reconnect on sign in if you desire.
  • Next it should ask you to sign in.
    • If the user it prompts you to log in with is not yours, choose More Options and sign in with your NetID rather than what it showed you.
    • If you are mounting multiple drives, selecting to remember your account will save you a little time for mounting the other drives.

Mac

  • With the Finder open, either press Command+K or click Go -> Connect to Server... in the menu bar.
  • Type smb://fs.chem.byu.edu/[path to the network drive]
  • Click Connect or press Enter.
  • You should be prompted to sign in.  Use your BYU NetID (in the format BYU\netID) and the associated password to sign in.

If you have trouble with this process you can submit a ticket at ticket.chem.byu.edu.