How to Map a Network Drive!

Mapping a Network Drive

Mapping a folder on a network server is perfect to create a shared space, which anyone on the network can easily access. You can also map a drive to another computer within your network in order to increase storage space or create a collaboration space for you and your colleagues.

However before you start, you need to make sure that you have both share and security permissions on the folder you want to share.  To make sure that the folder you wish to map is set to shared, right-click the folder and select properties from the menu, then click the sharing tab. In this tab select the advanced sharing option, this will open a new window. In this new window make sure that the tick box labelled Share this folder is selected before pressing apply.

Now here’s how to map a drive in Windows Vista, 7 and 8:

•  Firstly, from the start menu select computer, or in Windows 8 type “computer” into the start menu search box and select computer from the search results.

• Then click the map network drive button, located on the right hand side of the horizontal menu bar, which runs along the top, opening a new window.
•  In this new window you need to select a drive letter, this is the letter that will appear on the network, to identify the drive.

  

• Letters that are already taken may be identified, however if you do pick a duplicate letter, you will be prompted that this will overwrite the existing drive and given the chance to go back and change the letter.

• In the same window as above, you also need to choose which folder you want to connect to. This can be done by manually typing the location into the field or you can browse and navigate to the folder that way.

• Finally, to complete the process click finish.