By Folders anywhere on a Windows network that you have access to can be “mapped” and once you have done this the folder will be accessible to you instantly without needing to know its full address. This is especially useful for dragging and dropping files from one place to another. This example shows how to map the SMSAS server “Emmy”.
If you use Linux to access Windows shares refer here instead: Connecting to Windows Shares – via linux (Ubuntu).
Refer to the following screen shot. Click the image to view at full size: it will appear in a new browser tab so that you can cross-refer. The image highlights the steps shown below using the numbers in brackets.
- Use the Computer link in your Windows start menu to open the file Explorer.
- In the ribbon below the toolbar there are a variety of options, select “Map network drive”. (1)
- A dialogue asks which folder you want to map and will suggest a letter of the alphabet not already being used. You may want to tailor this to make it memorable. (2)
- Type in the folder name in the format “\\sharename” e.g. “\\emmy” – as shown in the screen shot. (3)
- Make sure the “Reconnect at logon” box is ticked.
- Click the “Browse” button. (4)
- Any folders available to you will be shown. (5)
- You can navigate downward to select a subfolder, or create a new folder “on the fly” by selecting “Make New Folder”.
- Click the “Finish” button. (6)
You should now be able to inspect the folder’s contents and drag and drop files from any other Windows folder to the newly mapped folder, and vice versa.
If you use more than one PC to access the network you will have to repeat this mapping exercise on each PC.