How do I map to shared network drives?

What is a network share?

Network shares are spaces set up on the server whose intent is to provide an easy method for sharing files. In this way files can be shared by a department, by a small group of users, between an instructor and their students, or between students. When you map a drive, you associate a drive letter with a path. It enables you to instantly jump to this shared location without having to go through a series of time-consuming steps.

Mapping on Windows

1. If you are off campus you will first need to connect to the VPN. (Instructions found here)
2. If you are on a VIU computer and have recently been given access to the share, please log-off and re-login to your computer.
3. Click on the folder icon in the Windows taskbar to open File Explorer.
4. On Windows 10 or 11, click This PC on the left margin. On Windows 7, this will be Computer.
5. On Windows 10, click on the Computer tab from the ribbon menu (top left). On Windows 11, click the ellipses buttonfrom the ribbon menu (top).
6. Click Map Network Drive.
7. Enter shared drive details:
   • Drive letter selection: It is better to select a drive letter from a letter further on in the alphabet (for example H:)
   • Folder field: Enter the path to the share drive. Use the format \\viu.int.viu.ca\shares\first-letter-of-drive-name\drive-name (e.g. \\viu.int.viu.ca\shares\e\example)
8. Make sure "Reconnect at sign-in" is checkmarked.
9. Personal (non-VIU) devices only: If you are on a personal device, checkmark "Connect using different credentials", click Finish, then click more choices
10. Personal (non-VIU) devices only: Type in your username starting with viu\ (e.g. viu\doej) in the username field and your VIU password, then click OK.
11. Click Finish

Mapping on macOS

1. If you are off campus you will first need to connect to the VPN. (Instructions found here)
2. Open the Finder.
3. Click Finder -> Preferences...
4. Make sure "Connected Servers" is checkmarked
5. Click Go -> Connect to Server
6. Enter the complete path of the shared drive. Use the format smb://viu.int.viu.ca/shares/firstletterofsharename/sharename (e.g. smb://viu.int.viu.ca/shares/e/example)
7. Click on Connect
8. When prompted for your username use viu\username (e.g. viu\doej)
9. You should now be connected to the shared drive