How to map a network drive in Windows. How to share a folder on a local network. Mapping a network drive using NET Use How to find a network drive on the network
Today, when prices are computer equipment become more or less acceptable, get your own own computer every family member can. There is nothing to say about small and medium-sized enterprises; the use of several computers connected into a single local network is commonplace. Naturally, in such conditions, users often have to exchange files while working. Using removable portable drives for this is not very convenient, so operating system developers have implemented such an option as creating a network drive. Essentially, this resource is a directory or a separately created logical section to which it opens, i.e. Hosts connected by a local network can connect. Very rarely, network drives on a home PC are created to be accessed from global network, for example, when a machine is used as a mini-server, generally shared folders on cloud services are used to provide unified access to user files from the Internet.
Today we will learn how to create and add network drive exactly in local network. The main distribution computer is usually the administrator's computer, but it can also be any other PC on the network.
Sharing
It all starts with creating an ordinary folder with unusual properties. Our example resource will be called WorkFolder. Create a folder with a suitable name in the location you need, open its properties, switch to the “Access” tab and click the “Advanced settings” button.
In the new dialog box, check the “Share…” checkbox, set, if required, the number of concurrent users accessing it, and then click “Permissions.” By default, everyone has read-only permission, if you want other users to be able to edit files on the disk and write their data to it, change the permissions accordingly. Save the settings one by one.
At the last stage of saving, in the properties window you should see the message “Shared access available” and the path itself, starting with two slashes.
Now, by clicking the share button, add in the window that opens users who will be able to log into the shared folder, otherwise they will receive a network error, the description of which is presented in the screenshot below.
At this stage, the basic configuration of the network drive ends. The next step is to test network discovery. If your network is defined as private, discovery should be enabled by default, but if it is defined as public, you will most likely have to open it. Execute in the window Run command control /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter, and then click on the “Change advanced sharing settings” link on the left.
Activate the "Enable network discovery" radio button in the current profile and apply the changes. To be able to connect a network drive, the manipulations done should be sufficient; if the latter then does not want to connect, try changing the network mode.
Adding a network drive
You can connect the newly created resource in different ways, including through the usual CMD console, but we will consider the simplest option. Right-click on the “This Computer” shortcut (no matter where) and select “Map network drive” from the menu.
In the window that launches the wizard, select a letter for the future resource, be sure to check the “Use other credentials” checkbox, otherwise other users will not even be able to see it on their computers.
Using the browse button, select the folder for which you set up sharing.
After clicking the “Finish” button, Windows will ask for your current login and password.
The corresponding section should also become visible in the main workspace of this computer.
To disable a network resource, right-click on it and select “Disable” from the menu. You can also select it with the mouse and select “Disconnect network drive” from the Network ribbon menu.
Connect by name or IP address
There are also other ways to connect a created and configured shared resource, but they are less convenient. For example, instead of searching for it through browsing, you can specify its symbolic or IP address in the connection window field. The symbolic address is specified in the folder properties, the IP in the adapter properties “Local Area Connection” (IPv4 address parameter).
The same address can be obtained from the command line by running the command ipconfig /all(the data will be located in the section of the same name).
Using the Command Line
And finally, let's look at how to connect a network drive in Windows 7/10 using the CMD command line or the PowerShell console; perhaps some will find this method even faster. The general command syntax looks like
net use \\ComputerName\ShareName[\volume]
username]
Here drive is a free drive letter, and \ComputerName\ShareName– path to the shared folder. Let's connect our WorkFolder folder from the desktop as a network drive, for which, in a line run with administrator rights, run the following command:
net use Z: //DESKTOP-8CS7OLG/WorkFolder /user:compik 11111
Parameter /user necessary so that the system does not request authorization. Line element "compik" in in this example This is the computer administrator's name, and "11111" is his current password. To make the network drive permanently connected, and not just during an open session, you can add the key to the end of the command /persistent:yes.
To disconnect the disk, run the command net use z: /delete, where z is the drive letter.
Unfortunately, in the Windows 10 we tested, when connecting with the net use command, the corresponding volume was not displayed in the “This PC” section, remaining accessible from the Explorer navigation bar.
So, now you know how to set up a network drive, but these, of course, are only general recommendations. Practice shows that in the process of connecting this type of resource, you often have to deal with various errors, of which the most common is “Network path not found.” Failures may be caused by problems with settings network adapters, with drivers, parameters network security and so on. In such cases, problems are usually resolved privately based on the identified cause.
Many users, when administering their home local network, are faced with the need to map network drives. If you are also interested in this issue, then this article should help you. Here we will talk about how to connect a network drive, as well as correctly open access to a folder for a network drive.
Step No. 1. Open access to the folder (preparing the first computer).
The first thing to do is to open access to the folder that should be used as a network drive on another computer. It's not difficult to do, but there are a few details you need to be aware of.
First you need to configure the network correctly. To do this, open Network and Sharing Center shared access" and click on the link "Change advanced sharing settings" (screenshot below).
In the window that opens, you need to enable “Network discovery”.
Also here you need to disable “Password protected sharing” (if you don’t need it).
A network drive is a logical drive (folder) created for sharing files among PC users. The disk can be located on a PC, server, or network device data storage using the same local network.
A network drive is often created in enterprises and educational institutions storing documents on servers, providing more storage space and backup files. However, as the amount of data grows, the disk becomes relevant on the home network.
To connect a network folder, you must transfer all PCs connected to it to a common workgroup.
Step 1. Press the key combination Win+R. Type sysdm.cpl into the menu and click OK.
Step 2. Click the Computer Name tab and click Change.
Step 3. Type the name in “Is a member” of the “working group” in English letters. You can choose any “Computer name” or leave it the same. Click "OK".
Step 4. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Step 5. Do it Steps 1-4 on all computers located on the shared network, specifying the same workgroup name for them.
Setting up folder access
Before making a connection, you need to create a folder on the selected device located on the public network, naming it in English letters.
Step 1. Click on the created network folder and select “Properties”.
Step 2. Click on the "Sharing" shortcut and click "Sharing".
Step 3. Select “All” from the drop-down list and click “Add”.
Step 5. Click "Done".
The folder will be shared.
Disable network credential entry
When connecting online, it is often necessary to disable the prompt for network credentials in Windows 7, 8 and 10 (this setting is not required on XP). To disable the request, you need to change the PC access settings.
Step 1. Click on the network icon in notifications (bottom right of the screen) and select “Control Center...”.
Step 2. Click "Change sharing...".
Step 3. Check in all profiles (by opening the drop-down list) whether the points for network detection and general access are set.
Step 4. Scroll your mouse wheel down the list of permissions and select “Disable” password protection" Click “Save Changes.”
Reference! To connect to a network share, you may also need to disable and then re-enable the Windows firewall.
Connecting a network drive
Step 1. Open the Computer folder double click mice.
Step 2. Click “Tools” – “Map network drive” ( in Windows XP).
Click the “Connect…” button at the top of the window ( in Windows 7).
Click the “Connect…” button on the disk image on the ribbon interface ( on Windows 8 and 10).
Step 3. Select the folder letter and type the path consisting of two slashes " \\ ", PC name followed by a slash " \ " and the name of the folder itself (with an underscore instead of a space, as shown in the "Example" in the screenshot).
Note! To connect, instead of the PC name, you can type it, for example: \192.168.1.100foldername.
Step 4. If the path to the folder is unknown, you can click “Browse...” by opening the network tree with the mouse, clicking on the desired folder and clicking "OK". If a permanent connection to the folder is required, check the “Restore connection...” checkbox.
If other credentials are required to connect, check the “Use other credentials” checkbox. The password and login will be requested after clicking “Finish”.
Click "Done". The disk will be connected.
In a domain environment, you probably won't need to connect with different credentials because... The current domain login most likely already has access to the server.
For example, if you have a NAS file server and want to connect its folder as a network folder, you will probably need to enter the credentials installed on the NAS, since the credentials Windows data will not work.
Connecting a drive via the command line
Step 1. Press Win+R. Type cmd command and click "OK".
Connecting Yandex.Disk as a network folder
When installed on a PC, it organizes a folder on it for storing copies of files transferred to the server. This is quite inconvenient if the backed up files are too large and take up a lot of space on the PC.
At the same time, Yandex.Disk supports WebDAV, allowing you to connect the service as a regular network folder without saving files on your PC.
Step 1. Select network drive connection ( see above) and click on the link “Connect to the site...”.
Step 3. Enter address: https://webdav.yandex.ru and click "Next".
Step 4. Select a name for the connection and click “Next”.
Step 5. Enter a name and password to connect to the service.
Important! The item indicated by the arrow in the photo must be marked only if one account is used for the service!
Step 6. Check the “Open...” checkbox and click “Finish”.
The Yandex.Disk folder will open.
A location will appear in the “Computer” folder that can already be used.
Yandex.Disk will be connected as a network folder.
How to connect your computer to Wi-Fi
To connect a computer to a point Wi-Fi access You will need to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter, or connect an existing adapter to the network.
Step 1. For turn on Wi-Fi On a PC, click on the network in the notifications (bottom right) and select “Network Center...”.
Select “Network and Sharing Center...”
Step 2. After turning on the adapter, click on the network and select “Connect” to the desired Wi-Fi network.
Step 3. Enter the access point password and click OK.
A wireless Wi-Fi connection will be established.
If the disk is 100% loaded in Windows 10
In Windows 10, sometimes there is an error that leads to congestion hard drive 100% At the same time, PC performance decreases until it freezes completely. If the computer is under Windows control 10 has become very “ ”, it is necessary to look at what is causing this situation.
Step 1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc. The "Task Manager" will launch. Click on the “Processes” tab and view the status of the CPU, memory, disk and network.
If the disk is 90-100% loaded, you need to take action to reduce the load on it. Most often, high HDD load is associated with the system “looping” on file indexing, carried out to speed up access to them.
Step 2. Click on the magnifying glass icon next to the “Start” button and type cmd in the line. Click on the found “Command Prompt” utility and select “Run as administrator”.
Step 3. Type the command in the window that appears: NET STOP "Windows Search" by pressing Enter.
Step 4. Execute Step 1 this section and see if the load on the HDD has decreased. If the load has not decreased, disable the indexing service completely.
Step 5. Press Win+R, type services.msc in the window that opens and press Enter.
Step 6. Click on Windows service Search by selecting Properties.
Step 7 Click Stop, then select Disabled. Click “Apply” and “OK”.
Step 8 Execute Step 2 this sub-item and in the window that opens, type the following commands to disable the Windows diagnostic service, pressing Enter after each command.
Step 9 Without closing the previous window, type the following command, which disables the SuperFetch service, which improves the launch of frequently used applications, by pressing Enter. In practice, the SuperFetch service is often the cause high load on HDD: net.exe stop superfetch
Step 10 Without closing the previous window, type the following command to disable the service automatic update Windows by pressing Enter: net stop wuauserv.
Also enter the following command by pressing Enter: sc config wuauserv start= disabled.
Step 11 Without closing the previous window, type the command that disables the paging file if the main disk in the system is an SSD solid-state drive by pressing Enter. Swap file on SSD drive sometimes the HDD loads 100%: wmic pagefileset where name="C:\pagefile.sys" delete(Where: name="C:\pagefile.sys"– file location)
Step 12 Without closing the previous window, type the following command to check and correct errors on the HDD by pressing Enter. To complete the HDD check, the computer will need to restart: chkdsk /F /R
Step 13 After reboot Windows execute Step 1 this section and see if the load on the hard drive has decreased.
Disabling these services in most cases allows you to get rid of high HDD load.
Video - How to add a network drive in Windows 7,8,10
Click " Service"- "Connect a network drive"
ReviewOK".
You can change the drive letter if it is busy, to do this, click Disk and select a letter. When finished, click " Ready".
As a result, you will see the mapped network drive.
How to map a network drive in Windows 7.
Before connecting a network drive on Windows7, you need to check network settings, for this go to " Start" - "Control Panel" -" or click on the button Network connection on the taskbar and select "Network and Sharing Center".
In the window that opens Network and Sharing Center look at what network is being used (in this example - Work) click on "".
In the profile you are using (home, work or general), check whether it is enabled Network discovery, if it's off, turn it on. Save your changes.
Now you can proceed directly to connecting a network drive, to do this, go to Computer, press " Connect a network drive".
The Network Drive Mappings window will open. Click " Review", select the computer on which the network folder is located, click on it and select the required folder, click " OK". You can change the drive letter, to do this, click on the field highlighted in yellow and select another letter. At the end, click " Ready".
In addition to this method for connecting a network drive, you can
How to map a network drive in Windows 8.
Before connecting a network drive on Windows8, you need to check the network settings; to do this, go to "Control Panel" - "Network and Sharing Center""or click on the Network connection button on the Taskbar and select "Network and Sharing Center".
In the window that opens, look at what network is being used (in this example - Public) click on " Change advanced sharing options".
In the profile you are using (private, guest or public), make the necessary changes, namely:
Enable network discovery;
Save your changes.
Now you can connect a network drive, to do this, click on the shortcut Computer select tab "Computer"-"Connect a network drive".
The Network Drive Mappings window will open. Click " Review", select the computer on which the network folder is located, click on it and select the required folder, click " OK". You can change the drive letter, to do this, click on the field highlighted in yellow and select the letter. At the end, click " Ready".
As a result, a network drive will appear.
Mapping a network drive using a script in Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8.
To connect/disconnect a network drive and network printer the command is used net use, here is the syntax of this command:
NET USE
[devicename | *] [\\computer_name\resource_name[\volume] [password | *]]
username]
username]
[ | ]
NET USE (devicename | *) [password | *] /HOME
NET USE
The NET USE command connects a computer to a share or disconnects a computer from a share. When the command is used without parameters, a list of connections for this computer is displayed.
device_name Assigns a name to connect to a resource or specifies a device to disconnect from. There are two types of device names: disk devices (letters D: to Z:) and printers (LPT1: to LPT3:). If you enter an asterisk (*) instead of a device name, the next unused name is assigned.
\\computer_name Specifies the name of the computer that controls the share. If you use spaces in the computer name, you must enclose the entire parameter in quotation marks along with two backslashes (\\). The computer name can be from 1 to 15 characters long.
\resource_name Specifies the network name of the share.
\volume Specifies the NetWare volume on the server. To access NetWare servers, you must install and run the NetWare Client Services (Windows Workstations) or the NetWare Gateway Service (Windows Server).
password Specifies the password required to access the share.
*
Prompts for a password. The password is not displayed when entered on the command line.
/USER Specifies a different username to use to establish the connection.
domain_name Indicates a different domain. If the domain is not specified, then the current domain used when logging into the network is assumed.
username Specifies the username to log into the network.
/SMARTCARD Indicates that this connection uses smart card credentials.
/SAVECRED Specifies that the username and password should be saved. This parameter is ignored if the command does not prompt for a username and password.
/HOME Connects the user to the home directory.
/DELETE Cancels a network connection and removes it from the list of persistent connections.
/PERSISTENT Controls the use of persistent network connections. The default is the last used parameter.
YES Saves established connections and restores them the next time you log on to the network.
NO Does not save established connections or subsequent connections, as a result they will not be restored the next time you log in. To delete persistent connections, use the /DELETE parameter.
Usage example net commands use:
net use z: /delete
net use z:\\computer1\Shared Folder
net use /Persistent:Yes
net use z: /delete - command to unmount network drive Z.
computer1\Shared Folder - path to the shared folder (network folder)
net use /Persistent:Yes- when rebooting, restore mounted disks (if you specify NO - reset settings).
To create a script, create text file, write down the necessary commands and save. Change file extension
from TXT to BAT. Now you can just launch with two clicks BAT file and all prescribed commands will be executed.
A network drive is a tool used to open access to your resources within a local network. Connecting this element can be done in several ways, differing in complexity and software involved in the procedure. You can find out about them further.
Using network drives will significantly speed up work and navigation for users who frequently use the network.
How to map a network drive in Windows
Via "Computer"
Let's start looking at the procedure for setting up a network drive, which you can implement if you use the Windows operating system:
If you have completed all the steps described above correctly, then a separate disk should appear in the system, which can now be used as a network disk.
For the network drive to function normally and for other users to gain access to it, the computer where it is located must be turned on and connected to the local network.
The procedure for connecting a network drive is described more clearly in the video:
Via command line
Managing network drives via command line requires at least minimal knowledge of code commands, so this method is rarely used by ordinary users. First, let's figure out how to launch the command window itself. To do this you will need:Now let's look at the basic commands that are used when working with network drives:
- net use– this command is used to check existing network connections and disks. After entering it, you can find out which letter indicates the active network drive, remote address and other information.
- net use W:\serverdoc– with this command you can create a new network drive. In the system it will be designated by the letter W, and the doc folder located on the server server will be used as the file directory.
- net use W: \serverdoc /user:DomainMyPC 12345678– this command is also used when creating network drives, but with advanced parameters. It indicates that a disk will be created with the name W, with a directory for storing files in the doc folder on the server server. The MyPC domain Domain record will be used as the account user. A password will also be set on the network drive – 12345678.
Thus, using just 3 commands, you can independently create and edit network drives if necessary.
Through group policies
Method for creating a network drive via group policies many are already considered obsolete, but most system administrators they use it. Let's look at how to map a network drive using group policies:This method is quite difficult for users who do not have sufficient knowledge of the architecture itself. Windows systems, therefore it is recommended for use only by those who have more high level preparation.
How to map a network drive on Mac OS?
Mac OS differs significantly in its interface, as well as functionality from any Windows versions, therefore, we will consider the procedure for connecting a network drive on Apple computers separately. This procedure is carried out in the following way:It is worth noting that you will have to perform similar actions every time you turn on the computer. But this can be avoided by configuring the system so that it independently launches the network drive upon activation. Let's look at how to do this:
After completing all the above procedures, you can configure automatic start network drive when you turn on the computer under guidance Mac systems OS.
You can clearly see the instructions for connecting a network drive on Mac OS in the following video:
How to configure cloud storage as a network drive?
Today, many users use cloud storage to store their files. This is due to the fact that they are more protected in case of malfunctions. operating system. But how to turn cloud storage into a network drive? Let's consider several possible options:The storage supports working with WebDav
Yandex.Disk is one of the most popular cloud storage, which supports work via the WebDav protocol, so to connect it as a network drive you do not need to install any additional software or carry out complex manipulations with the settings. To carry out the procedure, it is enough to know the special address of the storage facility, as well as the login and password to enter it.Connecting Yandex.Disk storage can be implemented in a manner similar to setting up regular folders. To do this, launch Explorer, find the item “Computer” or “This computer” and select the item “Map network drive”. After this, a window will open in which you will see possible options connections:
Select any unallocated letter that will be used to designate the network drive in the future. Then, at the bottom of the main window, you need to click on the link “Connect to a site where you can store documents and images,” which will take you to the next settings screen, where in the “Folder” line you need to specify a link to the Yandex storage and click “Next” ":
It is important to note that establishing a connection with the cloud storage may require certain time, so you will have to be patient and wait.
After this, a window will open where you will be asked to enter personal data from your Yandex.Disk account:
Be sure to check the “Remember credentials” checkbox. Otherwise, you will have to re-enter them every time you start the system.
After entering them, just click “OK”. Now the disk storage will appear in the system as a network drive. You can treat it like any other directory.
The storage does not support working with WebDav
There are also storages that cannot be connected using the method described above, because they do not support working with WebDav. But the problem is easily solved with the help of special bridge programs. The biggest problem is that you will have to select software for each storage separately. Let's look at how this is done with Google Drive. To define the storage as a network drive, you should download the DAV-pocket lab program. After installation you will need to go through a simple registration.Be sure to remember that the password and login for your account in the DAV-pocket lab program itself must be different from your data that is specified in the Google Drive storage.
After this, all you need to do is log in Google system Drive. Connecting a network drive is carried out in the same way as the method described for Yandex.Disk. Only in the folder line you will need to specify the following address: https://dav-pocket.appspot.com/docso
We've figured out Yandex.Disk and Google Drive, but what if you work with Dropbox? Despite the popularity of this repository, there are no special bridge programs for it. What to do in this case? You can use a universal client called CarotDAV. It allows you to connect several network drives from various cloud storages at once. To do this, simply select required service and enter your login details:
Extended type error when mapping a network drive
Many users complain that when connecting to a network drive, the system displays an error in the following format: “The network drive could not be mapped due to the following error: Extended type error.” In this case, the user cannot access his network resource. What to do and how to solve the problem?The most common cause of such failures is an incorrect date and time. Incorrect data can cause conflicts in the network, which leads to similar problems. To solve the problem, simply set the correct date and time.
If this does not help, you should contact a technician who specializes in working with local networks. Independent attempts to correct the situation can lead to irreversible consequences - loss of important data, failures in the network itself, etc.
Mapping a network drive is a fairly simple and safe procedure that can be carried out by almost every user, but for this you need to follow a certain sequence of actions. Incorrect connection can lead to malfunctions, which must be remembered.