How to Access Shared Network Drives

What Are Network Drives?

Network drives are shared folders on company servers that multiple people can access. They often appear as drive letters like G:, H:, S:, etc.

Accessing Network Drives

In the Office

Network drives usually connect automatically when you:

• Connect to the office network
• Log into your computer

They appear in File Explorer under "This PC."

From Home (VPN Required)

• Connect to VPN first
• Drives should appear automatically
• If not, you may need to map them manually

Mapping a Network Drive (Windows)

If a drive doesn't appear automatically:

Step 1: Open Map Network Drive

• Open File Explorer
• Right-click This PC
• Click Map network drive

Step 2: Enter Drive Details

• Choose a drive letter
• Enter the folder path (IT will provide this)

- Format: \\servername\sharename

• Check Reconnect at sign-in
• Click Finish

Step 3: Enter Credentials If Prompted

Use your work username and password.

Mapping on Mac

Step 1: Connect to Server

• In Finder, click Go > Connect to Server
• Enter the server address:

- Format: smb://servername/sharename

• Click Connect

Step 2: Enter Credentials

Enter your work username and password.

Step 3: Access the Share

The share appears in Finder sidebar.

Common Network Drives

Companies often have:

• Home drive (H:) - Your personal network folder
• Shared drive (S: or G:) - Team/company shared folders
• Department drives - Specific to your team

Troubleshooting

Drive Not Appearing

• Check network connection
• Connect to VPN (if remote)
• Try mapping manually
• Restart computer

"Cannot Access" Error

• Check network connection
• Verify you have permission
• Try logging out and back in
• Contact IT

Slow Performance

• Network drives can be slow remotely
• Consider using OneDrive/SharePoint instead
• Copy files locally for heavy work

Network Drives vs Cloud Storage

Network Drives

• Traditional file storage
• Requires VPN when remote
• Can be slow remotely
• Good for legacy applications

OneDrive/SharePoint (Recommended)

• Modern cloud storage
• Fast from anywhere
• No VPN needed
• Better for remote work

Tip: If you mainly work remotely, ask IT about moving to cloud storage.

Need Help?

For network drive access, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.