Configuring your Computer after Migrating to the New Faculty Staff File Server
Overview of the Four Most Commonly Used Folders
There are four file folders commonly used by faculty and staff. Step-by-step instructions for accessing these folders and creating shortcuts are listed below.
- U: Drive (Home Folder): You now have a U: drive which automatically connects you to your personal file folder on the new file server. This folder is your own personal folder, and only you have access to it. The easiest method to access this folder is by clicking the My Computer icon on your desktop, which will then display your U: Drive. This folder is also located at file://uwb.edu/faculty-staff. For complete step-by-step directions, refer to "Accessing your Files Via the U: Drive" found below.
- Classes Folder: This folder contains folders for classes currently taught by UWB faculty, at the professor's request. It is also located at file://uwb.edu/faculty-staff for convenient faculty access. To request a class folder, email Netops at Netops@uwb.edu. After you have been migrated, any shortcuts to this folder will no longer work. Therefore, you will need to create a new shortcut. Directions for creating this new shortcut are provided below, ""
- Department Public Folder: This folder is located in your Department's folder at file://uwb.edu/Departments, and it allows faculty and staff in your department to share files. Access to this folder is restricted to only faculty and staff in your department. Many users chose to create a shortcut to this folder on their desktop. Directions for creating this new shortcut are provided below, "Accessing and Creating Shortcuts to the Departmental Public and Temporary Folders."
- Temporary folder: This folder is also located at file://uwb.edu/Departments. It is used for interdepartmental collaboration between UWB faculty and staff campus wide. It is named "Temporary" because it is designed for storing files that are currently in use. When files are no longer in use, faculty and staff are encouraged to delete them. Directions for creating this shortcut are provided below, "Accessing and Creating Shortcuts to the Departmental Public and Temporary Folders."
After migrating to the new Faculty Staff File Server you will need to be aware of the following changes:
- In Outlook - If you have a Personal folder and/or an Archive folder that was automatically saving to Mercury, then you will need to reconnect Outlook to read that folder. Directions are provided below, "Adding your Personal Folder and Archive Folders to Outlook."
- Accessing your files from home - The new File Services will provide an easier method for accessing your files using Internet Explorer. Webfiles allows you to open and save files from any location off campus as if you were at your work computer. Directions for accessing and using Webfiles are found at How to Access your Folders on the Faculty Staff File Server from Off-Campus.
Accessing your Files Via the U: Drive
Your personal home folder is automatically mapped as the "U: Drive" when you logon to your computer. To access your personal data folder on campus, you will need to follow these steps:
- Double-click the "My Computer" icon.
- Double-click your personal folder, which is labeled as the "U:" drive.
- Your personal folder, identified by your login name, should appear in the window that opens.
- Your files will be located in this folder. Select, and double-click the folder to open it, and access your files.
- To create a shortcut on your desktop to this folder, follow the next set of directions.
Creating a Shortcut on your Desktop to your U: Drive
- Double-click the My Computer Icon.
- Right click on your U: drive, then click Create Shortcut.
- A message will appear that asks if you "want the shortcut to be placed on the desktop instead?" Click Yes.
Accessing and Creating Shortcuts to the Departmental Public and Temporary Folders
- From the Taskbar, select Start, then Run.
- In the Run window, type \\uwb.edu\Departments and then click OK.
- In the "Departments on uwb.edu" window, you will find both your departmental folder and the Temporary folder.
Temporary folder
- In the "Departments on uwb.edu" window, Double click the Temporary folder to access it.
- To create a shortcut to this folder, right-click the folder then select Send To > Desktop (Create Shortcut) option.
Departmental Public Folder
- In the "Departments on uwb.edu" window, Double click your department's folder. You will now see the Public folder, Double click the Public folder to access it.
- To create a shortcut to this folder, right-click the folder then select Send To > Desktop (Create Shortcut) option.
Accessing and Creating Shortcuts to the Classes Folder
- From the Taskbar, select Start, then Run.
- In the Run window, type \\uwb.edu\faculty-staff\classes and then click OK. You will now see all of the class folder. Double click the one you wish to access.
- To create a shortcut to any folder, right-click the folder then select Send To > Desktop (Create Shortcut) option.
Adding your Personal Folder and Archive Folders to Outlook
If you have a Personal folder and/or an Archive folder that was automatically saving to Mercury, then you will need to reconnect Outlook to read that folder.:
- Launch Outlook.
- In Outlook, click File, then Open, then Outlook Data File.
- Browse to locate your Archive or Personal folder.
- Select your archive folder name, then click OK.
- The archive/personal folder will now appear in your "All Mail Folders" menu.
To access your files from home, you will need to follow the directions in "How to Access your Folders on the Faculty Staff File Server from Off-Campus."
Getting Help
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the IT Helpdesk at (425) 352-3456 or email us at IT@uwb.edu.