Guides in this section

Network Drives

Updated

Understanding Your Network Drives

C:\ Drive (Local Storage)
Your C:\ drive is the primary storage on your computer where your operating system and personal files are stored. This includes your Desktop and Documents folders. As a local drive, it represents the physical storage device in your computer and is only accessible from that specific machine.

H:\ Drive (Personal Network Storage)
Your H:\ drive is a personal network drive accessible only with your login credentials. The physical storage is located in AU's data center, functioning like a cloud-based flash drive. You can access it from an AU network connection.

X:\ Drive (Shared Network Storage)
Your X:\ drive is a shared network drive accessible to anyone with assigned permissions. Like the H:\ drive, it is available from an AU network connection.

Accessing Your Network Drives

AU computers automatically connect to your H:\ and X:\ drives when you sign in. These connections disconnect when you sign out, ensuring your files remain secure.

Copying Files to H:\ or X:\ Drives

  1. Open File Explorer one of several different ways.
    • Click the icon from your taskbar.
    • From the Start menu, type File Explorer in the search field and press enter.
    • Enter the keyboard shortcut Win+E.
  2. Select This PC from the left sidebar.
  3. Double-click the desired drive (H:\ or X:\)
  4. Navigate to your target folder.
  5. Drag and drop or copy/paste the file and wait for the upload to complete.

Saving Files Directly to H:\ or X:\ Drives

  1. In your chosen application, start the Save function. In Office applications, click File.
  2. Then, click Save As.
  3. Click Browse.
  4. Select This PC from the left sidebar of the "Save As" window.
  5. Double-click your preferred drive (H:\ or X:\).
  6. Navigate to the target folder.
  7. Click the Save button.

Troubleshooting

If your H:\ or X:\ drive does not connect automatically, verify:

  1. You are connected to the AU network.
  2. If working remotely, you are connected to the VPN. Refer to the Connecting to GlobalProtect VPN instructional guide for further instructions.
  3. If you are connected to the VPN, run the xmap.bat (X Drive) and/or hmap.bat (H Drive) drive mapping files attached below. There are two ways to run the drive mapping files:
    • Double-click the file and select Run when prompted.
    • Right-click the file, select Open, then click Run.
  4. After running the scripts, the X or H drive should appear as expected in File Explorer. Remember that you need to run these files every time you connect to the VPN to access the network drives.

If you have questions or encounter issues with your X:\ or H:\ drive, contact the ITS Helpdesk at itshelp@aurora.edu or (630)-844-5790.