Access Network Shared Folders

This article explains how to navigate to network shared folders on Windows and Mac and how to create shortcuts or map network drives.

To reach the network shared folders, you must be either:

On campus and connected to the GC-Staff wi-fi network or ethernet.
Off campus connected to GCTS VPN (for staff).

Windows

Method 1: Search

Click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of the screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Type the desired network location (e.g. \\ham-share\Shares).
Press Enter.
The file location should open in File Explorer.

Method 2: File Explorer

Open File Explorer.
Enter desired network location in the address bar at the top (e.g. \\ham-share\Shares).

You will only be able to open the folders to which you've been granted access.

Create Windows Shortcut

Method 1: Map Network Drive

Open File Explorer.
Click This PC in the left column.
Click Computer in the top left of the window.
Select Map Network Drive at the top of the window.
Under Drive, choose any drive that does not have anything more than a letter and a colon.
In Folder, type the desired network location (e.g. \\ham-share\Shares).
Ensure the “Reconnect at logon” check box is checked.
Click Finish.

Method 2: Create Shortcut

Open File Explorer.
Navigate to the desired network location (e.g. \\ham-share\Shares).
Right-click on the desired folder to be mapped.
Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) to create a desktop shortcut or Pin to Quick Access to bring up the folder under Quick Access within File Explorer.
Note: This option should only be used if the folder does not need to be mapped as a drive.

Mac

Method 1: Globe Shortcut

If you are enrolled in Jamf, you can open Self Service and add the Network Shares shortcut to your Dock. The icon will look like a globe toward the right end of your dock.
When you click the globe icon, it will open the shares as a whole, and you can open the folder you need.
If you are not enrolled in Jamf, do not want to use the shortcut, or need to open more than one server, use the Finder method below.

Method 2: Finder

Open Finder.
Press Command-K or navigate to Go > Connect to server... This will open the Connect to Server window.
Type one of the following addresses to reach your campus share:
1. smb://ham-share.gordonconwell.edu/shares/
2. smb://bos-share.gordonconwell.edu/shares/
3. smb://cha-share.gordonconwell.edu/shares/
4. smb://jax-share.gordonconwell.edu/shares/
You may also click the + sign to add them to your favorite servers.