N drive not mapping: Windows
It has been discovered that after switching to use campus AD, some Windows computers have been experiencing the N: drive either disappearing or not auto-mapping as it should when they sign in to the machine. This problem has also occurred with the H: drive for those users who have it.
Why is this happening?
We are not sure exactly why, but one theory is that because the N: drive is still located on a file server within the SoE domain, while the user's computer is now on the campus domain, it doesn't always connect as it should. At some point, the N drive (or its equivalent) will also be within the campus domain, so hopefully, this problem is only temporary.
Possible Solutions
Perform VPN Pre-Login
In our testing, this method has worked every time, because when performed correctly, your computer will already be on the campus network before you actually log in, and any drive connections controlled by group policy will be carried out. Please follow the directions provided in the Knowledgebase article linked below:
Perform Group Policy Update
This method usually works, and is a bit quicker when it does work. Please follow the instructions below to perform a group policy update:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press the Windows + S keys, then type
cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- Press the Windows + S keys, then type
- Run the Command:
- In the Command Prompt window, type
gpupdate /forceand press Enter.
- In the Command Prompt window, type
- Wait for the Process to Complete:
- The command will update both user and computer Group Policy settings. You’ll see a message indicating whether the update was successful. (e.g., "User policy update has completed successfully").
- The command will update both user and computer Group Policy settings. You’ll see a message indicating whether the update was successful. (e.g., "User policy update has completed successfully").
- Check to see if the N drive is present:
- The drive should appear immediately after the update has completed.
- The drive should appear immediately after the update has completed.
- Optional: Restart or Log Off:
- NOTE: Some policy changes may require a restart or logoff to take effect. The command output will indicate if this is necessary.
If you have questions or if neither of these methods resolves the problem, please contact IT support. — support@wcer.wisc.edu