ResearchDrive Account Overview

Account Naming Convention

• ResearchDrive storage accounts are named based on the PI's NetID such as \\research.drive.wisc.edu\[PI NetID]
• Restricted ResearchDrive accounts use the naming convention \\restricted.drive.wisc.edu\[PI NetID]
• Replace references to [PI NetID] with the PI's NetID username.
• Replace references to [NetID] or [NetID password] with your NetID username and password.

Restricted Data

ResearchDrive aligns with the Secure Storage Request process and compliance requirements on the Cybersecurity Risk Management and Compliance website.

• Any UW–⁠Madison endpoint used to access restricted data must be maintained and supported by trained IT staff to ensure they are secure and not vulnerable to malware.
• External collaborators will need to complete an endpoint security checklist to document the security controls in place at their institution.
• Access to restricted data from any other unauthorized endpoint is prohibited.
• Please refer to the ResearchDrive FAQ for additional details.

Connectivity Options

There are several ways to access ResearchDrive storage from a Windows computer.

Mapping a Network Drive using My Computer

1. If you are off campus or using wifi then you will need to connect to WiscVPN. before using ResearchDrive.
2. Open the Windows Start Menu and right-click on Computer or This PC. Click Map Network Drive.
3. Select the a drive letter and enter \\research.drive.wisc.edu\[PI NetID ]
4. Ensure that the Reconnect at logon box is checked.
5. Check the box labeled Connect using different credentials.
6. Click Finish.
7. User name: [NetID]@ad.wisc.edu or ad.wisc.edu\[NetID]
8. Password: [NetID password]
9. Check the box labeled Remember my credentials if desired.
10. Click OK.
11. If the connection was successful, Windows Explorer will open the mapped network drive. Refer to the Common Problems / Troubleshooting section if you have problems connecting.

Connect to ResearchDrive with Globus

Please refer to Globus - Access ResearchDrive or SharedDrive Stoage with Globus.

Mapping a Network Drive using the Command Prompt

1. If you are off campus or using wifi then you will need to connect to WiscVPN. before using ResearchDrive.
2. Click the Start button and type cmd in the Search field.
3. Click cmd.
4. Type the command

   net use r: \\research.drive.wisc.edu\[PI NetID] /savecred /persistent:yes

   
5. Hit Enter.
6. Enter your username and password at the prompt:
   • User name: [NetID]@ad.wisc.edu
   • Password: [NetID Password]
7. Hit Enter.
8. Click the Computer icon in the Start enu. The recently mapped network drives will now appear in the Network Location section. Refer to the Common Problems / Troubleshooting section if you have problems connecting.

Mapping a Network Drive using Powershell

1. If you are off campus or using wifi then you will need to connect to WiscVPN. before using ResearchDrive.
2. Click the Start button and type powershell in the Search field.
3. Click Windows Powershell.
4. Use the New-PSDrive PowerShell command to connect to Research Drive.
   • If you are connecting to ResearchDrive from a Windows computer that is joined to Campus Active Directory then use this command:

     New-PSDrive -Name R -PSProvider FileSystem -root \\research.drive.wisc.edu\[PI NetID] -Persist

     
   • If you are connecting to ResearchDrive from a Windows computer that is not joined to Campus Active Directory then use these commands:

     $credential = Get-Credential
     $user=$credential.GetNetworkCredential().UserName
     New-PSDrive -Name R -PSProvider FileSystem -root \\research.drive.wisc.edu\$($user) -Credential $credential -Persist

5. Click the Computer icon in the Start Menu. The recently mapped network drives will now appear in the Network Location section. Refer to the Common Problems / Troubleshooting section if you have problems connecting.

Mounting ResearchDrive in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

1. If you are off campus or using wifi then you will need to connect to WiscVPN. before using ResearchDrive.
2. Make a directory for the ResearchDrive mount point in WSL

   $ sudo mkdir -p /mnt/researchdrive/mplayde

3. Install kerberos user tools in WSL

   #Ubuntu
   $ sudo apt install krb5-user
   #CentOS
   $ sudo yum install krb5-workstation

4. Add the ad.wisc.edu Kerberos servers to /etc/krb5.conf

   $ sudo vi /etc/krb5.conf
   [libdefaults]
   	default_realm = AD.WISC.EDU
   	dns_lookup_realm = false
   	dns_lookup_kdc = false
    	ticket_lifetime = 10h
    	renew_lifetime = 7d
    	forwardable = true
    	rdns = false
   
   [realms]
   	AD.WISC.EDU = {
   	kdc = ad.wisc.edu
   	admin_server = ad.wisc.edu
   	}
   
   [domain_realm]
   	.ad.wisc.edu = AD.WISC.EDU
   	ad.wisc.edu = AD.WISC.EDU
   

5. Restart WSL with Powershell.Start -> Run -> Open powershell

   PS C:\Users\mplayde> wsl.exe --shutdown

6. Re-open WSL and get a kerberos ticket

   $ kinit mplayde@AD.WISC.EDU
   Password for mplayde@AD.WISC.EDU:

7. Verify that you got a kerberos ticket with klist

   $ klist

8. Mount ResearchDrive with drvfs

   $ sudo mount -vvv -t drvfs //research.drive.wisc.edu/mplayde /mnt/researchdrive/mplayde

9. Verify that you can access ResearchDrive

   $ ls -alh /mnt/researchdrive/mplayde

10. Refer to the Common Problems / Troubleshooting section if you have problems connecting.

Common Problems / Troubleshooting

For more information on common problems that can occur when mapping drives and how to troubleshoot them, please refer to the following resources:

1. DoIT Active Directory - Troubleshooting File Share Connection Problems
2. SS64 Net Use Documentation
3. Microsoft PowerShell New-PSDrive Documentation
4. SS64 New-PSDrive Documentation