Working Remotely - Network Drive Access

This article will describe how to get access to network drives while working remotely on a DOS computer.

Access to the Surgery Network Drives is restricted to certain networks for security purposes. If you are working in the building on a wired connection or a dock, this article will not be necessary since your wired connection will provide these network drives on login.

When working remotely, we will first need to get onto the internal network by establishing a connection to SMPH VPN.

Establishing a Connection

  • This Surgery KB article will show you how to connect to the internal network using Global Protect: Working Remotely - How to Connect to SMPH VPN
    • Once you follow those steps, you can left-click on the Global Protect icon in your system tray to verify that you are connected.

Windows system tray with connected Global Protect icon

Global Protect client indicates connected

  • Note: If you successfully connect to SMPH VPN, and you see your network drives in Windows Explorer under This PC, but they have "X" symbols through them, double-clicking on the drive will allow you to browse the drive. The X indicator does not automatically go away when your connection is restored. 

Windows Explorer showing network drives mapped with a red X indicator.

    • If you don't see your drives, proceed to the next step.
  • Once connected to SMPH VPN, simply double-click on the "Remap Network Drives" icon located on your desktop.

Remap network drives icon highlighted with red outline

The behavior of this icon will vary slightly depending on if your DOS computer has been migrated to Campus AD (CADS).

If you are migrated

  • A "Launching" window will appear, indicating that the process has begun starting with "Contacting DC" This may be quick or take up to 5 mins.  

 Launching window indicating that Remap Network Drives is underway.

  • Once the message window disappears, your network drives will be available in Windows Explorer under This PC

Windows Explorer window with drives appearing without X symbols

If you are NOT migrated

  • Note: Its recommended that you login as Computer Only while working remotely. This way, you don't have to wait for the login prompt to time out before getting into your computer.

 OES login page with Computer Only Login highlighted

  • Double-clicking on the "Remap Network Drives" icon will launch an OES login window. This will prompt you for your Surgery Username and password. Enter your Surgery credentials and click OK.

OES Login prompt with arrows indicating username and password

  • There may be another window that comes up indicating that your U:\ drive could not be set as the default drive. Dismiss this window by clicking Close

OES Login post prompt click close

  • Once the message window disappears, your network drives will be available in Windows Explorer under This PC

Windows explorer window with This PC highlighted


Keywords:
network drives surgery file server volumes home remap 
Doc ID:
154504
Owned by:
Collin B. in UW Surgery
Created:
2025-08-28
Updated:
2025-08-29
Sites:
UW Department of Surgery