Accessing WWU drives remotely using WebDAV

You can access WWU network drives (U:, P:, S:, etc) across the Internet by creating a WebDAV connection. Unfortunately, this is an inconsistent service that does not always work.

We are working on a more reliable service for accessing network files remotely. If you will need to access network files from a remote computer, it is recommended that you download them when on campus. Faculty and staff may contact the Help Desk for permission and access to the university's Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Please note that WebDAV connections time out. Save your work every 10 minutes in order to avoid losing valuable work.

Windows XP, Vista, and 7 (Mac instructions towards bottom)

1. If setting up access to your U: drive, determine which Windows volume (i.e., network location) you need to access by logging into MyWestern, clicking on the Student tab, and looking under Computer Account Information.
2. Download and install WWU's Security Certificate at: http://www.wwu.edu/depts/techserv/java/cainstall/
3. Make sure you have this Windows update installed if you are using Windows XP or Vista: KB907306 and have Internet Explorer 7 or newer installed.
4. Right-click on the My Computer icon and select "Map Network Drive."
5. Select "Connect to a Web site that you can use to store your documents and pictures."





6. Click Next on the first window of The "Add Network Place" Wizard.
7. Click on Choose another network location and click Next.
In the "Internet or network address:" field, type the appropriate URL from the list below:

Student U drive:
• if your home directory is on STU1:
   https://msfs-stu1.wwu.edu/stu1/YourUserID
• if your home directory is on STU2:
   https://msfs-stu2.wwu.edu/stu2/YourUserID
• if your home directory is on STU3:
    https://msfs-stu3.wwu.edu/stu3/YourUserID

Faculty and Staff U drive:
• if your home directory is on USER1:
   https://msfs-user1.wwu.edu/user1/YourUserID
• if your home directory is on USER2:
   https://msfs-user2.wwu.edu/user2/YourUserID
• if your home directory is on USER3:
   https://msfs-user3.wwu.edu/user3/YourUserID


P (Facshare) drive:

https://msfs-facshare.wwu.edu/facshare


S (Class) drive:

https://msfs-class1.wwu.edu/class1

 

8. A security alert might pop-up stating that the security certificate was issued by a company you have not chosen to trust. This is normal; click “Yes” in response to “Do you want to proceed?”
9. Enter your Universal username and password.
   1. Windows Vista and 7: enter your login as "wwu\username"
   2. Make sure that your username is in all lowercase.
10. The next dialog allows you to create a custom name for your connection. For example: “WWU U Drive”.
11. Click Next to continue.
12. Click Finish to complete the configuration of your network drive.

Your network drives will now be accessible under My Network Places.

Mac OSX

• In Finder, select Go > Connect to Server.
• Type in the server address listed above and click the connect button.
• Enter your universal username and password. Please enter "wwu" for Domain:
  

*Note that you might need to connect twice for this to work

If you have any questions, please contact the ATUS Help Desk at 360.650.3333 or helpdesk@wwu.edu.