Network Drive Mapping Off Campus (Windows XP Pro)

Who should use this page?

This page is designed to be used by people who need to map their network drive from outside of the campus network when using Windows XP Professional as their operating system.

Step 1: Change Hostname

Right click on My Computer.
Choose Network Identification tab.
Under the Properties button, change the Computer Name to your UNIX username. (This is so that you have a unique name on the domain. If you choose a name that someone already has, you won't be able to access the network.)

Step 2: Install the VPN Client

The first thing you will need to do is to download and install the VPN Client (also called the Extranet Access Client).

Step 3: Connect to the WPI Network using the VPN

Connect to your Internet Provider (if necessary).
Double-click on the VPN Client you installed.
Enter your Unix username and password.
Forgot Your Password?
Click Connect.

Step 4: Mapping the drive

Right-click on the My Computer icon.
Click on "Map Network Drive..."
Click on the down arrow next to the Drive text box.
Select a free drive letter such as "R:"
In the path field, type the path you wish to map to (Example paths)
Click Connect using a different user name.
For the user name, type STUDENT\username or ADMIN\username.
For the password, enter your STUDENT/ADMIN Password.
(This is the same one you use to log into the PCs in labs around campus)
The "Reconnect at logon" box should be checked ONLY if the share should be available the next time the computer is restarted.
(Note: If the box is checked, others who log into your computer may be able to access that folder.)
Click Finish.

Step 5: Success!

If everything went as planned, the drive should be successfully mapped and good to go. Below are the answers to several questions that might arise during or after mapping a drive.

Troubleshooting (Frequently Asked Questions)

Which domain do I use?
Students will be using the STUDENT domain.
Faculty and staff will be using the ADMIN domain.
Why can't I connect to the VPN?
Oftentimes, people have trouble connecting to the VPN through a firewall. If your Internet connection goes through a firewall (say at work, or in your apartment), some settings may need to be changed before the VPN client will be able to get through and join the campus network.
Another common problem is people using the wrong password. Please be sure to use your Unix password, rather than your STUDENT password when trying to use the VPN client software to connect. If you forgot your Unix password, please see the section below for directions on resetting it.
What is my username?
The username is the same as your Unix login and therefore the same as the first part of your e-mail address. For example, if your e-mail address is helpdesk@wpi.edu then your username would be helpdesk.
What is my password?

The password needed to connect to the VPN is your Unix Password (for students, this is the one commonly used to check your campus e-mail).
The password needed to map the network drive or connect to the domain is the same one used when logging into Windows-based computers on campus. It is often referred to as the STUDENT password for students and the ADMIN password for faculty and staff.
What if I forgot my password?

Students can reset their STUDENT password on the CCC Accounts page.

Faculty and Staff will need to call the CCC Helpdesk at 508-831-5888 (x5888 on campus) and request that an Admin password be reset.
Where can I find commonly mapped drives?
See the Paths page
What if I have another question?
Other questions that have not been answered here can be directed to the CCC Helpdesk at 508-831-5888 (x5888 on campus). Due to the nature of these calls, the Helpdesk asks that you have access to a computer when calling. This will greatly speed up the process of answering any questions.

Maintained by itweb.
Last modified: Aug 08, 2005, 15:37 EDT