Access to Shared Drives using NetStorage

Applies to: Users needing access to File Server files on a machine without the OES Client
Section: Network
Owner: File and Deplyment Manager
Last updated: 09 March 2022

Introduction

This note describes the use of the Netstorage service to access files on shared file servers(on the T: or I: drive for example). This is commonly needed to access work files from home or while travelling.

General

Netstorage provides two ways to access Novell files:

1. through a Web browser like FireFox or Microsoft Edge
2. through a webdav folder

The webdav folder provides the easiest access as it behaves as it is a normal folder and allows you to work with multiple files and directly open them. The web browser interface has the advantage of working with any system but is not as convenient for working with multiple files or for editing files.

Alternatives

For users who regularly access files on shared file servers, the OES Client should be used as it provides the best performance and will handle file locking in situations where multiple users might access the same files(shared access database or spreadsheet for example). PCs at the University should use the OES client as well as PCs at off campus locations that have a dedicated high speed connection and which regularly access files. Off-campus users can also use CIFS protocol which is available through VPN.

Using the Web Browser Interface

To use the web browser interface login to https://netstorage.cc.uregina.ca/. A list of drive is shown on the left of the screen and a list of files(once you have selected a drive) on the drive on the right side of the screen. To download a file check the box beside the file and choose download from the File menu. To upload, choose File | Upload , browse to the file and select it and then click upload. To logout click on the picture of the door at the top.

Using a webdav folder

Using a webdav folder on Windows 10/11* and MacOS X

The University has licensed Webdrive software which allows a webdav connection to Microfocus files and works the same way on Windows 10/11 and MacOS X. Please see the  Windows Webdrive Installation Guide or the MacOS X Install Guide for installation instructions.

*Windows 11 isn't officially supported by the UofR at the time of this writing but it has been reported to work.

WebDav URL

If you are using a client besides webdrive to connect to netstorage the webdav URL is:

https://netstorage.cc.uregina.ca/oneNet/NetStorage

Using a webdav folder on a Smart Phone (iphone/iPad/Android)

For iOS many users have had good success using the app ReaddleDocs which can be purchased from the Apple app store for a nominal fee. A user has reported good success with Webdav Navigator on iOS which is free(but now ad supported). Webdav Navigator is also available for Android/Blackberry/Windows Phone.

For Android devices here is a user contributed guide for a couple of free webdav clients.

Security

The web browser interface is completely secure(make sure you are using https not http). The webdrive software uses SSL encryption for login and file access. Other webdav clients may not use SSL encrypted.

Troubleshooting

• If you get an error setting up the folder, verify that you typed the netstorage URL in correctly and that you have capital letters in the appropriate places as the URL is case-sensitive

Conclusion

Using Netstorage to access files on Shared File Servers has been described.

Revision History

v0, 2009-09-09, Initial version
v1, 2009-09-10, Updated description of webdav on MacOSX to indicated Goliath must be used
v2, 2009-09-14, Added description of using on Vista.
v3, 2009-10-06, Added Vista note that SP2 must be installed for https to work.
v4, 2011-03-20, Changed to recommend webdrive for Windows/XP/7
v5, 2013-02-28, Added note about Windows 8, ReaddleDocs, and webdav URL for other apps.
v6, 2013-04-27, Added note about Webdav Navigator, and link to user contributed guide for some other free Android Webdav apps.
v7, 2014-08-29, Added links to MacOS X install guide for webdrive
v8, 2023-03-09, Updated the content to include support for Windows 10