How-To Map a Network Drive using Windows 7, Vista or Windows Server 2008

Mapping a Network Drive using Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 is easy right?  Well, based on the number of emails I get asking me how to do it, it’s not as easy as Microsoft probably intended.  But it’s simple once I show you where it’s hidden, so as a bonus, I’ll also show you how to do it from the CMD line.

First, here’s the standard method using Windows Explorer.

How-To Map a Network Drive in Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 using Windows Explorer

1. Click Windows Start Button, Computer

2. Click Map Network Drive; I know, it was hidden 🙂

3. Select the Drive Letter (I choose Z in my example), Type or Browse to the Server Share, Check Reconnect at Logon Box if you want the Mapping to be persistent (remain after a reboot).  Click Finished when finished.

ALL DONE!  I told you it was easy!

Ok, now let’s review the how-to from the CMD line interface.

How-To Map a Network Drive in Windows 7, Vista and Windows Server 2008 using the CMD Line

1. Click Windows Start Button and Type CMD then Press Enter Key

2.   Type net use z: /persistent:yes \servernameshare and Press Enter

From the example above, feel free to use the drive letter of your choice.  Use an * to choose the next available drive letter currently not mapped to anything.

You can also exclude the /persistent switch if you don’t want the mapping to be permanent (persistent after a reboot).  Additionally, you can use the IP address of the server/workstation if you want.

One other note, the above command string also assumes you have access to the server share your trying to access.  If you need to connect using a different account, use the following command:

net use z: /persistent:yes \\servername\share /u:domainaccount password

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