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IT Help and Support

University Information Services
 

The UMD supports different file storage options. You should use the option that is available to you, and best suits your needs. If you need clarification ask your local IT support team.

Windows

OneDrive

If you are eligible for a University Microsoft account, you will be able to use Microsoft's cloud-based file hosting service OneDrive. The OneDrive desktop application is preinstalled on all Windows UMD devices. To access it login with your @cam.ac.uk email address and University account password (formerly Raven). 

Sharepoint

Microsoft SharePoint Online is normally accessed with a web browser. If you have OneDrive installed, you can also synchronise SharePoint Online content to your device so it is available when you are not online. Follow Microsoft's instructions for Windows to synchronise your SharePoint content to OneDrive.

Mapped drives

Institutional File Store

Some institutions use the Institutional File Store (IFS). This is a University-run service for institutions to store and share everyday documents with colleagues. If you are unsure if your institution uses the IFS check with your local IT support team.

To access your IFS folders that are mapped to the Z:\ drive. Select 'This PC' and go to 'File Explorer'. 

You can pin folders that you use regularly to your quick access folder so you can access them directly without going through the Z:\ drive. If you right-click on the folder you want to add to quick access, and then select ‘Pin to Quick Access’.

Access mapped drives when away from the University

To access your files on the IFS when you're away from the University network (CUDN), or eduroam, you need to be on one of the University of Cambridge VPNs.

DS-Filestore

Personal filespaces 

To access the DS-Filestore on a shared-use UMD Windows device select the ‘DS-Filestore’ shortcut on the desktop. When prompted enter your University account password (formerly Raven) 

Your personal filespace will then mount as the U:\ drive in ‘My PC’.  Note: when you log off this drive will be unmounted. 

Group filespaces 

To access your group filespace on a shared-use UMD Windows device go to the 'Start Menu' and open 'File Explorer'. In the address bar enter ‘\\filestore.ds.cam.ac.uk\ux\Groups\’ and navigate to your group’s filespace. When prompted enter ‘pwfad\CRSid’ as the username and your University password.  

 

macOS

OneDrive

If you are eligible for a University Microsoft account, you will be able to use Microsoft's cloud-based file hosting service OneDrive. To start using using OneDrive you will first need to install it using the Self Service app. Once installed you can login with your @cam.ac.uk email address and University account password (formerly Raven).  

Sharepoint

Microsoft SharePoint Online is normally accessed with a web browser. If you have OneDrive installed, you can also synchronise SharePoint Online content to your device so it is available when you are not online. Follow Microsoft instructions for macOS to synchronise your Sharepoint content to OneDrive.

Mapped drives

Institutional File Store

Some institutions use the Institutional File Store (IFS). This is a University-run service for institutions to store and share everyday documents with colleagues. If you are unsure if your institution uses the IFS check with your local IT support team. 

To access your IFS shares you will need to be on the University network, or connected remotely on the VPN.

Go to 'Finder', then select the 'Go' menu, then 'Connect to Server'. Enter the appropriate URL for your institution (you will need to get this URL from local IT support team). Some common examples are: 

  • J Share - smb://blue.cam.ac.uk/legacyacn/jshare

  • R Share - smb://blue.cam.ac.uk/legacyacn/rshare

  • Group share - smb://blue.cam.ac.uk/legacyacn/group

Select the ‘+’ at the bottom of the window to store the mapped drive in the list of ‘Favourite Servers’ for future use. 

When prompted enter your CRSid and University account password (formerly Raven). You can select ‘Remember this password in my keychain’ to save your password for the next time you connect to the server. 

Select ‘Connect’ to connect to the server. It will then appear on your Desktop. 

Access mapped drives when away from the University

To access your files on the IFS when you're away from the University network (CUDN), or eduroam, you need to be on one of the University of Cambridge VPNs.

DS-Filestore

Personal filespaces 

To access the DS-Filestore open the ‘Self Service’ shortcut from the ‘Applications’ list in Finder. Browse to the ‘File Shares’ section and under ‘Add DS-Filestore Share to Favourites’ select ‘Add’. 

Open Finder and from the ‘Go’ menu select ‘Connect to Server...’. From your list of ‘Favourite Servers’ select ‘smb://filestore.ds.cam.ac.uk’, then select ‘Connect’. 

Enter your CRSid and University password when prompted. If you tick 'Remember password in keychain' you will not be asked to enter your password again in the future. 

Choose the folder that corresponds to the first letter of your CRSid and then navigate to your home directory.

Group filespaces 

Group filespaces can be accessed by following the above instructions except instead of connecting to the folder that corresponds to the first letter of your CRSid, select the folder ‘ux’, then navigate to ‘groups’ and then your group’s name.

Get help

If you have any queries please contact the UIS service desk by emailing servicedesk@uis.cam.ac.uk