Remote Novell File Access


There are three methods you can use to access your files on the Novell server remotely:

1. NetStorage Web Interface
2. NetDrive program
3. Windows XP Web Folders

NetStorage

The easiest way to access your files remotely is through the NetStorage webpage. NetStorageis a web interface to the Novell server that allows you to access your files on the Novell server without having to install the Novell Client. In order to access the system, use the following link:

https://netstorage.fas.rutgers.edu/oneNet/NetStorage


If you receive a certificate notification, click "Yes" (IE) or "Accept this certificate" (Firefox). You may also receive a domain name mismatch dialog. Just click "OK."

When prompted for your username and password enter your Novell username and password. When entering your username, you must use the fully-qualified name.  For example, user jsmith in economics would enter:

.jsmith.users.econ.fas  (Notice the leading period.)

Once you are connected, you will see a list of your folders, which you can click on to navigate through.  You can copy, move, rename, delete, read, and write files to and from the server. When you are done using NetStorage, logout using the "Logout" command from the File menu.

Please note that under some circumstances, the first time you connect, you may only see your home directory . If this is the case, log out of NetStorage and log back on. You should now see all your drives. If the problem persists, try using a different web browser (i.e., if you are using Firefox, try Internet Explorer, and vice-versa.)

NetDrive

In addition to the web interface, there is a also a program called NetDrive which allows you to map drives through a secure web interface and access files through Windows Explorer. The one caveat is that NetDrive will slow your system down somewhat.  The severity of the performance impact will vary depending on the quality and speed of your network connection. If you use a dialup internet connection or find that NetDrive slows down your PC to an acceptable degree, I suggest you instead use the NetStorage web interface to download and upload files. Please also note that because of  the variety of PCs, operating systems, and software configurations, I will not be able to fully support the use of NetDrive on home machines.

Drives map a little differently through NetDrive than they do with the regular Novell client.  Rather than showing up as X:, H:, Y: etc, access to the files is through one drive letter, N:.  When you open the N: drive you will see folders that represent the data drives you normally have access to:

H: (home directory)
S: (scratch drive)
L: (your webpage folder)


NetDrive will work whether or not you have the Novell Client installed on your system and there is no requirement to use the Rutgers VPN.  The data is encrypted using SSL.

You can download the NetDrive client here:

http://fas.rutgers.edu/computing/novellclients/fasnetdrive.exe

If for some reason that link doesn't work, you can also download NetDrive from the main http://fas.rutgers.edu/computing page under "Novell Client Downloads." After downloading the file, double-click it to install. It will be automatically configured with the correct settings.

To launch NetDrive, click on the NetDrive icon in your start menu. Once it loads, click "Connect," and you will be prompted for your username and password.  Remember to use the fully-qualified username as detailed above and enter your regular Novell password. After successfully authenticating, your N: drive will be mapped to NetStorage.

When you are done, you can disconnect by right-clicking on the drive and choosing "Disconnect."

Please note that under circumstances, the first time you connect, you may only see your Home Directory under your N: drive. If this is the case, disconnect the drive and launch NetDrive again. You should now see all your drives.

Windows XP Web Folders

You can also directly connect to your Novell files using the built-in Web Folders feature in Windows XP:
  1. Double-click on the My Network Places icon on the Desktop.
  2. Click on Add Network Place from the Network Tasks menu on the left side of the window.
  3. The Add a Network Place wizard will open. Click Next.
  4. Select the Choose Another Network Location option. Click Next.
  5. In the Internet or Network Address field enter https://netstorage.fas.rutgers.edu/oneNet/NetStorage and click Next.
  6. Enter your Novell username and password when prompted. When entering your username, you must use the fully-qualified name.  For example, user jsmith in economics would enter: .jsmith.users.econ.fas  (Notice the leading period.)
  7. Enter a name for the link, such as "FAS Novell Server." Click Finish.
  8. Now, when you go to "My Network Places," you will see the connection you just created. Double-click it to connect. You will see your individual drives listed.