Accessing AD Drives Remotely

Off-Campus Access

A UMD VPN (vpn.d.umn.edu) connection is required to access Active Directory (AD) drives while off-campus. For more information visit VPN: Virtual Private Network.

Windows - University-Owned - On AD

  1. If you are working off-campus, you must first connect to UMD VPN (vpn.d.umn.edu).
  2. After logging into the computer, drives automatically appear alongside your other drives when you open "This PC".

Windows - University-Owned - Not on AD

The recommended solution is to bring your device into compliance and managed by Active Directory. This is achieved by checking your device in at the TechCenter for configuration. Loaner laptops are available for you to use in the interim. Contact ITSS for more information.

  1. If you are working off-campus, you must first connect to UMD VPN (vpn.d.umn.edu).
  2. Open "File Explorer" from the taskbar or the Start menu (Windows logo key + E)
  3. In the left pane, Right-click "This PC" and choose "Map network drive…"
    • Drive: Any drive letter works.
    • Folder: \\ad.umn.edu\d
    • Reconnect at sign-in: Optional. Check if you want to keep this drive connected
    • Connect using different credentials: Required. Check this box.
  4. Click the "Finish" button.
  5. Enter network credentials window:
    • User name: ad\yourusername (Example: ad\jdoe )
    • Password: (your university password)
  6. Your drive should appear. On slower connections this may take a little while.
  7. To access your Shared drive files (N:) open the "Shared" folder.
  8. To access your Personal drive files (P:) open the "Home" folder.

Windows - Personally Owned

  1. If you are working off-campus, you must first connect to UMD VPN (vpn.d.umn.edu).
  2. Open "File Explorer" from the taskbar or the Start menu (Windows logo key + E)
  3. In the left pane, right-click "This PC" and choose "Map network drive…"
    • Drive: Any drive letter works.
    • Folder: \\ad.umn.edu\d
    • Reconnect at sign-in: Optional. Check if you want to keep this drive connected
    • Connect using different credentials: Required. Check this box.
  4. Click the "Finish" button.
  5. Enter network credentials window:
    • User name: ad\yourusername (Example: ad\jdoe )
    • Password: (your university password)
  6. Your drive should appear. On slower connections this may take a little while.
  7. To access your Shared drive files (N:) open the "Shared" folder.
  8. To access your Personal drive files (P:) open the "Home" folder.

Mac - University-Owned - On Jamf

The recommended solution is to install Enterprise Connect. This app will automatically connect to your AD drives. Contact ITSS to try it.

  1. If you are working off-campus, you must first connect to UMD VPN (vpn.d.umn.edu).
  2. Switch to Finder.
  3. From the "Go" menu, select "Connect to Server…" (Command + K)
  4. Type the following path: smb://ad.umn.edu/D/Shared
  5. When prompted to authenticate:
    • Name: ad\yourusername (Example: ad\jdoe )
    • Password: (your university password)
  6. Click the "Connect" button.

Mac - University-Owned - Not on Jamf

The recommended solution is bring your device into compliance and configured on Jamf, and then install Enterprise Connect. Getting on Jamf is achieved by contacting ITSS, and can be quickly completed in-person or remotely. The Enterprise Connect app will automatically connect to your AD drives.

  1. If you are working off-campus, you must first connect to UMD VPN (vpn.d.umn.edu).
  2. Switch to Finder.
  3. From the "Go" menu, select "Connect to Server…" (Command + K)
  4. Type the following path: smb://ad.umn.edu/D/Shared
  5. When prompted to authenticate:
    1. Name: ad\yourusername (Example: ad\jdoe )
    2. Password: (your university password)
  6. Click the "Connect" button.

Mac - Personally Owned

AD access 

  1. If you are working off-campus, you must first connect to UMD VPN (vpn.d.umn.edu).
  2. Switch to Finder.
  3. From the "Go" menu, select "Connect to Server…" (Command + K)
  4. Type the following path: smb://ad.umn.edu/D/Shared
  5. When prompted to authenticate:
    1. Name: ad\yourusername (Example: ad\jdoe )
    2. Password: (your university password)
  6. Click the "Connect" button.

Troubleshooting Steps

  • Be sure you are connected to the internet, and if off-site, be sure you are connected to UMD VPN ((vpn.d.umn.edu).
  • If you are connected and the drive has a red "X", try ignoring the "X" and opening the drive anyway.
  • Check that your username is correct (with the "ad\"). Be sure you are using your UMN password, and typing it correctly.
  • If your password has recently changed, your account may have been locked. Contact the ITSS Helpdesk.
  • If working off-site, try logging into UMD VPN before logging into the machine.
  • As always, feel free to contact the ITSS Helpdesk.