Windows allows network resources (like Ethernet Disks) to a virtual drive letter. This is useful, as when a drive is mapped, it can be used in the same capacity as a local hard disk.
To do this, follow the procedure below:
- Begin by opening an Explorer window (open My Computer, Computer, or a folder on the desktop.) In the menu bar, choose "Tools", then "Map Network Drive..."
- Choose a drive letter that will not conflict with a physical device. The default option is Z:, and in most cases, that is best. If the next available drive letter is chosen (like D: or E:) new storage devices will not show, as they will both need the same drive letter. The network drive will take priority in these situations.
- The Folder field is next. Below it, an example is given regarding how to write in the path to the Ethernet Disk. It provides the example:
\\server\share
Where it says "Server", type in the drive's IP address. For "Share", type in the name of the share. For example, if The Ethernet Disk's IP address is 192.168.1.101, and the share name is "music", it would be\\192.168.1.101\music.
Click finish when ready. The network drive will now appear in My Computer(or Computer on Windows Vista).