User's Guide to Folder Redirection

Owned by Zac Iskander (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Mar 24, 2016 by Martin Keen

Introduction - What is Folder Redirection?

All CSCS users have a 50GB network homedrive for storing their valuable data. This storage has multiple levels of resiliency to protect you from data loss. On Windows computers, this space can be seen as  drive U: under My Computer / Computer / This PC (the name changes in different versions of Windows)

To make saving to your homedrive simpler, we use a Windows feature called Folder Redirection to point your commonly used profile folders (such as your desktop and documents) into your network drive.

An additional benefits of Folder Redirection:

  • You can access your files from any CSCS supported computer
  • Your computer can be replaced or reinstalled without needing to worry about moving your data
  • You can access your files remotely via multiple methods - see Accessing your Network Files

Requirements

Folder Redirection only applies to:

  • You are on a Windows PC
  • Your computer is supported by CSCS

Using Folder Redirection - FAQ

How Should I Use Folder Redirection?

Simply save data into you profile folders as you would normally. The data will be saved to your homedrive

Which folders are being redirected?

  • Contacts
  • Desktop
  • Documents
  • Downloads
  • Favourites
  • Links
  • Pictures
  • Videos
  • Searches

I use a laptop. How do I use my files when I am off-site if they are not stored on my computer?

Laptops use a feature called offline files to keep a local cache of your homedrive. When you are off-site, your laptop uses this cache. More background and troubleshooting on this page - accessing your network files via Offline Files on your Windows Laptop

How can I check my files are being redirected?

If you want to check your data is being saved to the network, then browse to your U: drive. You will need to be on-site and connected to the wired network.

If you open your network home drive you will see the folders listed above present. To test it, create a file on your desktop and you should see it appear instantly in the Desktop folder in your U: drive.