Save files to the Kent network

In your OneDrive

If you want both on campus and off campus (anywhere) access to your files, use your online OneDrive. It's the easiest space to access from anywhere on any device. 

On the Kent network

You have both a personal folder and departmental shared folders you can access on the Kent network. From off campus, you need to use VPN to access it (details below).

Your personal folder on the Kent network gives you this much space:

• Taught students: 2GB
• Research postgraduates: 100GB

Research postgraduates can request to have their own personal space increased. Please contact IT & Library Support for more details.

Overview of file storage options at Kent

File storage: saving and sharing files at Kent

From on campus

1. Connect to the Kent network using campus Wi-Fi or wired internet
2. Map a drive to the folder (see below)

From off campus

1. Connect to the Kent VPN
2. Map a drive to the folder (see below)

* We recommend Windows 10/11 users follow these instructions which make it quicker and easier to access network folders, rather than mapping a drive.

Windows 10/11 users

Watch this video showing how to add a network location

1. Click Start, then open File Explorer. Right click on This PC and select Add a Network Location to open the 'Add Network Location Wizard'.
2. Click Next, select Choose a custom network location and click Next again.
3. Enter the network location you want to add in the Internet or network address field, eg \\files.kent.ac.uk\shared\my-department
   (replace my-department with your departmental / divisional network name)
4. Click Next and edit the file name (if needed). Click Next, then click Finish.

Your network folder will now appear listed under This PC.

Watch our YouTube video showing how to map a drive

Windows users

1. Go to the Map Network Drive option for your Windows version:
   
   - Windows 10: click Start then the File Explorer icon in the left start menu. Select This PC on the left, then the Computer tab, then Map network drive. On the Drive list, select a drive letter (any available letter will do). In the Folder box, type the name and path of the folder (see point 2 below).
   
   - Windows 8: Start screen, click Desktop, then File Explorer icon (bottom left), then Computer (left menu) - choose Map Network Drive from the top ribbon.
   
   
2. Specify your folder name:
   
   - For your Home folder (usually your Z drive/My Documents on a student or staff PC), enter: 
   \\files.kent.ac.uk\users?\username\home 
   (replace the ? with the first initial of your username, and add in your own username) 
   
   - For your Venturi folder, enter: 
   \\files.kent.ac.uk\users?\username\venturi 
   (replace the ? with the first initial of your username)
   
   For a departmental folder (usually your S drive on a staff or student PC), enter: 
   \\files.kent.ac.uk\shared and then click on your departmental folder
   
   Any other folder on the network:
   Replace the servername and foldername as appropriate: \\servername.kent.ac.uk\foldername
   
   
3. If you will use this folder a lot, ensure the 'Reconnect at logon' or 'Reconnect at Sign-in' box is ticked so that this folder is always available.
   
4. Tick Connect using different credentials then Finish.
   
5. Enter your username in this format: UKC\username
   
6. Click OK. A window appears with your folder contents displayed.

To disconnect a mapped drive

• Right-click on the folder and select Disconnect

Mac users

1. In the Finder menu (top of screen) click Go then click Connect to Server. If the Finder menu is not at the top, click Finder from the 'Dock'..
   
2. In the 'Server Address' box specify your folder name:
   
   - For your Home folder (usually your Z drive/My Documents on a student or staff PC), enter: 
   smb://files.kent.ac.uk/users?/username/home 
   (replace the ? with the first initial of your username, and add in your own username) 
   
   - For your Venturi folder, enter: 
   smb://files.kent.ac.uk/users?/username/venturi 
   (replace the ? with the first initial of your username)
   
   For a departmental folder (usually your S drive on a student or staff PC), enter: 
   smb://files.kent.ac.uk/shared and then click on your departmental folder
   
   Any other folder on the network:
   Replace the servername and foldername(s) as appropriate: smb://servername.kent.ac.uk/foldername/foldername 
   
   
3. Click Connect. A 'Connecting To Server' progress box appears, and another box asks for SMB/CIFS Filesystem Authentication. Enter UKC for the Workgroup/Domain, and enter your Kent IT Account details and click OK. 
   
4. After a while a box appears showing your folder. 
   
5. In the Finder menu click File, Add To Sidebar: this adds a shortcut to the network drive on the left side of your Finder window for easy access.

To disconnect a mapped drive

• Click and drag the folder to the Trash can on the Dock  

Avoid losing your work

When editing a file from the Kent network, save a local copy while editing it, and save it back to the network when done. Just in case your connection drops while you're working, which could mean you lose work.  

• Student PC: save to the Z drive or Documents folder. Click Start, Computer and click the Z: folder: its name contains your username.
• Staff PC: click Start, Computer and save to your Z drive or departmental drive under network locations. Don't use the Documents folder, this is on the hard drive and not on the network. 
  If you don't have access to the necessary folders, your line manager needs to apply for it.

Have at least 2 copies in different places: save work to your OneDrive as well as your folder on the Kent network.

• If your file contains personal data or sensitive personal data you must password-protect it
• If you use portable devices, make sure you save a copy elsewhere too
• Don't lose work opened from email attachments: click Save As and choose a location you'll be able to find again
• Files deleted from the Kent network can't be retrieved from the recycle bin - see below for how to retrieve deleted files

To recover deleted files from the network:

1. Right click on the folder it was saved in
2. Select Properties
3. Click the Previous Versions tab

You'll see the dates and times that a backup snapshot was taken of the folder, and can recover deleted files form there.  

Find out all the ways you can get in touch: