How Do I Map a Drive Using WebDAV

How Do I Map a Drive Using WebDAV

AXIS Cloud Sync supports Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV), which is an extension of the HTTP protocol. WebDAV is another way for end users to view and edit documents – both personal and through team shares – located in the cloud. Before end users can use WebDAV, private cloud model environments must be configured to support WebDAV connections.

Benefits of using WebDAV include:

  • End users do not need to install agents;
  • Shared files are not stored locally;
  • Folders and files are accessible through the end users’ native explorer (for example, a mapped drive in Windows explorer);
  • Authentication through Active Directory login credentials is supported; and
  • WebDAV can be enabled for all users of a given organization, or on a user-by-user basis.

DISCLAIMER – Known Issues:

While AXIS Cloud Sync can be configured for WebDAV support, it is important to note that WebDAV is an extension of the HTTP protocol, and is unrelated to the AXIS Cloud Sync system. Some of its limitations and known issues may be not be controlled by the AXIS Cloud Sync support team. For example:

  • Both Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows might require end users to log in each time they access the mapped drive or open a document in the mapped drive (refer to this Microsoft support article for more information).
  • Uploading large files (over 100 MB) might fail (refer to this TechNet article for more information).
  • Microsoft Word documents might open in Read-only mode (refer to this TechCenter discussion for more information).
  • End users might be prompted to log in each time they open or save a Microsoft Office document in a mapped drive.
  • WebDAV might disconnect at random intervals.
  • WebDAV might fail to restore mapping after rebooting the operating system.

In some instances, you might see improved performance when using a third-party application (such as Cyberduck or WebDrive) to replace MS Explorer or Mac Finder.

Additionally, please review the How Do I Avoid WebDAV Login Prompts Knowledge Base article on a possible workaround for login prompts.

To enable WebDAV through the administrative web portal:

  1. Within the appropriate organization, click the Accounts tab. The Accounts page displays.
  2. In the Accounts page, find the appropriate user account, and click the Edit button. The Account Settings page displays.
  3. In the Account Settings page, click the WebDAV Access checkbox.
  4. Click the Save button when you are finished.

On Windows Vista and 7 workstations:

  1.  In your start menu, click Computer. The Computer dialog box displays.
  2.  In the Computer dialog box, click the Map Network Drive button. The Map Network Drive dialog box displays.
  3. In the Map Network Drive dialog box, configuring the appropriate drive and folder.
    • In the Drive drop-down menu, select a drive letter.
    • In the Folder field, enter the following URL for SaaS environments: https://dav.syncedtool.com
    • When you are finished, click the Finish button.
      webdav_1-1.jpg
  4. Enter your username and password when prompted and click the OK button.
    Note: If logging in with an imported Active Directory credential, use the following format: domain \username.
    webdav_3-1.jpg
    Your personal folders and team shares will now display. You will be able to access the WebDAV folder in My Network Places.
  5. To optimize the WebDAV connection, please reference this Microsoft Support article.

 

On a Windows XP workstations:

  1. In a Windows Explorer window, click the Tools menu and select Map Network Drive.  A Map Network Drive dialog box displays.
  2. Select the Sign up for online storage or connect to a network server link.
    webdav_6-1-1.jpg
  3. Choose another network location and click the Next button.
    webdav_8-1.jpg
  4. In the Internet or network address field, enter the following URL for SaaS environments: https://dav.syncedtool.com
    webdav_9-1.jpg
  5. Enter your username and password.Note: If logging in with an imported Active Directory credential, use the following format: domain\username.
    webdav_10-1.jpg
  6. Confirm to make a shortcut.
    webdav_11-1.jpg
    You can locate the WebDAV folder under My Network Places.
    webdav_13-1.jpg

Note: When running WebDAV on Windows XP, please download and install this patch.

As a reference, please review this Microsoft knowledge base article regarding the patch.

On Mac OS X (64-bit Lion 10.7 and 64-bit Mountain Lion 10.8) workstations:

  1. In Finder, click the Go menu and select Connect to Server. The Connect to Server window displays.
  2. In the Connect to Server window, enter the following URL for SaaS environments: https://dav.syncedtool.com (for private cloud, enter your hostname), and click the Connect button.
  3. When prompted, enter your username and password. Active Directory users must enter credentials as domain\username.
  4. When you are finished, click the Connect button.