Central File Services - Common Issues

Common issues and solutions for Central File Services.

1. Does the folder or file name contain any special characters?
• When connecting to Windows File Services using the "off campus" instructions, folders and files with names that contain certain special characters may not open or display. In the case of a folder, you may be able to click on it, but the files within will not display. However, when you connect using the "on campus" method, those folders and files will display and open without any problems. To resolve this issue for off-campus access, rename the folder or file and remove any special characters, including the following characters:  + ` ^ & { } [ ]
2. Does the file name include the extension (e.g., .doc, .xls)?
• Files that were created without an extension cannot be opened in Windows File Services, because the system cannot determine which program to use to open the file. This issue is most common with files that were created by old Macintosh computers. If a file name does not include the extension, you can 1) rename the file to add the extension and then open the file, or you can 2) right click on the file and choose to "Open with" and then select the appropriate program.

Determining whether your computer has been joined to NDSU's Active Directory domain

1. Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Start button in the lower left corner of your screen
2. Right click on Computer and select Properties
3. Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, view the Domain field. If ad.ndsu.edu is listed, your computer is joined to the NDSU Active directory domain. If some other domain is listed, or if "Workgroup" is listed, your computer is NOT joined to NDSU's Active Directory domain.

Drives do not automatically appear

• Central File Services - Windows 10 Instructions
• Central File Services - Instructions for Mac OS X
• Central File Services - Instructions for Mobile Devices

• Save your work and shut down all open applications
• Open a command prompt: click on the Start menu, type cmd in the Search field, and then hit Enter
• In the command prompt, type gpupdate /force and hit Enter
• Log back in to your computer, and then check to see if your drives appear.  If they do not, contact the IT Help Desk at 701-231-8685 or email ndsu.helpdesk@ndsu.edu for assistance

Details when accessing File Services from off-campus Windows 7 computer

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Under Tools in the menu, click Internet Options
3. Click the Connections tab, and then click LAN Settings
4. Uncheck the box next to Automatically detect settings
5. Click OK

Corrupted files when using WebDAV for Mac