Skip to main content

Cornell University

IT@Cornell

Transfer Files Using Microsoft File Sharing for Windows

Microsoft File Sharing (using the underlying SMB/CIFS protocol) is a software application that allows Windows or Macintosh and Unix computers to interact with each other. It creates a connection from the Win/Mac client to the Unix server, allowing you to see directories on the server as if they were on the client computer.

This article applies to: Managed Servers

In This Article

Microsoft File Sharing (SMB/CIFS) is “deprecated” because the data is not encrypted over the network. For servers that store private data, Microsoft File Sharing (SMB/CIFS) is not allowed. The University policy concerning private data is being reviewed and finalized. Currently, the private data classification comprises Social Security, credit card, driver's license and bank account numbers, and patient treatment records. This classification may expand. If you are unsure which protocol to use instead, send e-mail to systems-support@cornell.edu. The Systems Support group will work with you to find a secure solution.

The Microsoft File Sharing software that is part of Windows uses a SMB/CIFS protocol. The following procedures describe using Microsoft File Sharing for SMB/CIFS file transfer. You can also download and install other SMB/CIFS software. If you choose to use different SMB/CIFS software, follow the instructions for the software you're using.

Set up a Server Connection

  1. Click Start, and then click My Computer. Start My Computer  
  2. In the left side of the window, under Other Places, click My Network Places.
    My network places  
  3. In the left side of the window, under Network Tasks, click Add a network place. Add a network place  
  4. The Add Network Place wizard starts. Click Next.
  5. Click Choose another network location, and then click Next. Add network place choose a location  
  6. In the Internet or network address box, type the address for the server, for example https://www.server_name/folder_name, and then click Next. Enter a server address and folder  
  7. In the User Name box, enter your user name for this server, and then in the Password box, enter your password for this server. Click OK. Enter Username and Password  
  8. Enter a name for the server or accept the suggestion, and then click Next. Enter the server shortcut name or accept the default  
  9. Click Finish. A window displaying the server folder you connected to opens. You can drag and drop or copy and paste to transfer files between your computer and the server. Server Confirmation Window

The next time you need to transfer files, you can connect directly to this server using the options you chose. For instructions, see Transfer Files Using Microsoft File Sharing.

Transfer Files Using Microsoft File Sharing

  1. Click Start, and then click My Network Places
  2. Double click the server you set up in the previous procedure. Transfer files to the server  
  3. When prompted, enter your user name for this server, and then in the Password box, enter your password for this server. Click OK. A window displaying the server folder you connected to opens. You can drag and drop or copy and paste to transfer files between your computer and the server.

  4. File transfer confirmed

Comments?

To share feedback about this page or request support, log in with your NetID

At Cornell we value your privacy. To view
our university's privacy practices, including
information use and third parties, visit University Privacy.