How to map a samba drive

Samba is software running on a Linux file server allowing you to mount your Linux home directory or other group shared directories on your Windows or Mac desktop. It also allows you to do the same thing if logged into one of the Windows servers (winapp1,winapp2 or winstat1). Most home directories use the Samba server squid. SDAC home directories use the Samba server ulthar. Comp space and large proj space use the Samba server yuggoth.

These instructions require a wired connection on the biostat network. The smb protocol is not allowed from remote connections such as wireless or from home. A static VPN connection will not allow you to connect to a Samba server.

Mapping a samba drive on the Windows servers and desktops
This is for your home directory.
Click start then right-click on “This PC” on the right and then choose “map network drive” from the pop-up menu.
In the “map network drive” window select “Z:” as the drive letter to map the directory to in the “Drive:” box.
In the “folder:” box type in “\\squid\homedir” without the quotes
Check the box the says “Reconnect at logon”. Click finish.
The drive should map at this point.
For a different share, choose a different drive letter (not Z:) and the appropriate share name, e.g., \\squid\someshare

Mapping a samba drive on your Mac desktop

SMB Mounted Directories by Function

Home Directory connections

Most home directories use squid (cetus):
squid.biostat.wisc.edu/homedir

SDAC home directories use ulthar (leo):
ulthar.biostat.wisc.edu/homedir

Comp and Large Proj Space connections
comp and large proj space (pavo):

yuggoth.biostat.wisc.edu/comp
yuggoth.biostat.wisc.edu/proj

other common connections

squid.biostat.wisc.edu/biostoff
ulthar.biostat.wisc.edu/sdac

macOS users with Enterprise connect, the dialog box looks like the following

Enterprise connect needs to have the first DNS defined as 144.92.73.10 or 144.92.73.92
This should be set for you automatically from the DHCP server.

  • note – it is now safe to use the Mount my home directory checkbox, then the homedir url line ending in “/homedir”, may be removed.