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Overview
PFW File shares are accessible from on-campus networks, or from off-campus while connected to the Purdue VPN. If you are off-campus and are not connected to Purdue VPN, you will NOT be able to access most campus resources, including file shares. Drives can be mapped via Windows File Explorer or MacOS Finder to make the files accessible to the local computer. Users can open, edit, and save files just as they are able to while on campus. Please keep in mind that mapping drives in this manner is subject to considerable latency due to the overhead of the File Sharing protocol combined with typical home internet speeds. Opening large files (such as Adobe Photoshop or Premiere files) or files that maintain a persistent file lock (such as a Microsoft Access database) across a network is not recommended and can lead to data loss or corruption. If you need access to these types of files on a regular basis, contact Purdue IT to discuss options for alternative access.
NOTE: Due to the Purdue IT domain consolidation initiative, the myfiles.pfw.edu service will no longer function properly and has been retired. As a result, users will no longer be able to access Purdue File Shares from off campus using this service and will be required to manually map network drives following these procedures. Once all consolidation activities are complete, Purdue IT will re-valuate this service and may offer it as a campuswide resource available to all users.
Commonly Accessed File Shares:
Commonly Accessed File Shares
| COMMON DRIVE LETTER |
CONTENT |
NETWORK PATH |
| H: & I: |
Home Directory |
\\fw.mydata.purdue.edu\pfw_home |
| O |
Shared Folders |
\\fw.mydata.purdue.edu\pfw_shared |
| P |
Web (Sites) |
\\fswebstorage.ad.ipfw.edu\sites$ |
| W |
Web (Personal Space) |
\\fswebstorage.ad.ipfw.edu\webshare$\<username> |
Connecting to the Purdue Fort Wayne VPN:
Use the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client to connect to webvpn.pfw.edu using your Purdue Fort Wayne Account credentials.
If the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is not installed:
- Open a web browser and navigate to https://webvpn.pfw.edu
- Login using your Purdue Fort Wayne Account credentials
- Download the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client (named something similar to cisco-secure-client-win-5.218.5347-core-vpn-webdeploy-k9)
- When download completes, locate and execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation
- Restart your computer if prompted
- Run the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client application
- Connect to webvpn.purdue.edu
- Provide your Purdue Fort Wayne Account credentials when prompted
A full overview of this procedure can be found at How to connect to the Purdue Fort Wayne VPN (virtual private network)
Connect to File Share
From Windows:
1. Open a File Explorer Window, right-click on This PC, and select Map network drive.
2. In the Folder field, type the desired Network Path (from the table above)
If you are NOT logged in with your Purdue Fort Wayne account or are using a personally owned machine, select the “Connect Using different credentials” option.
3. Click Finish. If you enabled the “Connect Using different credentials” option, you will be prompted for credentials. Enter ADIPFW\<username> and your Purdue Fort Wayne Account credentials and click OK.
From MacOS:
1. Open Finder.
2. From the top-left menu, select Go > Connect to server.
3. In the Server Address: field, enter the desired server/share and click Connect.
4. If prompted to verify the connection, click Connect again.
5. When prompted, connect as a Registered User and provide your Purdue career account username and password. If desired, you may choose the option to "Remember this password in my keychain". 
Contact the Purdue IT Customer Service Center if you are having issues mapping File Shares using the steps documented. Please be located at (or have access to) the computer you are trying to connect from and be prepared to perform some brief troubleshooting steps and/or allow remote access via Microsoft Teams. We will make every effort to help resolve your issue, but we cannot troubleshoot home network or ISP related issues.
Still need help? Click the 'Purdue IT Request' button to start a ticket.