File Storage & Sharing

Shortcut:  http://behrend.psu.edu/filestorage

There are different options for file storage and sharing.  These include:


OneDrive

OneDrive is cloud-based storage which is part of the Office 365 suite of applications.  OneDrive provides 1 TB of file storage and makes it easy to share documents, photos, and projects with organizations or people both within and outside of the University. 

OneDrive offers two convenient methods for accessing your files within the classroom environment. This is what we recommend for your convenience and stability: 

  • Online Access: The most straightforward and proven method is to access your files directly through the web browser by navigating to Office 365 and logging in, you can seamlessly open most files right in OneDrive. This method ensures reliability and ease of use. 
  • Syncing (Windows Explorer Mapped Drive): PSU has introduced a syncing option for more specialized needs, such as higher end software requiring extensive storage. This method creates a mapped drive in Windows explorer, providing direct access to your OneDrive files. It is important to note that PSU is still fine-tuning this option. Our IT team will provide detailed information, nuances, and troubleshooting steps.

V-Drive

A new scratch space will also be mapped and available in offices, all computer labs, and classroom systems called the V-Drive. This drive in Windows Explorer offers a fixed storage capacity of 1 GB. Any files here will be accessible until you delete them.

OneDrive Tips:

If you need to attach and sync your OneDrive, because the software you are using requires it, or have other reasons, please be aware of the nuances below. 

  1. OneDrive Behavior: when you start the one drive app, the system will ask you to authenticate.
  2. Logging in: every time you log into a classroom or lab; it will start *indexing. The more files you have, the longer it will take to index all your files.
  3. Logging Off: if you log off before the *indexing is completed, the next time you log in, it will ask you to delete files you think you removed. Please hit the restore option. Otherwise, you will be deleting many files by accident. 
  4. Files: You will not be able to see a file you want until it is indexed by the machine, so please give yourself ample time in classrooms to find your file. 

*Note: Indexing - system is creating pointers to your files, it is not downloading any files onto the local machine. 

*Troubleshooting: If you receive the error in the labs/classrooms "did you mean to delete xxx,xxx files, please hit the restore option. 

Should you have any immediate questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our IT support team at 814-217-4357 or [email protected].