|
How to Access a SharePoint Document Library with Windows Explorer
One of the most common "bonus topics" we include in SharePoint training is "how do I copy or move files to, from, or within a document library?" This is easily done through Windows Explorer. Here's how. (Note that the procedure below is for Windows XP; Vista is similar.)
Whereas we love SharePoint, and Document Libraries in particular, sometimes manipulating files can be a bother. The Explorer view in a SharePoint is sometimes problematic. However the method described here creates a "shortcut" to your Document Library that is available anywhere in Windows, such as Save As...
1. In Internet Explorer, open the SharePoint document library.
2. Highlight and copy (Ctrl+C) the Document Library URL from the Internet Explorer address bar. It should look something like http://portal.sectorlearning.com/ops/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx
3. Click the Start button and select "My Network Places"
4. Click "Add Network Place" on the left-hand side.
5. Click [Next]
6. Make sure "Choose another network location..." is highlighted, and click [Next]
7. Paste (Ctrl+V) the URL you copied in Step 2 into the "Internet or network address" field.
8. Important - Edit the pasted URL:
- Use backspace key to delete the last part of the URL, up to and including "/Forms". (So the URL should look something like: http://portal.sectorlearning.com/ops/Shared%20Documents)
- If there are any spaces in the URL, they will show up as "%20". Edit the URL to replace any %20 with a single space. (So now the URL becomes: http://portal.sectorlearning.com/ops/Shared Documents).
9. Click [Next]. You may be prompted to login to the SharePoint site. If so, enter your username and password and check the box to "Remember my password".
10. You will be asked to "Type a name for this network place:". Accept the default or provide a name that makes sense to you, then click [Next].
11. Click [Finish]. The new Network Place opens and you are looking at your Document Library! Now you can manipulate files and folders, rename, drag and drop, and copy entire directories to back-up or move.
Now, whenever you want to access this document library in Windows, just open My Network Places and double click the name (from step 10 above). Depending on your configuration, you may be prompted to login or not, but rest assured that SharePoint is managing security for you!
Attention SharePoint Alumni: SharePoint Administrator LEVEL 2 class is now posted for registration!
To register for Courses click the links below. If you are part of the broader Public Sector, use the Public Sector link:
MS Office Courses:
Public Sector Private Sector
eLearning Courses:
Public Sector Private Sector
Complete Course Listing:
Public Sector Private Sector
|