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How do I set up Azure storage and map a network drive to the azure storage as a U drive?

David Barthol 0 Reputation points
2024-05-24T18:23:46.52+00:00

How do I set up Azure like a virtual network for storage such that it is mapped as a network drive?

The reason I need a "U" drive is I have CADD standards and templates that are already set up with a "U" drive path.

I am a small business - only one employee! My primary work/design software is Autodesk, Civil 3D. Files are large and the industry is moving towards cloud computing. This is my first step away from Dropbox as my cloud storage provider, other than OneDrive.

Assistance would be appreciated

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  1. Marcin Policht 16,335 Reputation points MVP
    2024-05-24T19:38:42.0733333+00:00

    Follow https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/files/storage-how-to-use-files-windows

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  2. Marcin Policht 16,335 Reputation points MVP
    2024-05-25T11:33:36.11+00:00

    What specifically doesn't work for you?

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

  3. David Barthol 0 Reputation points
    2024-05-27T01:53:32.2766667+00:00
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  4. Anand Prakash Yadav 7,540 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-05-27T07:17:17.5566667+00:00

    Hello David Barthol,

    Thank you for posting your query here!

    I understand that you mean setting up an Azure storage and map it as a network drive for your business. Please refer to the steps below:

    1. Create an Azure Storage Account.

    2. Inside your storage account, create a file share. This will act as your “U” drive.

    3. By default, Azure file shares are accessible only from within the Azure region where they are hosted. If you want to access the file share from outside the Azure region (e.g., on-premises or from a different Azure region), you’ll need to enable SMB access and ensure your OS supports SMB 3.x.
    You may refer to the official documentation for a list of supported Windows versions and their corresponding SMB versions.

    4. Map the Azure File Share as a Network Drive:

    · On your local Windows machine, open File Explorer.

    · Click on “This PC” or “Computer” in the left navigation pane.

    · Click on “Computer” > “Map network drive” in the top menu.

    · Choose a drive letter (e.g., U) and enter the path to the shared folder on the Azure VM (e.g., \<storage_account_name>.file.core.windows.net<file_share_name>).

    · Provide the storage account name as the username and the access key as the password.

    For more detailed instructions, you can refer to the Microsoft Learn guide.

    Do let us know if you have any further queries. I’m happy to assist you further.

    Please do not forget to "Accept the answer” and “up-vote” wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.

  5. Marcin Policht 16,335 Reputation points MVP
    2024-05-27T21:07:02.5266667+00:00

    You cannot connect from outside of Azure to Azure Files by using SMB 1.0. You'd have to use SMB 3.x

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin