# How to Use a Network Storage Device

This page explains how to use a network storage device via SharePort Utility.

1.What is a network storage device?

2.Connecting to a network storage device

3.Disconnecting from a network storage device

4.Physically unplugging a network storage device

5.Right-click menu for a network storage device

## 1.What is a network storage device?

By connecting a network storage device in SharePort Utility, the network drive will automatically be mapped to your PC. Files saved on the storage device can be shared among multiple users at the same time.

If this feature is supported, the storage device will show "Network drive" for its device type in SharePort Utility's main window.

If a device's type is "Storage device" as shown below, it cannot be used as a network storage device. Such a storage device can only be used as an ordinary USB device (it is impossible for multiple users to access it at once). For detailed usage of USB devices, refer to Basic Usage.

## 2.Connecting to a network storage device

1. Select the network storage device and click the Connect button in SharePort Utility's main window.

2. A drive letter will be mapped to the network storage device. The drive's contents will be displayed in Explorer.

Once connected to a network drive, you can copy, move, delete and edit files like you would with any ordinary drive.

## 3.Disconnecting from a network storage device

If you are no longer using a network storage device, you can disconnect the network drive.
Open My Computer, right-click the network drive that you wish to disconnect and select Disconnect from the menu displayed.

## 4.Physically unplugging a network storage device

When unplugging a network storage device, it first needs to be stopped via the "Safely remove" menu on SharePort Utility.

If this process is skipped, data saved on the network storage device may be broken.

1. Right-click the network storage device in SharePort Utility's main window.

2. From the menu displayed, click Safely remove.

3. Physically unplug the storage device.

## 5.Right-click menu for a network storage device

When a network storage device is right-clicked on the USB device list, the following menu is displayed.

| Map network drive | Maps the selected device as a network drive, assigning it a drive letter.
Open | Displays the drive contents in Explorer. The network drive is not automatically mapped via this option.
Safely remove | Choose this menu item before physically removing a network storage device.
Refresh | Refreshes the USB device status in the USB device list.

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