Accessing Your Files Space From Off Campus or a Personal Computer

Owned by David Blood
Last updated: Oct 10, 2024 by Susan Palmer
2 min read

The files servers will be turned off on July 1, 2025 and you will no longer be able to access \\files, inboxes, outboxes or dropbox

All folders and files must be moved before the deadline. Drive Files (\\files) to OneDrive on MacOS Move

Before you Start

  • In order to access your Files Space or any other server share on campus from off campus, you will need to connect to the network via Virtual Private Network (VPN).

  • The setup instructions and required software for both Mac and PC platforms can be found on the Virtual Private Networking guide.

  • You do not need to establish a VPN connection if you are connecting from a personal computer while on campus.

Steps (macOS)

  1. Establish a VPN connection from your computer

  2. Switch applications to the Finder.

    1. The icon for the Finder looks like a face.

      Mac icon
      Mac icon

    2. An easy way to switch to the finder would be to click on the Desktop.

  3. Select the Connect to Server option within the Go menu.

  4. The Connect to Server window will open; in the Server Address: type smb://files.geneseo.edu 

    Server Address
    Server Address



    1. If you would like to add this to your list of favorite servers, click the + button.

    2. Items listed as favorite servers can be clicked on to make a faster connection in the future.

  5. Click Connect. 

  6. You will then get a window that lists the various folders that you have access to.

  7. Click on your username to access your Files Space.

Steps (Windows)

  1. Establish a VPN connection from your computer

  2. Right click on the Start menu and click on Run. 

  3. In the address area next to Open: type the following (without the quotes) "\\files.w2k.geneseo.edu" then click OK


  4. You may be prompted to enter in your Geneseo email address and Geneseo password

  5. You will then get a window that lists the various folders that you have access to.

  6. Click on the folder with your username to open the folder and access your Files Space.

Related Articles