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Electronic File Storage

As part of the Consolidated Storage Project currently being undertaken by the IT Program of Works, IT Services is introducing a service that will greatly improve data storage and backup access - the User Drive or U-drive.

What is a U-drive?

A U-drive is a network drive for personal storage of University data. This method of storage will eventually replace existing network drives in Faculties and Business Units, when shared data can be stored and accessed.

How do I access my U-drive?

Your windows logon script has been modified to automatically map your new U-drive when you next log on (you are required to log on to the uncle domain), ie home on staff (U:)

How much data can I store?

Your default quota on your U-drive is 1GB.

Requests for increased storage can be made by filling out this request form.

This form must be approved by your manager and faxed to the IT Service Desk on x16917.

How do I transfer my data onto my U-drive?

Data currently stored on your local hard drive should be transferred to your U-drive.

This can be done in two ways:

1. You can transfer the data yourself following normal file transfer methods.

2. You can wait for the formal data migration which is part of the Server Consolidation Project, and will occur in the near future.

Any issues with availability of data after it has been transferred should be reported to the IT Service Desk.

Why should I use the U-drive?

The major advantage to storing your data on your U-drive is the Data Backup and Restore facility.

Your data is both backed up to tape, and snapshots are taken twice a day using Microsoft's Volume Shadow Services (VSS) technology.

If data is lost or deleted, it can be restored by you within seven days using the self initiated restore available via VSS (see sattahced 'How to use VSS' for more information).

Lost or deleted data greater than seven days can still be retrieved by logging a call for 'data restore' to the IT Service Desk. A charge may be applicable for this service.

Any issues with availability of data, please report this to the IT Service Desk.

Can I store my GroupWise Archive on the U-drive?

At this stage, you are requested not to store your GroupWise archive on your U-drive.The email archiving solution is currently under review and you will be advised in the near future on a proposed solution.

Authorised Usage

University computing and communications facilities must generally be used for business, academic or student related activities only.

Users may only use authorised facilities for authorised purposes. For example, corporate storage facilities made available for staff and students should not be used for private use, eg personal music or video files etc.

Consider the U drive as your new data repository. Please use for authorised purposes only.

Any issues with basic functionality, such as:

- System unavailability

- Inconsistency in operation

- Copying files to and from the share

- Creating shortcuts, moving folders and files working incorrectly

should be reportedto the IT Service Desk - phone ext 17000 or email 17000@newcastle.edu.au