December 23, 2018: The work for this migration has completed. If you have any questions please contact us at [email protected].
The CIFS server has reached end-of-life and to reduce the high costs associated with hardware replacement, operation, maintenance, and data backup, the IT Division is retiring the CIFS service at the end of the calendar year 2018. Content currently stored in the CIFS server will be migrated to a new storage device, this includes content and file permissions.
The migration of all content in the CIFS shared directories will begin at 5:30 PM on December 21, 2018. We estimate the work will be completed over the weekend. The following message was sent out to CIFS users.
For status on the progress of this migration, visit this page.
Overview
The Windows File Service (CIFS) lets you store information on a Lab-wide network. This allows you to:
- Have a home directory to store files, which you can access from any computer at Berkeley Lab using an Active Directory Domain Account
- Gain access to shared files that facilitate group collaboration
CIFS is useful for the following:
- Users working on site or through a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Users sharing on the Berkeley Lab network
- Collaboration on Access databases, FileMakerPro, and other applications not suitable for Web access
You can get access to prior versions of files:
- 90 days’ worth of snapshots are kept
- To access prior versions, go here.
Limitations
- Users cannot create new top-level folders
- Users cannot assign permissions to top-level folders
- access is restricted to the lab network
Getting Started
- To access CIFS, you will need an active Windows Active Directory Account.
- AD user accounts are automatically created (and placed in a disabled state) for staff term and career staff as part of new hire on-boarding.
- Affiliates must request an AD account with their sponsor's approval before their AD account will be created.
- Those with new accounts can get their account activated and initial password from the Help Desk (x4357) or email ([email protected]) after an identity verification process.
- Request a shared drive by also calling (x4357) or e-mailing ([email protected]) the Helpdesk
- To locate your shared directories on your computer, go to My Computer, where a shared drive will appear on your computer as a G: drive.
- Drag and drop files onto your shared drive(s).
Help
- Call the Helpdesk at ext. 4357 (486-4357) between 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- E-mail [email protected]
Related Services
Alternatives for users seeking more flexibility:
- Google docs
