How to access network shares on MacOS

Overview

Most users have access to shared network storage (such as the Z:/ drive). Accessing these network locations is a little different on campus MacOS devices.

On MacOS devices, users are authenticated via a service called NoMAD. This service also automatically maps network drives as well as manages your keychain.

A screenshot of the NoMAD service welcome screen. The text explains what NoMAD is and has a bit of information on what it does.

 

Jump to Troubleshooting

 

Finding your network locations

All screenshots were taken on MacOS 15 Sequoia

Step 1: Open NoMAD

NoMAD lives in the MacOS menu bar, in the top-right corner of the screen.

A screenshot of a MacOS desktop the options on the menu bar in the top-right corner are highlighted in red and indicated with a red arrow.

 

The NoMAD icon is a triangle with a dot on each corner. If there is a check mark in the triangle, you are successfully authenticated with NoMAD.

A close-up screenshot of the MacOS menu bar, the NoMAD icon is highlighted in red and indicated with a red arrow.

 

Click on this icon to open the NoMAD menu.

If there is no check mark in the icon even after a minute or two of signing in, refer to Troubleshooting

 

Step 2: Open Network Shares

You will now see the NoMAD menu. Click on "Network Shares" to see the network locations available to you.

A close-up screenshot of the MacOS menu bar, the NoMAD menu is opened and the "Network Shares" option is highlighted in red and indicated with a red arrow.

 

Step 3: Select desired network location

With the network shares section open, select the network location you want to open.

A close-up screenshot of the MacOS menu bar, the "Network Shares" of the NoMAD menu is opened and the available networks are displayed and highlighted in red and indicated with a red arrow.

 

If there is no check mark next to the desired network location, it means you do not have permission to access it or it has failed to connect.

 

Step 4: Allow access

MacOS may ask you to allow NoMad to access the network location. Click Allow.

A MacOS security prompt asking if the user wants to allow NoMAD to access a network volume. The "Allow" button is highlighted in red and incdicated with a red arrow

 

Success!

The network location should now be open! You may have to click into an extra folder or two to get to the data you wish to access.

 

Extra Information

Unexpected and Inaccessible folders

MacOS does not hide folders that you do not have permissions to access, so you may see a lot of unexpected folders.

For example, in the Z:/ drive, you will likely see every other user's personal folder. You will not be able to access them and they will be indicated with a red circle with a minus in it . Find the folder with your username to access your Z:/ drive.

A screenshot of a MacOS finder window. There are a lot of folders available and a "no access" symbol is highlighted in green and indicated with a green arrow.

 

Alternative method

You may also be able to find these network shares in Finder. Under the "Locations" Section, you may see some extra names. These are the true names of the servers.

A screenshot of a MacOS finder window. On the left side three network locations are highlighted in red and indicated with a red arrow.

 

If you use this method, you will need to remember what the server names mean.

Jupiter = Z:/ drive

Trident = O:/ drive

 

If there is no check mark within the NoMAD icon in the menu bar, even after waiting a minute or two, NoMAD likely failed to authenticate your credentials properly.

If this happens, you may repeatedly receive a NoMad popup requesting your password. Enter your current MyCollege password into this box and click "Always allow". This popup may re-appear many times. Keep entering your credentials until it stops. The check mark may now appear, allowing you to connect to the network locations.

Otherwise, restart the device and log in again

 

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Submit a ticket or call the ITS Service Center.

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