Setting Up a Personal Network Drive

What is a network drive?

A network drive is a private, self-hosted online storage alternative to things like Dropbox and OneDrive that can be configured on just about any computer- including that crusty old laptop you haven't touched since high school. It is highly configurable, and can be customized or upgraded to meet your individual cloud storage needs. The best part though- it is completely FREE.

Things you will need:

• At least 2 computers. (One which can be left running 24/7 to host the storage.)

• Logmein Hamachi- which can be downloaded and Installed here.

• A functional e-mail address (GuerillaMail works great too.)

• About 15 minutes of spare time.

Step 1: Installing Hamachi and Setting up your Network

Logmein Hamachi is a self-hosted VPN service that will allow you to connect directly between your computers, so long as both of them are connected to the internet.

• First, download and install Hamachi on both computers. You will be asked to create or sign in to a Logmein account.

• Once logged in on both machines, open Hamachi on the host and click the ''Network" tab, then "Create a new network." You may name this network whatever you'd like, as well as set a password.

• After creating the network on the host, open Hamachi on the other machine, click the "Network" tab once again, and "Join an existing network."

• Use your network name and password to sign in. You will know you have done this correctly when BOTH machines are visible in Hamachi.

Step 2: Preparing the Network Drive

• On the host machine, designate a folder or drive for your network storage.

  • If using a computer with more than one hard drive, we recommend designating one entire drive or array for use as your personal cloud storage. The only limit to your capacity is the size of your hard drive- so go nuts!

• Once you have a designated empty folder or drive, right-click the folder you want to share and in the menu, navigate to "Properties" and click it.

• In the properties menu- click on the "Sharing" tab and click "Share." Click the empty drop-down menu and select "everyone", then change it to Read/Write, then click "Share."

• A screen will pop up giving you the path for the drive- usually something like " \\HostComputer\SharedStorage "

• Your network drive is now LIVE and ready for use!

• Keep in mind that by setting it up this way, ANYBODY connected to your Hamachi network or home network will have access to the network drive folder if they know or find the folder path.

Step 3: Connecting your Computer

• On the other computer- open your file explorer, right click "This PC," and then "Map Network Drive."

• On the popup, you can choose a drive letter (or leave it default if preferred.) Then under "Folder," enter the drive path from earlier. (E.G.- \\HostComputer\SharedStorage)

• Check "Reconnect at sign-in" as well as "Connect using different credentials."

• If done correctly, you will see a dialog asking for your network credentials. Log in using the HOST MACHINE username and password.

Final Step: Enjoy your Cloud Storage!!

PRO TIPS~

• Multiple machines can be connected, up to 5 per Hamachi network. if you need to add more, simply create additional networks with the host connected!

• For best speed results, we recommend the host be directly connected to your home router.

• Network drives also work with RAID arrays, but if you're working with those you likely already have a home server setup. (What are you doing here anyways?)