Virtual Files/Folders Overview

Virtual files and folders allow an administrator to create multi-pathed home directories, and give flexibility to allow users access to directories outside their locked user account paths. Virtual Files allow an administrator to give access to specific files outside of the users home directory.

Example: Bob requires access to project files stored in Y:/DEV in addition to files in his home directory. We can create a Virtual Folder called "project1" with a path Y:/DEV/. Once this is done, the Virtual Folder can be assigned to the user, where it will appear as a mounted subdirectory inside his home directory. Note that these labels will be case insensitive on a Windows machine. (for example, "project1" is the same as "PROJect1")

Multiple virtual files and folders may be assigned to a user or group, each with assigned permissions.

Navigating to the Virtual Files / Folders tab exposes a table populated with information on virtual folders and files:

The table rows show "at a glance" data related to each virtual file/folder, including:

  • Icon: The icon shows whether the item is a file or folder.

  • Label: A unique name given to the virtual file or folder.

  • Description: Long-form text description to provide additional information about the file or folder.

  • Assigned Users: A list of users who have access to the file or folder.

  • Assigned Groups: A list of groups with shared access to the file or folder.

  • A virtual folder that is not assigned to any user or group will have no text displayed in those columns.

Adding a Virtual File or Folder

Upon clicking the + New button, a modal dialog containing a short form appears:

Label

This represents the sub-directory or file name a user will see in their home directory when logging into the system.

Description

Description of the file or folder. Useful for administrators to recognize the purpose of the virtual file or folder.

Path

Physical disk location on the server where this virtual file or folder is pointing. When the option "Local Files" is selected, this can be a local file or a full UNC path (for example, "\\10.1.1.1\dir\"). When an external file system is selected, the path must contain the address to access the file or folder. Selecting Manual or Local Files and supplying an external path that contains access credentials may result in limited browsing functionality.

After completing the form, click Create Virtual File or Folder to complete creating the file or folder. To cancel, click the X (close) icon in the upper right corner of the dialog.

Deleting a Virtual File or Folder

Open an individual item's pop-up menu by clicking the icon in the right of its table row. Then select "delete". Upon successful deletion, the table will refresh with the virtual file or folder no longer present.

You can also select the Virtual File or Folder row and click the Delete button at the top of the table.

Assigning a Virtual File or Folder to a Group

There are three different avenues you can take to assign Virtual Files/Folders:

  • Edit the Virtual File/Folder directly by first navigating to the File/Folder List (shown below).
  • Assign a Virtual File/Folder to a group by editing User Groups.
  • Assign a Virtual File/Folder to a user by editing a User.

Each has advantages -- editing the Virtual File/Folder directly, you can assign it to all Users and Groups in one screen. On the other hand, assigning it by editing a User allows you to see if the Virtual File/Folder is already assigned to the user via a group assignment.

Editing a Virtual File or Folder

The options are identical to Adding a Virtual File or Folder shown above, with the exception that the Apply button takes the place of the Create Virtual File or Folder button.

You can also select the Virtual File or Folder row and click the Edit button at the top of the table.