Sync Sharepoint with OneDrive: Drive Mapping Deprecated

    At Robinson Park, we strive to embrace the latest technology and ensure smooth operations for our teams. As part of this commitment, we want to inform you about an important change in accessing SharePoint resources. Microsoft has deprecated its support for Internet Explorer (IE), which means that the feature of mapping a network drive to a SharePoint resource will no longer be supported. This includes the end of support behind Edge's Legacy features, as well. While there is some troubleshooting techniques, even these are beginning to fail providing a solution.

    To ensure seamless access to SharePoint content, we have implemented an alternative method that allows you to access and collaborate on SharePoint files without making any changes to your system. While there is an antiquated approach that no longer works, in this article, we'll guide you through the process of accessing SharePoint content using alternative methods.

Why the Change?

    Microsoft has deprecated support for Internet Explorer 11, and consequently, the ability to map network drives to SharePoint resources. While the feature may still work to some extent currently, it is being phased out gradually. So if yours suddenly ends, it can no longer be renewed. We want to ensure that our teams stay updated with the latest technology trends and benefit from the most secure and efficient practices.

How to Sync Sharepoint with OneDrive and view in File Explorer:

1. Open the SharePoint Online website.
2. Navigate to the desired library or folder (commonly the Robinson Park 2 -> Properties folder).
3. Click "Sync" to initiate synchronization with OneDrive.
4. OneDrive handles syncing SharePoint content seamlessly in the background, ensuring you have a local copy on your computer.

Here is how this might look in your web browser:

To access synced SharePoint resources in File Explorer:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Find the "OneDrive - NewmarkLSB" folder.
3. Access your SharePoint content within this folder.
4. Enjoy efficient collaboration and easy access to SharePoint resources through OneDrive and File Explorer.

Here's how this might look in your File Explorer:

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?! I'm so confused ...

There are 2 icons to which we need to pay attention within File Explorer with OneDrive.

Blue Cloud (yourName - companyName):

Building (companyName):

The above OneDrive icons indicate a personal sync for you only (blue cloud), and also a sync for those you're using OneDrive to bridge group files shared within SharePoint (building).

Closing Summary:

After clicking Sync at the top of a SharePoint site, the content will likely appear next to the building icon where those in our company all have different sharing permissions. Group share folders like these where several have different kinds of access to different kinds of folders, all collaborating that content together are housed within the building icon.

The blue cloud icon are for your own personal syncs to your own personal OneDrive. You can access your personal OneDrive via the web, here.

Alternative Methods for Access:

    Apart from accessing SharePoint content through the SharePoint Online website, there are a few alternative methods you can use.

Accessing SharePoint Content:

    To access SharePoint content without mapping network drives, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Access SharePoint Online:

• Open a web browser and visit the SharePoint Online website.
• Log in using your work credentials.

Step 2: Navigate SharePoint Libraries and Files:

• Once logged in, you will see the SharePoint site with various libraries and folders.
• Click on the library or folder you wish to access.
• To open a file, simply click on its name, and it will open in the appropriate application or viewer.

Microsoft Teams:

    In Microsoft Teams, you can access SharePoint files related to your team by navigating to the "Files" tab within your team's channel.

Click on the relevant SharePoint folder or file to open it directly in Teams or in the appropriate application.

SharePoint Mobile App:

    If you prefer accessing SharePoint content on your mobile device, you can download and install the SharePoint mobile app from your device's app store.

    Log in using your work credentials and access your SharePoint libraries and files on the go.

Conclusion:

    By transitioning from mapping network drives to accessing SharePoint content through alternative methods, you can ensure uninterrupted access to SharePoint resources while benefiting from enhanced security and collaboration features. We understand that you may have been accustomed to mapping network drives in the past, but these alternative methods provide a seamless and secure way to access SharePoint files. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the IT support team. We are here to help you make a smooth transition and improve your productivity.