Connect to Questrom Network Drives
Access Questrom shared network folders from your Windows or Mac computer.
BEFORE YOU CONNECT
Everything You Need Before Starting
Questrom network drives are shared storage locations available through QSTShare. Make sure you have the right account access and network connection before attempting to mount a drive.
BU Account
You will use your BU username and password to authenticate when connecting to Questrom network storage.
QSTShare
Questrom shared drives are hosted through QSTShare. The folder you can access depends on your role and permissions.
Connecting Off Campus?
Connect to the BU VPN before attempting to access Questrom network drives from an off-campus location.
WINDOWS
Connect from Windows
Map a Questrom shared folder as a network drive so it appears alongside your other drives in File Explorer.
01
Open File Explorer
Open File Explorer and select This PC from the navigation panel.
02
Map a Network Drive
Choose Map network drive from the File Explorer toolbar or the This PC options menu.
03
Enter Network Path
Select the appropriate drive letter and enter the Questrom network path for the shared drive you need.
04
Sign In
When prompted, enter your username as ad\username and use your BU password.
Questrom Network Drive Reference
| Drive | Description | Network Path |
|---|---|---|
| H: | Windows Applications | \\qstshare.ad.bu.edu\winapps |
| Q: | Class Notes | \\qstshare.ad.bu.edu\CLASSNOTES |
| S: | Faculty & Staff | \\qstshare.ad.bu.edu\facstaffshare |
| P: | Home Drive | \\qstshare.ad.bu.edu\Facstaffusers |
| R: | Department Share | \\qstshare.ad.bu.edu\Dept |
| Z: | Data Share | \\qstshare.ad.bu.edu\Data |
MACOS
Connect from a Mac
Connect to QSTShare through Finder, then choose the Questrom shared folders you want to mount.
01
Open Connect to Server
Open Finder. From the menu bar, choose Go → Connect to Server.
02
Enter QSTShare
Enter the Questrom server address in the Server Address field and select Connect.
03
Sign In
Enter your BU username and password when prompted. You may choose to save the credentials in your Mac keychain.
04
Select Your Drives
Select the Questrom network folders you want to mount. Use the Command key if you need to select more than one.
Questrom server address:
smb://qstshare.ad.bu.edu
Available QSTShare Folders
| Folder | Description |
|---|---|
winapps |
Windows Applications |
CLASSNOTES |
Class Notes |
facstaffshare |
Faculty & Staff |
Facstaffusers |
Home Drive |
Dept |
Department Share |
Data |
Data Share |
Want faster access next time?
After mounting a network folder, you can create an alias to it by holding Option (⌥) + Command (⌘) while dragging the folder to the location where you want the shortcut.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Having Trouble Connecting?
Most network-drive connection problems come down to network access, credentials, or folder permissions.
I'm Off Campus
Connect to the BU VPN first, then try accessing QSTShare again. Questrom network drives are not directly available from an off-campus connection.
My Credentials Aren't Working
Confirm that you’re using your current BU username and password. On Windows, use ad\username when the
credential prompt asks for your username.
I Can't See the Folder I Need
Access to some Questrom shares depends on your role or permissions. If the folder you need isn’t available, contact Questrom ITS for assistance.
GOOD TO KNOW
Using Network Drives Effectively
Network drives are designed for shared Questrom files and resources. A few simple habits can help keep those files organized and accessible.
Save Shared Work in the Right Place
Use the folder or network drive designated for your department, team, course, or shared resource.
Be Careful with Shared Folders
Renaming, moving, or reorganizing shared folders can affect other people’s access, shortcuts, and established workflows. Coordinate significant changes with your team.
Personal Files May Belong Elsewhere
If a file belongs primarily to you rather than a shared Questrom workspace, OneDrive or BU Google Drive may be a better storage option.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick Answers
Do I need VPN to use a Questrom network drive?
If you’re off campus, yes. Connect to the BU VPN before attempting to access QSTShare.
What is the Questrom network drive server?
Questrom network shares are hosted on qstshare.ad.bu.edu. Mac users connect using smb://qstshare.ad.bu.edu.
Which network drive should I use?
It depends on what you’re accessing. Questrom maintains separate shares for departmental files, faculty and staff files, home folders, class notes, data, and Windows applications.
Why can't I see a drive or folder?
Access to some network shares is permission-based. If a folder you expect to use isn’t available after connecting successfully, contact Questrom ITS.
Still Having Trouble Connecting?
If you can't connect to QSTShare, aren't sure which network drive you need, or believe you're missing access to a shared folder, contact the Questrom Helpdesk for assistance.
Get IT Support
questromhelp@bu.edu
Visit The Helpdesk
617-353-9858
Mon – Thurs: 8am – 6pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm