# Introduction

This site provides an introduction, guide and troubleshooting steps for <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

With <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, you map Windows network drives to the Microsoft 365 cloud (SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Teams) to browse and edit cloud files through the familiar interface of Windows File Explorer, much like the experience of working with files on a local network file server.

<img src="/files/Gx37juOGSn2g8dyG8aNa" alt=" network drives and sub folders within the drives can be connected to different file repository targets in Microsoft 365" class="gitbook-drawing">

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> provides a context menu in File Explorer to bring enhanced functions of Microsoft 365 in to File Explorer such as version history and file sharing.

<figure><img src="/files/d3PiuO6lqixeoRom5xRT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Architecture

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> consists of 3 main components: a client component `ZeeDrive.exe` that runs on your computer, the Zee Drive activation cloud service, and your Microsoft 365 tenant (SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, Teams).

The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> client maps your network drives on your computer. The configuration information about the mapped drives is stored in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation service. The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> client communicates with Microsoft 365 to read and write your files.

<img src="/files/bmDOUXJxM66QqrUjwayi" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## Network Drive Publishing Process

Only the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrators can create and manage the network drive mappings. When published, the drive mappings will *push* out automatically to all computers that are activated on the subscription.

<img src="/files/Iw4liXumZfIDvzmi54t5" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## Deployment

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports three deployment environments;

* [Personal computers](/administration-guide/deploying-to-personal-computers)
* [Hot desk computers](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers)
* [Desktop servers](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers)

For personal computers, users activate the computers themselves with an activation code provided to them by the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator. A user can activate up to 3 computers with their activation code.

Hot desk computers and desktop servers are activated by the subscription administrators. A hot desk computer supports any user on the subscription, but only one user at a time. Desktop servers support multiple users and cover RDS, Citrix, RemoteApp and Azure VD environments.

To deploy <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, [activate it on the target computer](/how-to/activate).

<img src="/files/q6LwCuYraK8JPV1XFztj" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## Licences

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> offers three types of licences;

* Personal Computer User
* Shared Computer User
* Shared Computer

These three licences cover the [three deployment scenarios](#deployment) supported by <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

For users with a personal computer, they are assigned a Personal Computer User licence. This provides the user with an activation code which they can use to [activate](/user-guide/activate-your-computer) up to three computers. A user with a Personal Computer User licence assigned can also use <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on computers activated as hot desk computers and desktop servers.

Hot desk computers and desktop servers require the Shared Computer licence. A hot desk computer requires a single Shared Computer licence, whereas a desktop server requires a pool of Shared Computer licences.

Users that don't need <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on a personal computer, but will be using <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on a hot desk computer or desktop server, are assigned a Shared Computer User licence.

For more information, see [Pricing](/resources/pricing).

## Operation

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> employs a Windows file system driver to broker file system events generated by the end user working on their files and the files residing in the Microsoft 365 cloud. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> *translates* Windows file events to Microsoft 365 file events.

The translation between file events on Windows and file events in the cloud is not one to one, and that's where the complexity lies with a network drive mapping tool like <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>. The complexity is hidden from the end user by the tool.

A simplified flow of events can be seen below where the user saves a file in a Windows application ultimately resulting in the file being saved to the cloud.

<img src="/files/UUOrjkk0T9CGUQfobFOc" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">


# Subscription

Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> mapped drive configurations, users and customisations are grouped in to a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> s*ubscription*. A <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription is much like a Microsoft 365 tenant in that it encompasses all of your configuration data and licences.

Your subscription (configuration data) is hosted in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> cloud service.

A <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription is associated with a Microsoft 365 tenant; the association is one to one. One <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription is valid for one Microsoft 365 tenant. E.g. If your Microsoft 365 tenant is for the organisation Contoso, likely your tenant name will be *contoso* and your SharePoint Online repository will be *contoso.sharepoint.com*. Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription will be associated with the *contoso.sharepoint.com* SharePoint Online repository.

<img src="/files/pkra6UgNU1SQFcaS2Iyu" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

A <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription is identified through its 8 digit ID (E.g. *12345678)* and the Microsoft 365 tenant it is associated with (E.g. *contoso*).

An organisation will typically have only one <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription with all users requiring <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> set up on the subscription.

If you're ready to get started with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, then you can jump ahead to [Create Your Subscription](/administration-guide/create-your-subscription).


# Administration

The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrators are responsible for all aspects of the subscription:

* Setting up users, resetting user activation codes
* Creating network drives, connecting the drives to Microsoft 365, publishing the drives
* Configuring user interface behaviours such as context menu commands, folder redirection
* Monitoring subscription usage, planning and managing upgrades to new versions of Zee Drive

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is administered via the administration console. The administration console is available when the administrator [activates their computer](/administration-guide/activate-your-computer) and then opens the console by clicking the blue Z icon in the Windows system tray:

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then click the action button to view the administration functions:

<figure><img src="/files/0Ls4cf8hpuPkTNRDhDrs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Non-administrator users cannot set up their own network drives with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>. This is the sole responsibility of the subscription administrators whom define all the network drives for the organisation. Non-administrators will see a limited set of functions on the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> action button
{% endhint %}

The two primary functions of the subscription administrators are to set up the users on the subscription and to configure the network drive mappings that will be applied to users' computers.

For IT organisations that administer <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on behalf of their customers, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> provides a [partner subscription](/partner-guide). The partner subscription is a single interface to manage many customer subscriptions.


# Network Drives

The primary function of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is to map network drives on a user's computer and connect the drives to the user's files in Microsoft 365.

The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [subscription administrator](/introduction/administration) configures the network drives.

Network drives can be connected to various targets in Microsoft 365:

* A SharePoint Online document library
* A SharePoint Online site, or site hierarchy
* Microsoft Teams file repositories
* SharePoint Online hub sites
* OneDrive for Business
* A subfolder within a SharePoint Online document library

See [Network Drive Connection Options](/administration-guide/network-drive-connection-options) for more detailed information on the connection options above.

In practice, all file repositories in Microsoft 365 are SharePoint Online *document libraries*, including OneDrive for Business. SharePoint Online sites, Teams and hub sites are a means to *group* or *present* the document libraries.

A [ZeeDrive subscription](/introduction/subscription) supports many network drive configurations. Each network drive can be connected to a different target. A network drive consists of its UNC path E.g. `\\servername\share` name, and an optional drive letter assignment E.g. `z:\`

For additional flexibility, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> provides virtual folders as a means to group multiple, disparate, Microsoft 365 targets under a single network drive. Instead of connecting the network drive to a target in Microsoft 365, the subscription administrator can create a hierarchy of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> virtual folders within the network drive and connect each of those virtual folders to a different target in Microsoft 365.

<figure><img src="/files/jjdUGZAyY6ajH8hfYqo9" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Network drives are configured via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT_NAME</code> administration console</p></figcaption></figure>


# Expiration

Every Zee Drive executable (`ZeeDrive.exe`) file has an inbuilt expiration date. After 18 months from release, the EXE will expire and show an error to the user.

Zee Drive should be [updated with a newer version before it expires](/how-to/upgrade).

## Check Which Computers Are Running Older Versions Of Zee Drive

Zee Drive subscription administrators can check which computers are running older versions of Zee Drive and in need of upgrading by choosing the option *Check which computers are running Zee Drive* from the Zee Drive administration console.

## Check For New Versions Of Zee Drive

Zee Drive subscription administrators can check for new versions of Zee Drive by choosing the option *Zee what's new in the latest Zee Drive releases* from the Zee Drive administration console.

## How To Check The Expiry Date Of Zee Drive

Right click on the `ZeeDrive.exe` executable in Windows File Explorer and choose Properties. Click the Digital Signatures tab and view the Timestamp field. The expiry date is 18 months from this date:

<figure><img src="/files/A9tvdxONAsDGPKFRjqi0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Alternatively, double click the `ZeeDrive.exe` executable to launch the Zee Drive wizard. Click the blue Z application icon in the top left of the Zee Drive window. Select the Activity Logs option from the menu. Select the latest log in the list and choose Open Log.  The expiration date can now be viewed in the log similar to this:

*This version of Zee Drive expires on '2024-12-03'*


# Feature Guide

This guide highlights the prominent, supported features offered by Zee Drive, summarised below with links to more detailed descriptions:

* Use [Windows File Explorer](/feature-guide/use-windows-file-explorer-to-manage-your-files) to open, move, delete and manage your Microsoft 365 folders and files
* Drag & drop emails [straight from Outlook](/feature-guide/drag-and-drop-outlook-emails-and-attachments) to your Microsoft 365 folders in File Explorer
* Aggregate multiple Microsoft 365 file repositories in a single network drive [with virtual folders](/feature-guide/virtual-folders-for-organising-drive-content)
* Overcomes the [300,000 file sync limitation](/feature-guide/consistent-performance-with-large-file-sets) of the Microsoft OneDrive sync tool
* Streaming downloads for [quick access to large files](/feature-guide/streaming-downloads-for-quick-access-to-large-files), like MP4 videos
* View file and folder changes made by other users [on-demand](/feature-guide/file-and-folder-changes-on-demand)
* Locks documents [opened in Office](/feature-guide/locks-office-documents-for-exclusive-editing) to prevent two people editing the same document at the same time
* Supports opening Office documents for [co-authoring and AutoSave](/feature-guide/supports-office-co-authoring-and-autosave) for a collaborative editing experience and automatic saving of documents
* [Network drives roam with users](/feature-guide/cloud-hosted-drive-mappings-and-subscription-configuration) from device to device and location to location, no on-premises infrastructure required
* Access files and folders that have been [shared with you](/feature-guide/shared-files-and-folders-from-your-network-drive) directly from your network drive
* [Single Sign-On](/feature-guide/single-sign-on-and-entra-id-token-protection) for Entra ID and ADFS joined devices, keeps users signed-in automatically
* Opens [Office and AutoCAD® in the browser by default](/feature-guide/opens-files-in-browser-by-default-if-apps-arent-installed) if the apps aren't installed
* Automatically [locks DWG drawing files](/feature-guide/automatic-dwg-file-locking-for-autodesk-autocad) opened in Autodesk® AutoCAD®
* View, compare and manage your [AutoCAD® DWG drawing version history](/feature-guide/view-and-compare-autocad-dwg-drawing-versions)
* Search for files using SharePoint's fast search full text index [directly from File Explorer](/feature-guide/fast-sharepoint-indexed-searches-from-file-explorer)
* Supports [automated installation, activation and upgrades](/feature-guide/silently-install-activate-and-upgrade-zee-drive) for enterprise environments
* Connect network drives to [hub sites and hub site hierarchies](/feature-guide/connect-drives-to-sharepoint-hub-site-hierarchies)
* Map network drives for [external (guest) users](/feature-guide/map-network-drives-for-external-guest-users) you have invited to your Microsoft 365 tenant
* [Choose the colour of your folders in File Explorer](/feature-guide/choose-folder-colours-in-file-explorer) from a fixed palette of 16 colours
* [Redirects Windows folders](/feature-guide/redirects-documents-and-other-folders-to-onedrive-for-business) to OneDrive for Business through a central configuration
* Works with [Windows File Explorer progress bar](/feature-guide/file-explorer-progress-bar-integration-for-file-copying) to show accurate file copy progress
* [Target mapped drives by group membership](/feature-guide/map-drives-by-group-membership), like a Windows Group Policy Object
* Restricts users to [view files and folders](/feature-guide/view-only-folders-and-files) where their permissions are set to read only
* Supports [multi-factor authentication](/feature-guide/multi-factor-authentication-support)
* [Send links to files or folders](/feature-guide/send-a-link-to-a-file-or-folder) directly from the File Explorer context menu
* View and manage the [version history](/feature-guide/view-file-version-history-and-restore-previous-versions) of a file from the File Explorer context menu
* View [recent editing activity](/feature-guide/view-recent-file-editing-activity) from File Explorer to monitor co-workers' changes
* Map to [all modern team sites](/feature-guide/map-to-all-modern-team-sites-under-a-single-drive) users have joined under a single network drive


# Use Windows File Explorer To Manage Your Files

Use the familiar interface of Windows File Explorer to manage the files and folders in the Microsoft 365 cloud through the network drives mapped by <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

File Explorer functions such as drag and drop, file and folder renaming, deleting, new file creation and double click to open, are all available.

<figure><img src="/files/nSqmriNYfQGWdmf1cSmy" alt=""><figcaption><p>Drag &#x26; drop files and folders straight from your desktop, or from Outlook, to your network mapped drives</p></figcaption></figure>

File Explorer is your window in to your files in SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business. The experience should feel similar to working with your files on a local network file server.

<figure><img src="/files/7D4JrUQyLqsSvmpGkMCk" alt=""><figcaption><p>Rename files and folders directly from File Explorer</p></figcaption></figure>

The changes you make in File Explorer will reflect in real-time in the Microsoft 365 cloud.


# Drag And Drop Outlook Emails And Attachments

Emails from Outlook, and email attachments, can be dragged directly to the network drives in File Explorer.

<figure><img src="/files/Nv6PtgVCdzNithbozKM5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Dragging and dropping an attachment from an Outlook email to a network drive connected to Microsoft 365</p></figcaption></figure>

After the email or attachment is dropped in the folder, it will be saved in real-time to the connected file repository in Microsoft 365.

<figure><img src="/files/ISzjY7LL2Mch2PqkBHQS" alt=""><figcaption><p>Dragging and dropping an email from Outlook</p></figcaption></figure>


# Virtual Folders For Organising Drive Content

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports a flexible method for arranging the contents of your network drives in the form of virtual folders. Virtual folders allow you to re-organise the structure of your SharePoint content without having to make any changes in SharePoint itself. Instead of connecting your network drive to a single target in SharePoint such as a site or a document library, create virtual folders within your network drive and connect each virtual folder to a different target in SharePoint.

For example; you may have a document library in one SharePoint site and a document library in a second SharePoint site, but you would like both libraries to show in a single network drive rather than a network drive for each document library. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> virtual folders permit you to connect the network drive to both document libraries.

<img src="/files/CxzBp8gKc3itjqhlPe4W" alt="Two virtual folders in the Z drive are connected to two different document libraries in different SharePoint sites" class="gitbook-drawing">

The virtual folders can be nested too; permitting you to create a complex folder hierarchy in your network drive.

{% hint style="info" %}
See [Virtual Folders](/administration-guide/virtual-folders) on how to create a virtual folder in a network drive
{% endhint %}


# Consistent Performance With Large File Sets

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>'s design provides for consistent performance when connecting network drives to SharePoint document libraries containing 100s of thousands of files and folders.

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> achieves this consistent level of performance with large file sets through these design approaches;

1. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> syncs only the folders and files on demand as the user browses their network drive, thereby minimising the total working set of files and folders in use
2. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> applies changes to SharePoint in real-time. This approach removes the need to scan the entire network drive structure for changes like a typical sync tool does, which can greedily consume CPU and disk resources, slowing down the computer as a result

Therefore for day to day operations like browsing, opening and editing files from their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives, users should experience responsive and consistent access from Windows File Explorer no matter the number of files in the connected document libraries.


# Streaming Downloads For Quick Access To Large Files

For large files, such as video files, which you users may typically jump forwards to the part they are interested in, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>'s file streaming support means that there is no waiting on the entire file to download before viewing the part of the video you are interested in.

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will only stream the data that is required, whether that's the start, the middle or the end. Essentially, this means no waiting for the entire video file to download just to view the end of it.

<img src="/files/9ovNAmY8iCLLZLSh6v3Y" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">


# File And Folder Changes On-Demand

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will automatically refresh the network drives on users' computers with changes from other users. The changes should generally show promptly.

If a user is expecting a change and needs to see it urgently and it isn't yet showing, they can request a refresh of the network drive on-demand, from Windows File Explorer.

In the example below, another user recently added a document, "Myles Team Presentation.pptx", but it is not yet showing in Windows File Explorer. So whilst in File Explorer, just hit the `F5` key on your keyboard to request an on-demand refresh of the folder.

<figure><img src="/files/r4558bxUtHkiymrAt6iE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After hitting the `F5` key, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will initiate an on-demand request for changes and if any, promptly update them in your File Explorer.

<figure><img src="/files/jj1u9U5A9PZJaTDT02Ua" alt=""><figcaption><p>After the on-demand refresh, the document "Myles Team Presentation.pptx" now shows in the folder</p></figcaption></figure>


# Locks Office Documents For Exclusive Editing

Your users may prefer working with Office documents in an *exclusive* mode, that is, only the user that first opened the document has exclusive editing rights over the document. If another user opens the document, it will open for read-only. This is the default behaviour when working with Office documents on a network file server.

When starting a new <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription, *exclusive editing* is the default behaviour when opening Office documents from your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives.

On opening a document in Office, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> acquires a SharePoint lock on the document preventing other users from opening the document for editing.

<figure><img src="/files/h5DTZxL7OeRglIEWMkF7" alt=""><figcaption><p>When opening an Office document from a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT_NAME</code> mapped network drive, if the document is already locked for editing, Office informs the user and offers an option to open the document for reading</p></figcaption></figure>

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> maintains the lock on the document for the duration the document is opened from <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>. On closing the document, the lock is released, allowing another user to open the document for editing.

{% hint style="info" %}
The specific Office applications supported are Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and the document types .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .ppt, and .pptx
{% endhint %}

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports an alternative option for opening Office documents; [open for co-authoring](/feature-guide/supports-office-co-authoring-and-autosave). When opened for co-authoring, advanced Office features are available such as collaborative editing and AutoSave.


# Supports Office Co-Authoring And AutoSave

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> offers two options for opening Microsoft Office documents; either in [exclusive editing mode](/feature-guide/locks-office-documents-for-exclusive-editing) which is similar to the behaviour when working from a traditional on-premises file server, or, opening the document for co-authoring. When opened for co-authoring, advanced Office features such as collaborative editing and AutoSave are available.

<figure><img src="/files/D2RxJMatJxhRBBwy7kbd" alt=""><figcaption><p>When an Office document is opened for co-authoring, the AutoSave slider is set to the On position</p></figcaption></figure>

When editing documents with co-authoring enabled, you can see the edits of other users *live* in your document:

<figure><img src="/files/7OwDc2OWKCR8LgnXpYgv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The default behaviour when opening an Office document from Windows File Explorer (either exclusive or for co-authoring) can be [changed by the Zee Drive subscription administrator](/administration-guide/co-authoring-and-exclusive-editing).

Users can also open Office documents for co-authoring via the File Explorer context menu:

<figure><img src="/files/0kWR5bQyY1pWOp8m3zCd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Check the [user guide](/user-guide/co-authoring-and-autosave) for more information on co-authoring
{% endhint %}


# Cloud Hosted Drive Mappings And Subscription Configuration

The network drive mappings you configure for your users, and various other subscription settings, are updated and hosted in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation service. The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [activation service](/introduction/subscription) is hosted in the Microsoft Azure cloud.

As the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive mappings are cloud hosted, they are available from any location and any device that your users sign-in to where the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> client is activated. There is no on-premises infrastructure or service component that you need to host and run yourself.

Users can be at your organisation's head office, at their home office, at a hotel, or in another country; so no matter where your users roam, when they sign in to their computer, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will read the drive mappings and subscription settings from the activation service and apply them to the users' File Explorer.


# Shared Files And Folders From Your Network Drive

Files and folders that have been shared with you by colleagues from your organisation, can be accessed directly from your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive in Windows File Explorer. Shared files and folders are grouped by the name of the colleague that shared with you, making identification of whom shared with you simple.

<figure><img src="/files/2ZtCj16D9fguR74oVnYL" alt=""><figcaption><p>Shared files and folders are grouped by the name of the user that shared them</p></figcaption></figure>

Files and folders are shared from the network drive connected to your corporate OneDrive files via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> File Explorer context menu.

<figure><img src="/files/ogit8AodO9FzE8R2fLvs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After sharing a file or folder with a colleague, it will show in their *Shared With Me* drive, under a folder bearing your name.

Find out how to [set up the network drives](/administration-guide/set-up-drives-for-file-sharing) necessary for sharing and accessing your shared files, and check out the user guide for the [steps to share your files and folders](/user-guide/share-a-file-or-folder).


# Single Sign-On and Entra ID Token Protection

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports SSO (single sign-on) experience for both Entra ID joined devices and ADFS joined devices, and Entra ID token protection (token binding).

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription users on an Entra ID joined device or ADFS joined device will experience a seamless mapping of their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives. When a user signs in to their Windows desktop, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up automatically, identify the user and sign the user in automatically to Entra ID. End user interaction is not required. Access tokens will subsequently be refreshed automatically to keep the network drives *always on*.

For organisations requiring additional security, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is compatible with Microsoft Entra ID [conditional access token protection](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/conditional-access/concept-token-protection) (or token binding) on Entra ID joined devices. if your organisation enables token protection, then <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will continue to authenticate and issue tokens successfully from Entra ID on an Entra ID joined device.


# Opens Files In Browser By Default If Apps Aren't Installed

Where end users do not have Microsoft Office installed (i.e. those that are not licenced for Microsoft Office desktop applications as they have the lower cost [Microsoft 365 F1 or F3 frontline worker](/) licence assigned) and those without AutoCAD® installed, Zee Drive will default to opening Office documents (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and AutoCAD® drawings (DWG files) in the web browser by default.

Users can browse for Office files conveniently from <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> mapped network drives in Windows File Explorer whilst still benefitting from a full document editing experience from Microsoft Office online.

Where <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has configured the documents to open in the browser by default, the file icons will show as blue.

<figure><img src="/files/kQXF2jCjMFTE8wG5hySU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Double click from File Explorer to open a document in the browser:

<figure><img src="/files/SSKgKZnBceE7VE8Lafh0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Users in an engineering environment but without AutoCAD® installed can view AutoCAD® DWG files from their browser by opening the DWG file from File Explorer.

<figure><img src="/files/9tzSyUHhvT8uomaKUZsW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will only open Office documents and AutoCAD® drawings in the browser by default where there isn't already a default application associated with the file types.


# Automatic DWG File Locking For Autodesk AutoCAD

When opening an AutoCAD® DWG drawing from a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will take out a lock on the file to ensure that only one user at a time can edit the drawing. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will also ensure that when a user opens the drawing, the latest version of the drawing is opened. Together, this helps to prevent changes from being unintentionally overwritten.

The locking support is automatic. The user does not need to perform any specific steps to lock/unlock or check out/check in the drawing. The behaviour should be familiar to users working with AutoCAD® drawings on local file servers.

On opening a DWG drawing file, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will check if it is locked. If so, the user will see the familiar alert from AutoCAD®. The alert will show the username of the user that is editing the drawing and the SharePoint site where the drawing is located.

<figure><img src="/files/Vq4aqhqyBSsAywo59pjR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If the drawing was not already locked, AutoCAD® will proceed to open the drawing and a lock will be taken out. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will regularly refresh the lock whilst the drawing is opened. On closing the drawing in AutoCAD®, the lock will automatically be released.

If there is a more recent version of the drawing available then AutoCAD® will show an alert to the user when opening the drawing. The user should click OK and open the drawing again and <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will ensure they are opening the latest version.

<figure><img src="/files/Mi05Lc9bPnar6Edp5lac" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> locking support has been tested to work with AutoCAD® 2024 and AutoCAD LT® 2024. Prior versions of AutoCAD® should also be compatible.


# View And Compare AutoCAD DWG Drawing Versions

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will preserve the version history of your AutoCAD® DWG drawings when saving to a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive. Your drawing revisions can be recalled using the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> version history feature.

From the version history you can view the changes made to your drawing, restore older versions, open a version or compare versions using AutoCAD's® drawing compare feature to identify differences between revisions.

Use the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [version history](/user-guide/revert-changes-to-a-file) command to recall your editing history and compare revisions.

<figure><img src="/files/1Dh7kfT0ftmtMEJBQqGC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After choosing the compare command, AutoCAD® will start up and show the changes between the drawings.

<figure><img src="/files/mQdrmyQKLFl0HCB3Xahy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you have the "Create backup copy with each save" enabled in AutoCAD® then consider setting the ISAVEPERCENT command to 0 as this will ensure that your drawing is uploaded to SharePoint Online with each save.

<figure><img src="/files/Ud9tWRNJxCr4VLgE6Oan" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will not create AutoCAD® BAK files when saving as previous drawing versions are preserved in the DWG version history instead.

The drawing compare feature will work only on a supported version of AutoCAD® and where it is the default associated application for .DWG drawing files.


# Fast SharePoint Indexed Searches From File Explorer

Users can quickly search for files and folders directly from the Windows File Explorer context menu. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> leverages SharePoint's full text search index so that both file names and file contents can be searched very quickly without the need for a local search index on the computer or a slow folder by folder search crawl.

To leverage fast search, right click the folder to search in Windows File Explorer then choose the search option from the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> context menu.

<figure><img src="/files/1uiYKj1i1HHDrrhhuzFa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The search window will open. Enter your search criteria and click the Search button.

<figure><img src="/files/5Wjjoj8gxgaekkEPfD3m" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Files that match your criteria are then shown. Select a file and choose either to open the file or locate it in File Explorer.

<figure><img src="/files/zZgZZgY9SuPMxaplyOL3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The search option on the context menu will only show if the drive or folder selected is a document library, a folder within a document library, or OneDrive for Business.

SharePoint Online does not index all file types. For example, application files (with the .exe file extension) will not appear in search results.

For more information on search and the supported search syntax, [check out the user guide](/user-guide/search-for-files-and-folders).


# Silently Install Activate And Upgrade Zee Drive

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has command line support for organisations that wish to silently install, activate and upgrade <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> using software management and deployment tools like Microsoft Intune.

In the case of Microsoft Intune, [a full guide/walkthrough is available](/how-to/deploy-with-intune) for configuring Intune for automated deployment and upgrade of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

The guide walks through the process step by step on how to set up and manage Zee Drive deployments from Microsoft Intune.

The various command line options supported by <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> are available in the [command line guide](/how-to/use-the-command-line).


# Connect Drives to SharePoint Hub Site Hierarchies

Hub sites in SharePoint Online provide a flexible means to structure and re-organise sites. Unlike subsites in a site collection, sites' association with a hub site can be changed, allowing hub sites to be re-organised with evolving business requirements. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports connecting a mapped network drive, or <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [virtual folder](/feature-guide/virtual-folders-for-organising-drive-content), to a SharePoint Online hub site; the associated hierarchy of sites, hub sites and document libraries can be accessed via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive.

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will show the full hub site hierarchy you have configured. If a root hub site has other hub sites associated, and those associated hub sites themselves have associated hub sites, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will show the full hierarchy in the network drive.

Changing the hub site associations in SharePoint will reflect in the network drive in <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> automatically. There may be a delay of a few minutes before changes will reflect in the network drive depending on SharePoint Online's search index performance which is used by <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to discover site associations.

To connect your network drive or virtual folder to a hub site, choose the 'Hub site' option from the 'Connect To' drop down list in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administration console.

<figure><img src="/files/CLZqusYz5VApvZcrEJVj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click the Choose button and browse for a hub site.

<figure><img src="/files/WuqnYbyq1OGdapnR0gtD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After selecting your hub site, click the Options button to configure how <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will show sites.

<figure><img src="/files/Smt48SJRW0ZsBu1QscRP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If your associated sites have only a single document library and you don't use document libraries in hub sites, then choose to show only the default document library and hide hub site document libraries. File Explorer will show only the sites as folders, not document libraries. Your files can be found directly in the site folders.

<figure><img src="/files/fH38S0zK2LNY214e2Om7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

As a comparison, the document libraries will now show in File Explorer if you choose to show hub site document libraries and all document libraries from associated sites.

<figure><img src="/files/zsPYfUuDLvA4sGeKTPpY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Check the [hub site step-by-step connection guide](/administration-guide/network-drive-connection-options#hub-site) for more information.


# Map Network Drives For External (Guest) Users

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports mapping network drives for external users you have invited to your Microsoft 365 tenant. Set up the external user on your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription, map a network drive to the site, document library, or folder you have shared with them, provide them with their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation code and when they activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, the drive you have configured will be mapped for them to access your shared files.

All external user types are supported: users from other Microsoft 365 tenants, Microsoft personal accounts and users invited through an email address, such as @gmail.com accounts.

External user support may be appealing to engineering and architectural organisations to facilitate collaboration with external contractors on AutoCAD® documents with assurance that [AutoCAD® DWG files will be locked](/feature-guide/automatic-dwg-file-locking-for-autodesk-autocad) to avoid overwriting changes, even when the user is external to their organisation.

See [Set Up An External Guest User](/administration-guide/set-up-an-external-guest-user) for a step-by-step guide.


# Choose Folder Colours In File Explorer

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> brings coloured folders from OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online in to Windows File Explorer. Users can change the colour of their folders, from a palette of 16 colours, directly from Windows File Explorer via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> context menu. The colours chosen will reflect in OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online on the web, and vice versa. Folder colours can be used to classify information and assist in rapid visual location of folders.

Coloured folders are enabled by default on a new <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator can optionally choose to disable colour folders completely, or enable them only for OneDrive for Business.

<figure><img src="/files/eCiKDYMG7wDGU60vxmuV" alt=""><figcaption><p>Choose from a range of 15 different alternative colours to the default yellow</p></figcaption></figure>

To change the folder colour on Windows 11, right click the folder in File Explorer, and navigate in to the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> menu. Choose the 'Change the colour of this folder' command to show the colour chooser dialog.

<figure><img src="/files/hHbqXRXDrAzlUFIxeQ8C" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select the new colour for the folder and click the 'Apply Colour' button. The folder colour will update with the selected colour.

<figure><img src="/files/Jq2P2h9QbacAYpxZzNyH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The folder colour choice you make will update in File Explorer and will sync to OneDrive and SharePoint Online in the browser, and vice versa.

<figure><img src="/files/J2gKkNilzssS8qAXz5IN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If a folder colour is changed in OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online in the web, it may take up to a few minutes for File Explorer to show the new colour. Changing a folder colour via the File Explorer context menu will show immediately.

For a step-by-step guide to change the folder colour, refer to [Change Folder Colours](/user-guide/change-folder-colours).

Colours are useful for classifying the function of folders. For example, green for approved and red for rejected. Colouring a folder provides the means to apply visual metadata to a folder but without changing the structure. For a folder containing many folders of which some are rarely used, the rarely used folders can be coloured grey to take the attention from them and on to active folders.

<figure><img src="/files/3NihNA9bm1rkOg4WzKqA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Consider colouring rarely used folders grey so that active folders are more prominent</p></figcaption></figure>

The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator can choose whether to enable the colourisation of folders on the subscription. Colourisation of folders can be enabled for all folders (OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online), for OneDrive for Business only, or disabled entirely.

<figure><img src="/files/3rds1vpia7S9cSROF4Ry" alt=""><figcaption><p>From the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT_NAME</code> action button choose the option "Customise the end user experience > Colourise folders in File Explorer" to open the configuration settings</p></figcaption></figure>


# Redirects Documents And Other Folders To OneDrive For Business

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> can redirect the standard Windows folders (Desktop, Documents, Images, Music and Videos) to OneDrive for Business automatically when a user signs in to Windows.

This can provide for an easier transition for the user from on-premises to the cloud; for example, if they are used to working with their files in the Documents folder in Windows File Explorer, they can still do so, but with the benefit their files are now saved to OneDrive for Business instead of the local file server.

The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator configures the folder redirections centrally through the administration console. By default folder redirections will be applied to all users on all computers where <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is activated. Administrators can limit folder redirections to be applied to specific groups of users or only to hot desk computers and desktop servers (I.e. computers with non-persistent environments).

For more information on how to configure folder redirection, see [Redirect Windows Folders to OneDrive for Business](/administration-guide/redirect-windows-folders-to-onedrive-for-business).


# File Explorer Progress Bar Integration For File Copying

When copying a file to a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> mapped network drive with Windows File Explorer, the File Explorer progress bar will show an accurate representation of the file copy progress to SharePoint Online or OneDrive for Business.

The Windows File Explorer progress bar shows copy speed, copy progress and an estimate of time remaining for your file copy to complete.

<figure><img src="/files/jdP00eN6RppNIXfG0Itd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After the progress bar completes successfully, your file should be available in SharePoint Online or OneDrive for Business.


# Map Drives By Group Membership

Network drives can be targeted to members of specific groups, similar to a Windows Group Policy Object. For example, through groups you can limit a network drive to map only for users in a given department, or geographic region; create an "Accounting" or "HR" group, or a "New York" or "London" group - add members to the group and associate that with the network drive. The network drive will be mapped only for the members of the group.

The configuration of the drives and your group targeting settings are stored centrally in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> service meaning there is no dependency on Windows Group Policy and your settings will apply on any computer <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is activated whether the computer is joined to a domain or not.

<figure><img src="/files/mjf3kqKtwJ6qZQpF6YOd" alt=""><figcaption><p>The group targeting configuration screen</p></figcaption></figure>

For a step-by-step guide on configuring group targeting, see [Group Targeting](/administration-guide/group-targeting).


# View Only Folders And Files

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> checks users' SharePoint Online permissions in mapped network drives when file and folder operations are performed. If the operation is not permitted by SharePoint Online, an access denied error will result. This alerts the user that they do not have permissions to perform that operation.

This is a useful scenario where users are to have access to documents such as templates or reference material, but they should not be permitted to modify the documents.

Operations such as creating new files and folders will be blocked with an access denied error.

<figure><img src="/files/SWeGZAqUdkSVFWMaFnGG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Multi-Factor Authentication Support

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports Microsoft 365 modern authentication and multi-factor authentication through the online sign-in form. When a user is prompted by <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to authorise with Microsoft 365, they should click the link 'authenticate with Office 365 via the online form'.

<figure><img src="/files/AZNizcHn6mhgDk0IpU8C" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After clicking the link, the online sign-in form will pop up for the user to authenticate online. The manner of authentication is dependent upon how your organisation and the user has configured their authentication in Microsoft 365/Microsoft Entra.

<figure><img src="/files/XMdch1LphFMbyOkCkC5D" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After signing in, if the user has multi-factor authentication enabled they will be prompted for their second factor of authentication.

<figure><img src="/files/7efjQSjhtSDwpPOCl4KU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The online form will close and <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will complete the authentication.

<figure><img src="/files/ZugSPc3kKRZGGfCLIfyW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If your organisation has single sign-on with ADFS or Entra joining, then users will not be prompted to authenticate, authentication will be automatic. See [Single Sign-On and Entra ID Token Protection](/feature-guide/single-sign-on-and-entra-id-token-protection)
{% endhint %}


# Send A Link To A File Or Folder

Users can send links to files and folders to their colleagues through the File Explorer context menu. Users can choose whether the linked file should open in its associated application, be highlighted in Windows File Explorer, or open in the web browser. For Office documents, users can choose to have the document opened read only or in presentation mode (for PowerPoint documents).

To send a link, right click the file or folder in File Explorer, open the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> menu and choose the send link option.

<figure><img src="/files/dKy47Ujvvf9KqlbJK1mx" alt=""><figcaption><p>The send link option is available from the File Explorer context menu</p></figcaption></figure>

There are different link options users can choose from. Read only ensure the document cannot be overwritten when the link is clicked.

<figure><img src="/files/Hz8jXnzySKzBwuKdqcFW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After clicking the Next button, users can choose whether to copy the link to the clipboard or to send via an email. Clicking the blue link will test it out before they send it.

<figure><img src="/files/SfWVnVni7DcjankWA3YV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Clicking the Open Email button will open a new email in Outlook with the link ready to send.

<figure><img src="/files/8BsdN3HE46x1bZlXsMaY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When a user clicks on a read only link, in this example it is a Word document, Word will open the document for read only as can be seen in the title bar of Word.

<figure><img src="/files/8DjiFYg9KteNyzLhAzoe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Links can be copied and pasted in to documents such as Word or Excel.

<figure><img src="/files/Fzf4xddAl65jT2IfMWuK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For a recipient user to successfully open the link in File Explorer or in the associated desktop application, they will need to be running <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> and have the same network drive mapped. In the case of a link to a [shared OneDrive for Business file or folder](/administration-guide/set-up-drives-for-file-sharing), <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will automatically resolve the path to the file or folder in the shared with me drive.

When <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is installed on a personal computer, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> creates an entry in the user's registry hive to indicate to Microsoft Office that the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> URI protocol is to be trusted. This means that when a user clicks a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> link (one starting with zeedrive:) in an Office application, Office will hand the link over to <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to open without warning the user.

For hot desk computers and desktop servers the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> URI protocol will not be trusted by Office by default so the appropriate registry entry will need to be created via Group Policy if you want to avoid the warning from Office when a link is clicked.

The registry key that will need to be created to trust the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> URI protocol is `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Security\Trusted Protocols\All Applications\zeedrive:`

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> provides two command line options that can be used to create or remove the trusted URI protocol entry in the registry. Refer to the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [command line usage guide](/how-to/use-the-command-line) for more information.

In the case of a web link (https) that opens in the web browser, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> does not need to be running on the recipient's computer as the link will open in their default web browser.

For a step-by-step guide, refer to [Sending A Link](/user-guide/sending-a-link)


# View File Version History And Restore Previous Versions

The version history of files in <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> mapped drives can be viewed and managed from the Windows File Explorer context menu. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will show a list of the latest versions including the version number, modification date, file size and whom made the change.

A range of file version management functions are available to the user which can assist them in understanding which changes have been made to their document over the course of time. These functions include; opening a version in the associated application, saving one or more versions to the local computer, comparing two versions and viewing the differences (comparison supported for Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and AutoCAD® drawings), and restoring a version to make it the latest one.

Select a file in File Explorer, right click the mouse button to show the context menu then choose the version history command.

<figure><img src="/files/NueNuAL4Fo39GzDUOhTr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will then display the recent version history of the selected file.

<figure><img src="/files/qbah5YRc37f2YdbU4KZd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

File versions can be saved to the desktop to assist in discovering when a particular change was made to a file.

Select the file versions to save then choose the save command.

<figure><img src="/files/LwBaLjyMTiZS5ugbkir5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The files will be saved to your chosen location and appended with the version number.

<figure><img src="/files/wa2sBhDqtClFXWvMOkQt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Word and Excel document versions can be compared to view the differences between the versions. Word document differences are shown within Word whilst Excel document differences are shown in the Office 2016 Spreadsheet Compare tool.

Select the two versions of the document to compare then choose the compare command.

<figure><img src="/files/jchHSiBWF7umleljf4Ex" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The versions will be downloaded and then compared to show the differences. Word itself is used to show differences between Word documents.

<figure><img src="/files/HWb0bPPY37IYfdO71lKJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When comparing Excel document versions the Office 2016 Spreadsheet Compare tool is used.

<figure><img src="/files/NJUkq61Y0vU2iwHtqfSE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

[AutoCAD® DWG drawing revisions can be compared](/feature-guide/view-and-compare-autocad-dwg-drawing-versions) if a supported version of AutoCAD® is installed.

For a step-by-step guide to using the version history feature, see [Revert Changes To A File](/user-guide/revert-changes-to-a-file)


# View Recent File Editing Activity

Recent file editing activity (creating, renaming, moving, editing and deleting) can be viewed directly from the Windows File Explorer context menu. When choosing the recent activity command from the context menu, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will show the last 7 days of activity by you and your colleagues in the selected folder. This can be helpful to discover quickly who has changed or deleted particular documents.

You can extend the scope of the activity to the entire folder structure if you can't find what you are looking for directly in the folder selected. The activity can be exported to a CSV file which can allow you to filter and review the activity in more detail.

Right click a folder in Windows File Explorer, expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> menu and choose the recent activity command.

<figure><img src="/files/KD2xMBifKbDWLn176fE7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will show the recent activity in the folder.

<figure><img src="/files/k46Qk5blsUAryETqKlMk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click the More actions button to export the results to a CSV file or view all activity in the folder hierarchy.

<figure><img src="/files/aCKUIWtYrHbnxPCnUKBJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For a step-by-step guide, refer to [View Activity In A Folder](/user-guide/view-activity-in-a-folder)


# Map To All Modern Team Sites Under A Single Drive

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> can map a network drive to all the modern team sites that users have joined, including Microsoft Teams. Changes to user membership of modern team sites will automatically be reflected in the network drive; if users create a new modern team site, or join an existing one, then the new modern team site will appear in the user's mapped network drive in File Explorer automatically.

Create a new network drive and choose the 'Modern team sites' connection option.

<figure><img src="/files/ZKwDJJkJoUF1QzToUjQo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click the Choose button to change how <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> connects to the modern team sites. You can choose to connect only to the default document library in each site or to the entire site hierarchy.

<figure><img src="/files/N1n15BlWYbTqfYyirjWv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Choose the default document library connection option if you employ only a single document library per modern team site or want your Microsoft Teams channels to appear directly below the modern team sites in File Explorer.

In this example two Microsoft Teams, Accounts and New Product, have a number of channels.

<figure><img src="/files/7zKFG8awuzPntWbKNtIC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The channels will be shown directly below the Teams in File Explorer if the default document library option is selected.

<figure><img src="/files/dFiqfGbThQtxLGrKh4sm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For a step-by-step guide to configure a connection to Teams, see [Network Drive Connection Options](/administration-guide/network-drive-connection-options#modern-team-sites)


# Administration Guide

A <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator is responsible for all administration activities ranging from setting up users and network drives through to deploying the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> client and updating it.

Administration is performed through the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> *Administration Console*.

<figure><img src="/files/cnu8z8ubgLiBqUmFYrNw" alt=""><figcaption><p>The administration functions available from the action button on the Administration Console</p></figcaption></figure>

The Administration Console is a Windows app that runs on your computer, its not a web portal. It sits in your system tray so it doesn't clutter your desktop until you need to use it. The Administration Console will start-up automatically when you sign in to Windows, so its always available to you.


# Create Your Subscription

If your organisation does not yet have a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [subscription](/introduction/subscription), or, you require a new subscription for testing purposes, then use this walkthrough to create a new subscription.

After you follow the steps below to create your subscription, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will be activated on your computer and the [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console) will be available from the Windows system tray.

Subscriptions are created in an initial *trial* state. Trials are free, but have limitations;

* A maximum of 5 licences of each [licence type](/introduction/architecture#licences)
* Valid for 7 days after which they will expire
* The aggregated amount of data all users on the trial can upload or download through the mapped drives in any given 24 hour period is limited to 5,000 file uploads or 3GB of data and 10,000 file downloads or 5GB of data

If you exceed the trial data limits in a 24 hour period, your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives will be temporarily disabled until the 24 hour period has passed.

Trial limits are removed by [purchasing a subscription](/resources/pricing) and nominating your trial subscription be upgraded to a paid subscription.

{% hint style="info" %}
The duration of the trial and the number of licences can be increased [on request](/resources/contact-support) if you need to extend the testing of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> for your organisation.
{% endhint %}

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscriptions are created via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> wizard. The subscription, and all the configuration data associated with it, are provisioned in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> *cloud service*. No on-premises infrastructure is required for your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
[Download the latest version](/resources/download) of the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> executable to your computer and then double click the `zeedrive.exe` executable you downloaded to launch the wizard. The welcome page of the wizard will show. Click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/QimuVxaKzQCyF1GVHrWW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You'll be prompted to enter your username and activation code, but, as you don't have a subscription yet, you won't have these. So click the blue link "click here to set up your trial" to proceed with setting up your subscription

<figure><img src="/files/afWGmjH8kKfQa74OHo2Y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After clicking the blue link from the previous step you should be on the Set Up Trial page. Click Next to continue

<figure><img src="/files/zHGQfg2XYmd5LZPUGzne" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> needs you to authenticate with Microsoft 365 so it can determine your associated Microsoft 365 tenant. Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription will be linked to the tenant. Click the blue authenticate link to pop-up the authentication window

<figure><img src="/files/6jBMsulsAc3e8wN7Ozga" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Authenticate with Microsoft 365 via the pop-up window. After successful authentication the pop-up will close automatically

<figure><img src="/files/MYIj8AIR0xwduKFk1viC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A green tick mark will show along with the Microsoft 365 tenant name your new subscription will be associated with, in this example, it will be *thinkscapedev*. Click Next to continue

<figure><img src="/files/tI0memHDPJ8jAlZBkj7X" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After your subscription is set up, the details will be emailed to you. If you prefer for the email to be sent to an alternative address than the Microsoft 365 account you authenticated with in the previous steps, you can do so by unchecking the box and entering a different email address. When you're ready, click the Setup Trial button to start setting up your subscription

<figure><img src="/files/3xDiGoMJS4QDkEuSZHh4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show during the set up process

<figure><img src="/files/icZi1UanJmfZyMQupwWC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After your subscription has been set up, you will receive an email with the details and your activation code. The activation code is also shown in the wizard. You can take a copy of it here by clicking the blue link. Click the Continue button

<figure><img src="/files/glyURO2U0zUc9sA8Bvk4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now your trial is set up, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will walk you through the process to activate your computer. Your username and activation code will be populated in the boxes for you so just click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/xFHdDaxj8deYZiJRoX70" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You'll need to authenticate again so click the blue authentication link to pop-up the authentication window. After successful authentication you will see the green tick mark. Click Next to continue

<figure><img src="/files/Mp769qTCQITeLf25BEuG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You're ready to activate. Click the Activate button

<figure><img src="/files/IyLIg3H8uejvbl3g8KVE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> installs on your computer and activates

<figure><img src="/files/NOHrvVQb4CReDYi9wKtA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful activation, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up on your computer. You can click the Exit button to close the wizard

<figure><img src="/files/SHuo0fxUtF2Gh99QJOrq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You may notice a pop-up notification from your system tray area as <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> starts up

<figure><img src="/files/IArrGMwkCzdGeHVkiL6p" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Let's check your new subscription! Click the blue Z icon from your Windows system tray

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Administration Console will pop-open. Click the "What do you want to do?" button then click the "View a summary of your subscription" option

<figure><img src="/files/cBmXhzfdgVZNfJl8m0RZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Your subscription details will be shown, which include your 8 digit subscription ID, that the type of the subscription is a *trial*, and the expiration date of the trial

<figure><img src="/files/k3CznmL9twMvC6Z36D5k" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now you have created your subscription, why not continue with the next steps by setting up your first network drive and deploying to other users? See [Set Up Your First Network Drive And User](/administration-guide/set-up-your-first-network-drive-and-user) to get started
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Activate Your Computer

If the Administration Console is not active on your computer then follow these steps to activate it. You can check if you have the Administration Console available by looking for the blue Z icon in your Windows system tray:

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you don't see the blue Z icon then you know that <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is not activated. If you have just [created a new subscription](/administration-guide/create-your-subscription) then you can skip this section as the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Administration Console will already be available on your computer.

You will need your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator username and activation code to activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you don't know your activation code, ask another <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator to reset your activation code. If you are the only administrator on the subscription, or all the other administrators don't have their activation codes, you will need to [contact support](/resources/contact-support) to have an activation code reminder sent
{% endhint %}

Let's get started and activate your computer:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
[Download the latest version](/resources/download) of the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> executable to your computer and then double click the `zeedrive.exe` executable you downloaded to launch the wizard. The welcome page of the wizard will show. Click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/QimuVxaKzQCyF1GVHrWW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator username and activation code then click the Verify button

<figure><img src="/files/QM2OkDnD3Cv3W1EM0Lu2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successfully verifying your details, a green tick mark will show. Click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/226Y7XSDceqED4W6KcDG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You'll need to authenticate with Microsoft 365, so click the blue authentication link to pop-up the authentication window

<figure><img src="/files/IJJxLsSK6ONr6G8AFwxT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Authenticate with Microsoft 365 via the pop-up window. After successful authentication the pop-up will close automatically

<figure><img src="/files/MYIj8AIR0xwduKFk1viC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful authentication you will see the green tick mark. Click Next to continue

<figure><img src="/files/DK4QUWotbtuoz9YEXmmb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You're ready to activate. Click the Activate button

<figure><img src="/files/Xl0nS5IKM8njqRzBee9q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> installs on your computer and activates

<figure><img src="/files/g9Gz1tP0DqzV5NXyMjU0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful activation, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up on your computer. You can click the Exit button to close the wizard

<figure><img src="/files/GdDdjM28HWeXrlVzDapQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You can now open the Administration Console by clicking the blue Z icon in your system tray

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Overview Of The Administration Console

All subscription administration functions are accessed via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Administration Console. The Administration Console is accessible only when <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is activated on your computer.

If <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is not already activated on your computer, then [first activate it](/administration-guide/activate-your-computer) to access the Administration Console.

To open the Administration Console, locate the blue Z icon in your Windows system tray, then click the icon to pop open the Administration Console:

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click the blue Z icon in your system tray</p></figcaption></figure>

After clicking the blue Z icon, the Administration Console will show. All the administration functions are accessed via the *What do you want to do?* button, otherwise known as the action button.

<figure><img src="/files/5WfZ0LXVNEii2lFMU9f7" alt=""><figcaption><p>After clicking the blue Z icon from your Windows system tray, the administration console will pop open</p></figcaption></figure>

To access the administration functions, click the action button. If you find there are a restricted set of functions on the action button, this indicates you are either not the administrator of the subscription, or, the computer is activated as a hot desk computer or desktop server.

In the former case, you will need to contact a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator and ask them to assign you administration privileges if you want to administer the subscription, or, in the latter case, you will need to [activate your computer via the wizard](/administration-guide/activate-your-computer) to access the administration functions.

<figure><img src="/files/0Ls4cf8hpuPkTNRDhDrs" alt=""><figcaption><p>The administration functions show above the grey horizontal line and are accessed via the action button</p></figcaption></figure>


# Set Up Your First Network Drive And User

If you are new to <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> and want to get started quickly setting up your first network drive and deploying it to your users, then follow this quick start guide. It will walk you through the process, step-by-step, of setting up a network drive, connecting it to your OneDrive for Business files, setting up another user on the subscription and deploying <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to their computer.

The guide will cover all the main actions you, as the subscription administrator, need to perform to get started with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>. After following this guide you will have:

:white\_check\_mark: Set up and published a network drive connected to OneDrive for Business

:white\_check\_mark: Set up a user and activated <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on their computer

This guide assumes you have already [created your trial subscription](/administration-guide/create-your-subscription) and Zee Drive is activated on your computer.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [administration console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button and then click "Add or manage your network drives"

<figure><img src="/files/MiHWgnnpYU22VALsEsgE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The network drive management screen will show. As you do not have any network drives configured yet (assuming this is a new subscription you have created) your screen should look like below. Click the action button then click "Create a network drive"

<figure><img src="/files/l3BSknV7XLlh6svTfTKa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter a server name and share name for your network drive. These can be set to any names that you choose as long as they adhere to Windows path naming restrictions. Select a drive letter (assigning a network drive to a letter is optional but recommended). After the server name and shared name have been validated (the green tick mark shows), click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/zX6EGQDcUJ93m3gzZFXt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You can optionally target your network drive to show only for specific users in your organisation. The default setting, as shown below, is that the drive, after you have published it, will show for all users you have set up on your subscription. Click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/2IG943iw3q09q8sCihVr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports a number of connection options for your network drive. The drive can be connected to OneDrive for Business, SharePoint Online document libraries, sites, Teams and hub sites. For this walkthrough, we'll choose OneDrive; click the "Connect To" drop down list and click the option "OneDrive for Business of the signed in user". By choosing this option, the network drive will be connected to the users' own OneDrive for Business files

<figure><img src="/files/lpqGqgTkexMa8tmCC08u" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now click the Create button to create your drive. You will have an opportunity to review it before publishing the drive and making it "live" for yourself and your users

<figure><img src="/files/c1wQ4OlMA6CCfzSBCVFK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will return you to the drive management page to review your drive. We're now ready to publish your drive and make it "live". Click the Publish button

<figure><img src="/files/X5naqfk3qF7rLbD4s0wh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You'll see a final confirmation. Click Publish Now

<figure><img src="/files/YFEwaTyWrCJAJW8XT8gx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A busy indicator will show briefly then a confirmation message will be shown. The drive has now been published live and will show on your computer, and any other computer you or your users have activated <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on

<figure><img src="/files/jIDIk9vNeTj58T1Iz8qK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Open Windows File Explorer to view the published drive. The files that will show will be your files from your own OneDrive for Business. Note that the drive name and the drive letter match those that you chose when setting up the drive

<figure><img src="/files/glrBcKhs5GK8OitYj2ug" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now its time to set up a user. Return to <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> and click the Cancel button to return to the main subscription summary page. As the drives are already published, clicking Cancel will not revert your changes

<figure><img src="/files/HsDmzY4EoCwPP7QIu0fu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the action button then click "Set up or manage users on your subscription"

<figure><img src="/files/hr64AVRX8uZxSAu7T2nh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The manage users page will show. Any users set up on your subscription will show here. If its a new subscription, then only your username will show until you set up other users. Click the action button then click "Set up a single user on your subscription"

<figure><img src="/files/GbRTQd2kO2H3fYXEJEaf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has two types of user licences. As we will be activating a personal computer in this guide, leave the default option selected for a personal computer user licence. Click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/TGgFcsgB2jsdn1W3okRu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the user's username. This will be the user's Microsoft 365 username (i.e. their UPN, user principal name) that they authenticate with Microsoft 365. Click the Validate button then click Add

<figure><img src="/files/pKkM2ZK15b1XYCXVSDZx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show briefly then a tick mark will show after the user has been set up successfully. As the user was assigned a personal computer user licence, they receive an 8 digit activation code. Take a note of the activation code, or click the blue link to copy it to the clipboard. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> does not send out the activation code so you will need to share this with the user

<figure><img src="/files/kP1Y26dkrMtoQfXzXXZ2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You're now ready for the user you just set up to activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on their computer. The user should follow the activation guide here [Activate Your Computer](/user-guide/activate-your-computer) with their username and activation code. After the user completes the activation, the drive you set up, Z:, will show on their computer
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Network Drive Connection Options

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports connecting a network drive to a variety of data sources in Microsoft 365. This guide reviews the connection options available and configuration settings for each.

A network drive is set up and connected to Microsoft 365 via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administration console. See [Set Up Your First Network Drive And User](/administration-guide/set-up-your-first-network-drive-and-user) for a step-by-step guide on setting up a network drive and where to access the drive connection options.

<figure><img src="/files/KgV5EFqKjzUREVM9MpzU" alt=""><figcaption><p>The connection options supported for a network drive in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT_NAME</code> administration console</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Its not just a network drive that can be connected to Microsoft 365. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has the concept of *Virtual Folders* which can optionally be added within a network drive to aggregate connections to multiple Microsoft 365 targets under a single network drive. See [Virtual Folders](/administration-guide/virtual-folders) for more information
{% endhint %}

Let's have a quick discussion about permissions in SharePoint Online. Several of the connection options will require you to browse SharePoint Online to select sites and document libraries. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> can only access what your Microsoft 365 user can access in SharePoint Online. Therefore, if a resource in SharePoint Online is not showing in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administration console, then you may not have permissions to that resource. Contact your Microsoft 365 or SharePoint Online administrator for assistance.

## Document Library

A document library is a file repository in SharePoint Online. Ultimately, all connection options lead to a document library one way or another as this is the work horse of SharePoint Online where files are stored.

When connecting to a document library, you can connect to the document library root, or to a subfolder within the document library:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Select the "Document library" option from the "Connect To" options then click the Choose button

<figure><img src="/files/yrxFwJItDA3CT4ypKkll" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A busy indicator will show briefly whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> retrieves your root level SharePoint Online sites and displays them. You can now browse your sites for the document library, or folder, to connect to. A forward slash `/` indicates a site. If you can't find the site you are expecting to see, click the blue link "Can't find your team site below?"

<figure><img src="/files/gvUyQ7VSXFST5hPF8jwd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Following from the previous step if you clicked the blue link, you can now look up your site directly. Enter only the site path name in the edit box, not the full site URL. Click Validate to verify its existence then click Add to return to the browsing page

<figure><img src="/files/K6YF2iMsJtK5LzRH6r3I" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Browse for the document library, or subfolder, that you want to connect your network drive to. When you have located it, click the Select button. In The example below, I have selected the Companies subfolder in the Documents document library in the subsite named Finance

<figure><img src="/files/6aiC1pASbw6G7jZVrPuC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now click the Create button to complete the connection of your new network drive to a document library or folder

<figure><img src="/files/r3b6gTiQ536zqzcytAaq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Team Site

A *team site* is a SharePoint Online site. A site contains document libraries and other sites (subsites). The team site connection option will show the document libraries of the site and their files and folders. It will not show subsites of the site; to view the subsites too, choose the [team site hierarchy](#team-site-hierarchy) connection option.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Select the "Team site" option from the "Connect To" options then click the Choose button

<figure><img src="/files/PK0BRQj5hwY58yJLQsGv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A busy indicator will show briefly whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> retrieves your root level SharePoint Online sites and displays them. You can now browse for the site to connect to. If you can't find the site you are expecting to see, click the blue link "Can't find your team site below?"

<figure><img src="/files/dGwg8EryHWxZKxy5yhhz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Following from the previous step if you clicked the blue link, you can now look up your site directly. Enter only the site path name in the edit box, not the full site URL. Click Validate to verify its existence then click Add to return to the browsing page

<figure><img src="/files/K6YF2iMsJtK5LzRH6r3I" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select your team site to connect to then click the Select button

<figure><img src="/files/29QkKfggGmFYs6dTyTZg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the Options button to change how document libraries are displayed in the network drive

<figure><img src="/files/5z4w35JHL8I0NLFLEb9W" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The connection options page will show. You can choose how document libraries will be represented in the network drive; either show the document library URL path as the folder name or the document library title. The URL path refers to the path name that shows in your browser address bar. For example, the default library that is created in a site typically has this as the URL path:  `https://[your tenant name].sharepoint.com/Shared Documents/` in this case, the folder name would be set to "Shared Documents" but the document library title may be entirely different. E.g. Documents or Accounts or Projects. The document library title can easily be modified in SharePoint Online. Therefore choosing the title will give you control over the name of the folder that appears in your network drive. However, it will also mean that if the title is changed in SharePoint Online, a user may unwittingly and unexpectedly rename the respective folder in your network drive, whereas choosing the URL path would provide more stability. After making your selection, click the Confirm button

<figure><img src="/files/anAtPf7YtG8CrZrcnedI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the Create button to complete creation of your network drive

<figure><img src="/files/uAC4rgCSV9krSqXJIWVS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Team Site Hierarchy

The team site hierarchy connection option is much the same as the team site connection option except that subsites will be shown too, not just document libraries and the files and folders. See [#team-site](#team-site "mention") for a step-by-step guide as the approach to connect to a team site hierarchy is almost identical except that you should select the "Team site hierarchy" connection option as below.

<figure><img src="/files/sFt4Amex6CujkB4ovYzX" alt=""><figcaption><p>The team site hierarchy connection option</p></figcaption></figure>

## Shared With Me

The shared with me connection option is a dynamic view of the files and folders that have been shared with you by other users in your organisation from their OneDrive for Business. See [Set Up Drives For File Sharing](/administration-guide/set-up-drives-for-file-sharing) for more information on how to configure the shared with me network drive and how it works in the context of sharing files and having files shared with you.

<figure><img src="/files/CGxTiCnRvuFghWpTb3B5" alt=""><figcaption><p>The shared with me connection option</p></figcaption></figure>

## OneDrive For Business Of The Signed In User

The connection option "OneDrive for Business of the signed in user" is a dynamic connection; it will connect the network drive to your own OneDrive for Business. I.e. of the user that is signed in to Windows. So the contents of the network drive depends on whom is signed in to Windows.

You can think of this connection option as equivalent to a My Documents folder or a *user drive*.

This connection option is also used to facilitate Windows folder redirections. See [Redirect Windows Folders to OneDrive for Business](/administration-guide/redirect-windows-folders-to-onedrive-for-business) on how to set up folder redirections.

<figure><img src="/files/uY9yUyL0jFCkOfeLXxec" alt=""><figcaption><p>The OneDrive for Business of the signed in user connection option</p></figcaption></figure>

## OneDrive For Business Of A Specific User

Whilst unconventional, as OneDrive for Business is intended as user storage rather than shared storage, connecting a network drive to a specific user's OneDrive for Business can leverage the 1TB storage that comes with OneDrive and facilitate collaboration between members of an organisation on a shared project folder.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Select the "OneDrive for Business of a specific user" option from the "Connect To" options then click the Choose button

<figure><img src="/files/ZLNZTnhKW4nduSMw7thD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the user's name that you want to connect to.  <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will search your Microsoft 365 for matching users

<figure><img src="/files/rLuTIDphsv2o2hOoZhzE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the user and click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/alGNqmc0OifS3t2U1bGc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You can now browse the user's OneDrive for Business. You can connect to the root folder, or a subfolder. If nothing shows, then likely you do not have permissions to their OneDrive for Business. Either the user will need to assign permissions for you to browse their OneDrive, or if you are a SharePoint Online administrator or Microsoft 365 tenant administrator, you can [assign permissions yourself](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/add-users/remove-former-employee-step-5?view=o365-worldwide#grant-access-to-a-former-users-onedrive-files-to-another-user). After you locate the folder you want to connect to, click the Select button. You will return to the connection screen where you can then continue to complete the drive creation process

<figure><img src="/files/SwTk1klbuSVbJJPWvPDY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Modern Team Sites

The modern team sites option will connect the network drive to all team sites that show in the Microsoft 365 Teams app.

Below we can see a representation of how modern teams look in the Microsoft Teams app, compared to how they are represented in Windows File Explorer when connected to a network drive. Each Team displays as a root folder in the network drive, and the channels as sub folders. In the case of a private channel, it will be represented as a folder in the root of the network drive.

<table><thead><tr><th valign="top">Microsoft Teams App</th><th valign="top">Network Drive In Windows File Explorer</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><div><figure><img src="/files/4wHuzOaKAy3bNZQz9j8b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td><td valign="top"><div><figure><img src="/files/vSFBLKGzZ9M1fYci7ZXq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

Here's how to configure a connection to modern teams:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Select the "Modern team sites" option from the "Connect To" options then click the Options button

<figure><img src="/files/dZ8hIxQXglIU1HVr7kg3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The default option is to connect only to the default document library of each team. This is the typical scenario. However, if you have created other document libraries and sites in the team, you can optionally connect to the entire site hierarchy with the option "Connect to all document libraries and site hierarchy". Click the Confirm or Go Back button depending on whether you want to keep or discard your choice, then you can complete the creation of your network drive

<figure><img src="/files/P9mvnlN7MYBbAuGKkAgG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Hub Site

SharePoint Online hub sites are a convenient means of grouping site collections in to hierarchical structures. As can be seen from below, the SharePoint Online Administration Centre presents hub sites in a flat structure but allows the administrator to configure relationships between the hub sites, whereas when a hub site is connected to a network drive, it is presented in a hierarchical folder structure in Windows File Explorer.

<table><thead><tr><th valign="top">SharePoint Online Site Administration</th><th valign="top">Network Drive In Windows File Explorer</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><div><figure><img src="/files/cYRnlf8CwCUpm3oqhX53" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td><td valign="top"><div><figure><img src="/files/lR0YZ3DctwBpDc0l9jAP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

Let's configure a connection to a hub site and its related sites:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Select the "Hub site" option from the "Connect To" options then click the Choose button

<figure><img src="/files/eGsmohU7uBWIXV8NQIOJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A busy indicator will show briefly whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> retrieves the list of hub sites from Microsoft 365. Browse the hub site hierarchy for the hub site to connect to. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will show the hub site you select and the hierarchy below it in the network drive. After selecting the hub site, click the Select button

<figure><img src="/files/jHPZMzGLscW1KFUsRTlu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A hub site connection supports several options. Click the Options button

<figure><img src="/files/51T5KcJwIXlgmh7SX33P" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If your sites contain only a single document library, then for a simpler, cleaner folder structure, choose the option "Connect only to the default document library of each associated site" otherwise if they have multiple document libraries you need to access choose the "Connect to all document libraries" option. If your hub sites are merely containers for sites, then leave the check box checked "Hide hub site document libraries" - otherwise if your hub sites contain files that you need to access, then uncheck the box. After making your selections, click the Confirm button to return to the connection page, and then you can complete the creation of your hub site network drive

<figure><img src="/files/7I4nGPWbPfbyedMC7fsn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Virtual Folders

Virtual folders provide flexibility to aggregate multiple SharePoint data sources in to a single network drive.

{% hint style="info" %}
See [Virtual Folders For Organising Drive Content](/feature-guide/virtual-folders-for-organising-drive-content) for more information about their use
{% endhint %}

To create a virtual folder, select your network drive in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administration console then from the action button, choose&#x20;

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
To create a virtual folder, select your network drive in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administration console

<figure><img src="/files/477HHOIfjzkvWMfbqNHt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the "Choose an action..." button and select "Create a virtual folder"

<figure><img src="/files/uJ91hPimDposa4bRckZ5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You will be prompted to enter a name for the virtual folder. Enter the name, E.g. "Customers" and click Next. Only valid Windows system characters are supported for the folder name.

<figure><img src="/files/BIT8fYjArFJkTWpLxoEz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If you want to target your virtual folder at specific groups of users only, then you can configure your targeting settings. If you want the virtual folder to show for all users, just click Next

<figure><img src="/files/p5UbC6uLOr4NvLluKju3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now choose the target in SharePoint to connect your virtual folder to. Virtual folders can be nested within virtual folders; if you want the virtual folder to contain other virtual folders then choose "Nothing" as the connection target. After you have connected your virtual folder, click the Create button

<figure><img src="/files/NxvrXTwA06LnBs9hMd7I" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You are returned to the network drive page where your new virtual folder will show. Click the Publish button to apply your changes and have them update on users' computers

<figure><img src="/files/fdJNh8OXQ7jlyL581zEQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
When creating a virtual folder, if you have connected the parent network drive or parent virtual folder to a target in SharePoint, then the connection will be cleared. This is because a network drive or virtual folder cannot both be connected to SharePoint AND contain virtual folders.
{% endhint %}


# Group Targeting

Network drives and virtual folders can optionally be targeted to specific groups of users so that they will only be mapped to a user's computer if they are a member, or not a member, of a given group.

For example; you can target a network drive for users in a given department, or users in a regional office location.

By default, when setting up a new network drive or virtual folder via the [administration console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), it will be mapped for all users set up on your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. Here's how to override the default setting and target a network drive to a group of users instead:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [administration console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button and then click "Add or manage your network drives"

<figure><img src="/files/MiHWgnnpYU22VALsEsgE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In this example, I'm changing an existing network drive that is currently mapped for all users. I want to restrict it so that it will only map for users that are based in the New York head office. To change an existing drive (or virtual folder) select it then click the action button and click the option "Change this network drive". You can also configure group targeting whilst creating a new network drive or virtual folder

<figure><img src="/files/09lS5sGOQY9cyBwurfG0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the Next button to skip changing the server name/share name and drive letter and you should be on the group targeting page as below. The previous setting was "Show network drive to everyone" but for this example I want to restrict the network drive to only those users in a new group I will create called New York. In this case I select the "Show network drive only to users in the selected groups" option. An alternative option is to choose the "*except*" option; this reverses the behaviour so a drive will *not* map for members of a group. Click the Select Groups button

<figure><img src="/files/wPNWCaFbPfYI6HNxHxuG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Assuming you have not used group targeting yet, then likely you will not have any groups set up on your subscription. So the first task is to set up a group and add the members. Click the Manage Groups button

<figure><img src="/files/TIms0cbacawMunOwuYQh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now click the action button and click the "Create a new group" option

<figure><img src="/files/4MIs91sieCbZLRYJnZAD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your group name. In this case, New York. Click the Create button to create the group

<figure><img src="/files/Nj4FUNXPXHPc9OSd1cIW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show briefly during group creation

<figure><img src="/files/Ohg8kIBjRkIo4gbKJf9e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Your group has now been created. We'll need to add members to the group so click the action button then click the option "Add or remove members from this group"

<figure><img src="/files/nxp5Ka8h9En8H7VPbHy3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
As the group has only just been created, it will be empty. Let's add users to the New York group. Click the action button and then click the option "Add users to this group"

<figure><img src="/files/mCXCJjG7s1DMCaQu8iWr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A list of users that are set up on your subscription will be displayed. Select the users to add as members of the group. In my example, there are two users in the New York office so select those and click the Add button

<figure><img src="/files/jh4IzA7jX2zHz6uiKvEr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A busy indicator will show briefly then a confirmation message the users were added. Click the Return button

<figure><img src="/files/jkJUegj8iD5j3k4Ma4Ug" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
We're done adding members to the group so click the Go Back button

<figure><img src="/files/gGke35ysPNHkvcCj7KXv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
And, we're done managing our groups, so click the Go Back button again

<figure><img src="/files/yjaIgCxESeFyCBAsIFg1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now we have spent a little time setting up the group and the members we can now select that group as the target for our network drive. After selecting the group, click the Confirm button

<figure><img src="/files/iJsRvcjzYf3IJOXNbfT7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
We're now back a the group targeting page which shows a summary of the number of groups selected. You can select multiple groups as a target for the network drive. Click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/mjf3kqKtwJ6qZQpF6YOd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
We don't want to make any changes to our network drive connection so click the Apply Changes button. Note this drive is connected to "Nothing" as it contains virtual folders

<figure><img src="/files/7YL8uqSDmCB79oHlCWJ8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now you're ready to publish the group targeting changes. Click the Publish button and on the next screen, click Publish Now. After publishing your group targeting changes, it will take effect for users when they next sign in to Windows or restart <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>. In our example, for members of the New York group, when they next sign in to Windows they will see all three drives, Z:, P: and Y:, whereas users that are not members of the New York group will see only drives P: and Y:

<figure><img src="/files/aqABV0iHCDcqOKBalief" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Co-Authoring And Exclusive Editing

By default, for a new <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription, Office documents will open for exclusive editing by default. This means that only one user at a time can edit the document, reflecting the behaviour of a traditional network file server.

This default behaviour can be changed so that Office documents will open with co-authoring and AutoSave enabled, meaning that multiple users can collaborate on the same document at the same time, and Office will save changes automatically.

To enable this behaviour follow the steps below.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [administration console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button then click "Customise the end user experience"

<figure><img src="/files/bfFWGAwrqV32PdyVOUac" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
On the submenu, click "Set default behaviour for Office documents"

<figure><img src="/files/8voTdwpMchjE1kHknie4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
An information page will show about co-authoring. Click the Next button to proceed to the next page "Choose Default Behaviour". On this page you can choose how you want Office documents to open when opened from Windows File Explorer. If you want to enable co-authoring then select the "Open documents for co-authoring" option. You can restrict the setting to just certain groups of people if you prefer. After making your selection, click the Save Changes button

<figure><img src="/files/DCgsSzO66VG7kUKw0prp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Your changes will now be applied and will take effect when users restart <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> or next sign in to Windows. Click the Return button to go back

<figure><img src="/files/N44nErCbmlzMqthuNoiC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

If you want to switch back to exclusive editing, follow the above procedure but select the "Open documents for exclusive editing" option instead.

{% hint style="info" %}
After enabling *open for co-authoring by default*, users may experience an issue opening Office file attachments from Outlook. If so, this can be caused by a Microsoft Defender policy. See [Microsoft Office](/microsoft-office#access-denied-opening-a-zeedrive-link-or-office-document-from-outlook)for resolution steps
{% endhint %}


# Redirect Windows Folders to OneDrive for Business

This is a step-by-step guide to configure Windows folder redirection. With folder redirection, the standard Windows folders, Desktop, Documents, Images, Music and Videos, can be redirected to a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive that is connected to OneDrive for Business.

Folders can be redirected to the root of OneDrive for Business or to a subfolder in OneDrive for Business. If the subfolder does not exist then <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will automatically create the subfolder in the users' OneDrive for Business. For example, the Documents folder can be redirected to the subfolder `Home\Documents` within users' OneDrive for Business. If the `Home\Documents` subfolder does not exist, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will create it when the users sign in to Windows.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Zee Drive folder redirection requires that a network drive or virtual folder is first mapped to the connection option 'OneDrive for Business of the signed in user'. If this has not been set up then folders will not be redirected when users sign in to Windows. [Refer to this guide to set up a connection to OneDrive for Business](/administration-guide/set-up-your-first-network-drive-and-user) if you haven't set it up already
{% endhint %}

Let's get started and configure a redirection of the Windows Documents folder to a subfolder in OneDrive for Business named `Documents` under a parent folder named `Home`. The path will be `Home\Documents`.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [administration console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button then click "Customise the end user experience"

<figure><img src="/files/hC2v7CD9homUJOe4i4Kf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
On the submenu, click "Set up Windows folder redirections"

<figure><img src="/files/Fm7uW3V4SIf7zVN96GcQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the action button and click the 'Set up a new folder redirection' option

<figure><img src="/files/CZHmCdxcDQyr9wbe4HHx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Choose from a list of the supported Windows folders to redirect, in this example, we will choose Documents, then click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/eZYBAXKifVwY67cItfxo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now choose where to redirect the folder to. It can either be to the root of OneDrive for Business or to a subfolder (up to 3 folders deep) within OneDrive for Business. For our example, click the option "A subfolder in OneDrive for Business" and enter `Home\Documents` in to the edit box. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will automatically create this folder structure (`Home\Documents`) for users when <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> starts-up on their computers. Click the Apply button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/8uhwcHjDzeKSFvveMR9t" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> now shows a summary of your folder redirection. Your changes will not be "live" until you click the Publish button

<figure><img src="/files/o8LtyaxeojDDwBLP1czM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Before publishing, you can set up other redirections or you can choose to restrict the types of computers and the users (by group membership) that the folder redirections will be applied to. Any restrictions you configure will apply to all the redirections. Click the action button to access these options

<figure><img src="/files/LDIn5nIruMcHtwuPYagO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
When you're ready to publish your changes, click the Publish button. You'll be directed to a further confirmation screen. Click the Publish button again to make your changes live. After publishing your changes, the next time users sign in to Windows, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will apply the redirections you have set up

<figure><img src="/files/PR8UOhAdfpnPYYLss89s" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If the Desktop folder is redirected, the desktop will initially show as an empty folder until the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> start-up process has completed. After start-up has completed, the users will then be able to see their files on their desktop.
{% endhint %}

## Verifying The Redirection

After publishing redirection changes, you may want to check that the redirection is working as expected on users' computers.

If you have just published a change, it will not take effect for users until their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is restarted. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> can be restarted by a user either by choosing the restart option from the [subscription status screen](/user-guide/check-your-subscription-status), or by signing out of Windows and signing back in again.

In the step-by-step guide above, we redirected the Documents folder to a subfolder of OneDrive for Business called `Home\Documents`. So we'll continue this scenario when checking that Documents has been redirected successfully.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Open Windows File Explorer and locate the Documents folder in the left hand navigation pane. Assuming the folder structure `Home\Documents` did not already exist in the user's OneDrive for Business (<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will create it at start-up), then the folder will appear empty in the right hand pane

<figure><img src="/files/dM3WMyxv0JhkOEKebsD6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click in the address bar of File Explorer and it will show the actual path that it is redirected to. In the example below, OneDrive for Business is mapped to the P:\ drive, therefore the full path in File Explorer shows as `P:\Home\Documents`

<figure><img src="/files/rQwkFYLdMW3lBbc7jVCK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now locate the path `P:\Home\Documents` in File Explorer to verify its existence in the folder tree

<figure><img src="/files/ZnORcNSbXsG2YJIWGrB8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Right click on the Documents folder, expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> sub menu, then click "Open in web browser"

<figure><img src="/files/U6tO2CyfzMsBemMUyJMN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The default web browser will open on the user's OneDrive for Business and specifically the "Documents" folder. This verifies that <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has successfully redirected the Windows Documents folder to `Home\Documents` in the user's OneDrive for Business

<figure><img src="/files/9Vi45SEFhdqhpimPYfDU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Set Up Drives For File Sharing

Users from your organisation can share files and folders with each other directly from their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives, and access files and folders *shared with them*, from their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives. Sharing from a network drive and accessing shared files and folders from a network drive is a convenient and productive feature for your users to collaborate with their colleagues.

Before your users can share with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, you will need to configure the necessary network drives to make this possible. Two drives are required; a *OneDrive* network drive and a *Shared With Me* network drive. The OneDrive network drive is connected to each users' own OneDrive for Business files, I.e. their *my documents/*&#x74;heir personal corporate files. The Shared With Me network drive automatically determines the files and folders shared with the user, and will organise the files and folders grouped by the user that shared the files with them.

<figure><img src="/files/2ZtCj16D9fguR74oVnYL" alt=""><figcaption><p>In the above example, we can see the OneDrive network drive, O:. This drive will show the user's personal corporate files and folders, and the shared with me network drive S:. Several users have already shared files and folders with the user as evidenced by their names appearing in the user's S: drive</p></figcaption></figure>

For a user oriented perspective of sharing a folder, see [Share A File Or Folder](/user-guide/share-a-file-or-folder) from the user guide.

If your organisation has already configured a OneDrive network drive then you can skip the first section below and proceed with [setting up the Shared With Me network drive](#add-the-shared-with-me-network-drive).

To get started, open the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [administration console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button and choose "Add or manage network drives". Now follow the steps below.

## Add The OneDrive Network Drive

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click the action button and select "Create a network drive"

<figure><img src="/files/5jNCsX5aMOfmmYmRXKKW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the server name and share name for the network drive. You can use your organisation's name for the server name and OneDrive for the share name; but this is up to your preference as to what you name it. Choose a drive letter. Then click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/82vC0bS7j54BXR6rbLvq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Likely you will want this drive available to all users in the organisation so leave the default "Show network drive to everyone" unless you want to target it at specific groups. Click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/VdF6cc1FV0KNyTjXUURP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
On the connection page, from the drop down list choose the option "OneDrive for Business of the signed in user". This will connect the drive to each users' own OneDrive corporate files. It essentially turns the drive in to an equivalent of *My Documents*. Click the Create button

<figure><img src="/files/bwNSikkPA4arByOG1SOa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You'll be returned to the Manage Network Drives page with your new O: drive listed. Proceed on to the next section for setting up Shared With Me

<figure><img src="/files/rcvuqWWnQZiFTSI0gcno" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Add The Shared With Me Network Drive

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click the action button and select "Create a network drive"

<figure><img src="/files/5jNCsX5aMOfmmYmRXKKW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the server name and share name for the network drive. You can use your organisation's name for the server name and SharedWithMe for the share name; but this is up to your preference as to what you name it. Choose a drive letter. Then click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/oq5pCNv2HUp8aNHauTXT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Likely you will want this drive available to all users in the organisation so leave the default "Show network drive to everyone" unless you want to target it at specific groups. Click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/VdF6cc1FV0KNyTjXUURP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
On the connection page, from the drop down list choose the option "Shared with me". This will connect the drive to all the files and folders that are shared with the current user, grouped by the name of the user that shared the files. Click the Create button

<figure><img src="/files/wOtF0IK3tbUtyqDy0Ubn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You'll be returned to the Manage Network Drives page with your new S: drive listed. Click the Publish button to publish the changes

<figure><img src="/files/8CRxJE7H6XyZhclo5YS5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
And then click the Publish Now button to confirm

<figure><img src="/files/xpYrDCJX1tMqkVNl2Ip7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The two new drives, O: and S: (or whichever drive letters you assigned them) will be published to the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation service. The new drives will soon appear in each users' Windows File Explorer. Users can now browse their corporate OneDrive files, share them, and access other users files and folders shared with them

<figure><img src="/files/28bJIORIWNQEjcvULruI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Folder Colourisation

Folder colours are an integral feature of <code class="expression">space.vars.ONEDRIVE</code> and <code class="expression">space.vars.SHAREPOINT</code>. Folder colours are useful for visually categorising folders which can aid in locating a folder in a busy folder structure:

<figure><img src="/files/xZd0UPHdLe0PA6cEPvgc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For more information on <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>'s support for folder colours see [Choose Folder Colours In File Explorer](/feature-guide/choose-folder-colours-in-file-explorer) and <code class="expression">space.vars.MICROSOFT</code>'s announcement: [Experience the New OneDrive: Fast, Organized, and Personalized](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/onedriveblog/experience-the-new-onedrive-fast-organized-and-personalized/3804985#_specific).

By default, your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription is configured to support folder colours for network drives mapped to users' OneDrive. Users can change their folder colours in their <code class="expression">space.vars.ONEDRIVE</code> via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> context menu in <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS\_FILE\_EXPLORER</code>: [Change Folder Colours](/user-guide/change-folder-colours).

As the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator, you can optionally change where <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> displays folder colours. You can choose to disable folder colours completely, permit folder colours only for OneDrive (the default setting) or allow folder colours for both OneDrive and SharePoint document libraries (i.e. for all folders).

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button then click *Customise the end user experience*

<figure><img src="/files/2xHv069L9Eab8UM9kvfm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Then click *Colourise folders in File Explorer*

<figure><img src="/files/bb5wtaDTs7ApvGSeqoF7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The folder colour options page will now show. Choose the option you want to apply, then click the *Save Changes* button. When users next sign in to Windows, your new setting will then take effect in users' <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives

<figure><img src="/files/gKiRs7NPoIcbXKidEsxO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If folder colours are not showing in <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS\_FILE\_EXPLORER</code> even though you have configured them to show, check this troubleshooting guide [Folder Colours Not Showing](/folder-colours-not-showing)
{% endhint %}


# Deploying To Personal Computers

The typical deployment scenario for <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is on personal computers. A personal computer may be a work desktop PC, a laptop, Windows tablet (like a Surface Pro) or a home office PC.

To deploy <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on a personal computer it must be activated using the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> wizard. Activation requires an 8 digit activation code. Activation codes are user specific; each user has their own activation code.

Activation codes are generated when a user is [set up](/administration-guide/set-up-your-first-network-drive-and-user) on a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription and assigned a Personal Computer User licence.

See [Pricing](/resources/pricing) for the cost of a Personal Computer User licence. A user assigned a Personal Computer User licence can activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on up to 3 computers.

## Preparing For Deployment

Before a personal computer can be activated, you will need to first [set up the user](/administration-guide/set-up-your-first-network-drive-and-user) on your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription (assuming the user is not yet set up). An activation code will be generated for the user which you should take note of as the user will require the activation code during the activation process. An activation code can be reset if you mislay it.

<figure><img src="/files/k8IsoL4yxSR3lytAkrhe" alt=""><figcaption><p>If you mislay the activation code, you can reset it from the administration console</p></figcaption></figure>

Activation of a personal computer is a self-service process; that is, the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> wizard will guide the user through the activation process when they run <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

To activate, the user will need their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> username (which is their Microsoft 365 username) and their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation code. Provide the user with their username and activation code, and a link to the activation steps from the user guide: [Activate Your Computer](/user-guide/activate-your-computer). For example, you can email the information to the user. The activation guide has a link for the user to download the latest version of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

During the activation process, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will install itself to the `C:\Program Files` folder and install a driver. These operations require local administrator access. The user will be prompted for elevated permissions during the activation process so that <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> can complete the installation.

For users that don't have local administrator rights, you may either need to assist the user with the activation process, or, pre-install <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> via the command line install option. See [Use The Command Line](/how-to/use-the-command-line#install-zee-drive) for more information on command line installation.

After the user completes the activation process, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up automatically and map the network drives you have configured.

## Validating Activation

Activation of personal computers can be tracked via the administration console. This can help you identify which users have or have not yet, activated their computers.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [administration console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button then click "Check which computers are running <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>"

<figure><img src="/files/XfGMcyhGxOjtBibR4CxD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After a brief delay, a summary count of activated computers will show. Click on the blue link to drill down to the details

<figure><img src="/files/G8lA1V4fA8I8XN8lpAjR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A list of all activated computers will now show. The list can be exported to a CSV file via the Save to CSV button

<figure><img src="/files/4qgGt7LmMPJkQl2ouQRn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Mass Deployment Options

Where you have many users and personal computers to activate en-masse, you may want to find ways to optimise and automate the process. Here are some options to consider.

### Bulk User Creation

If you have many users to set up, the administration console supports importing users via a CSV file rather than setting up users one-by-one. Choose the option "Set up multiple users on your subscription from CSV file" from the administration console user management. When creating users via CSV file, the user activation codes will be written to an output CSV file.

<figure><img src="/files/Sg8gWKpOfhTkl0pq0XQ8" alt=""><figcaption><p>Use a CSV file to set up multiple users</p></figcaption></figure>

### Pre-Install <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>

Unless <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is already installed, in order to activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, the users will require local administrator privileges so that <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> can complete the installation during activation.

In environments where users do not have local administrator privileges, you can pre-install <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> via the command line. See [Use The Command Line](/how-to/use-the-command-line#install-zee-drive).

Combining the command line with a software deployment tool such as Intune, means you can fully automate the pre-installation of Zee Drive. Refer to the Intune Guide [Deploy With Intune](/how-to/deploy-with-intune).

### Configure Desktop Link To <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>

Following on from pre-installing <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, it would be more convenient for your users to have a link to <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on their desktop. All they need do, after signing in to Windows, is double click the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> link on their desktop to launch the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> wizard.

For example, if you have installed <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> v68.14, the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> executable will be installed to:

`C:\Program Files\Thinkscape Zee Drive\68.14.0.0\ZeeDrive.exe`

Instead of the user navigating to the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> executable in that folder, or downloading <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, you can create a link to the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> executable on the user's desktop via software deployment tools like Intune and a PowerShell script. See [Deploy With Intune](/how-to/deploy-with-intune#activating-zee-drive-as-a-personal-computer-an-approach) for more information.

### Fully Automate Deployment

If you prefer to fully automate the deployment process including activation, consider activating computers as [Hot Desk Computers](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/planning-for-deployment#fully-automate-deployment) instead.

## Activating More Than 3 Computers

A Personal Computer User licence permits the user assigned the licence to activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on up to 3 computers.

If the user has 3 computers activated and then attempts to activate a 4th, they will see a screen similar to this:

<figure><img src="/files/DA0FuGebyKgIzOMQlxUj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To activate the 4th computer, the user will first need to choose a computer to deactivate. The user should click the blue link "Click here to choose a computer to deactivate". A list of the activated computers is then presented to the user. Select a computer and deactivate it:

<figure><img src="/files/iMIs5A2gNVzuljl4Hkit" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After deactivating one of the 3 computers, the user can then proceed with activating the new computer.

If the user requires more than 3 computers activated, then additional computers can be activated as a Hot Desk Computer instead.

Refer to [Deploying To Hot Desk Computers](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers) for more information about Hot Desk Computers.


# Deploying To Desktop Servers

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports deployment to desktop server environments; RDS, RemoteApp, Citrix XenDesktop, Citrix XenApp, Azure Virtual Desktop and other VDI environments.

For <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to work in these environments, it must be activated as a *desktop server*, which is a specific *activation mode* of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

Before activating, review [Planning For Deployment](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers/planning-for-deployment) to familiarise yourself with the key concepts of a desktop server deployment.

When you're ready to deploy, check [Activate A Desktop Server](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers/activate-a-desktop-server) for a step-by-step guide.


# Planning For Deployment

Before activating your server with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, familiarise yourself with the concepts and planning steps below.

## Serverless Design&#x20;

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is a client tool, so even when activating <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> as a desktop server, there is no <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> *service component* installed on the server; only the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> client is installed and it is activated in a *desktop server mode*. There is a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> service component but it [runs in the cloud](/introduction/architecture), not on your server.

After activating the desktop server, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will set itself to start-up automatically when a user signs in to the computer. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up, and map the user's network drives that have been configured on the subscription.

An instance of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up for each user that signs in to the desktop server. E.g. if 10 users are signed in to the server, then 10 instances of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up.

## Licence Pools And Licenced Users

When activating <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> as a desktop server, a pool of Shared Computer licences must be assigned to the server. These licences are [floating licences](#user-content-fn-1)[^1].

The number of Shared Computer licences in the licence pool determines the maximum number of concurrent users supported on the server.

Therefore to calculate the number of Shared Computer licences you must assign to the licence pool, you need to know the maximum number of concurrent users you expect on the desktop servers or VDI.

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will only start-up successfully for licenced users. A licenced user is a user that has been set up on the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription with either a Personal Computer User licence or Shared Computer User licence.

For more information on licence planning for a desktop server, see [Licence Desktop Servers](/how-to/licence-desktop-servers).

## Golden Images

If your virtual desktop environments or desktop server environments are based on [golden images](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/set-up-golden-image), then your target for activation should be the golden image, rather than the instances created from the golden image.

By activating the golden image, all instances created from it will automatically be *activated* with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>.

For example; when installing software and configuring your virtual machine instance prior to *preparing/snapshotting* it as a golden image, activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on the instance.

This approach works for both golden images for VDI, and for golden images used for the RDS servers themselves.

## Username Resolution

After the server has been activated, when users sign in to the server, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up automatically. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will attempt to identify the user to validate they are set-up on the associated <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription.

If the user is [Entra joined](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/devices/device-join-out-of-box) on the computer, or, the server is joined to an Active Directory domain, then <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will automatically resolve their username and validate whether the user is set up on the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. In the case of an Active Directory domain, review [Configure Active Directory Username Lookup](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers/configure-active-directory-username-lookup) to ensure the look-up attribute is configured correctly.

if <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> can't resolve the username automatically, then the user will be prompted to enter their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> username manually, but only for the first time <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> starts-up. After which, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will remember the user's selection and will start-up automatically thereafter.

Here's the end user experience where <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> requires them to provide their username:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
A pop-up notification will show in the user's system tray informing the user they need to enter their username. The user can either click the pop-up notification, or, click the blue Z icon in their system tray

<figure><img src="/files/NbvOL3oJTiMDjoeCYyFN" alt=""><figcaption><p>Either click the pop-up notification in the system tray</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption><p>or click the blue Z icon in the system tray</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> window will pop-open. The user should enter their username, then click the Validate button. On successful validation, the green tick mark will show. The user should click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/p6T38s8KS60zcoufDtOW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is now ready to start-up. The user should click the "Startup" button. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will now start-up and map the user's network drives. When the user next signs in to the server, they will no longer be prompted again and <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up automatically

<figure><img src="/files/CJQjoQhZMyh95H6MVDa5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Enabling The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> System Tray Icon For RemoteApp Environments

If the server you plan to activate is a RemoteApp server, and you want the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> system tray icon to show for users, then you will need to make a change to the server registry to allow tray icons from the server to show on users' desktops.

To enable the Zee Drive [system tray icon on RemoteApp and XenApp](https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/lync/en-US/4122521f-7896-4098-a723-858077a243f1/remoteapp-notification-area-icons-not-visable?forum=winserverTS) environments;

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Open the Windows Registry Editor and navigate to the path `Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server` and identify the key `RailShowallNotifyIcons`

<figure><img src="/files/kJuABrPNQb94H9kBk2J8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Verify that the value of `RailShowallNotifyIcons` is set to 1 (REG\_DWORD). If not, then double-click `RailShowallNotifyIcons`, set the value to 1 and then click OK
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

[^1]: Definition from [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating_licensing): Floating licensing, also known as concurrent licensing or network licensing, is a software licensing approach in which a limited number of licenses for a software application are shared among a larger number of users over time. When an authorized user wishes to run the application, they request a license from a central license server. If a license is available, the license server allows the application to run. When they finish using the application, or when the allowed license period expires, the license is reclaimed by the license server and made available to other authorized users


# Activate A Desktop Server

To activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> as a desktop server, you will need your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator username and activation code and the `zeedrive.exe` executable file which you can [download from here](/resources/download).

If the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription is administered from a [Partner Subscription](/partner-guide), then you will need your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> *partner username* and activation code. During the activation process you will be prompted to choose which Customer Subscription to activate.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Double click the `zeedrive.exe` executable to launch the wizard then click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/QimuVxaKzQCyF1GVHrWW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your administrator username and activation code. As previously mentioned, if the subscription is administered from a Partner Subscription then enter your partner username and activation code instead. Click the Verify button to check your details then click the blue "hot desk computer or desktop server" link

<figure><img src="/files/xFHdDaxj8deYZiJRoX70" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> checks whether the server is already activated

<figure><img src="/files/96AcXIhjgOBzkV76Mwnw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After the status has been checked, click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/Bwu8jidfDWAp1jl6Zi7P" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
This step will show for Partner Subscriptions only; if you entered your partner username and activation code then after clicking Next from the previous step, your customer subscriptions will be listed. Select the subscription that you want to activate then click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/HKiaUfHlgvtSNNxv5CgJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter a name to identify the server on the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. It must be unique within the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. The name will default to the computer name but you can change it to something else. When ready, click the Validate button. If you get the green tick mark, click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/TUSRs1UG8Cb0ntcHAIOG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
We're activating as a desktop server, so select the "Activate this computer as a desktop server" option. Click Next

<figure><img src="/files/akTQ39TJBtHz1F01DKBj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If you have already activated a different desktop server, then you can optionally join this desktop server to the existing licence pool associated with the other desktop server. I.e. multiple desktop servers can be joined to the same licence pool. In this walkthrough, we'll create a new licence pool. Select the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/d7I9SR6ktHjyPHFobO0C" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the number of licences for the licence pool. The minimum number of Shared Computer licences for a licence pool is 2. You can only assign a maximum number of licences you have available on the subscription. After entering the number of licences for the licence pool, click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/cMlKXQgLBoLwinC3SvrW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You're ready to activate. Click the Activate button to confirm

<figure><img src="/files/iYUAg2jttVJaeBQ15ygb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will now install to the computer and activate as a desktop server, the busy indicator will show during this process

<figure><img src="/files/Syb8wa73QyKhQvKpBPFB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful activation, a green tick mark will show. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will now start-up automatically when users sign in to the server. Click the Exit button to close the wizard. You can optionally [check the server has been configured correctly](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers/validating-a-successful-activation) after the activation process

<figure><img src="/files/9TOHlcYMNPN2PcpU51uf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Validating A Successful Activation

After completing the [activation of the desktop server](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers/activate-a-desktop-server), you can optionally validate the activation was configured correctly.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
First validate that <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is registered with the Task Scheduler on the server you activated. Hit the Windows key on your keyboard, enter "task scheduler" then click the Task Scheduler app

<figure><img src="/files/Hy2qvg70obA8Jr1slG16" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Windows Task Scheduler app will pop-open. Click the folder "Task Scheduler Library" from the left hand pane. Locate the item starting "Zee Drive - ########" where ######## identifies the 8 digit ID of the subscription that you activated. In the example below, the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription ID that was activated is 12345678. The task should be set to "log on of any user" in the Triggers column

<figure><img src="/files/mrPHPPWRuxhJ2atSzAOG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now check the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console). Click the action button then click the option "Manage hot desk computers and desktop servers"

<figure><img src="/files/PXt01l61bh4v7tV2955l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The server you activated should now be listed, with the name you configured during the activation process

<figure><img src="/files/roFtn3mxQJ0EKR9G7og4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If the server is not showing in the list, it could be you are viewing stale data. Click the action button then click the option "Refresh this list of computers". <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will refresh the list of servers

<figure><img src="/files/VwwxI0K2l0tPfzAKJPmT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Let's confirm the licence pool size. Select the server from the list of computers, click the action button then click the option "Adjust the size of the licence pool for this desktop server"

<figure><img src="/files/Qf0bsTnfWkVi05UBBGFU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A busy indicator will show briefly whilst the current server details are retrieved. The licence pool count will then be shown. Verify that the licence pool size is adequate. Click the Cancel button then the Go Back button to return to the status screen. You have now successfully verified the server activation

<figure><img src="/files/YQEScWF2ceUINyOWv7No" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Configure Active Directory Username Lookup

Where a server is joined to an Active Directory domain, and when <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> starts-up on the server, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will automatically look-up the user's <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> username from Active Directory.

By default, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will look up the username from the *user principal name* Active Directory property. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will then validate the username is set-up on the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription.

Typically, in most environments, the Active Directory user principal name attribute should match the user's Microsoft 365 username, and hence their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> username.

But, you may have an environment where this is not the case. The Active Directory user principal name may be set to a different domain to the Microsoft 365 domain, and you do not want to change this on your Active Directory.

<figure><img src="/files/Ngv5b3jzgm0FeWCI1KtD" alt=""><figcaption><p>An example where a user's user principal name may be set to some other domain than their Microsoft 365 domain</p></figcaption></figure>

This will cause an error for <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> when it starts up as it will fail to verify the user is set up on the subscription as the Active Directory user principal name does not match their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> username.

Through the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Administration Console, you can configure <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to use an alternative Active Directory attribute from which to look up their username. For example, you can configure <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to look up the username from the mail attribute instead.

<figure><img src="/files/FbZzVtUdUK3zlVWdh5Ju" alt=""><figcaption><p>The mail (E-mail) attribute for this particular user is set to Henry@test.net in Active Directory. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT_NAME</code> can be configured to lookup from <em>mail</em> instead of <em>user principal name</em></p></figcaption></figure>

Here's how to change the lookup attribute:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button then click the "Manage hot desk computers and desktop servers" option

<figure><img src="/files/WXU6deOSWaVZ6z9WYyEX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the "Choose an action..." button then click the option "Configure the AD attribute for username lookup"

<figure><img src="/files/iRVMS4NJv9fXJmEYNZ4A" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will show the current lookup attribute name. If you haven't yet changed it, it will be set to the default, *userprincipalname*. Enter the new lookup attribute and then click the Update button

<figure><img src="/files/OW5ccttv6ZeCD4diZE5Q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In this example, I changed the lookup attribute to mail. On clicking the Update button, the busy indicator will show whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> updates the attribute

<figure><img src="/files/lLtjSfQxoT6cT3g2YRMw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The green tick mark will show after <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has successfully updated the lookup attribute. When users next sign in to the server, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will use the new attribute name to lookup their username from Active Directory

<figure><img src="/files/f3hQExRH7DK97kitmsqt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Adjusting The Licence Pool Size

The number of shared computer licences in the licence pool is initially set when activating the desktop server. If your needs change, i.e. you have more users on the server concurrently than expected, you can adjust the licence pool size accordingly via the administration console.

If there are no remaining unassigned shared computer licences in the licence pool, then when the next user signs in to the server, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will fail to start-up with an error:

<figure><img src="/files/thdyWvDYdIwugRXgRsQF" alt=""><figcaption><p>When there are no remaining unassigned licences left in the licence pool, new users signing on to the server will receive the error code <code>NoLicencesAvailable</code> from <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT_NAME</code></p></figcaption></figure>

A user receiving the error `NoLicencesAvailable` when signing in to Windows, can either wait for another user to sign out of the server, then, sign back in to the server in which case <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will attempt to acquire a licence again, or, you can increase the size of the server licence pool.

The more shared computer licences in the server licence pool means the more concurrent users that are supported on the server. E.g. if you have 10 shared computer licences in the server licence pool, then up to 10 users can sign in to the server at the same time and have <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> start-up to map their drives. See [Licence Desktop Servers](/how-to/licence-desktop-servers) for more information on how to calculate how many licences you need for the licence pool.

Here are the steps to increase the size of your desktop server licence pool. These steps are also applicable to reduce the size of the licence pool:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button then click the "Manage hot desk computers and desktop servers" option

<figure><img src="/files/8E6q7gpiLFO3BOjsW7eU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A list of the desktop servers activated on the subscription will show. In the example below, there are two desktop servers. Servers can share the same licence pool (a licence pool can be shared between multiple servers) or, each server can have their own licence pool

<figure><img src="/files/0S5GPTjwfRKCt1IgJ8Ns" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You may want to verify which users are currently consuming shared computer licences from the licence pool. Select a server (note that if they are joined to the same licence pool it doesn't matter which you select) then click the action button and click the option "View users currently active on this desktop server"

<figure><img src="/files/huAdv2oTcAjA9l9oR2q0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
A busy indicator will show briefly, then a list of users that are currently consuming a licence from the licence pool will be listed. If there are multiple desktop servers joined to the same licence pool as the desktop server you selected, then these users will be shown too. Click the Go Back button to return to the desktop server listing

<figure><img src="/files/LxklTokMG36AZ2JtMnWz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Let's adjust the size of the licence pool. Select a server that is joined to the licence pool you want to adjust then click the Action button and click the option "Adjust the size of the licence pool for this desktop server"

<figure><img src="/files/oNhVahd2N5irHmBlT2rS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The current size of the licence pool will be displayed, along with the number of unassigned licences you have available. You can only increase the licence pool size by the number of available licences

<figure><img src="/files/RMgpTvt4mbNjPmSRWgZH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
For this example, we'll increase the licence pool size by 3, for a new total of 10. By increasing the licence pool size by 3, we will be decreasing the number of unassigned licences by 3, so our new total of unassigned licences will be 7 and our new licence pool total will be 10. Click the Next button when you have entered the new licence pool size. Note that if you want to decrease the licence pool size, enter a lower number than 7

<figure><img src="/files/yY6yp0QNh5YkJDxMfxhV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Prior to <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> making the licence pool change, you are provided with a confirmation page summarising the change. Click the Update button to commit your change

<figure><img src="/files/cc9cOsuI9AwJsYzpCxxX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show whilst the change is applied to the licence pool

<figure><img src="/files/DCKO2pT2EVhFUiujB0m2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After applying the change successfully, a green tick mark will show. You have completed the adjustment to the licence pool size

<figure><img src="/files/gbu1xggsfe0b1uWDIkdl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Deploying To Hot Desk Computers

In <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> terms, a *hot desk computer*, is a computer which can be used by multiple people, but only one person at a time. For example, this could be a reception computer, a computer in a conference room, or a computer at the head office shared by home office workers when they visit.

Before activating, review [Planning For Deployment](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/planning-for-deployment) to familiarise yourself with the key concepts of hot desk computer deployment.

When you're ready to deploy, check [Activate A Hot Desk Computer](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/activate-a-hot-desk-computer) for a step-by-step guide.

Deployment of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on hot desk computers can be [automated](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/planning-for-deployment#fully-automate-deployment).


# Planning For Deployment

When a computer is activated as a hot desk computer, it will support multiple <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> users , but, only one user at a time. The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Subscription Administrator is responsible for activating the computer as a hot desk computer, not the end users.

Hot desk computers can be activated manually via the wizard, or automatically via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> command line.

After activating the computer as a hot desk computer, a user signing on to the computer will see <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> start up automatically and map their network drives.

## Licencing And Licenced Users

A Shared Computer licence is required to activate a hot desk computer. The licence is assigned to the computer during the activation process. The relationship between Shared Computer licence and hot desk computer is one to one. E.g. if you activate 10 hot desk computers you will require 10 Shared Computer licences.

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will only start-up successfully for licenced users. A licenced user is a user that has been set up on the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription with either a Personal Computer User licence or Shared Computer User licence.

A hot desk computer supports only one active <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> user at a time. If another user signs in to the computer at *the same time* as another user, then the existing user will have their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> session invalidated as the new user's <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> session will become the active one.

## Username Resolution

After the hot desk computer has been activated, when users sign in to the computer, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up automatically and attempt to identify the user to validate they are set-up on the associated <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. For further information on the automatic identification process and how <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> handles the case where identification fails, please refer to [Planning For Deployment](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers/planning-for-deployment#username-resolution) in the desktop server section.

## Fully Automate Deployment

Activation of a hot desk computer can be achieved automatically via use of the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> command line. And, if you have a software deployment tool such as Microsoft Intune, you can integrate the command line in to the deployment tool for a fully managed deployment experience.

Automated activation may be appealing where you have many hot desk computers to activate and wish to avoid manual activation via the wizard.

{% hint style="success" %}
If your organisation prefers to avoid end users [manually activating their personal computers](/user-guide/activate-your-computer) with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, you may consider activating *all* your computers as hot desk computers via the command line whether they are personal computers or hot desk computers.

E.g. when your organisation provisions a computer for a new employee, the automated activation of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on the computer could be integrated in to your existing provisioning process.
{% endhint %}

To facilitate the automated installation and activation of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on hot desk computers, the `zeedrive.exe` executable supports a silent/headless execution mode via command line parameters.

Before you can activate a hot desk computer via the command line, you will first need to [enable command line activation](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/preparing-for-automated-activation).

Refer to [Use The Command Line](/how-to/use-the-command-line#activating-a-hot-desk-computer) in the command line guide for more information on the command line syntax.

If your organisation uses Microsoft Intune, you can leverage the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> command line to activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> from Intune. A full guide to deploy <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on hot desk computers with Intune is [available here](/how-to/deploy-with-intune).

If you have an issue activating via the command line, check the [activation results log file](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/monitor-automated-activation-results).


# Activate A Hot Desk Computer

To activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> as a hot desk computer manually via the wizard, you will need your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator username and activation code and the `zeedrive.exe` executable file which you can [download from here](/resources/download).

If the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription is administered from a [Partner Subscription](/partner-guide), then you will need your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> *partner username* and activation code. During the activation process you will be prompted to choose which Customer Subscription to activate.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Double click the `zeedrive.exe` executable to launch the wizard then click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/QimuVxaKzQCyF1GVHrWW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your administrator username and activation code. As previously mentioned, if the subscription is administered from a Partner Subscription then enter your partner username and activation code instead. Click the Verify button to check your details then click the blue "hot desk computer or desktop server" link

<figure><img src="/files/xFHdDaxj8deYZiJRoX70" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> checks whether the computer is already activated

<figure><img src="/files/96AcXIhjgOBzkV76Mwnw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After the status has been checked, click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/Bwu8jidfDWAp1jl6Zi7P" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
This step will show for Partner Subscriptions only; if you entered your partner username and activation code then after clicking Next from the previous step, your customer subscriptions will be listed. Select the subscription that you want to activate then click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/HKiaUfHlgvtSNNxv5CgJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter a name to identify the hot desk computer on the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. It must be unique within the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. The name will default to the computer name but you can change it to something else. When ready, click the Validate button. If you get the green tick mark, click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/mf9LrzpzFEDBNagYfIuf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
We're activating as a hot desk computer, so ensure the "Activate this computer as a hot desk computer" option is selected. Click Next

<figure><img src="/files/n738YmL2NT7EvZ76q4b9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You're ready to activate. Click the Activate button to confirm

<figure><img src="/files/BDRc1QxxjozAUd4rMZkY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will now install to the computer and activate as a hot desk computer, the busy indicator will show during this process

<figure><img src="/files/iu7WuhkgZv0rGDpfTQa6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful activation, a green tick mark will show. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will now start-up automatically when users sign in to the hot desk computer. Click the Exit button to close the wizard. You can optionally [check the computer has been configured correctly](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/validating-a-successful-activation) after the activation process

<figure><img src="/files/7eOXEYY7Io3ZjgxHoDuM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Validating A Successful Activation

After completing the activation of the hot desk computer, you can optionally validate the activation was configured correctly.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
First validate the the start-up entry was created in the Windows Registry. This entry is responsible for starting up <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> when a user signs in to the computer. Hit the Windows key on your keyboard, enter "registry" then click the Registry Editor app

<figure><img src="/files/DA2lkj7Vd8L2f5oWbr5s" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Registry Editor will pop open. Copy and paste the following line of text in to the address bar of the Registry Editor and hit return:

`Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`

You should now be in the Run folder in the Registry Editor with an entry showing in the right hand pane with the name `Thinkscape.ZeeDrive.1`

<figure><img src="/files/5zytPyVRFMgW1SsdTDex" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now validate that the hot desk computer is showing in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console). Choose the option "Manage hot desk computers and desktop servers" from the action button

<figure><img src="/files/WXU6deOSWaVZ6z9WYyEX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show briefly whilst the list of activated computers are retrieved from the activation service, after which the name you assigned to the hot desk computer during activation should now show in the listing

<figure><img src="/files/7Bj76KDmMUfmpqKTChEO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Preparing For Automated Activation

Before using the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> command line for [automated activation](/how-to/use-the-command-line), if you haven't done so already, you will need to enable and set up the command line activation code in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Administration Console by following the steps below:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button then click the "Manage hot desk computers and desktop servers" option

<figure><img src="/files/WXU6deOSWaVZ6z9WYyEX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the action button then click the "How to activate Zee Drive on hot desk computers" option

<figure><img src="/files/9Dzbx9botdXrmOYxPHDr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
There will be a short delay whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> retrieves the current settings. If you haven't already set up the command line activation then you will see a screenshot like the one below which states command line activation is disabled. To enable command line activation, click the blue "Click here" link

<figure><img src="/files/wWnz6aktJhgVZGF9DUVY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show briefly whilst command line activation is enabled. The message will then update to show command line activation is enabled. To view the activation code, click the blue link "how to use the command line"

<figure><img src="/files/opa0x0ip1wTPDjD4VEBX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The command line activation code, along with the full command line syntax, will be shown. Click the Copy To Clipboard button to take a copy of the full command line. Use the command line to automate the activation of hot desk computers

<figure><img src="/files/KL1WqpV0ABdClZDJDuvz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Monitor Automated Activation Results

When activating a hot desk computer via the command line, whether the attempt succeeds or fails, an entry is recorded in the Zee Drive activation service that you can review via the Administration Console.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), click the action button then click the "Manage hot desk computers and desktop servers" option

<figure><img src="/files/WXU6deOSWaVZ6z9WYyEX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the action button then click the option "How to activate Zee Drive on hot desk computers"

<figure><img src="/files/9Dzbx9botdXrmOYxPHDr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now click the View Activation Log button

<figure><img src="/files/opa0x0ip1wTPDjD4VEBX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show whilst the log is retrieved from the activation service. If you don't see the records you expect in the log, click the Refresh button as you may be viewing stale data

<figure><img src="/files/ZxsBvFEY63ioAVxwE4kH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Set Up An External Guest User

External (guest) users of your Microsoft 365 tenant can be set up on your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription and access the sites and document libraries you have shared with them via your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives.

Users from other Microsoft 365 tenants or users with personal email accounts like @gmail are supported.

Here is a step-by-step guide to set up an external user with an @gmail.com account to access a folder in a document library through a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive you configure on your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription.

## Set Up The User In Microsoft Entra

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to your organisation's Microsoft Entra admin centre and select Invite external user

<figure><img src="/files/K5YLh2XJpyoyS06Bp38z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the email address (sending an invitation is not required) click Review + invite to complete the process of inviting the external user to your tenant as a guest. The guest user will now show along with the other users in Entra

<figure><img src="/files/ydhLaxj0XecI6ckFx49E" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now that the guest user is set up in your Entra you can grant them access to the folder in your SharePoint Online document library. Navigate to the folder in the SharePoint document library that you intend to share, click the three dots `...` and choose Manage access

<figure><img src="/files/DLfxGL73l3fVTFUfobme" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click on the Grant Access icon

<figure><img src="/files/Nx5XYzIq3MKmeqv4xmeJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the user name, or if it is not yet searchable by name, then enter the user's full email address. A notification is not required. Then click Grant access

<figure><img src="/files/pAUPXuCAPCi2UCziUI4M" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Set Up The User In <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> And Configure The Network Drive

The Microsoft Entra and SharePoint Online configuration is complete. Now to set up the user on your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription and the mapped drive through which they will access your shared folder.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Open your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), choose Set up or manage users -> set up a new user, and enter the user's email address. Validate and add the user on your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription. Make a note of their activation code

<figure><img src="/files/V6p9YqL0Ki3a7XQtwXuI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Set up a new network drive and assign an appropriate name to make it clear this is an external share for your company. Proceed through the drive set up wizard and connect the drive to the folder you have shared

<figure><img src="/files/F5vmHz3jFY3AbITmjM0l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Create a new <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> group and add the user as a member of the group

<figure><img src="/files/9Vx9yQGwa1twtsPEHPSi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If you have other network drives that are configured to show for all users, you may want to set up a group targeting exclusion so that the drives will not be mapped for your external user. If you don't do this then the user will see your other drives and receive errors trying to access them. To modify a network drive, from the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [Administration Console](/administration-guide/overview-of-the-administration-console), select the network drive, choose Modify, click Next. Choose the option from the screenshot below and select the group you set up previously. Publish your drive changes

<figure><img src="/files/UJOJGe9U1xodZEocKwb3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Activate And Authenticate The External User

All the configuration tasks are now complete. Provide the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation code to the external user and direct them to the [activation guide](/user-guide/activate-your-computer) to activate their personal computer.

For personal email accounts like @gmail.com, during the activation process, the user will be prompted to request a onetime access code to their email address and enter it in to the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> authentication popup. Here's how it will look for the user:

<figure><img src="/files/LhIQiaFHVVamd72YNrYq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If this is the first time the user has connected with your Entra tenant they will be prompted by <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>to accept standard Entra permissions:

<figure><img src="/files/4yvBaqMVYjQ5Ysn97usq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The user can now complete the activation of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on their computer. After <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> starts up, the network drive you have configured for the user will be mapped and they can access it via File Explorer.

The user is now able to collaborate with you on your SharePoint Online files via a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> mapped network drive.

<figure><img src="/files/9JxobZ9Oy003yH0GAwaN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Partner Guide

For IT organisations that administer <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on behalf of their customers, we offer the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> *Partner Subscription*. A Partner Subscription aggregates your customer <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscriptions under a single interface (the *Partner Console*) for ease of administration.

<figure><img src="/files/QpEHCJpK58KIa4R4UUpl" alt=""><figcaption><p>The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT_NAME</code> Partner Console showing an example list of customer subscriptions under administration</p></figcaption></figure>

The Partner Console is a Windows app that runs on your computer, its not a web portal. It sits in your system tray so it doesn't clutter your desktop until you need to use it. The Partner Console will start-up automatically when you sign in to Windows, so its always available to you.

Much of the functionality of administering customer subscriptions via the Partner Console is covered in the [Administration Guide](/administration-guide). This is because the Partner Console offers the same subscription administration capabilities as the Administration Console. This Partner Guide is for the administration functions specific to the Partner Subscription only.


# Request A Partner Subscription

If your organisation doesn't already have a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Partner Subscription but you would like one, then first download and review the [Partner Subscription Agreement](/resources/terms-and-conditions), and if you are in agreement, then [contact support](/resources/contact-support) and we'll get you set up with a new Partner Subscription.

The Partner Subscription is free.

Customer subscriptions that you may already be administering can be transferred to your new Partner Subscription.

A Partner Subscription starts with 3 Partner User Licences (so you and up to 2 other colleagues can use the Partner Subscription) and an initial maximum of 20 customer subscriptions can be administered.

These limits can be increased on request should your usage of the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Partner Subscription grow.


# Activate Your Computer

If the Partner Console is not active on your computer then follow these steps to activate it. You can check if you have the Partner Console available by looking for the blue Z icon in your Windows system tray:

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you don't see the blue Z icon then you know that <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is not activated. You will need your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> partner username and activation code to activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>. If a Partner Subscription has just been set up for you (see [Request A Partner Subscription](/partner-guide/request-a-partner-subscription)), then you can find your username and activation code in the *getting started* email that would have been sent to you.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you don't know your activation code, ask your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> partner subscription administrator to reset your activation code. If you are the only partner administrator on the subscription, or all the other partner administrators don't have their activation codes, you will need to [contact support](/resources/contact-support) to have an activation code reminder sent
{% endhint %}

Let's get started and activate your computer:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
[Download the latest version](/resources/download) of the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> executable to your computer and then double click the `zeedrive.exe` executable you downloaded to launch the wizard. The welcome page of the wizard will show. Click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/QimuVxaKzQCyF1GVHrWW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> partner username and activation code then click the Verify button. After successfully verifying your details, a green tick mark will show. As you can see from the screenshot, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has identified this is a partner subscription. Click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/6bxJWZ9DXTbbq5ebWhyH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You're ready to activate. Click the Activate button

<figure><img src="/files/JRZQF8GMelHK8GqL576D" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show whilst <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> installs on your computer and activates

<figure><img src="/files/g9Gz1tP0DqzV5NXyMjU0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful activation, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up on your computer. You can click the Exit button to close the wizard

<figure><img src="/files/GZFub5flTPoHanLAlKZa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You may notice a pop-up notification from your system tray area as <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> starts up

<figure><img src="/files/Tj4gYLteHvMiSsed9asF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You can now open the Partner Console by clicking the blue Z icon from your Windows system tray

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Partner Console will pop-open and show the status screen. You're now ready to get started managing your customers; click the "Manage your customer subscriptions" option from the action button

<figure><img src="/files/bZ279mH3GqeovgJmM4js" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Overview Of The Partner Console

All subscription administration functions are accessed via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Partner Console. The Partner Console is accessible only when <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is activated on your computer.

If <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is not already activated on your computer, then [first activate it](/partner-guide/activate-your-computer) to access the Partner Console.

To open the Partner Console, locate the blue Z icon in your Windows system tray, then click the icon to pop open the Partner Console:

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click the blue Z icon in your system tray</p></figcaption></figure>

After clicking the blue Z icon, the Partner Console will show. All the administration functions are accessed via the *What do you want to do?* button, otherwise known as the action button.

<figure><img src="/files/Jit7GayVOZbl7WTMTRT3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The administration functions of the Partner Console can be divided in two categories; functions for the administration of the Partner Subscription itself I.e. set up and manage your colleagues on the Partner Subscription. And secondly, functions for administering your customer subscriptions.

When clicking the "What do you want to do?" action button on the status screen of the Partner Console, if you are a Partner Subscription administrator, you will see functions related to the administration of the Partner Subscription such as setting up partner users and managing Partner Subscription administrators.

<figure><img src="/files/3hu5REm7mwHrx6bLUZU9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For all customer subscription administration related activities, click the "Manage your customer subscriptions" option from the action button and you will navigate to the main hub of the Partner Console; the customer subscription listing page. Selecting a customer subscription then clicking the action button will show all the customer subscription administration functions:

<figure><img src="/files/UUrS1LomeDL6GlYMcQuB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When selecting a customer subscription and choosing an action, the Partner Console will show the customer's Microsoft 365 tenant name in the title bar of the window, for your convenience:

<figure><img src="/files/4LtUP4lvt55wIJi5EdOY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Create A Customer Subscription

Customer subscriptions are created in an initial *trial* state. Trials are free, but have limitations;

* A maximum of 5 licences of each licence type
* Valid for 7 days after which they will expire
* The aggregated amount of data all users on the trial can upload or download through the mapped drives in any given 24 hour period is limited to 5,000 file uploads or 3GB of data and 10,000 file downloads or 5GB of data

If your customer exceeds the trial data limits in a 24 hour period, their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives will be temporarily disabled until the 24 hour period has passed.

Trial limits are removed by [purchasing a subscription](/resources/pricing) and nominating the trial subscription be upgraded to a paid subscription.

{% hint style="info" %}
The duration of the trial and the number of licences can be increased [on request](/resources/contact-support) if you need to extend the testing of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> for your customer.
{% endhint %}

To get started, open the [Partner Console](/partner-guide/overview-of-the-partner-console) and navigate to the customer listings page, then continue with the steps below:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From the customer listings page, click the action button then click the "Start a new Zee Drive trial subscription" option

<figure><img src="/files/U2fSYAnK8OaYMEN1DDif" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the name of the Microsoft 365 tenant. The subscription will be associated with this tenant. The tenant name can be found by navigating to the customer's SharePoint Online tenant and viewing the URL in the browser address bar. It has the format `[tenant name]`.sharepoint.com. Click the Validate button after entering the tenant name

<figure><img src="/files/LtVkwwfuRSgJoPfGnQ4A" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful validation of the tenant name, click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/7RRevQdXioNRWm0ka1MM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the customer's organisation name. This name will show in the customer listings page for ease of identification. Click the Setup Trial button to set up the subscription

<figure><img src="/files/yUf3UY7WsNuiBkE80PXl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show for a short time whilst the subscription is provisioned by the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> cloud service

<figure><img src="/files/GwXlzPhZQSTo0OT1AQ7X" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The green tick mark will show after the subscription has been set up. Click the Continue button

<figure><img src="/files/mZkux1UMdQYGpNoxblbA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The customer listing page will now show with your new subscription

<figure><img src="/files/uq6MrxS8NvRUPUoqNLQd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Grey Labelling The Zee Drive Client

The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> client tool, which you deploy to your customers, can optionally be [*grey labelled*](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] to show your organisation name, contact details and website link on the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Client Console. Users opening the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [Client Console](/user-guide/check-your-subscription-status) via the Windows system tray will then be presented with your organisation name and contact details should they need support.

<figure><img src="/files/7574CH3JlFhJNTEFdL0n" alt=""><figcaption><p>An example of how the Client Console looks for an end user with the name of your organisation shown as a blue link</p></figcaption></figure>

If the user then clicks the blue link from the previous screenshot, or clicks the "What do you want to do?" action button and clicks the "Find out who to contact for support" option:

<figure><img src="/files/rOtucvIz7LAYiiHgflLz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

They are presented with the full contact details of your organisation which can include a link to your website:

<figure><img src="/files/ycTdeKDfbcScwfQuEf6h" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

These settings are all configured via the *grey labelling* settings in the Partner Console. To get started, open the [Partner Console](/partner-guide/overview-of-the-partner-console) and navigate to the customer listings page, then continue with the steps below:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Select the customer subscription you want to configure the grey labelling settings for, click the action button then click the "Set up grey labelling for this customer" option

<figure><img src="/files/9jKwQxGBnMlHcHnXDD5g" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show as the current settings are retrieved

<figure><img src="/files/NljNrre7YXkxlboOoaqK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Leave the selection on the "Set up or modify" option then click Next

<figure><img src="/files/MnIEMa1CLL4vkgnQwbtU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your organisation name and click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/R8mYB2MYX30iGaSWMvfG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your support contact information. This will be presented to the users of the subscription. URLs will be shown as clickable links. Click the Preview button to check how it will look for the end users

<figure><img src="/files/s8tgMTrQU7qJRoJKkyLF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After previewing, click Go Back then click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/2ioeHo9KqEd3nb8qPQVa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You're ready to publish your grey labelling settings. Click the Publish button

<figure><img src="/files/2nRuc1wcvy9y62m4FWYn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The busy indicator will show whilst your changes are published. After the process is completed, you'll see a green tick mark. Click the Return button to return to the customer listing page

<figure><img src="/files/9ncmgfblLddMtAFK2yvU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

&#x20;

[^1]: In a business context, "grey label" refers to a product or service that offers a moderate degree of customization and control. It's a middle ground where the provider allows some branding flexibility but doesn't fully relinquish control like white labelling


# User Guide

If you are an end user of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>, working with your files in SharePoint and OneDrive through Windows File Explorer network drives, then this guide is for you to get a better overall experience.

Most likely, your organisation has migrated to the Microsoft 365 cloud from an on-premises file server. If so, then working with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> should be a breeze as the experience of working with your files will be much the same as working with an on-premises file server.

Access to your files is via Windows File Explorer. Your organisation will have pre-configured the network drives for you. So when you sign in to Windows, your network drives will show in File Explorer. Your File Explorer may not look dissimilar to this:

<figure><img src="/files/3hMor3LpgbTQvQu53pl3" alt=""><figcaption><p>An example of how your File Explorer may look, but it depends on what your organisation has configured</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Your organisation may require you to activate <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> on your computer, which is a one-time process, after which your network drives will then show in File Explorer. Read on for instructions how to activate
{% endhint %}


# Activate Your Computer

Activating your computer with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is a one-time operation. After activation, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up automatically each time you sign in to your computer and map your network drives.

Activation may not be necessary if your organisation has already pre-activated your device. So skip this section and don't proceed with the steps below, unless your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator has requested you to do so.

To activate your computer you will need 3 things from your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator:

1. Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>/Microsoft 365 username
2. Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation code
3. A link to download <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to your computer. If you haven't been provided a link, you can [download the latest version from here](/resources/download)

After you have downloaded <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to your computer continue with these steps to activate it:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Locate the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> executable you have downloaded and double click `zeedrive.exe` to launch the wizard. Click the Next button

<figure><img src="/files/NXci49aVtzXv5muarXHW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>/Microsoft 365 username and activation code, then click the Verify button. If your username and activation code are correct, you will see the green check mark. Click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/cllajiLnDdUI33q5EXah" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If you need to authenticate with Microsoft 365 then the screen will show below. If your organisation users single sign-on or your computer is Entra ID joined then you won't need to authenticate. To authenticate, click the blue "authenticate with Office 365" link. A dialog will pop-up for your to authenticate with Microsoft 365

<figure><img src="/files/AA0MyZVfUshX6jBs1bT6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful authentication, you will see green check mark. Click the Next button to proceed

<figure><img src="/files/B4MmQ54uS0sO9G29jG05" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is now ready to activate. Click the Activate button. After successful activation, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will start-up automatically and map the network drives your organisation has configured

<figure><img src="/files/v4kTCuWhmEnAvIZFAOSQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
During activation, you may see a pop-up notification in your Windows system tray

<figure><img src="/files/IArrGMwkCzdGeHVkiL6p" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the Exit button to close the wizard

<figure><img src="/files/WLeWGqJDmJPFPngODxXy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After successful activation, you will find the blue <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> "Z" icon in your Windows system tray. Click the Z icon to check your subscription status

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Client Console will then pop-open. You will see a message like this if <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has activated and started up successfully. Click the X button in the top right of the window to close it

<figure><img src="/files/lAyY04d9IlMgD79IXlbb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If you now open Windows File Explorer, you should find the network drives available that your organisation has configured for you. In the example below, two drives have been mapped by my organisation where I can find my files. The drives you see will be dependent upon your particular organisation

<figure><img src="/files/3hMor3LpgbTQvQu53pl3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Check Your Subscription Status

If you're having an issue accessing your network drives, such as receiving an error from Windows File Explorer when you try to browse your folders, your network drives are not showing in File Explorer, or, files won't open or fail to save, then check your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription status as you may have a problem with your subscription.

You can check your subscription status via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Client Console.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From your Windows system tray (typically the bottom right area of your Windows task bar) click the *up* arrow to open the tray, then click the blue Z icon

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Client Console will pop-open and show your status. A green tick mark means your subscription is OK. If there is a problem, then a red cross will show with a description of the error

<figure><img src="/files/Iqu6GeJEFh4IM2VkfH9A" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

If your subscription is administered by a 3rd party organisation, you may see something similar to the screenshot below with the name of the organisation shown. But, the green tick mark means the subscription is running OK:

<figure><img src="/files/7574CH3JlFhJNTEFdL0n" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Search For Files And Folders

The typical approach for searching for your files in Windows File Explorer is to use the File Explorer search box in the top right of the window:

<figure><img src="/files/Ddn7P3BaolIrp90pWaDs" alt="" width="344"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Whilst this approach for searching can work OK for a network drive containing a limited number of files and folders, if your network drive contains many thousands of files, use the dedicated <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> search feature instead.

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> search uses an index when returning search results meaning the search will perform a lot faster, and it will will search file contents as well as file names. With <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> search:

<i class="fa-check">:check:</i>  You will get your search results faster

<i class="fa-check">:check:</i>  You can search the contents of files

<i class="fa-check">:check:</i>  You will have greater control over your search criteria

Here's how to search with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Locate the folder you want to search in Windows File Explorer, then click the right button on your mouse to open the context menu. Expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> sub menu then click the search option

<figure><img src="/files/iNuu7BAuDWSDRdGCEEbP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The search dialog box will open. Enter your search criteria in the search box then hit the Search button. To limit the results you can search just for file names or just for folder names. Other search options are available such as searching for specific file types and specific phrases. Click the blue "need help?" link in the dialog to view your options. In this example, we're searching for an Excel spreadsheet containing customer names

<figure><img src="/files/Vz6FtVEjNqyXGMXTicID" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After running the search, the results are shown. To open a file from the search results, select it then click the Open button. If you want to locate it in File Explorer and not open it, then select the search result and click the Locate In Explorer button

<figure><img src="/files/12rMPybh0G9zm98mNanr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
When clicking the Locate In Explorer button, Windows File Explorer will pop open and select your file, but not open it

<figure><img src="/files/ACocMVeq0ACB6D674qX0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After you have finished searching, you can click the X button in the top right of the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> window to close it
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Co-Authoring And AutoSave

If you work with Microsoft Office documents you are no doubt aware of the co-authoring and autosave capabilities of Office.

Co-authoring enables collaborative work with your colleagues; permitting multiple users to work on the same Office document at the same time. AutoSave will save your changes as you go without the need to hit the Save button.

When opening Office documents from File Explorer via a double-click, and assuming that your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator has enabled the feature on your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription, the documents will open with co-authoring and AutoSave enabled.

<figure><img src="/files/HtWbUpLHM5eC0naeIwqU" alt=""><figcaption><p>Double click an Office document in File Explorer to open it for co-authoring and AutoSave</p></figcaption></figure>

You can tell if co-authoring and AutoSave are enabled on your document by observing if the AutoSave slider is set to On:

<figure><img src="/files/D2RxJMatJxhRBBwy7kbd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If the slider is in the Off position then co-authoring and AutoSave are not enabled on the document. The document will instead be opened for exclusive editing. This means the document will be locked exclusively for you whilst you have the document opened; other users cannot edit the document, they can only open the document for reading.

<figure><img src="/files/7zs3ScKAOhl081CPaOmq" alt=""><figcaption><p>If AutoSave is in the Off position, then other users opening your document will see a dialog similar to this. They cannot edit the document, only view it. After you close the document, the exclusive lock is released automatically by <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT_NAME</code></p></figcaption></figure>

When you make a change to a document where the AutoSave slider is in the off position, the document will not save until you click the save button in Office. After you close the document, the lock will be released and another user can then open the document for editing.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If the AutoSave slider is in the Off position, do not slide it over to the On position. This is not the correct approach to open an Office document for co-authoring and AutoSave when it has been opened from a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive
{% endhint %}

If your Office document does not open for co-authoring and AutoSave when you double click to open it from File Explorer, but you would like to open it for co-authoring, you can still elect do so via the File Explorer context menu.

Right click on the Office document in File Explorer to pop open the context menu, expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> sub-menu then click the option "Open this document for co-authoring":

<figure><img src="/files/0kWR5bQyY1pWOp8m3zCd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Your document should now open in Office with the AutoSave slider set to the On position.

{% hint style="info" %}
Office documents will not open with co-authoring and AutoSave enabled if you open the document from the Office Open File dialog. AutoSave will be in the Off position and the document will open for exclusive editing instead. If you want to open the document for co-authoring and AutoSave, locate the document in Windows File Explorer and open it from there via a double click
{% endhint %}

If you have previously opened an Office document with co-authoring and AutoSave enabled, then you can continue to open it for co-authoring and AutoSave from your Office "Recent" or "Pinned" lists.

<figure><img src="/files/XwznC9JyrqSQ5tlsJPOr" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Pinned and Recent list of Excel</p></figcaption></figure>


# Refresh File Explorer

Your network drives in File Explorer will automatically be kept up to date with changes from your colleagues. E.g. if another user from your organisation adds a new file to a network drive on their computer, it will automatically show in the same network drive on your computer.

The changes should show promptly, often within seconds of the change being made.

If the changes are not showing fast enough for you, then you can hit the `F5` key on your keyboard whilst you are in File Explorer. <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will promptly update any changes for you in that folder that have been made by other users.


# Restore Deleted Files And Folders

To restore a file or folder that you have deleted by mistake, use the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> recycle bin available from the Windows File Explorer context menu.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Locate the parent folder in Windows File Explorer from where you deleted the file or folder you want to restore. Right click the folder to pop-open the context menu and click the "Restore files you deleted from this folder" option

<figure><img src="/files/PYbKFwQ6J4yKtUUwIFnA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The "Restore" dialog will pop-open. Locate the file or folder you deleted and select it. You can select multiple items to restore.

<figure><img src="/files/C4CYpb4xQROcXfJZ0pVM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After making your selection, click the "Choose an action..." button then click the "Restore the files you have selected"

<figure><img src="/files/0HLrsCgeQUo2yfxF344Z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You will be presented with a summary page. If you want to proceed with the restoration of the files and folders you selected, click the Restore button. To make a change to the selection, click Go Back

<figure><img src="/files/9KhJmvalloYpXAKJj1TA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After clicking the Restore button, your selected files and folders will be restored and you will be presented with the results of the restore operation. Click the Return button to go back to the restore page to make a different selection, or click the X button in the top right of the dialog to close it

<figure><img src="/files/4bjLWIVZWkAfH4Ci7PX5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
When you return to File Explorer, you should find the files and folders you have restored will now show in the parent folder

<figure><img src="/files/FPEZEmkXxl23qws02UJa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Sending A Link

Links to files and folders can be sent directly from Windows File Explorer via the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> context menu to your colleagues. Here's how to send a link:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From Windows File Explorer, right click on the file or folder you want to send a link to, expand the Zee Drive sub-menu then click the item "Send a link to this file/folder". In this example, I am sending a link to an Excel spreadsheet

<figure><img src="/files/bDPhkgIrSrKh2j93ZPL0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Choose Link Action dialog will pop-open with some options for you to customise your link before you send it:

* *Open in associated application* - The default option for a file. When the link is clicked, the file will open in its associated application E.g. an Excel spreadsheet will open in the Excel application
* *Open for read only* - This option applies to Excel spreadsheets only. When the link is clicked, Excel will open the document but for reading only
* *Highlight in Windows File Explorer* - Instead of the document opening in its associated application, Windows File Explorer will pop-open and highlight the file in its folder
* *Open in web browser* - The link to the file or folder will open in the user's default web browser. Useful for sending links to users outside of your organisation or to colleagues in your organisation that do not use <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>

In this example I will select the "open in associated application" option. Click the Next button to create your link

<figure><img src="/files/GYr0L9Gsxnxwe8h1a3y4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Your link will now show. You can test the link out by clicking the blue link that is shown in the dialog. Click the Copy To Clipboard button if you want to paste the link in to a document. Or, click the Open Email button and a new email will pop open with your link in the body of the email. Click the X button in the top right of the dialog to close it when you are finished. To change your link, click the Go Back button and you can try a different selection from the previous step

<figure><img src="/files/ek0cUjQaiKXSK55JZUKU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

If you clicked the Open Email button, a new Outlook email will pop-up with the link to your file or folder in the body of the email, ready to send:

<figure><img src="/files/aon3MfWWomjRnj0hM2pl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you chose to create a web link that opens in the browser, when clicking the link, the default browser (in the example below its Edge browser on Windows) will pop-up and open your document or folder:

<figure><img src="/files/w6klgEkX6OdXDWs1wJAX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Change Folder Colours

Changing the colours of your folders can help with organisation and visual identification of your folder structures.

<figure><img src="/files/snaBdKN9s0PZlHu8gucX" alt=""><figcaption><p>An example of a traffic light colour system for categorising an approval flow</p></figcaption></figure>

Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator has most likely enabled folder colours for your personal business files (I.e. your OneDrive for Business files) and *may* have enabled folder colours for corporate files. Here's how to change the folder colour:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From Windows File Explorer, right click the folder you want to change, expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> sub-menu and click the "Change the colour of this folder" option. If you don't see the option available on the menu then either your administrator has not enabled the feature on the network drive, or, the specific folder does not support changing its folder colour

<figure><img src="/files/QwWiB1Mbx4OTZCWMrQnz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Change Colour dialog will pop-open. A range of 16 different colours will be shown for you to select from. The name of the folder you right clicked and its current colour will be selected by default

<figure><img src="/files/OZ65s4Cfa61KdtzqV59G" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
To change the colour, select the new colour from the palette of 16 then click the Apply Colour button

<figure><img src="/files/1hvw1zIxZT85oJAhB7eK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After the new colour has ben applied, your folder in File Explorer should update with the new colour promptly. In this example, of applying the grey colour, I changed the folder from dark blue to grey

<figure><img src="/files/FhqjUbcv3KmRmG69z3Ro" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You can either close the Change Colour dialog by clicking the Close button or the top right X button, or you can select a different colour to apply to the folder
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Revert Changes To A File

If you, or a colleague, have made changes to a file that were made by mistake or you don't want, you can revert the changes and restore a previous *"good"* version of the file.

To revert the changes and restore a previous version of the file follow these steps:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From Windows File Explorer, right click the file in question to pop-up the context menu, expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> sub menu then click "Show the version history for this file"

<figure><img src="/files/jgo9oPGhTrqkti90zMqn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The version history dialog will pop-open and show the version history of the file. The latest version is always at the top of the list. The version number of the file, its modified date, who modified it and the file size are displayed

<figure><img src="/files/MaPZPLE0nMoZbMwoYPjr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If you're not sure which version to restore, select an item from the list, click the "Choose an action..." button then select the "Open the selected version in its associated application" option. In this example, as its a Word document, Word will open with that specific version of the document loaded in Word

<figure><img src="/files/Yc3nkLVbz6teFeBAZA73" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Some document types such as Word, Excel and AutoCAD DWG files support version comparison. To compare two versions, select the two items you want to compare from the list and click the "Compare the two selected versions" option from the "Choose an action..." button. The versions will be downloaded to your computer and then opened in the associated application for comparison automatically. In the example below, versions 1.0 and 2.0 of the Word document were selected to be compared. The red line text shows the difference between the two versions

<figure><img src="/files/pF53lp5gU7BadPbHtgwB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
To restore a version (and revert the changes from all versions that follow it) select the version from the list, click the "Choose an action..." button then select "Restore the selected version"

<figure><img src="/files/Sqw8qBhGFCXZPyXnAVRv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %} <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> prompts you with a confirmation screen before proceeding with the restoration. Click Restore to confirm

<figure><img src="/files/oQrjYOxThWECtwNrPBJ8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The version you selected will now be restored. Click the Return button to go back and see how the version listing now looks

<figure><img src="/files/3gvcNeN6cZ6oMXhtsEHX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The version you restored (in this example, I chose to restore version 1.0) is created as a *new* version (version 4.0 in this example). Therefore, prior versions are still retained if you want to recall them, but, the version you selected to restore is now the current version of the file. Click the X button in the top right to close the window

<figure><img src="/files/2KBBRmMmgYzF6HGKSU57" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If you head back to File Explorer, you will observe that the file modified date and size has updated to match the version you selected to restore

<figure><img src="/files/bA9lG45IOoLBVTha6tv3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Two versions of an Excel spreadsheet can be compared, however, this is only supported if you have Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise installed as per the [Microsoft guidance here](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/compare-two-versions-of-a-workbook-by-using-spreadsheet-compare-0e1627fd-ce14-4c33-9ab1-8ea82c6a5a7e)
{% endhint %}


# Share A File Or Folder

Share files and folders with your colleagues, directly from your network drive in File Explorer. After sharing a file or folder, it will automatically show in the corresponding network drives of the users you shared with.

<figure><img src="/files/UaGgAtskrRa6yuUS0Wn1" alt=""><figcaption><p>For example, if your name is <em>Anne Lee</em> and you share the folder "Meeting Minutes" from your corporate OneDrive files...</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/8LiKrWjLCxTk1wcsZGZm" alt=""><figcaption><p>...it will show in the corresponding network drive of your colleagues under the folder name <em>Anne Lee</em></p></figcaption></figure>

Before we get started with the step by step instructions on sharing, check your network drives in File Explorer to see if they support sharing and being *shared with*. If you are already familiar with this then you can skip this section and move straight on to the [step by step guide](#how-to-share).

You can only share files and folders from a network drive connected to your *personal* corporate files, I.e. your corporate OneDrive files. And the recipient of the shared files and folders, can only access those files through a *shared with me* network drive. These network drives are configured by your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator.

If configured, the network drives may look similar to this in File Explorer, but the exact names and drive letters will vary based on how your organisation has configured them:

<figure><img src="/files/Oj3Vh4jUATXLfrX5NmSE" alt=""><figcaption><p>In this example, the O: drive is connected to your corporate OneDrive files and the S: drive is connected to <em>Shared With Me</em></p></figcaption></figure>

You share files and folders from your corporate OneDrive, and you access files and folders shared with you in the *Shared With Me* drive.

If you don't see these drives and you want to share files with a colleague, then ask your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator to configure them.

## How To Share

Let's walk through the sharing process step by step.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
First locate the folder you want to share in File Explorer in your corporate OneDrive (most likely the drive will be named OneDrive or similar but the name will be specific to your organisation). In this example I want to share the "Meeting Minutes" folder from my OneDrive. You can share individual files too, not just folders

<figure><img src="/files/r0kO9s8t8417uXfSQfp3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Right click on the folder to pop-open the context menu, expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> sub-menu and click "Choose which users to share your folder with"

<figure><img src="/files/ogit8AodO9FzE8R2fLvs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Sharing dialog will pop-open. As I haven't shared this folder yet, I see a message in the dialog that reflects that.

<figure><img src="/files/Ca0C0NsMCtfVLs1Be9PW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the "Choose an action..." button then click "Share your folder with a user from your organisation"

<figure><img src="/files/fsaHZpAuHZ5sq7GNCQme" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The "Who Do You Want To Share With" page shows. I want to share with user Myles Jeffery, so I just enter part of the name and a lookup will be performed to show the matches

<figure><img src="/files/dFP64aQVibaZafoOqzt7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the user you want to share with from the matches, then click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/u5uZ78mX5A1cXzrIZJjT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Now choose the permissions the user should have on your folder. Permissions can be either view (read only) or edit. I will choose edit as I want Myles to help me work on the meeting minutes. After making your selection click the Next button to continue

<figure><img src="/files/SHzRpX49EEYT7m4oQ3vO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You will be prompted to confirm your choice. To complete the process, click the Share button or click Go Back if you want to make a change

<figure><img src="/files/W1zv7jgfDnJQUtn7j9L5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The dialog will show a busy indicator for a few seconds whilst it shares your folder, after which you are returned to the first page where you'll now see the details of the user you shared with

<figure><img src="/files/wKPKX0JnClL7aQ0eh6aN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If the user you shared with then checks their *shared with me* network drive on their computer, the shared folder will now show, nested under a folder bearing your name. In this example, my name is "Anne Lee" therefore the folder I shared, Meeting Minutes, can be found by Myles under the "Anne Lee" folder in the *shared with me* network drive

<figure><img src="/files/8LiKrWjLCxTk1wcsZGZm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The sharing process is now complete. You can either click the X button in the top right of the window to close it, or you can choose to share with another user by clicking the "Choose an action..." button. Other options from the menu include stop sharing; so if you want to tidy up old shares by revoking access, you can do so through that option

<figure><img src="/files/DLN2pYsyozDxMyZqj61A" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# View Activity In A Folder

To check the recent activity in a folder you are working in, such as files you or colleagues may have edited, created, renamed, or deleted, then you can do so via the folder activity view available from the File Explorer context menu.

Viewing the folder activity is useful if you want to locate a file that is no longer where you thought it was; perhaps you moved it but don't recall where to, or another colleague deleted it accidentally. You can identity such activity with the folder activity view.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From Windows File Explorer, right click the folder you want to check the activity of, expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> sub-menu then click the option "show recent activity in this folder"

<figure><img src="/files/XlZMnGQFnKPSSpddHUwv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Activity dialog will pop-open and the recent editing activity in the folder will be shown. Use the scroll bar to scroll through the activity. For more details, select an item and click the Show Details button

<figure><img src="/files/y03of6RJNV949SYjwxJh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the "More Actions..." button for additional options. You can save to a CSV file if you want to keep a record of the activity or analyse it. If you want to see all activity in the folder and all sub-folders below it, then click the option "Show activity in the entire folder structure"

<figure><img src="/files/FMILtH6nlmBZDXmHbn1j" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
When you have finished reviewing the activity, click the X button in the top right of the window to close it

<figure><img src="/files/3JSWK8PcNDS3O2PhsRV1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Open A File Or Folder In Your Browser

Most file management functions you need to perform can be accomplished from Windows File Explorer. However, you may need to access your files and folders in the browser for other functions such as metadata editing or workflows.

From Windows File Explorer, you can open your files and folders in your default browser via the context menu.

Here's a walkthrough;

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
From Windows File Explorer, locate the file or folder you want to open in the browser, right click it, expand the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> sub-menu then click the "Open in web browser" option

<figure><img src="/files/6Sc9nrxHwHZUpCyilXVm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Your default web browser will open, in my case, its Microsoft Edge browser. If you opened an Office document, then it will open in Office in the browser:

<figure><img src="/files/Wwd5q5hd4fCwiL1PKD44" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you opened a folder, then the folder will show in the browser:

<figure><img src="/files/YgM13lHrkXWiWCUkeftK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Activate

This page provides a quick *cheat sheet* for activating <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>. Detailed step-by-step activation instructions, if available, will be linked in the relevant sections.

Zee Drive has different modes of activation; as a personal computer, desktop server, hot desk computer, Administration Console and Partner Console. All use the same `ZeeDrive.exe` executable but the process of activation is different.

## Activate A Personal Computer

To activate your personal computer with <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> and map your network drives, you will need your Office 365 username and your Zee Drive activation code. Your Zee Drive activation code is specific to your username. If you don't have it ask your administrator for it.

First, [download the latest version of Zee Drive from here](/resources/download) and run it. The Zee Drive wizard will start up. Click the next button and enter your Office 365 username and Zee Drive activation code. After successfully validating your details continue following the wizard to activate Zee Drive.

After successful activation, Zee Drive will start-up and map the network drives that the subscription administrator has configured.

{% hint style="info" %}
Local administrator permissions are required to activate Zee Drive unless Zee Drive is already installed from a previous activation, or, it has been [pre-installed via the command line](/how-to/use-the-command-line#install-zee-drive)
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
For a step by step guide to activate a personal computer, see [Activate Your Computer](/user-guide/activate-your-computer)
{% endhint %}

## Activate A Hot Desk Computer

To activate Zee Drive as a hot desk computer you will need your Zee Drive administrator username and activation code.

First, [download the latest version of Zee Drive from here](/resources/download) and run it on the target computer. The Zee Drive wizard will start up. Click the next button and enter your Zee Drive administrator username and Zee Drive activation code. If the Zee Drive subscription is administered from a partner subscription you will need your Zee Drive partner username and activation code. After successfully validating your details click the blue "hot desk computer" link that shows.

The wizard will walk you through the activation process.

After completing the activation of Zee Drive, the next time a user signs on to the hot desk computer, Zee Drive will start up and map the user's network drives. If the computer is Entra ID joined or on Active Directory, the username will be automatically resolved otherwise the user will be prompted for their username on first start-up. See also [#active-directory-username-resolution](#active-directory-username-resolution "mention")

{% hint style="info" %}
For a step by step guide, see [Activate A Hot Desk Computer](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/activate-a-hot-desk-computer)
{% endhint %}

Hot desk computers can be activated automatically via the command line. See [Preparing For Automated Activation](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/preparing-for-automated-activation) for information on how to set up the shared activation code and [the command line guide](/how-to/use-the-command-line).

{% hint style="info" %}
If you're looking to fully automate the deployment of Zee Drive at your organisation, then consider activating all computers as Hot Desk computers
{% endhint %}

## Activate A Desktop Server

To activate Zee Drive as a desktop server (for RDS, Citrix, and Azure VD) you will need your Zee Drive administrator username and activation code.

First, [download the latest version of Zee Drive from here](/resources/download) and run it on the target server. The Zee Drive wizard will start up. Click the next button and enter your [Zee Drive administrator username](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] and Zee Drive activation code. After successfully validating your details click the blue "desktop server" link that shows.

The wizard will walk you through the activation process which will include assigning shared computer licences to the licence pool. The number of shared computer licences in the licence pool determines the maximum number of concurrent users supported on the server.

After completing the activation of Zee Drive, the next time a user signs on to the desktop server, Zee Drive will start up, assign a shared computer licence from the licence pool to the user's session and then map the user's network drives.

{% hint style="info" %}
Where a golden image is used either to create your servers or to create virtual machines, then you will need to activate the golden image itself as a Zee Drive desktop server using the steps outlined above.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
For a step by step guide, see [Activate A Desktop Server](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers/activate-a-desktop-server)
{% endhint %}

For more information on desktop servers please refer to [Deploying To Desktop Servers](/administration-guide/deploying-to-desktop-servers).

### Active Directory Username Resolution

Zee Drive will automatically resolve the user's Office 365 username by looking up the value from the Active Directory property "userprincipalname". This property is typically set to the user's Office 365 username. If not, you can change this lookup property in Zee Drive to another AD property such as "mail". To do this, the Zee Drive administrator should select the option "manage hot desk computers and desktop servers" from the Zee Drive administration console then choose the "Configure AD attribute for username lookup" option.

## Activate The Administration Console

To activate your computer with the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Administration Console will need your Zee Drive administration username and activation code. Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation code is specific to your username. If you don't have it ask another administrator for it.

First, [download the latest version of Zee Drive from here](/resources/download) and run it. The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> wizard will start up. Click the next button and enter your administrator username and activation code. After successfully validating your details continue following the wizard to complete the activation.

Click the blue Z icon in your system tray area and the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Administration Console will open.

{% hint style="info" %}
For a step by step guide to activate the Administration Console, see [Activate Your Computer](/administration-guide/activate-your-computer)
{% endhint %}

## Activate The Partner Console

To activate your computer with the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> Partner Console will need your Zee Drive partner username and activation code. Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> activation code is specific to your username. If you don't have it ask your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> partner subscription administrator for it.

First, [download the latest version of Zee Drive from here](/resources/download) and run it. The <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> wizard will start up. Click the next button and enter your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> partner username and activation code. After successfully validating your details continue following the wizard to activate Zee Drive on your computer.

The partner subscription is now available from the Zee Drive console. Click the blue Z icon in your system tray area and the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> partner subscription console will open.

{% hint style="info" %}
For a step by step guide to activate the Partner Console, see [Activate Your Computer](/partner-guide/activate-your-computer)
{% endhint %}

[^1]: If the Zee Drive subscription is administered from a partner subscription you will need your Zee Drive partner username and activation code


# Upgrade

The approach to upgrade Zee Drive to a later version depends on how the computer is activated; either as a personal computer or hot desk/desktop server. Zee Drive also supports automated upgrade when used in conjunction with a software deployment tool like Intune.

## Upgrading Personal Computers

To upgrade Zee Drive where it is activated as a personal computer, [download the latest version of Zee Drive from here](/resources/download), run it, click Next then click the Upgrade button. After the upgrade has completed you will need to sign out of Windows and sign back in again (or restart your computer) for the new version of Zee Drive to take effect. If you do not see the Upgrade button then you are already running the latest version of Zee Drive.

{% hint style="info" %}
Local administrator permissions are required to upgrade Zee Drive unless Zee Drive is already installed or [pre-installed via the command line](/how-to/use-the-command-line#install-zee-drive)
{% endhint %}

## Upgrading Hot Desk Computers And Desktop Servers

To upgrade a hot desk computer or desktop server, [download the latest version of Zee Drive from here](/resources/download), run it, click Next, enter the Zee Drive subscription administrator username + activation code (or partner subscription username + activation code if administered from a partner subscription). A blue link "hot desk computers and desktop servers" should show after successfully validating your username + activation code. Click the blue link. The wizard should now prompt you to upgrade the hot desk computer or server to the latest version of Zee Drive.

A restart of the computer may be required. Zee Drive will let you know.

The next time a user signs in the hot desk computer or desktop server the latest version of Zee Drive will start up.

## Automating Zee Drive Upgrades

If you have a software deployment tool you can automate the upgrade of Zee Drive via command line. See the [command line documentation](/how-to/use-the-command-line) for more information. Hot desk computers and desktop servers can also be upgraded via the command line.

A full guide/walkthrough is available for [deploying and upgrading Zee Drive with Microsoft Intune](/how-to/deploy-with-intune) on hot desk computers and personal computers.


# Deactivate

The method for deactivating Zee Drive on a computer depends upon how the computer was activated.

## Deactivate A Personal Computer

If your computer is activated as a personal computer, open Zee Drive from the system tray by clicking the blue Z icon:

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then choose the deactivate option from the action button:

<figure><img src="/files/mPA3AX0oidJy6pmcbfns" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
After successful deactivation, Zee Drive will shutdown and no longer start up when you next sign in to the computer
{% endhint %}

## Deactivate A Hot Desk Computer Or Desktop Server

To manually deactivate, run `zeedrive.exe` on the computer and enter the Zee Drive subscription administrator username + activation code (or Zee Drive partner subscription administrator username + activation code if the subscription is on your partner subscription) then click the blue "hot desk computer and desktop server" link that shows and follow the wizard to deactivate.

{% hint style="info" %}
Zee Drive will not shut down during deactivation but it will no longer start up when a user next signs in to the computer
{% endhint %}

Alternatively deactivation can be performed via command line. This will deactivate the computer so Zee Drive will no longer start up but, it will still cause the computer to consume a shared computer licence on the subscription. The computer will also need to be deactivated from the administration console. See the [command line documentation](/how-to/use-the-command-line) for more information on deactivating.

## Remove All Activations

If you are not sure how Zee Drive is activated and want to remove all instances of Zee Drive starting up:

Download and run [Autoruns from Microsoft](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns). In the Quick Filter edit box enter `zeedrive.exe`. Select the *Everything* tab. Locate entries under the registry and Scheduled Task nodes. You may see multiple entries under the Registry node. Remove the entries. Sign out of Windows and sign back in again.

<figure><img src="/files/4am4xdQFI1eDNLeBoaOQ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Retrieve Log Files

To retrieve the latest Zee Drive log files, click the blue Zee Drive application icon in the top left of the Zee Drive window and choose the *Activity Logs* option from the menu. You can now copy the latest Zee Drive log files to your desktop.

<figure><img src="/files/2ApzEN7WvM0vyPw3j45q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To open the Zee Drive window, assuming Zee Drive is activated on your computer, click the blue Z icon from the Windows system tray:

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Alternatively, right click on any Zee Drive network drive, or file or folder within a Zee Drive network drive, then choose the option *About your Zee Drive activation* from the Zee Drive context menu. If you are a Zee Drive subscription administrator, the option will show as *About your Zee Drive subscription.* The Zee Drive application window will then pop open.

<figure><img src="/files/d3PiuO6lqixeoRom5xRT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Use The Command Line

## Introduction

Zee Drive has command line support to automate the install, upgrade, activation (for hot desk computers only) and deactivation (for hot desk computers and desktop servers only) of Zee Drive. This document describes how to use the Zee Drive command line to perform these actions.

Refer to the last two sections in this document for information on how to test the command line support from the Windows command prompt (so you can check the return code) and how to debug if there was an error.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Zee Drive command line parameters are case sensitive. If the parameters are incorrect, the Zee Drive wizard will open instead.*
{% endhint %}

## Upgrading a Personal Computer

A computer activated as a personal computer can be upgraded to a new version of Zee Drive using the Zee Drive command line.

The upgrade is a three-step process; first download the latest version of Zee Drive, then install the new version of Zee Drive on the target computer using the Install command running as local administrator, then run the Upgrade command under the local user account that you want to upgrade. The Upgrade command needs to run under the user’s local account because Zee Drive needs to update a registry entry in the user’s local registry hive.

### Download Zee Drive

Download the version of Zee Drive you want to upgrade to on to the target computer, or, on to a network share that the computer has access to.

Zee Drive can be downloaded from the Thinkscape website or from Zee Drive itself when activated as a Zee Drive subscription administrator.

### Install Zee Drive

Running as a local administrator, install the new version of Zee Drive on the target computer using the command line:

`[path to Zee Drive]\ZeeDrive.exe Command=Install`

The Install command will return 10 if the install was successful, 11 if a reboot is required, or 1 if there was an error.

### Upgrade Zee Drive

If the new version of Zee Drive has been successfully installed you can then upgrade the user’s local account to use the new version of Zee Drive which will take effect then next time they sign in to the computer.

This is the command to update an existing Zee Drive activation. It should be run under the user’s account as it needs to update their registry hive:

`[path to Zee Drive]\ZeeDrive.exe Command=Update`

Running this command will make the new version of Zee Drive start-up automatically when the user next signs in to Windows (it updates the registry “Run” entry).

The Update command will return 0 on success, 1 on error and 2 if Zee Drive is not installed.

## Upgrading A Hot Desk Computer Or Desktop Server

A computer which has been activated with Zee Drive as a hot desk computer or desktop server can be upgraded to a new version of Zee Drive using the Zee Drive command line.

The upgrade is a two-step process; first download the latest version of Zee Drive, then install and upgrade the new version of Zee Drive on the target computer using the UpdateShared command running as local administrator.

After a successful upgrade, the new version of Zee Drive will start up when the users next sign in to the computer.

### Download Zee Drive

Download the version of Zee Drive you want to upgrade to on to the target computer, or, on to a network share that the computer has access to.

Zee Drive can be downloaded from the Thinkscape website or from Zee Drive itself when activated as a Zee Drive subscription administrator.

### Install And Upgrade Zee Drive

Running as a local administrator, install and upgrade to the new version of Zee Drive on the target computer using the command line:

`[path to Zee Drive]\ZeeDrive.exe Command=UpdateShared`

The UpdateShared command will return 0 or 10 on success, 11 if a reboot is required, or 1 if there was an error.

## Activating A Hot Desk Computer

Zee Drive can be silently installed and activated on hot desk computers. First download Zee Drive to the target computer then running as a local administrator, use the command line:

`[path to Zee Drive]\ZeeDrive.exe Command=ActivateShared Subscription=[SUBID] ActivationCode=[ACTCODE]`

Replace \[SUBID] with your Zee Drive subscription ID, and replace \[ACTCODE] with your hot desk computer activation code which you can [generate from the Zee Drive Administration Console](/administration-guide/deploying-to-hot-desk-computers/preparing-for-automated-activation).

The ActivateShared command will return 0 on success or 1 if there was an error.

## Deactivating A Hot Desk Computer And Desktop Server

A computer activated as a hot desk computer or desktop server can be deactivated using the MSI. Running as a local administrator, install and upgrade to the new version of Zee Drive on the target computer using the command line:

`[path to Zee Drive]\ZeeDrive.exe Command=Deactivate`

The Deactivate command will return 0 on success or 1 if there was an error.

Deactivating via this command will only prevent Zee Drive from subsequently starting up on the computer it won’t release the shared computer licence(s) associated with the computer. To release the licence(s) associated with the computer use the deactivate option from the Zee Drive administration screens.

## Trusting/Removing Trust Of The Zee Drive URI Protocol In Office

When Zee Drive is installed on a personal computer it creates an entry in the user’s registry hive to indicate to Microsoft Office that the Zee Drive URI protocol is to be trusted. This means that when a user clicks a Zee Drive link (one starting with zeedrive:) in an Office application, Office will hand the link over to Zee Drive to open without warning the user.

This is the registry key that Zee Drive creates:

*HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Security\Trusted Protocols\All Applications\zeedrive:*

Use the UnregisterTrustedProtocol command to remove the registry entry and the RegisterTrustedProtocol command to recreate the registry entry if it has been removed.

### Trust The Zee Drive URI Protocol In Office

Create the registry entry in a given user’s registry hive on the local computer so that Office will trust the zeedrive URI protocol. This will stop Office from prompting the user with a warning when they click on a zeedrive: link. The command needs to be run as a local administrator.

`[path to Zee Drive]\ZeeDrive.exe Command=RegisterTrustedProtocol WindowsUser=[WINDOWSUSER]`

Replace \[WINDOWSUSER] with the Windows username of the user’s registry hive to create the trusted protocol entry in. E.g. if \[WINDOWSUSER] is set to Thinkscape\Myles it will create the trusted protocol entry in the registry hive of user Thinkscape\Myles.

The RegisterTrustedProtocol command will return 0 on success or 1 if there was an error.

### Removing Trust Of The Zee Drive URI Protocol In Office

Remove the registry entry in a given user’s registry hive on the local computer so that Office will no longer trust the zeedrive URI protocol. Office will now prompt the user with a warning when they click on a zeedrive: link. The command needs to be run as a local administrator.

`[path to Zee Drive]\ZeeDrive.exe Command=UnregisterTrustedProtocol WindowsUser=[WINDOWSUSER]`

Replace \[WINDOWSUSER] with the Windows username of the user’s registry hive to remove the trusted protocol entry from. E.g. if \[WINDOWSUSER] is set to Thinkscape\Myles it will remove the trusted protocol entry in the registry hive of user Thinkscape\Myles.

The UnregisterTrustedProtocol command will return 0 on success or 1 if there was an error.

## Running From The Command Prompt

If you are running Zee Drive command line from the command prompt to test out the commands you should prefix the command with cmd /k this is so that the command prompt will wait for Zee Drive to finish running and set the %errorlevel% variable. If you do not use cmd /k then %errorlevel% will not be set by Zee Drive when running from the command prompt.

Here is a full example using the Install command:

`cmd /k “c:\path to zee drive\ZeeDrive.exe” Command=Install`

then you can type `echo %errorlevel%` to check the return code.

## Debugging With The Log File

If a command failed you can check the reason for the failure in the Zee Drive activity log. The activity log can be found in the Windows temp folder by opening up Windows File Explorer and entering %temp% in to the address bar and hitting the return key. Look for files in the temp folder with the file name format:

`ZeeDriveActivityLog-(digits).txt`

Alternatively, run zeedrive.exe to launch the Zee Drive wizard and then access the log file via [Retrieve Log Files](/how-to/retrieve-log-files)

If you have run the command as local administrator then the logs may not show unless you right click on ZeeDrive.exe and choose *Run as Administrator*. Then retrieve the logs as per the aforementioned link.


# Deploy With Intune

## Introduction

Using Microsoft Intune in combination with Zee Drive’s [command line support](/how-to/use-the-command-line), organisations can deploy and upgrade Zee Drive in a controlled, automatic, methodical, and traceable manner.

This guide leverages Intune’s support for Win 32 applications and PowerShell scripts to achieve automated deployment and upgrades of Zee Drive.

This guide covers;

* Preparing an Intunewin file to package a Zee Drive executable file as an Intune application
* Creation of an Intune Win 32 application
* Installing Zee Drive automatically with Intune
* Activating Zee Drive as a personal computer (an approach)
* Activating Zee Drive as a hot desk computer automatically with Intune
* Upgrading Zee Drive personal computers automatically with Intune
* Upgrading Zee Drive hot desk computers automatically with Intune
* Uninstalling Zee Drive automatically with Intune

This guide assumes that you have experience with Intune, administering Zee Drive, PowerShell scripting, Windows administration, Office 365 administration.

### Zee Drive Installed To "Program Files" Since v65.3

Prior to version 65.3 Zee Drive was a 32 bit Windows application and installed to the “c:\Program Files (x86)” folder. Zee Drive since v65.3 is a 64 bit application and installed to the “c:\Program Files” folder.

The remainder of this document refers to the pre-v65.3 version of Zee Drive and therefore shows the installation folder as “c:\Program Files (x86)”.

## Preparing The Intunewin File <a href="#ref71225279" id="ref71225279"></a>

Intune requires that Win 32 applications (EXE files) are first packaged in to an Intunewin file using the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool. The tool can be downloaded from this link <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2065730> and Microsoft have a guide to the tool here [Prepare a Win32 app to be uploaded to Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Docs](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/apps/apps-win32-prepare)

We recommend creating a simple folder structure as follows for preparing the Intunewin file:

![](/files/SklmaLNXG4DGucEZlolJ)

Copy the ZeeDrive.exe executable version into the Input folder.

Create a PowerShell file in the Input folder and name it RemoveZeeDrive.ps1. This PowerShell file will be responsible for removing Zee Drive when uninstalling via Intune.

Edit the PowerShell file and copy in the following command:

`Remove-Item -Path "C:\Program Files (x86)\Thinkscape Zee Drive\43.19.0.0" -Recurse`

Change the version number in the above PowerShell script, 43.19.0.0, to the version number of the ZeeDrive.exe file that you copied into the Input folder. This PowerShell script will simply delete the Zee Drive program files thereby uninstalling Zee Drive. The version number is comprised of 4 numbers separated by a period. The version number can be found by right clicking the ZeeDrive.exe file and selecting properties then clicking the Details tab:

![](/files/pNjYbmcpi9kL4lGlsaDY)

The Input folder should look like this after the PowerShell script has been created and the ZeeDrive.exe file has been copied into it:

![](/files/KaM5pReKhAjBdgkc2zx2)

Open up a Windows command prompt and navigate to the folder where the IntuneWinAppUtil.exe file is located which should be in the folder above the Input and Output folders.

Enter the following command into the command prompt and hit the return key:

`IntuneWinAppUtil.exe -c .\Input -s ZeeDrive.exe -o .\Output`

After the content prep tool has completed an Intunewin file can be found in the Output folder:

![](/files/mZnORTdFGrAztMlNmBMM)

The Intunewin file is now ready to import into Intune.

## Create an Intune Win 32 Application <a href="#ref71225198" id="ref71225198"></a>

Sign into the Intune management portal <https://endpoint.microsoft.com/>

Choose Apps, All apps, then click Add. For the app type choose Windows app (Win32).

Intune will prompt you to select an app package file. Browse for the Intunewin file created from the previous section. Enter the name of the application as “Zee Drive v43.19” where v43.19 is the version of Zee Drive that you packaged in the Intunewin file.

This is important; you will have one application in Intune for each version of Zee Drive. Here is how it should look when you have entered the required information:

![](/files/HegkZ9xHmQE16zMIPaya)

The other edit boxes on the “App information” tab are optional in Intune and you can complete those as per your requirements.

Click Next to proceed to the Program tab. Configure the Program tab exactly as per the screenshot below. The install command and uninstall commands have been copied in below this screenshot in text format so that you can copy/paste them into the edit boxes to ensure there are no typos.

![](/files/XX4NbcciF8ahyYUQlg40)

Copy and paste this into the Install command edit box:

`zeedrive.exe Command=Install`

Copy and paste this into The Uninstall command edit box:

`powershell.exe -executionpolicy Bypass -file RemoveZeeDrive.ps1`

Ensure that Install behaviour is set to System. Set the Device restart behaviour and return codes as per the screenshot above.

Click Review + save to continue to the Requirements tab. For operating system architecture select 32 and 64 bit. For minimum operating system select the first choice in the drop down list.

Click Review + save to continue to the Detection rules tab. Select “Manually configure detection rules” and add a new detection rule. Configure the rule as per the screenshot below:

![](/files/CqneGur5bZoU8xk9WFGX)

Where the Path is set to:

`C:\Program Files (x86)\Thinkscape Zee Drive\43.19.0.0`

But change the version number, 43.19.0.0, to the version number of the ZeeDrive.exe file that you packaged in to the Intunewin file. The version number is comprised of 4 numbers separated by a period.

And the File or folder is set to:

`ZeeDrive.exe`

Intune can now detect whether this version of Zee Drive is installed or not by the presence of the EXE file in the installation folder.

Save your changes and continue through to the end of the Intune app setup wizard. After completing the wizard, you now have a version of Zee Drive ready to deploy.

When a new version of Zee Drive is released that you plan to deploy, create a new Intune app for it. You will have one Intune app for each Zee Drive release that you deploy. This screenshot from Intune shows there are two Zee Drive apps for two different Zee Drive versions, 43.19 and 43.20:

![](/files/cOmJ0L1L6DdSHJrO9II9)

## Install the Intune Win 32 Application <a href="#ref71225303" id="ref71225303"></a>

After creating your new Intune app in the previous section, you are now ready to install it on target devices.

Installation is not the same as activation. Installation will copy program files and drivers necessary for Zee Drive to run, but it does not activate Zee Drive. Activation is a separate process.

Zee Drive requires local administrator privileges to be installed. But Intune takes care of this as we specified that the app install behaviour should be “system”.

To install the Intune app, and therefore Zee Drive, edit the app’s assignment rules to include the groups that you want to target the app for. You may have existing groups to leverage, or, you may want to create a specific group as in our example below where we have a group named after the Zee Drive version:

![](/files/bSRHbszj86h804xJYcqu)

After saving the changes, Intune will then process the change and install the app on the target devices:

![](/files/6YF70zGuRjR0teQ8gfc9)

## Activating Zee Drive as a Personal Computer – An Approach

Zee Drive does not support automatic activation as a personal computer. To activate as a personal computer the user will need to run the ZeeDrive.exe executable and follow the wizard to activate using the username + activation code that you provide to them.

In some corporate environments, users do not have local administrator permissions on their computers so they will not simply be able to run the ZeeDrive.exe to activate because the activation process will fail when Zee Drive attempts to install itself.

In these environments, Zee Drive can be pre-installed using Intune as per the previous section.

With Zee Drive pre-installed, it may not be intuitive to the user that needs to activate Zee Drive where the executable is located. To simplify the activation process for users, we suggest using a PowerShell script in conjunction with Intune to create a link on the users’ desktop to the ZeeDrive.exe executable in the program files folder. Zee Drive executables can be found here:

`C:\Program Files (x86)\Thinkscape Zee Drive\43.19.0.0\ZeeDrive.exe`

Where the version number 43.19.0.0 is the version number of Zee Drive installed into that folder. There will be a folder for each version of Zee Drive installed on the computer.

With a link to the ZeeDrive.exe executable on the users’ desktop, an email can then be sent to the users with each of their username + activation code and instructions how to run Zee Drive from their desktop to activate Zee Drive on their computer.

Use the report highlighted below to track which users have activated Zee Drive. You can then use another PowerShell script in conjunction with Intune to remove the link from their desktop to avoid clutter and confusion:

![](/files/dgMBbEQX5f4SqLbfUh99)

The report will show which computers are activated:

![](/files/vq8fYibXCLoYRW0H7Qoy)

## Activating Zee Drive as a Hot Desk Computer

Zee Drive supports automatic activation of hot desk computers via Zee Drive command line. To facilitate this with Intune, we will use a PowerShell script to invoke the Zee Drive command line. Zee Drive will need to be pre-installed first on the computers you plan to activate as hot desk computers so follow section “‎4 Install the Intune Win 32 Application” on how to install Zee Drive via an Intune Win 32 Application.

### Enable Command Line Activation

Command line activation for hot desk computers must be enabled on Zee Drive. To do this, choose the “Manage hot desk computers and desktop servers” option from the Zee Drive action button:

![](/files/Y0LxZ5TencfMcl9cLUoG)

Then choose the “how to activate Zee Drive on hot desk computers” option:

![](/files/gUVrqcpSD4MMXxYATe0F)

On the next screen click the “Click here” blue link to enable the command line:

![](/files/UDNNCcSgb6ozKBVIdWhv)

The command line will be enabled and a new blue link will show “how to use the command line”. Click this link. The command line for activating Zee Drive as a hot desk computer will now show. Click the “Copy To Clipboard” button to copy the command line. Make a record of the command line as you will need to reference it later:

![](/files/tQzFSf5AyuSpmuaxft2h)

The command line will be specific to your subscription. Here is an example of how it may look:

`zeedrive.exe Command=ActivateShared Subscription=86896532 ActivationCode=4168803422`

### Create the Intune Script to Activate Zee Drive

Create a new PowerShell file on your desktop and copy/paste the following PowerShell command into the file:

`Start-Process -Wait -FilePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Thinkscape Zee Drive\43.19.0.0\zeedrive.exe" -ArgumentList "Command=ActivateShared Subscription=XXXXXXXX ActivationCode=XXXXXXXXXX"`

Edit the command by changing the parts highlighted in yellow above to reflect your settings. The version number, 43.19.0.0, should be changed to the version number of Zee Drive that you want to activate. The command line parameters Subscription and ActivationCode should be changed to the values that were generated when enabling command line support in the previous section.

Save your changes to the PowerShell file.

From Intune ([https://endpoint.microsoft.com](https://endpoint.microsoft.com/)) click the Devices option from the left menu, then scripts. Click Add then choose Windows 10. For the script name enter “Zee Drive Activate Hot Desk Computer v43.19” where the version number v43.19 should be changed to the version of Zee Drive that you are activating.

Click Next. Choose the PowerShell script that you created previously and ensure No is set for “Run this script using the logged in credentials” as the script needs to run as local administrator. The “Script settings” tab should now look like this:

![](/files/KDdzkb8IWYq50n8zKIGp)

On the Assignments tab, assign this Intune script to the groups that you wish to apply the hot desk activation to. After completing the wizard your script will appear in the scripts list:

![](/files/F3MA44J1LOAnlKxiSO82)

### Monitor Hot Desk Activations

You can monitor the progress of the hot desk computer activations from Zee Drive as Intune works its magic running the PowerShell activation script on the targeted computers.

From the Zee Drive administration console, choose the option “Manage hot desk computers and desktop servers” then choose “How to activate Zee Drive on hot desk computers” then click the “View Activation Log” button. The log will show which computers have been activated or had issues during activation:

![](/files/Jeoe0w5SwfHuC8yIq1i7)

After a computer has been successfully activated you can remove the device from the group that is assigned to the Intune PowerShell script.

Note: Zee Drive will start up when the next user signs on to the hot desk computer – Zee Drive does not start on activating it as a hot desk computer.

## Upgrading Personal Computers <a href="#ref71236866" id="ref71236866"></a>

Upgrading a personal computer is a two-step process; first the new version of Zee Drive should be installed on the computer via an Intune app, then, run an Intune PowerShell script to call the Zee Drive command line to perform the upgrade.

Refer to sections [#ref71225279](#ref71225279 "mention"), [#ref71225198](#ref71225198 "mention") and [#ref71225303](#ref71225303 "mention") for instructions on installing the new version of Zee Drive on to target computers. This must be completed before upgrading.

Zee Drive provides a report through the administration console to check which computers are running older versions of Zee Drive:

![](/files/atwxMWvwVrku1fzfRviv)

By clicking through the blue links you can see which computers are running particular versions of Zee Drive and therefore identify these as candidates for upgrading:

![](/files/Avo6XMUo1DxIWII8OKIi)

### Create the Intune Script to Upgrade Zee Drive

Create a new PowerShell file on your desktop and copy/paste the following PowerShell command into the file:

`Start-Process -Wait -FilePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Thinkscape Zee Drive\43.20.0.0\zeedrive.exe" -ArgumentList "Command=Update"`

Edit the command by changing the part highlighted in yellow above to reflect your settings. The version number, 43.20.0.0, should be changed to the version number of Zee Drive that you want to upgrade to (and that is already installed on the computer).

Save your changes to the PowerShell file.

From Intune ([https://endpoint.microsoft.com](https://endpoint.microsoft.com/)) click the Devices option from the left menu, then scripts. Click Add then choose Windows 10. For the script name enter “Zee Drive Personal Computer Upgrade v43.20” where the version number v43.20 should be changed to the version of Zee Drive that you are upgrading to.

Click Next. Choose the PowerShell script that you created previously and ensure Yes is set for “Run this script using the logged in credentials” as the script needs to run as the logged in user to update their registry. The “Script settings” tab should now look like this:

<figure><img src="/files/cMAwAUDLr17Db3wY9mwC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

On the Assignments tab, assign this Intune script to the groups that you wish to apply the upgrade to.

When the upgrade completes, it will not take effect for the user until they sign out of Windows and sign back in again. Use the Zee Drive report “Check which computers are running Zee Drive” to verify when the new version is active and running:

<figure><img src="/files/sXMThM6PSLkTrPzYn5tJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Upgrading Hot Desk Computers

Upgrading a hot desk computer is much the same as upgrading a personal computer. Please refer to section [#ref71236866](#ref71236866 "mention") to familiarise yourself with the process. When setting up your Intune script for upgrading the hot desk computers, follow the steps from upgrading personal computers but make these two key changes to the Intune script:

The command in the PowerShell script should be changed to the following:

`Start-Process -Wait -FilePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Thinkscape Zee Drive\43.20.0.0\zeedrive.exe" -ArgumentList "Command=UpdateShared"`

The difference is highlighted in yellow above. The command has changed from “Update” to “UpdateShared”.

And on the “Script settings” tab in Intune, the “Run this script using the logged on credentials” should be set to “No” because the upgrade must be run with local administrator privileges:

<figure><img src="/files/G8XJpoSYXxSDCJccVN8g" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To make sure your script’s purpose is clear in Intune name it “Zee Drive Hot Desk Computer Upgrade v43.20” where v43.20 is the version number that you are upgrading to.

## Uninstalling Zee Drive

After upgrading a computer to a new version of Zee Drive, you may want to uninstall the old version. Uninstalling Zee Drive will remove the program files folder that Zee Drive creates during installation. The removal is performed by the PowerShell script that is associated with the Intune application. See section [#ref71225279](#ref71225279 "mention") for more information on the PowerShell script that performs the file deletion.

Only uninstall Zee Drive after a computer has been upgraded to a new version and is shown to be running the new version via the “Check which computers are running Zee Drive” report (available from the Zee Drive administration console). Otherwise, the uninstall will fail because the Zee Drive program files will be locked by the ZeeDrive.exe process running on the computer and Intune will report a failure trying to uninstall the application.

To initiate Intune to perform the uninstall, locate your application in Intune, in this example we will install v43.19 as we have already upgraded computers to v43.20:

<figure><img src="/files/iRulzUI9gqL5IfYQVeKV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click the app from the above list, then choose Properties and the Edit the assignments. Locate the “Uninstall” assignments and edit as necessary to include the devices/groups that you want to uninstall Zee Drive from.

Save the changes. Intune will then proceed to uninstall Zee Drive from the targeted devices by running the file removal PowerShell script.

## Detection of Zee Drive Installation and Activation

Since v65.3 of Zee Drive it is installed to the “C:\Program Files\Thinkscape Zee Drive\\\[version number]” folder.

Where \[version number] is the 4 part version number of Zee Drive e.g. 65.3.0.0

You can detect whether Zee Drive is activated on a computer (i.e. it is set to start up automatically) by checking the following locations dependent upon the mode of activation:

### Personal Computer Activation

Check under the registry key:

`HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`

Locate values starting with the name Thinkscape.ZeeDrive.# where # is a number.

An entry indicates an activation of Zee Drive. The value contains the path to where Zee Drive is installed i.e. the version of Zee Drive that is activated.

### Hot Desk Computer Activation

Check under the registry key:

`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`

Locate values starting with the name Thinkscape.ZeeDrive.# where # is a number.

An entry indicates an activation of Zee Drive. The value contains the path to where Zee Drive is installed i.e. the version of Zee Drive that is activated.

### Desktop Server Activation

Check the Windows Task Scheduler for tasks in the root of the “Task Scheduler Library” folder structure named “Zee Drive - ########” where ######## is the 8 digit ID of the Zee Drive subscription that is activated:

<figure><img src="/files/UaDCrt1Awf4rwtIWOkd7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Actions tab of the Task will show where Zee Drive is installed and hence its active version number:

<figure><img src="/files/L7nraBobaLdpifGkw12h" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Licence Desktop Servers

Zee Drive supports activation on desktop servers such as RDS, Citrix and Azure Virtual Desktop. There are two components to licencing Zee Drive for a desktop server environment:

1. Shared Computer Licences - these licences are assigned to the licence pool. They are concurrent licences and determine the maximum number of concurrent users permitted on the servers by Zee Drive. If there are no available licences remaining in the licence pool, Zee Drive will report an error when a user signs in to the servers
2. User Licences - either Shared Computer User Licences or Personal Computer User Licences. User licences are named licences and are required to set up a user on your [Zee Drive subscription](/introduction/subscription). If a user is not set up on your Zee Drive subscription, then Zee Drive will not start up successfully for the user

The relationship between *user licences* and *shared computer licences* is not necessarily one to one. You may have many users, but only a subset of those users will be on the desktop servers at any one time (the concurrency). E.g. There are 20 users in the organisation that sign in to your desktop server infrastructure, but, only a maximum of 16 users will be concurrent.

In this scenario, you would require 20 *user licences*, but only 16 *shared computer licences* in the licence pool.

<img src="/files/J5rbJ2GSAw4EdKjgxZiR" alt="In the above example, the licence pool has 6 shared computer licences with 5 users connected concurrently. The licence pool can support one more user signing in to the desktop servers. If a 7th user attempted to sign in then the user would receive an error from Zee Drive as there would be no available licences in the licence pool" class="gitbook-drawing">

## Which Type Of User Licence Should I Choose?

Zee Drive has two types of user licence:

1. Personal Computer User Licence
2. Shared Computer User Licence

A user can be assigned only one type of user licence. The personal computer user licence includes all the attributes of the shared computer user licence, and, it permits the user assigned the licence to activate Zee Drive on up to 3 computers.

The shared computer user licence is valid only for computers activated as a desktop server or hot desk computer.

If a user will only require Zee Drive on a desktop server or hot desk computer, then assign the user a shared computer user licence. If the user also requires Zee Drive on their personal computer AND the desktop servers or hot desk computers, then assign the user a personal computer user licence.

## Example Scenario

Your organisation has 30 users all requiring Zee Drive. 20 users require Zee Drive on your organisation's AVD environment. The other 10 require Zee Drive only on their personal computers. The maximum number of concurrent users expected on AVD is 16.

Of the 20 users on the AVD environment, 10 of those users also have personal computers.

Thus the licencing would be:

* 16 shared computer licences for the licence pool for AVD as there are a maximum of 16 concurrent users expected
* 20 personal computer user licences as there are 20 users in total with personal computers. 10 of these users also require Zee Drive on AVD, however, the personal computer user licence is valid for AVD too
* 10 shared computer user licences for the users that only require Zee Drive on AVD but don't have a personal computer

To determine the cost of the licences, check [Pricing](/resources/pricing).


# Invalid Class Or Provider Failure

Zee Drive uses the WMI service (Windows Management Instrumentation) to retrieve information about the computer during activation and start-up. Sometimes a Windows update may cause a problem with WMI, corrupting the WMI repository, and causing Zee Drive to fail with an error: *invalid namespace*, *invalid class, provider failure* or *not found*.

The first step to resolve this error is to check that the computer is up to date with the latest Windows updates, then restart the computer. If it is already up to date then restart the computer anyway as sometimes an error with WMI can be transitory.

If the error persists, check the WMI repository for corruption. Open a MSDOS command prompt as local admin (note the *Administrator* in the title of the MSDOS window if its opened as admin):

<figure><img src="/files/rVrxOLsRQ6m458xCeKUF" alt="" width="492"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then enter the following command in to the command prompt:

`winmgmt /verifyrepository`

If the WMI repository is corrupted the returned result will be *Repository is inconsistent*. If you receive this error try repairing the WMI repository with the following command (only run this command if you get the *inconsistent* error):

`winmgmt /salvagerepository`

If the repository is consistent, then try rebuilding individual components of WMI that Zee Drive requires. These components may have become corrupted due to Windows driver or system component updates.

From the MSDOS command prompt (as local admin), change your directory to  *C:\Windows\System32\Wbem* with the command:

`Cd C:\Windows\System32\Wbem`

Now enter the following commands one at a time in to the command prompt and hit return after each. These commands will rebuild the WMI components and re-register them.

`mofcomp.exe Vds.mof`

`regsvr32 Vdswmi.dll`

`mofcomp.exe CIMWin32.mof`

`regsvr32 CIMWin32.dll`

After running the commands, restart the Windows WMI service:

<figure><img src="/files/F1mSmZvh6nhlD4TCxSY9" alt="" width="522"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If the above steps do not work, try rebooting the computer and running through the steps again.


# Network Connectivity

When activating Zee Drive, when Zee Drive starts up automatically after activation, or during Zee Drive operation, network issues may cause the current operation to fail or lead to failed file uploads and empty folders. These error messages are the most common indicators of network connectivity issues:

* *The request was aborted: the operation has timed out* or simply, *The operation has timed out*
* *The remote server returned an error: (401) Unauthorized*
* *The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden*
* *The remote server returned an error: (407) Proxy Authentication Required*
* *The remote server returned an error: (503) Server Unavailable*
* *A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond*
* *The input data is not a complete block*
* *An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host*
* *No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it*
* *The underlying connection was closed: The connection was closed unexpectedly*
* Or during Zee Drive start-up, the busy indicator continues to spin but Zee Drive never completes starting up

The error messages may appear in the Zee Drive window, or, they may show in the [Zee Drive log file](/how-to/retrieve-log-files).

The errors can be caused by a proxy, firewall, antivirus, VPN, DNS or ISP blocking or interfering with access to the Zee Drive activation service.

## Geo-Block

In the case of geolocation blocking ensure access is permitted for Ireland and Netherlands, which is where the Zee Drive activation service is hosted.

## Proxy Or Firewall

For a proxy or firewall, try adding an exception for the HTTP URL (Port 80) that the Zee Drive client communicates to the activation service over:

`http://zeedriveniallactivation.cloudapp.net`

The above URL is used by Zee Drive during activation, start-up and operation to retrieve subscription configuration information. If Zee Drive cannot access that URL then it will lead to a failed start-up or failed operation.

If you experience network connectivity errors when accessing Zee Drive mapped network drives (leading to empty folders or failed uploads) try adding these URLs as exceptions on your firewall and proxy. These are the URLs that Zee Drive communicates with Microsoft 365, Entra ID and SharePoint Online over. The URLs are all HTTPS (Port 443):

`https://login.microsoftonline.com`

`https://officeapps.live.com`

`https://odc.officeapps.live.com`

`https://*.sharepoint.com`

In the case of the SharePoint URL, the \* can be replaced with your SharePoint tenant name e.g.

`https://contoso.sharepoint.com` and `https://contoso-my.sharepoint.com`

## Firewall IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)

Check the rules on your firewall IPS as they may be blocking Zee Drive from communicating over the network.

## Anti-Virus

For an anti-virus, try adding an exception for the ZeeDrive.exe executable in the folder:

`c:\Program Files\Thinkscape Zee Drive\[version number]\`

## IPv6

Try disabling IPv6 in the network adapter properties if you receive the errors *The operation has timed out* or *An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host*.

## Router DNS Cache

Your router may have an out of date or faulty DNS cache. Try restarting your router.

## DNS Server Issue

Your DNS server may not be resolving domains to their correct IP addresses. Try updating your WiFi adapter to use a [public DNS such as Google's on 8.8.8.8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Public_DNS).

## Slow Wi-Fi Connection

A Wi-Fi connection that takes time to establish when the computer starts up may cause Zee Drive to timeout when starting up. If this occurs, open Zee Drive from the system tray by clicking the blue Z icon then click the blue link on the Zee Drive subscriptions status screen to retry the startup after the Wi-Fi connection has been fully established.

## TLS 1.2 Is Not Configured

SharePoint Online supports only TLS 1.2 - if the local computer is not configured for TLS 1.2 then SharePoint Online will terminate connections with the error *An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host*.

## Faulty Card Reader

A faulty memory card reader is attached to the computer. Remove the card reader.


# Context Menu Not Showing

Zee Drive provides a context menu in File Explorer when right clicking on a file or folder in your Zee Drive network drive. The context menu provides context sensitive actions for the item you have right clicked on such as open in browser, view version history.

For the Zee Drive context menu to show the context menu needs to be enabled by your Zee Drive subscription administrator. Your administrator can check if the context menu is enabled by choosing the option *Customise the end user experience* -> *Customise the File Explorer context menu* from the Zee Drive administration console. After it has been enabled, restart your Zee Drive by choosing the restart option from the Zee Drive action button. After Zee Drive has restarted, check to see if the context menu appears.

## Windows 11 Specific Troubleshooting

If the Windows 11 "modern" context menu is missing from File Explorer, the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> *sparse package* (used for registering Windows 11 context menus) may have failed to register. To check this, open the latest [log file](/how-to/retrieve-log-files) and search for the text `Sparse package failure`. If you find this text then the context menu has failed to register with Windows. A more detailed error message should accompany that text. Send the error text to us at [support](/resources/contact-support) and we will assist.

<figure><img src="/files/d3PiuO6lqixeoRom5xRT" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Windows 11 "modern" context menu</p></figcaption></figure>

## Windows 10 Specific Troubleshooting

If the context menu is still not showing it could be that File Explorer is running in elevated mode. Open Task Manager, click the Details tab, locate the explorer.exe process and see if the Elevated column is set to Yes or No (if the Elevated column is not showing you can add the column in Task Manager).

<figure><img src="/files/aSmYKOOqgMsm5USGZmPX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If File Explorer is running elevated then the context menu will not show. To stop File Explorer running in elevated mode check your UAC setting as this can cause File Explorer to run in elevated mode. If your UAC setting is off try setting it to full, then sign out of Windows and back in again.

For the default Windows administrator account you may have to enable a local security policy. Open the Windows Local Security Policy application, expand Local Policies and then click Security Options. Enable the policy called User *Account Control: Use Admin Approval Mode for the built-in Administrator account* then sign out of Windows and sign back in again.

If the drive is being accessed via the UNC network path rather than via its drive letter then the context menu will not show. Open the context menu by navigating the drive via the drive letter not the network path.

<figure><img src="/files/W5yYrXwcRZ6utClgJM1B" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Windows 10 "classic" context menu</p></figcaption></figure>


# Microsoft Office

If you experience Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) opening documents read only, opening documents slowly, failing to open documents or failing to save documents, review the sections below for the most likely causes of the problems.

## Disable Always Create Backup In Excel

Ensure that *always create backup* is disabled on the Excel save as dialog. Go to the file menu and choose *save as*. Click *Browse* so the *save as* dialog box appears. Click the tools menu bottom right. Click the general options item. Then ensure *always create backup* is disabled:

<figure><img src="/files/CHMPmrUrq3Kp7uruAuNr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Resave XLS 95 As Newer Format

If the document you are saving is an old XLS 95 format document then resave the document as XLS 97 format or the modern XSLX format. XLS format files can cause issues with co-authoring.

## Disable the Excel Solver Plugin

A plugin called “Solver” by Microsoft can cause Excel documents to open read only. Turn off the plugin. More information here on the Solver plugin can be found here:

<https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/define-and-solve-a-problem-by-using-solver-5d1a388f-079d-43ac-a7eb-f63e45925040>

## Disable Always Create Backup Copy In Word

If the Word setting *Always create backup copy* is enabled and Word is [opened for exclusive editing](https://www.thinkscape.com/Map-Network-Drives-To-Office-365-OneDrive/#OfficeDocumentLocking), then you may experience issues when saving. To resolve, disable the setting. From Word, click File then Options. The select the Advanced tab on the popup dialog. Scroll down to the Save section and disable the *Always create backup copy setting*:

<figure><img src="/files/4FqGLICbXZ7lg6IWONZf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## The UNC Server Name Is Conflicting Or Has Non-Alphanumeric Characters

If the UNC server name you have assigned to the network drive contains spaces, other non-alphanumeric characters, or conflicts with another server on the local network, it may cause issues, particularly for Excel.

Check sections [Slow Performance](/slow-performance#the-unc-server-name-contains-a-space-character) and [Slow Performance](/slow-performance#unc-server-name-conflict-on-the-network) on how to resolve.

Spaces in the server name may cause issues for hyperlinks in work sheets within an Excel document.

## File Path Exceeds 260 Characters

If the path to the document or folder to be opened in Office exceeds the 260 Windows path character limit then the document may not be opened or the containing folder may not be accessible to Office. E.g. If opening an Outlook MSG file that has a path longer than 260 characters, Outlook will show an error.

Whilst Zee Drive and SharePoint Online support URL path lengths [up to 400 characters](/faq/whats-the-maximum-path-length), Windows, and Office, have their own idiosyncratic path length limitations.

## Disable File Explorer Preview Pane

If documents open locked or read only, try disabling the Windows File Explorer preview pane as this has been reported to cause this problem.

## Access Denied Opening A ZeeDrive: Link Or Office Document From Outlook

When using the Zee Drive [send link](https://www.thinkscape.com/Map-Network-Drives-To-Office-365-OneDrive/#SendLink) feature and the recipient of the link subsequently clicking the link in an email in Outlook, or, when your Zee Drive subscription has [open for co-authoring by default enabled](https://www.thinkscape.com/Map-Network-Drives-To-Office-365-OneDrive/#CoAuthorDefault) and a user opens an Office document attachment, the link, or document, may fail to open with an error from Outlook: *Access denied*. You may also receive the error from other Office apps E.g. when clicking a Zee Drive link in OneNote or Word.

This can be caused by Windows Defender ASR (Attack Surface Reduction) policies blocking child processes from launching which effectively stops the `ZeeDrive.exe` process from launching to open the hyperlink or Office document. These are the specific ASR policies:

* [Block Office communication application from creating child processes](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction-rules-reference?view=o365-worldwide#block-office-communication-application-from-creating-child-processes) (rule GUID 26190899-1602-49e8-8b27-eb1d0a1ce869)
* [Block all Office applications from creating child processes](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction-rules-reference?view=o365-worldwide#block-all-office-applications-from-creating-child-processes) (rule GUID d4f940ab-401b-4efc-aadc-ad5f3c50688a)

To resolve, add exceptions for the two ASR rules to Windows Defender for the `ZeeDrive.exe` process. You can add an exception To Windows Defender via [Intune](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction-rules-deployment-test#configure-attack-surface-reduction-per-rule-exclusions) or via [Group Policy](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction-rules-deployment-test#via-group-policy).

<figure><img src="/files/f4F7utExAoja9ceRpbiv" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of Intune exclusion policies for Zee Drive processes using a wildcard</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
The wild card syntax \* is only supported when specifying the ASR rules globally otherwise you will need to enter the path to a specific ZeeDrive.exe version
{% endhint %}

## Duplicate Files Created With Computer Name Appended

If users are experiencing duplicate Office files appearing in their folders, with the name of the computer appended to the file name, then the most likely cause is that the user is running the Microsoft OneDrive sync tool and syncing the same document library connected to their <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive.

The OneDrive sync tool creates duplicate files and appends the name of the computer where it cannot resolve a conflict or the user has an [issue with their OneDrive sync tool credentials](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/duplicate-files-in-onedrive-fd47ce5e-8dd0-465e-9e3a-461e1a3cf613).

To resolve and stop duplicate files from being created by OneDrive, un-sync the particular document library from the user's OneDrive sync tool.


# Co-Authoring And AutoSave

When opening an Office document (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) from a Zee Drive network drive by double clicking it from File Explorer, if you have enabled the Zee Drive option [*Open for co-authoring by default*](https://www.thinkscape.com/Map-Network-Drives-To-Office-365-OneDrive/#CoAuthorDefault), then the Office document will open with co-authoring and AutoSave enabled.

<figure><img src="/files/TjH6j4bqMdu5njM0eGpy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If Office does not open for co-authoring (with the AutoSave slider disabled/off), then check the following troubleshooting steps:

* Is [*Open for co-authoring by default*](/administration-guide/co-authoring-and-exclusive-editing) enabled on the subscription and has the affected user in questions restarted Zee Drive since making the change to enable the setting?
* Is the user opening the Office document by double clicking the document in File Explorer from a Zee Drive network drive? Opening a document from Office itself will not enable co-authoring. Only when opening from File Explorer via a double click will it open for co-authoring
* Is the user opening one of the supported Office file types: docx, xlsx, xlsm, xlsb or pptx? Other Office file types are not supported for co-authoring
* Are they any errors shown in the Zee Drive log when Zee Drive configures co-authoring support? Open the log file via [Retrieve Log Files](/how-to/retrieve-log-files) and locate the text `Configuring Zee Drive to open Office documents for co-authoring by default.` Are there are any errors immediately following that statement?
* Are you running the latest version of Zee Drive? The issue you are experiencing may have already been resolved in a recent update. [Download and upgrade to the latest version of Zee Drive here](/how-to/upgrade)

If, after checking all the above, Office documents still do not open with co-authoring/AutoSave enabled, it may indicate an experimental Windows feature is enabled that is blocking Zee Drive from opening the documents for co-authoring.

## Diagnose The Cause

{% hint style="info" %}
Since [version 68.5 of Zee Drive](/resources/download), the workaround below is no longer required. If you are running an earlier version of Zee Drive, either upgrade to v68.5 or later, or, follow the workaround steps below if you are not ready to upgrade.
{% endhint %}

Open the Zee Drive log file from the affected computer (see [Retrieve Log Files](/how-to/retrieve-log-files)) and locate this entry:

`Analysed file type configuration [UCPD Enabled, HashV2 Enabled]`

If you find `HashV2 Enabled` this indicates the Windows experimental feature is enabled and will currently affect Zee Drive opening Office documents for co-authoring.

To further verify this, and resolve the issue, download the [ViveTool free utility from here](https://github.com/thebookisclosed/ViVe/releases/tag/v0.3.4) (choose either the ARM or Intel ZIP file based on the CPU of the target computer).

Unzip the utility to the desktop.

Open a Windows command prompt as local administrator: hit the Windows key on the computer, enter cmd then right click the *Command Prompt* app and choose *Run as administrator*.

Change the directory in the command prompt to where you unzipped ViveTool by entering the following command but change USERNAME to your Windows username:

`cd c:\users\USERNAME\Desktop\ViVeTool-v0.3.4-IntelAmd`

Now enter the following command at the command prompt:

`ViveTool.exe /query /id:43229420`

If its enabled you will the following output:

<figure><img src="/files/Z57vz9wbwmDoaeRQ8YST" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Resolving The Issue

If the output from running the previous command above shows an enabled state you will need to disable the feature. From the same command prompt, enter the command:

`ViveTool.exe /disable /id:43229420`

You should see output similar to this:

<figure><img src="/files/ATCejTii3uGuJo3Fevg6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Restart the computer and check if the Office documents now open with co-authoring/AutoSave enabled.


# Slow Performance

Users may experience slow performance when interacting with Zee Drive network drives:

* Searching via File Explorer
* Browsing the network drive and opening folders
* Opening and saving files

## The UNC Server Name Contains A Space Character

When creating a Zee Drive network drive, if you have included a space character in the server name, it can cause delays when accessing the network drive or opening the file. Some Windows applications do not work well when a UNC server name contains a space character.

<figure><img src="/files/ue8hFmENKvxCllODRKd4" alt=""><figcaption><p>In this example, the Server Name has a space between thinkscape and docs</p></figcaption></figure>

To resolve this, modify any problematic network drives to remove the space character (or any other non-alphanumeric character) from the server name, publish the drive changes, then try accessing the network drive again to see if the issue persists.

## UNC Server Name Conflict On The Network

When creating a Zee Drive network drive, if the server name you have assigned to the drive is the same as another network resource on the local network then users may experience delays when accessing the drive or opening files. E.g. if you have assigned the name THINKSCAPE for the server name of the network drive, but there is already a local file server on the network with the name THINKSCAPE, it may cause an issue.

To resolve, modify the network drive via the Zee Drive administration console, change the server name of the network drive then publish the drive mappings.

## File Updates Taking Time To Show For Other Users After Saving

For some applications like PDF editors, the file will not be saved and uploaded to SharePoint until the document being edited is first closed. If you want your changes to be reflected in SharePoint and other user's Zee Drive mapped drives promptly, then save your changes, close the document, and reopen it. This will force an upload to SharePoint.

## File Explorer Search Is Slow

When searching a large directory structure via Windows File Explorer search edit box, this can take time as the directory structure must be downloaded if not already cached, and in the case of documents, the documents will be downloaded so that File Explorer can search within the documents.

For faster performance, use Zee Drive's dedicated search feature which leverages SharePoint's search index [Fast SharePoint Indexed Searches From File Explorer](/feature-guide/fast-sharepoint-indexed-searches-from-file-explorer).

## Thumbnail Preview Enabled On A Folder With Lots Of Images

If a folder contains a lot of images and the user has enabled thumbnail previews in File Explorer then it will cause File Explorer to download each of the images so it can generate the thumbnails. This can cause a delay. Whilst Zee Drive caches files, if there are many image files then they can be removed from the cache causing them to be downloaded again. To resolve, turn off thumbnail previews in File Explorer.

## File Explorer Preview Pane

If the preview pane in Windows File Explorer is enabled it may interfere with the network drive performance. Try disabling the preview pane to see if it resolves the performance issue.

## File Explorer Sorting Filter

On a folder with many sub folders, if you have a sorting filter configured in the File Explorer view, it can slow down the initial loading of the subfolders.


# Drives Show Disconnected

When browsing the file system, File Explorer may show the message "Disconnected Network Drive" instead of the drive name. Even though the drive shows the "disconnected" message, it can still be browsed and files can be opened and saved to it successfully. The problem is visual only.

<figure><img src="/files/R4DN4gGWXjp0HiIN2nQT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

There are two possible causes of the issue which are outlined below.

## Missing Network Provider DLL

To check if the required DLL is installed and registered perform the following steps. Download the [Autoruns tool](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns) (Autoruns is a Microsoft tool) run it and click the Network Providers tab.

Validate the entry cbfs22 is present as per the screenshot below. New versions of Zee Drive (v67.1 and greater) the entry will be cbfs24.

<figure><img src="/files/pkmXdDizkZaMQ4GMnMlX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

And validate that this DLL is present in the system32 folder:

`C:\WINDOWS\system32\cbfsShellHelper22.dll`

Note that on new versions of Zee Drive the DLL is called `cbfsShellHelper24.dll`

If the DLL is not found in the system32 folder or the cbfs22 entry is not found in the Network Providers tab then do the following:

[Deactivate Zee Drive](/how-to/deactivate).

Open a CMD command prompt as local administrator.

Run this command (replace \[YOUR ZEE DRIVE VERSION] with the version number of Zee Drive that is running):

`"C:\Program Files\Thinkscape Zee Drive[YOUR ZEE DRIVE VERSION]\ZeeDrive.exe" Command=UninstallDriver`

Then double click `Zeedrive.exe` and navigate to the [log files](/how-to/retrieve-log-files). Check the latest but one log file (i.e. the log file just before \*latest\*). It should show the results of running the `UninstallDriver` command.

If the `UninstallDriver` command was successful, try activating Zee Drive again.

After activating Zee Drive, check the \*latest\* log file to see if there is a “Installing driver” entry in the log which will indicate the driver has been re-installed.

Now check Autoruns again and the "Network Providers" tab to see if the DLL is now present.

## Windows 11 ARM 64 And Office 64 Bit Incompatibility

On Windows 11 devices running on an ARM 64 processor, Zee Drive network drives may show as disconnected when browsing the file system from Office 64 bit (Word, Excel, Outlook etc.).

The cause of the problem is a compatibility issue between the Office processes running in x64 compatible mode, and a Zee Drive DLL in c:\Windows\System32 folder that is for ARM 64. Office will fail to load the ARM 64 DLL which is used for the correct display of the network drives.

<figure><img src="/files/MqgLNox3L5eAOcy67K24" alt=""><figcaption><p>Office 64 bit on ARM 64 runs in x64 compatible mode</p></figcaption></figure>

The issue can be resolved by installing the 32 bit version of Office on Windows 11 ARM 64. To do this, first uninstall 64 bit Office from the computer. Then, download the 32 bit Office installer to the local computer.

Right click the Office setup program you downloaded and choose Properties from the context menu and click the Compatibility tab.

<figure><img src="/files/Is10nuro6jNOQEGVnkiC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then click the Change emulation settings button.

<figure><img src="/files/vtvR8FlleTUX5dAGkRbF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Check the option Hide x64 emulation capability.

<figure><img src="/files/cbyFE2YdzYgaYmbvf4Tv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click OK then click OK again. Now double click the Office setup program and install Office. This will install the 32 bit version of Office on ARM 64.

The network drives should now show correctly when browsing the file system from Office.


# Disappears Or Doesn't Start

These troubleshooting steps will help you diagnose and resolve the issue of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> not starting up after signing in to Windows, even though <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> is activated on the computer.

First, check if the blue <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> "Z" icon is showing in the Windows system tray:

<figure><img src="/files/lrZWSOnFYSjlOE0Z3gAJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If it is present but your mapped drives are not showing then click the blue "Z" icon to open <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> and view the status screen. It could be that <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has failed to start-up due to a persistent network error. If so, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> provides an option to retry the start-up from the status screen so click the blue link that shows to retry the start-up.

If you don't find the blue Z icon in the system tray this could indicate a few possible causes:

* An update to Windows has blocked <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> from starting up. Open the Windows Task Manager and click on the `Startup apps` tab. Locate the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> entry and ensure that it is set to enabled. Now sign out of Windows and sign back in again to force <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to restart:

<figure><img src="/files/15BKcEkUx8ufe288wqtz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* An anti-virus may have blocked <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> from starting up, or removed the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> start-up entry from the Windows registry. Check your anti-virus log file for evidence that this has occurred. If so you many need to add an exception for <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to your anti-virus and then [activate](/how-to/activate) <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> again
* Your Windows profile may have been restored to a point prior to when <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> was activated. If this is the case then <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will no longer start-up as the activation will be lost. You will need to [activate](/how-to/activate) <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> again on the computer
* You may have "Windows Fast Start-up" enabled which may be causing an issue when rebooting the computer. Review the steps on this [3rd party website (Windows Central)](https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-enable-or-disable-fast-startup-on-windows-11) on how to disable fast start-up
* Windows 11 may be delaying the start-up of Zee Drive when signing in to the computer until what Windows 11 determines to be an "idle" state. This setting, if it is enabled, can be disabled or adjusted via the Windows registry by creating a new value `WaitForIdleState` and setting it to 0 under the key `Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Serialize`. For more details see the external link [Startup apps artificially delayed on Windows 11](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4059183/startup-apps-artificially-delayed-on-windows-11)

Another possibility is that the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> executable process has terminated during start-up due to an exceptional scenario such as a fault in a DLL. To check this;

1. Hit the Windows key on your keyboard and enter `event viewer`&#x20;
2. Hit return to launch the Event Viewer
3. Expand Windows Logs and select Application
4. Check the log entries for any application error referencing ZeeDrive.exe

An error in the Event Viewer will look like this:

<figure><img src="/files/pLBqigYRVbYEm77LVxZz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select the error entry to view the details:

<figure><img src="/files/7l5HlMMc1u1RQzu82W85" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If ZeeDrive.exe is referenced in the error details, then you will need to report the error to [support](/resources/contact-support) for further investigation.

Try restarting <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> by signing out of Windows and signing back in again as start-up may succeed upon trying again if it had previously terminated unexpectedly.


# Internal Error Or Empty Folder

When accessing a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drive you may receive an error from Windows File Explorer, "Location is not available. An internal error has occurred":

<figure><img src="/files/XOVZf9HjiUxYQ2QtgmPR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Or, when accessing the drive or a folder within the drive, you do not receive an error but the folder or drive shows empty.

Before checking through the troubleshooting steps below, examine the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [log file](/how-to/retrieve-log-files) from the affected computer for the underlying error to help with diagnosis.

* There is a networking connectivity error on your computer affecting access to Microsoft 365 E.g. a proxy blocking access, an internet connectivity issue. Review the [network troubleshooting guide](/network-connectivity) to resolve the issue
* Your computer is joined to your organisational network via Active Directory and your organisation is federated to Entra with ADFS, but, you are running a version of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> prior to v68.19. Microsoft are deprecating a legacy authentication method in favour of modern OAuth authentication starting in 2026 and completing on 1st May 2026. To resolve, [upgrade](/resources/download) to <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> v68.19 or later.
* Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> credential is a legacy forms credential saved to the Windows Credential Manager (saved from an old version of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code>). Starting 2026, Microsoft is deprecating forms based credentials (i.e. username/password). Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> log file will show the error `ServiceUnavailable` if this is the case. To resolve, you will need to delete your credential and re-authenticate. See [#remove-saved-credential-and-re-authenticate](#remove-saved-credential-and-re-authenticate "mention")
  * In the case of a saved credential from a <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [partner subscription](/partner-guide), to re-authenticate, return to the customer listing page, select the customer, choose the set credential option from the action button, and then authenticate via the pop-up form from clicking the blue link rather than the embedded username/password form
* Microsoft Entra requires you to re-authenticate due to an invalidated refresh token. If this is the case then <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will pop-up a Windows toast notification to alert you to this. If you have disabled Windows toast notifications or missed the notification, you can re-authenticate with Microsoft Entra by [opening the status screen](/user-guide/check-your-subscription-status) of <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> then clicking the blue link that shows to re-authenticate
* The mapped drive is connected to your OneDrive but your OneDrive has not been provisioned yet. To resolve, open up <https://portal.office.com/> in the browser, sign in then navigate to OneDrive. Wait for it to be provisioned then return to your network drive to try accessing it again
* Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> user does not have permissions to the site, document library or OneDrive the network drive is connected to. To resolve, ask your Microsoft 365 administrator to give you access to the target library. If it is a permissions issue you will see errors like 403 FORBIDDEN in the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> log file
* The document library or site your network drive is connected to has been deleted. In this case, your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> subscription administrator will need to update the network drive connection
* The network drive may not be connected to anything in Microsoft 365. Your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> administrator should check the network drive configuration to ensure they have connected it to a target in SharePoint
* If your network drive is connected to the "modern teams" or "hub sites" option then it may indicate there is an issue with the SharePoint search service which <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> uses to discover the sites your user has access to. If the site was recently created or you were recently given permissions to the site, it may be a case of waiting a little longer for the site to appear in your network drive. Or, you can [request a re-index of the site](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/crawl-site-content) in the SharePoint search index
* Your computer may have already mapped the drive letter or reserved it therefore <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> can’t map it and it may then show as empty . Check your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> log file for an error similar to “drive already in use”. If the drive is already in use you may be able to change the drive letter through the Windows Computer Management application under the "disk management" node then restart <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to try mapping the drive again

## Remove Saved Credential And Re-Authenticate

Where your organisation has not implemented single sign-on (such as with ADFS) or your computer is not Entra joined, <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> will save your Entra refresh token to the Windows Credential Manager. Removing this saved credential from the Credential Manager and forcing <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to re-authenticate may resolve your issue in some cases.

1. Hit the Windows key and type *Credential Manager* then hit the return key. The Windows Credential Manager will now open
2. Click the Windows Credential tab
3. Check for your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> credential. It will have the format "Zee Drive/\[your username]" E.g. "Zee Drive/user\@example.com"
4. Delete the credential from Credential Manager
5. Restart <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> by choosing the restart option from the [action button](/user-guide/check-your-subscription-status)
6. After <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> has restarted, access the drive again. This will force <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> to re-authenticate you with Microsoft 365. Open the <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> [status screen](/user-guide/check-your-subscription-status) to complete re-authentication


# File Explorer Preview Pane

In a June 2026 security update to <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS</code> 10 & 11, <code class="expression">space.vars.MICROSOFT</code> changed the behaviour of <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS\_FILE\_EXPLORER</code> that may restrict <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS\_FILE\_EXPLORER</code> from showing file previews on network shares.

You may see a message like this in <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS\_FILE\_EXPLORER</code>:

<figure><img src="/files/YX6pKMXI85Fjw8WyLGNi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To enable the preview pane you will need to update your security settings for your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives. Check the guide here [Folder Colours Not Showing](/folder-colours-not-showing#add-your-network-drives-as-trusted-sites).


# Folder Colours Not Showing

<code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> supports colourising folders in <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS\_FILE\_EXPLORER</code> from a palette of 16 colours. Colours can be used to help visually categorise folders:

<figure><img src="/files/xZd0UPHdLe0PA6cEPvgc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

See [Choose Folder Colours In File Explorer](/feature-guide/choose-folder-colours-in-file-explorer) for more information on the feature.

In a June 2026 security update to <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS</code> 10 & 11, <code class="expression">space.vars.MICROSOFT</code> changed the behaviour of <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS\_FILE\_EXPLORER</code> to restrict folder customisations on network shares.

This security update may impact <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> displaying coloured folders in your network drives. I.e. instead of the folders being coloured, they may show as the default yellow colour.

The issue is described in this article on Windows Central, a 3rd party website: [“It is intentional” Microsoft says Windows 11’s broken folder icons are by design. Here's what's going on](https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/it-is-intentional-microsoft-says-windows-11s-broken-folder-icons-are-by-design-heres-whats-going-on)

To restore your folder colours you have a couple of options;

1. Add your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives as trusted sites in <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS</code>. See below for steps
2. Ask your IT administrator to update your organisation's Group Policy to enable the policy `"Allow the use of remote paths in file shortcut icons"` under `Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer`

## Add Your Network Drives As Trusted Sites

If your folders are no longer showing as coloured in <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS\_FILE\_EXPLORER</code> follow these steps to add your <code class="expression">space.vars.PRODUCT\_NAME</code> network drives as trusted sites:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Hit the <code class="expression">space.vars.WINDOWS</code> key on your keyboard and enter *internet options*. Click the *Internet Options (Control panel)* option to open the dialog

<figure><img src="/files/8Tsm5Uk8DdbrpTIFxHfH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the *Security tab*, select *Trusted sites*, then click the *Sites* button

<figure><img src="/files/qH4V6qpYSdGOOtryY1BV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The Trusted sites dialog will open. If the checkbox, *Require server verification* is enabled, disable it. Enter your network drive in the edit box, E.g. `z:\` then click the *Add* button

<figure><img src="/files/4Z7XgUHABedAAVJqR5X8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Your network drive will now be added to the list of trusted sites in the *Websites* list. The reference to your drive may look different to what you added. I.e. in the example below, `Z:\` was added but the trusted sites shows `file://thinkscape`. This is because the *Trusted sites* dialog shows the server name of your network drive and not the drive letter. Repeat this process for your other drive letters. Click the *Close* button when complete. You may need to restart your computer for the change to take effect

<figure><img src="/files/9cf8ypEnDQ57caPMd1PZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

If you find that adding the network drive to your *Trusted sites* does not work, try adding to the *Local Intranet* instead. Follow the same steps as above but this time choose *Local Intranet* then click the *Sites* button:

<figure><img src="/files/lU2znCJjJWUyaLRhzcUa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If the issue persists, there may be some other security setting that is overriding the user's Internet Properties settings. You may want to try rebuilding the Windows profile of the affected user as that can reset any changed settings back to the defaults.


# What's The Maximum Path Length

Does Zee Drive support the Windows 260 maximum path length and SharePoint Online maximum path length?

Yes. Zee Drive supports the Windows maximum path length of 260 characters, and it supports the SharePoint Online maximum URL path length of 400 characters.

Due to the different path length maximums between SharePoint Online and Windows, users may run in to issues with long SharePoint Online paths accessed via a Zee Drive network drive on Windows. This is a limitation of Windows, not Zee Drive.

Some Windows applications, such as Microsoft Excel, have more strict path limits and rules. So whilst Windows may support a path length maximum of 260 characters, Excel may not.


# Does It Use WebClient

No. Zee Drive does not use the Microsoft Windows WebClient Service (AKA *WebDAV*). Zee Drive is a separate technology to the Windows WebClient service.

Whilst the WebClient service is commonly referred to as *WebDAV*, it is not in fact WebDAV. WebDAV is a [communications protocol](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc4918). The WebClient service uses WebDAV to communicate with SharePoint. This is an important distinction.

{% hint style="info" %}
WebDAV is not in itself inherently *slow* as it is a protocol. Slowness would be an artifact of the implementation either of the WebDAV client or WebDAV server, or both.
{% endhint %}




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