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Storing Large files on Domain Joined Windows Computers

If you use a domain joined Windows computer, you need to be careful about where you store large files. While it is fine to temporarily store such files anywhere, you need to move them to an appropriate location as soon as possible - definitely before you log off!

Is my computer Domain Joined?

Using Windows XP:

• right-click My Computer.
• Select Properties.
• Click the Computer Name tab.

Look at the entry in "Domain" field. If it says "xxxxxxx.ads.umass.edu" (where "xxxxxx" stands for a domain name), your computer is domain joined.

Using Windows 7 or Vista:

• right-click Computer.
• Select Properties.
• Scroll down to "Computer name, domain and workgroup settings" section.

Look at the entry in "Domain" field. If it says "xxxxxxx.ads.umass.edu" (where "xxxxxx" stands for a domain name), your computer is domain joined.

Where can I safely store large files?

The good news is, almost anywhere on your C:\ drive, EXCEPT the following:

• the Desktop
• using Windows XP:
  • My Documents
  • anywhere in C:\Documents and Settings\%username% folder. (%username% stands for your logon username.)
• using Windows 7 or VIsta:
  • Libraries
  • anywhere in C:\Users\%username% folder. (%username% stands for your logon username.)

The bad news is that your browser may automatically save to precisely one of those locations. Often the browser saves to C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\downloads or C:\Users\%username%\downloads folder. If that happens, just drag the downloaded file to a different folder on your C:\ drive. Make sure a copy does not remain in the original location, or on your Desktop. Don't forget to do this before you log off.