Windows 7: Network location for hosted SharePoint / WebDAV issue

FNG here. I'm using Win 7, full RC, 32 bit. This problem happens on any machine and happened in Vista 32 bit as well.

I host our SharePoint server externally at Apptix and I am unable to map a network location to show up in Explorer. I'm not technical enough to know if this is a WebDAV issue or what. I have done tons of web searches when we had this problem initially with Vista 2 years ago. The solution was to download KB907306 and it worked in Vista. Ok, I can accept that Vista and SharePoint development may have been out of synch at some point, but why the (insert multiple explicatives) hasn't Microsoft fixed this in Win 7? I'm not the only person in the world who hosts SharePoint and wants to view folders in Explorer. Is my hosting company the only one configured like this?



Our SP address is in the form of hostingcompany.com

That being said (whew, I feel better), I tried to install KB907306 in Win 7 and I can now attach the location. I can see it on the left side of Explorer (folder view?) and in the main section. I can expand the left side to see the sub folders (I am prompted for my credentials), BUT, the contents of the folders never update the main window. I never see the files I want to see.

Help...

Oh, I also had the nightmare Outlook 2007 / hosted Exchange server config issue. I got around that one. Both our Exchange and SP servers are hosted by Apptix.

The correct way to set up and use WebDAV in Windows 7 takes some steps. After you have figured it out, it works fast and even better than in Windows XP (at least for me it does).

Follow these steps:

1. Start -> Run -> Services.msc
2. Start your Webclient service. Set the properties so it will start automatically next time you boot Windows 7

For shortcuts to your folders or files:

1. Rightclick anywhere on your desktop and choose 'new shortcut'
2. Use this format for WebDAV folders: \\your_webdav_server_domain@SLL\rootwebdavfolder\path\to\folder. For example, mine looks like this: \\livelink.mydomain.nl@SLL\livelinkdav\nodes\1758347

Your shortcurt will be created and you wuill have direct access to your webdav folder using Windows 7. If you don't know the correct path, browse to your webdav folder using Windows XP and look at the address and use this in your above shortcut.

Now for the fun part

You can actually map networkdrives to webdav locations. To do so use this:

1. Open Windows Explorer
2. Rightclick on 'Computer'
3. Go to 'map network drive'
4. Choose station/drive letter
5. Use this link to your WebDAV location: \\your_webdav_server_domain@SLL\rootwebdavfolder\path\to\folder
6. Press OK and your set.

The nice part of mapping your networkdrive is that you can use it for synchronisation (online/offline files).

I have skipped Windows Vista so I don't know if this would have worked under Vista. Also I use the Dutch version of Windows 7 so the terms I used above may be slightly different in English.


If this solves your problems I would appreciate a vote

Thanks! I'm happy once again :P

I hope someone is still reading this

I followed the instructions, but am being prompted to "Select Certificate" which are for my local system not the remote share I'm trying to get access for.

Any ideas?

Hi,
I followed you instruction and have access to my shared webdav folder via browser.
But still cant access that same location via mapped drive.
I used the same values, but is just keeps asking for username and password over and over.
I know they are correct because via browser I access the location.

I have also installed:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=17C36612-632E-4C04-9382-987622ED1D64

I have the service running

I also Set BasicAuthLevel's value to "2" by expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE >> SYSTEM>>CurrentControlSet>>Services>>webClient>>Parameters

Suggestion other anyone?