Home Directory Service

Accessing Home Directory with Version 2 on a Windows Vista Computer

For On-Grounds Use: Home Directory Service Version 2 (HDS2) is the only version of the Home Directory Service that works with Microsoft Windows Vista. HDS2 is designed to enhance, not replace, Home Directory Service Version 1.0.9; both versions provide secure online file storage. (Some UVa Departments also use HDS2; consult with your departmental Local Support Person (LSP) before installing it on your computer.)

For Off-Grounds Use: Restrictions imposed by some Internet Service Providers will require users to install and run the UVa-Anywhere VPN to connect to the home directory application.

This page details how to download, install, and use HDS2 on personal Vista machines.

Downloading, Installing, and Using Home Directory Version 2

  1. Download the Installer program from ITC's Software Central.
  2. Save it to your Desktop, so it's easy to find.
  3. To install HDS2, double-click to expand the downloaded .zip file on your Desktop. Then double-click on setup.exe to begin the installation.
    • You may see a message: "The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software?" Click the Run button, then click Allow, then click Next, and finally, click Finish.
  4. To configure, double-click on the Home Directory Services Client 2 icon on your Desktop. The Home Directory .Net window will appear.
    • In the Network Resource box, your UVa computing ID should be entered, like this: \\home1.virginia.edu\mst3k
    • In the Username box, enter “Eservices” before your UVa computing ID, like this example: eservices\mst3k
    • Then, click on the Map Drive Letter button, and Home Directory will open.

    5. Home Directory Version 2 Interface

  5. Once HDS2 opens, drag any files you wish to save to Home Direcotry into the Home Directory window.
  6. Remember to close Home Directory when you have finished saving your files. You can do this two ways:
    • Either right-click on the HDS2 icon in the System Tray in the bottom-righthand corner of your screen, and select Close Application;
    • Or click on the My Computer icon, and then delete the connection to HDS.

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