Overview
MSU Netfiles provides a web based graphical user interface allowing users to upload and download files from the MSU AFS System.
This document will provide links and answers to articles that address the top questions ATS Help Desk staff are most frequently asked regarding the MSU Netfiles service.
What is Netfiles and where do I find it?
MSU Netfiles provides a web based graphical user interface allowing users to upload and download files from the MSU AFS System. Netfiles allows a user to Upload, Download, and Delete files from the AFS System. It will also allow users to Copy, Paste and Rename files or folders along with managing folder premissions.
MSU Netfiles is located at https://netfiles.msu.eduYou must have javascript enabled on your browser for Netfiles to work.
The Netfiles service is based on the file drawers project, developed at the University of Michigan. The source code is freely available under an open source license.
How do I navigate around or view files in Netfiles?
You can navigate to different files or folders by clicking on the file or folder name or the icon next to it. If the file is viewable in a web browser it should open right up; otherwise you will be prompted to download it.
You may also use the Location bar at the top of the screen to navigate through the different folders of the AFS system by either clicking through the root folders, or by typing in a path by using the Change button. You can always return to your Home folder by clicking on Home in the upper left hand corner.
How do I download files in Netfiles?
If the file is viewable in a web browser you can click on the file or file type icon and it should open right up; otherwise you will be prompted to download it. Alternatively, you can click on the download icon shown below to download the file as well.
How do I upload files to Netfiles?
If you want to upload a file click on the Upload File(s) link on the left hand side of the screen. Then click on the Browse button. Once you have selected your file it will show up on the screen. If you are uploading a new version of an existing file you may want to check the "Overwrite files during upload?" box. You may upload more than one file at a time. Just select Add Another File if you wish to upload more than one file. Once you've selected all the files you want to upload, click Upload
You can cancel this action by clicking on the [X] in the upper right corner of the yellow box.
How do I move files in Netfiles?
You cannot move files and folders within your home directory the way you can on your computer—by dragging and dropping them. Instead, you must copy (or cut) and paste them. You can copy (or cut) and paste individual files as well as folders that contain other folders and/or files.
- Navigate to the file(s) and/or folder(s) that you want to move. You can move multiple files and folders at the same time.
- Indicate the items you want to move by checking the checkboxes next to them, then click either the Copy Selected Item(s) or Cut Selected Item(s) link. The checkmark next to the item you selected will disappear after you click the link.
- Navigate to the folder where you want to move the item, that is, to the folder where you will paste it.
- With that folder open, click the Paste to This Folder link.
- The item will appear in the list of items for the folder you have open.
How do I delete files or folders in Netfiles?
To delete a file or folder put a checkmark in the box next to the file or folder and select the Delete Selected Item(s) link.How do I rename files or folders in Netfiles?
To rename a file or folder in Netfiles put a checkmark in the box next to the file or folder you want to rename. Then click on the Rename Selected Item link. The file or folder name will now be editable. Once you have completed your editing click Rename
How do I create a new folder in Netfiles?
To create a new folder select the Create a New Folder link. Enter the name of the new folder, then click Create
What are Favorite Locations?
You can add locations within AFS such as class and professor space to your Favorite Locations.To add a location to your favorites, navigate to the folder you wish to add, click the Favorite Locations link in the Actions menu, then click on the Add tab. Enter a name for the location then click the Add button.
To go back to a favorite location, simply click the Favorite Locations link in the Actions menu and click on the name of the location you wish to go to.
What is Image Preview?
Image Preview is the ability to see an image file in a small preview window when you put your mouse over the file icon. By default, image preview is not enabled. To enable it, simply click the Show Image Preview link under View Options. Your preference will be remembered and stored in a cookie. Image Preview can be disabled by clicking Hide Image Preview
