How to Set Up a USB Network Hard Drive

USB connector

Use your external USB hard drive as a network storage device. All users on your network will be able to store and share files from a single USB network hard drive. Add storage to your network or use the hard drive for backup storage for each user. Though some USB hard drives are already equipped for use on a network, almost all USB hard drives can be set up for network storage. Multiple USB network hard drives can be set up on a single network.

Things You'll Need

• Network storage adapter (for non-network USB hard drives)
• USB network hard drive installation disk or driver disk
• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Connect your network storage adapter to a free port on your router. This only applies to USB hard drives without pre-installed network capabilities.

2. Connect one end of your Ethernet cable to any free port on your router. Connect the other end of your Ethernet cable to your USB hard drive's network port. This port will look exactly like the ports on your router.

   If you are using a network storage adapter, connect the USB cable from your hard drive to the network storage adapter. An Ethernet cable isn’t necessary.

3. Connect the USB network hard drive’s power cable and plug it in to an available power outlet.

4. Press the power button your USB network hard drive. If no power button exists, the drive should power on automatically after plugging it in.

5. Confirm the USB network hard drive is recognized on the network by opening the list of available drives on any computer on your network. In Windows, go to “Start” or the start globe and select “Network.” On some systems, you may also be able to access the hard drive from the “My Computer” window.

6. Insert the USB network hard drive installation disk on any computer on your network if you encounter any problems with your network recognizing the drive. Follow the prompts in the installation wizard to install any required software, including security software for creating encrypted backups, and drivers.

Tips & Warnings

• USB network hard drives are often packaged with an Ethernet cable. Check your package details before purchasing an extra Ethernet cable.

• Read all information provided with your USB network hard drive before installing. Some drives require you to install software before connecting the USB device.

References

• cnet Reviews: Ask the Editors: Can I network my USB hard drive?
• Laptop Mag: How to Set Up a Network Storage Device