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Guide to WebDAV Mounting

What is WebDAV and when to use it #

WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning) is a protocol that allows access to files on a remote server as if they were saved locally. It is useful in cases where it is not possible or desirable to use the Nextcloud client.

Connection Data #

WebDAV URL for u-drive.unipi.it:
    https://u-drive.unipi.it/remote.php/webdav

Mounting WebDAV on Windows 10/11 #

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Select This PC, then Computer > Map Network Drive.
  3. Choose a letter (e.g., Z:) and enter as the path:
        https://u-drive.unipi.it/remote.php/webdav
  4. Select Connect using different credentials, then click Finish.
  5. Enter your UNIPI credentials (username and password).

Mounting WebDAV on macOS #

  1. In the Finder, select Go > Connect to Server…
  2. Enter the address:
        https://u-drive.unipi.it/remote.php/webdav
  3. Click on Connect and enter your UNIPI credentials.
  4. The drive will be mounted as a volume in the Finder.

WebDAV Mounting on Linux #

Method 1 – GNOME File Manager (Nautilus): #

  1. Open Files.
  2. Select Other Location > Connect to Server.
  3. Enter the address:
        davs://u-drive.unipi.it/remote.php/webdav
  4. Enter your UNIPI credentials.

Method 2 – Terminal (with davfs2): #

  1. Install davfs2 with the command:
        sudo apt install davfs2
  2. Create a mounting directory:
        mkdir ~/u-drive
  3. Mount the volume with:
        sudo mount -t davfs https://u-drive.unipi.it/remote.php/webdav ~/u-drive

Common Problem Solving #

  • Check that the URL is correct and, if required, includes the username.
  • Ensure that the Internet connection is active.
  • On Windows, check that the WebClient service is running.
  • On Linux, add the user to the davs2 group if necessary.

Security Tips #

  • Avoid saving credentials on shared devices.
  • Disconnect the network drive when it is not needed.
  • Always use HTTPS (never HTTP).

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Access #

If the Nextcloud server uses two-factor authentication (2FA), the standard UNIPI password cannot be used for WebDAV access. In this case, you need to generate a specific application password. Follow these steps:

  1. Access the Nextcloud web portal: https://u-drive.unipi.it
  2. Click on your name in the top right corner and select Settings.
  3. In the sidebar menu, go to the Security section.
  4. In the Application password field, enter a name (e.g., “WebDAV Ubuntu”) and click on Create new password.
  5. Copy the generated password (it will be visible only once).
  6. Use this password for WebDAV access instead of the UNIPI password.

Note: this procedure is also required for using the Nextcloud desktop client or other external services that do not directly support 2FA.

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