Rutgers wordmark
Engineering Computing Services
Need help? Submit Ticket

Guide to Using Nextcloud

Download this guide as a PDF

I. Logging In

A. Engineering Account

Users must first be able to log into their engineering accounts provided by ECS. These accounts are:

  1. Separate from their normal NetID/CAS logins
  2. Used for all services sponsored by ECS including but not limited to:
    • Nextcloud
    • VLab
    • Computer Labs
    • ENGSoft

B. Password Reset

If a user does not remember their password, they may go to Reset Engineering Password.

  1. First, the user logs in via CAS.
    • This is to make sure the user is a part of the university and provides the NetID to our system.
  2. Next, the user is asked to provide a password that meets the criteria displayed.
  3. The user must then enter the same password again to confirm they've entered the right password.
  4. Lastly, they click Finish.
    • If the user is prompted with something along the lines of "Your password has been reset successfully", then they should be good to go.
    • If the user is prompted with an error, they should submit a ticket for further help (the account may need to be created).

C. Logging Into Nextcloud

To log into our Nextcloud interface, users must be connected to the Rutgers network and navigate to https://soewebdrive2.engr.rutgers.edu/ in their web browser, where they will be greeted by a login prompt (may appear differently depending on browser/OS).

D. Login Credentials

The Username field corresponds to the user's NetID and the password corresponds to their engineering account password as discussed earlier.

E. Repeated Login Prompt

It is possible for the login prompt to come up again after clicking sign in. This is noted and expected to happen — have the user enter their credentials one more time.

F. Account Provisioning

At this time the user's account has been provisioned on the backend and now needs to be assigned to a group(s). This will be handled by the admins.

II. Mapping Nextcloud as a Network Drive (Windows)

A. Open File Explorer

Open File Explorer (folder icon in the taskbar).

B. Map Network Drive

Right-click on This PC and then click on Map network drive...

C. Enter the Address

Select the drive letter you want and then fill in the address with the following:

https://soewebdrive2.engr.rutgers.edu/remote.php/dav/files/netid@SOE.RUTGERS.EDU/

Important:
  1. Capitalization matters — SOE.RUTGERS.EDU must be capitalized.
  2. netid must be replaced with the user's NetID.

D. Generate an App Password

Windows will then prompt the user for a username and password. This will be slightly different from just the regular engineering account login. Switch over to Nextcloud in the browser and go to the user's Settings.

E. Open Security Settings

Click Security on the left-hand side.

F. Create App Password

At the bottom you will see a field that asks for an "App name". Fill out this field with a memorable name (this is just for the particular user and no one else), then click Create new app password.

G. Enter Credentials in Windows

The username and password generated by Nextcloud is what you must enter into the Windows prompt. Afterwards, the Nextcloud drive should be mounted and ready for use.

III. Mapping Nextcloud as a Network Drive (macOS)

A. Connect to Server

Open Finder, then go to Go > Connect to Server (or press Cmd + K).

B. Enter the Address

Enter the following server address:

https://soewebdrive2.engr.rutgers.edu/remote.php/dav/files/netid@SOE.RUTGERS.EDU/

Important:
  1. Capitalization matters — SOE.RUTGERS.EDU must be capitalized.
  2. netid must be replaced with the user's NetID.

C. Enter Credentials

The system will prompt for a username and password. Use the app password generated from Nextcloud's Security settings (the same process as described in the Windows section above, steps D–F).

Additional Resources