Coinciding with the launch of iOS 5, Box.net is offering free 50GB accounts. This capacity can also be applied to existing free accounts. Unlike Dropbox, Box.net doesn’t offer a desktop sync tool. Using WebDAV, you can map your Box.net account as a folder on your Windows PC.
If you don’t have a Box.net account yet, sign up for one on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via the box.net app.
After signing up for Box.net, click the Start and open the Computer directory.
Windows Explorer opens. Right-click and empty area and select Add a Network Location from the Context Menu.
The Add Network Location Wizard Starts. Click Next.
In the next screen of the wizard, click Choose a Custom Network Location. If you don’t see this option, just click Next.
In the Internet or Network Address field type: https://www.box.net/dav.
Wait a few seconds, and a login window will appear. Type in your box.net username and password. Check Remember My Credentials and click OK.
Next window gives your folder a name. Click Next.
In the final step of the wizard, make sure Open This Network Location When I Click Finish is selected. Click Finish.
Once the mapping is complete, the Box.net folder lives in the Computer and Network directories as a location. Open it up and use it like you would any folder on your computer. One caveat is the 100MB file size upload limit still applies.
In my tests, this method doesn’t work as fluidly as other services like Dropbox. Even though it works a bit slower, it’s nice to have an easy way to get files in Box.net.
johnl
October 21, 2011 at 11:04 am
Thanks for this. I wonder why Box.net do this offer for Apple products, HP Touchpad and the Blackberry Playbook but not for any form of Android device or Blackberry phones?
Chris
October 22, 2011 at 6:28 pm
sign up for one on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch by downloading the box.net app. (free 50GB a/c)
I don’t have a iPhone, iPad or iPod (no Apple device) what options have I ?
ndac
November 15, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Great!
But is there a way to map multiple accounts simultaneously?
John
February 27, 2012 at 10:39 am
I found you can use multiple accounts but only two.
https://www.box.net/dav one account
https://www.box.com/dav the other account.
I’ve already tried .org which is also owned by Box but it doesn’t work.
P.S. I also use Create Syncronicity to backup my “My Docs” daily to my box account.
Stefan
March 23, 2012 at 12:51 pm
Hi John
regarding your PS: how do you get Create Syncronicity to access your box account? I’d like to do this as well but cannot figure it out. Thanks a lot…………..Stefan…………….
/V
April 11, 2012 at 10:10 am
Use a service like bit.ly to remap http://www.box.net/dav to a new address
Rodrigo Silveira
March 11, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Awesome tip! I was just about to stop using box.net because there was no free sync. I couldn’t see the point of them giving away 50 Gb with no way to sync. This solves that, at least for me.
Jay
April 3, 2012 at 2:11 am
The exact opposite of a lot of people here apparently, I’m an android with a Mac (dont shun me, it was a freebie) Is there anyway of doing the same with Mac? have been looking for a while, not finding much
Sriinvas Kishan
April 25, 2012 at 10:08 am
Eventhough this is little bit slow, I really love this. Is there anyway we can map a network drive for skydrive and dropbox?
Thanks
Kishan
scratch
April 27, 2012 at 11:19 am
@Jay : Go to Finder, click the Go menu and click Connect to Server. Restart your mac, and it is Ok! ;)
Michele
May 3, 2012 at 10:40 am
It didn’t work for me, I must be doing something wrong.
When I do this: “In the Internet or Network Address field type: https://www.box.net/dav.”
a pop up window says the address is not valid :/
what can I do to fix it?
Michele L Garcia
July 11, 2012 at 1:45 pm
it still doesn’t work :/
Big T
May 10, 2012 at 1:11 am
Thanks for the fantastic tip!! You rock, Austin!!!
Chris
May 10, 2012 at 5:02 am
Could I SkyDrive be a Network Drive too…..
Matthew Armytage
June 26, 2012 at 5:45 pm
awesome, thanks!!
Steve Krause
June 26, 2012 at 7:30 pm
You bet and welcome to groovypost!
Sent from my Mobile
beastobadness
July 26, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Simplicity is key, this is a fantastic workaround. Awesome!!!!