Web Migration: Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: What is the "udrive"?
A: The "udrive" is the previous hosting environment for all University web content.
Q: What is the "webdrive"?
A: The "webdrive" is a new environment which functions exclusively to host university web content. This new environment offers added features and benefits for web content owners and publishers.
Q: Why was the migration necessary?
A: The environment that hosts university web content was located on a single server platform, "udrive" and it consisted of mostly outdated software. The new environment, "webdrive", consists of a more stable multi-server platform with updated software and security enhancements. In the future, additional environments for experimenting, testing, and development will become available.
Q: Who was impacted by this change?
A: This change only impacted web content owners with data previously stored on the central campus web server using the "public_html" directory on the "udrive". Outside content and web pages hosted on other campus web servers were not be affected. Services that were not impacted are: WebCT, Webmail, PeopleSoft, Blackboard.
Q: When did the migration take place?
A: The testing period took place from May 4th through May 22nd. The actual migration took place May 23rd. The new environment became production on May 26th.
Q: Did any URLs change?
A: No. All URLs are identical.
Q: Can I still use external web services such as WebCT and SOLAR in the new environment?
A: Yes, all CSUN web services are fully functional in the new environment.
Q: What will happen to all of my files left in the "public_html" in the "udrive"? Will I be able to retrieve them?
A: Yes, all files and content currently located in the "public_html" directory of the "udrive" will remain. The "public_html" folder in the "udrive" was renamed to "obsolete_public_html_archive."
Accessing the New Environment
Q: How do I access the new "webdrive"?
A: Visit http://www.csun.edu/it/training/guides/webdrive.html for mapping instructions.
Q: I am a student who has a web page located on the "public_html" folder on the "udrive". Was all of my content also copied to the new environment?
A: Yes. Your content is now available on the new "webdrive" environment. For help mapping the new "webdrive", visit http://www.csun.edu/it/training/guides/webdrive.html.
Q: I am on a UNIX system. How do I access my web content in the new environment?
A: Content owners who map to the "udrive" connect through "csun1". IT has added a prefix "~/webdrive". Instead of updating to "~/public_html", you should now update to "~/webdrive/public_html".
Q: I access my web content using a network protocol (SSH or FTP). How do I access the new environment?
A: You should find a new folder in your home directory. This new folder is labeled "webdrive".
Q: My web pages load fine but some of the features of my website aren't working, what's wrong?
A: Your website may be utilizing a third party program or script such as Perl, PHP, or CGI. Please visit the Dynamic Content page for further instructions on addressing these issues.
Q: Some of my newer content is missing? What do I do?
A: During testing, all content updated on the "udrive" also needed to be updated on the new "webdrive". To copy all of your content to the new environment,
- Under "My Computer" find the drive called \\webdrive.
- Open \\webdrive and access the public_html folder.
- Open the obsolete_public_html_archive folder in your \\udrive.
- Copy everything from your \\udrive\obsolete_public_html_archive to \\webdrive\public_html.
- Open a browser and go to your website. All of your content should be present.
- All of your web content should now be stored in \\webdrive\public_html.
Software
Q: I am using Contribute and having issues updating my content in the new environment. What do I do?
A: Faculty members using Contribute to edit their web content will need to modify their settings to access the new environment. To learn how, refer to the "Editing Settings in Your Web Editor" section of the "Mapping the Web Drive" document. If you need further assistance, contact your technical support representative, or the IT Help Center.
Q: I have a database program integrated with my web page, is there anything I need to be aware of?
A: If your web page is integrated with an external database program such as MySQL or MS Access, there are some additional details to be aware of during the testing process. Please visit the Dynamic Content page for additional information.
Support
If you have questions or need assistance with your programs, contact the IT Help Center at (818) 677–1400 or email helpcenter@csun.edu.