Remote desktops & file saving
Understanding Remote Work and File Saving
If you've ever logged in and your Desktop or Documents folder looks empty, you may have saved your files on a different computer than the one you're using right now.
If you work remotely, you may access a remote computer that is on-site. Understanding how this works is key to keeping track of your files.
Here's how to understand what happened and how to prevent it next time.
What’s going on?
When you work remotely, you may be using a remote desktop — a virtual work computer that you access from your real device.
Think of it like this
Your laptop is like your backpack.
Your remote desktop is like your office desk.
If you leave your files on your desk, you won’t find them in your backpack.
How can I tell which computer I’m using?
Did you log in using Remote Desktop?
If yes, you're working on your remote work computer.
Blue bar at the top of your screen?
You’re using a remote desktop.
Best practices for saving files
To avoid this confusion, save your work to your H: drive (or Google Drive)
What’s the H: Drive?
Your personal folder on the SOM network
You can access it whether you're using your UNLV issued laptop or your remote desktop.
It’s secure and backed up daily.
↓ Learn more about file saving here ↓
How do I use it?
When saving a file in Word, Excel, etc., choose File → Save As.
Click Browse or This PC.
Select your H: drive from the list.
Don’t see it? Call the SOM Help Desk and we’ll be glad to assist.
TIP --> Save everything to your H: drive
Saving to the H: drive means:
Your files are safe and backed up
You can access them from anywhere
You avoid the “where did it go?” headache
Make it a habit — save to H: every time
Can’t find your files?
Check the Recycle Bin (on both computers)
Open Documents, Downloads, and Desktop folders on both computers
Use the search bar to look for part of the file name, if possible
