Mac

This posting covers how to create a script (application) for your Mac to automatically connect to a shared Windows folder when you login to your Mac.

Creating the Script

Open the Apple Script Editor: Applications > Utilities > AppleScript Editor
Enter the script code below:
(Note: if you copy/paste this code you may need to re-type all the “double quotes” to correct the syntax.)
Click the Compile button to validate your code.

Script:

tell application "Finder"
if not (exists disk "SHARED") then mount volume "smb://MyServer/MyShare"
end tell

Saving the Script File as an AppleScript file

This will save the script in a format that can later be edited, if you chose to make changes.

File > Save
Specify a name for your script. For example: MapNetworkServers.scpt
File Format: Script
Run Only: Unchecked

Saving the Script File as an Application

This will save the file in an executable format. This is the file that will run at login.

File > Save As
Specify where you want to save your script file, and specify a file name. For example: MapNetworkServers.app. I created a folder called “Commands” in my Documents folder where I store my script and application file.
Set the File Format to Application.
Check the Run Only check box. This will cause the script to run and exit.
Click Save.

You should now have two files:

MapNetworkServers.scpt – keep this file so you can modify this script in the future.
MapNetworkServers.app – this is the script you will use to configure to execute when you login.

Configure the Script to Run at Login

Go to System Preference > Accounts
Select the appropriate user; the user you want this script to run when they login.
Select the Login Items tab.
Click the “+” button at the bottom of the list of applications to add a new startup application.
Browse to your MapNetworkServers.app file and select it.
You should now see it in the list.
Optional: You can check the Hide check box, if you like. I suggest not doing this until you know your script is working correctly.

That’s it. Your shared Windows server folders should now be mapped automatically when you login.

This sample script only maps one folder, the “MySharedFolder” folder. However, on my home network I have several folders on the same server that exist. If you have previously selected all the shared Windows folders (using Finder > Go > Connect to Server), and provide your login credentials to that server, all the shared folders on that server will appear; which is ultimately what I want anyway. This also allows your script to be shorter and easier to maintain by having to map one shared folder in your script instead of having to write a line of code for each and every shared foler on that Windows server.

Resources:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1568

Parallels is a software product that allows users to run Windows 7 on their Mac computer. I must say, it works pretty darn well. The only real annoyance I have encountered thus far is how Parallels maps the “Delete” key. This makes the Delete and Backspace keys confusing. The Apple Mac “Delete” key and the Windows “Backspace” key are located in the same (approximate) location on the keyboard; and both keys even function the same on a Windows computer compared to a Mac computer. They delete the characters to the left of the cursor.

However, for those who use Parallels to host a virtual Windows 7 machine on their Mac computer, the Mac keyboard “Delete” key deletes the characters to the right of the cursor, which was driving me crazy. The user must press fn+Delete to perform the standard Windows backspace to delete the characters to the left. This may only be a problem for people using a Mac notebook keyboard or an external Mac wireless keyboard. I expect this is not a problem for those who use an external Windows keyboard on their Mac – assuming those people even exist.

How to Re-Map the Delete Key in Parallels

Here are the steps to change (re-map) the “Delete” key to the standard Windows “Backspace” key on your Windows 7 machine running in Parallels. I prefer this because it provides a consistent action for the “Delete” key – it always deletes the character to the left of the cursor regardless of whether I’m using Windows (named “backspace”) or Mac OS (named “delete”).

1) Open the Parallels Preferences. You can find the Preference menu option by holding the “option/alt” button and clicking the red Parallels icon ‘||‘ at the top of your Mac desktop.

2) Press the “+” button at the bottom of the shortcuts list to add a new ‘shortcut’.

3) In the “From” key section, press the Mac “Delete” key. The word Delete will appear.

4) In the “To” key section, select the “Backspace” key in the drop down box.

Now your “Delete” key will perform like a Windows Backspace key, deleting the characters to the left. Remember, you can also press fn+Delete to perform the standard Windows Delete key to delete the characters to the right.