Windows File Services and Mapped Drives - Degradation of Service
8:30AM 2/19/2026
We are writing to provide an update on the file server performance issues that began on January 29. The environment remains stable, and we are actively working toward a long-term resolution.
What is happening?
In coordination with Dell and Microsoft, Information Technology has determined that the hardware supporting several of our primary campus shared file storage systems needs to be rebuilt to restore optimal performance. To complete this work safely, we are migrating data and virtual machines to stable storage hardware before rebuilding the original system.
What does this mean for you?
Ongoing Access: You can continue to use your mapped drives (such as the H: and W: drives) as usual.
Occasional Slower Response Times: Because we are moving large volumes of data while the system remains in use, you may occasionally notice slower performance when accessing files.
Strategic Scheduling: To reduce disruption, we are limiting the amount of intensive data moves during primary work hours.
Timeline: The migration involves more than 80 terabytes of data. Due to the size and the need to maintain system stability, this process will take several weeks to complete.
Is our data safe?
Yes. While performance has been impacted, data protection remains intact. We are running daily copies of newly created data and maintaining redundancy across multiple systems.
During the earlier issue, we temporarily advised saving certain files locally as a precaution. That temporary guidance is no longer in effect. We have restored backup protections, and we recommend returning to standard practice of storing university data on network drives, particularly when it is sensitive in nature.
Next Steps
We are moving systems in phases to maintain stability. We have already completed part of the migration and will continue working through the remaining storage systems. We will provide updates as progress is made.
Thank you for your patience as we complete this work.
8:00 AM 2/2/2026
The file server remained stable throughout the weekend. Performance testing and additional backup activity were completed with no observed performance issues. While we are encouraged by these findings, we are not yet ready to state that the issue has been fully resolved until we observe stable performance with all users connected and working normally during a routine workday.
Thank you again for your patience!
12:00 PM 1/30/2026
Additional updates will be shared as the situation changes or when service is restored.
8:00AM 1/30/2026
Communication and additional detailed guidance was sent out last evening to those who are directly affected by this file server outage. The situation persists this morning and IT remains engaged with its vendor partners to work on a resolution.
7:00 PM 1/29/2026
IT has engaged vendors to assist with the troubleshooting for this on-going service degradation. Those who are specifically affected by this situation will receive a detailed follow up with additional guidance this evening.
4:30 PM 1/29/2026
Issues have persisted and IT has brought in other resources to continue troubleshooting the technical issue we are experiencing.
2:00 PM 1/29/2026
IT has detected more degraded performance issues similar to earlier in the afternoon. We are continuing to investigate and will update when we know more.
1:30 PM 1/29/2026
Information Technology has resolved the issue. Full performance should be restored.
1:25 PM 1/29/2026
Information Technology has detected some performance issues with the File Server that provides network shares and mapped drives for a large portion of campus. You might notice slowness or unresponsiveness when trying to navigate shared folders or open files from network drives. IT is aware of the issue and working to restore performance.