Gigasphere

VPN & File Share

Quick Start Guide

For Windows & Mac users  ·  Requirements: .ovpn profile + Samba credentials from your administrator

Contents
Video Overview Step 1 — Install the VPN Client Step 2 — Import Your VPN Profile
Step 3 — Connect to the VPN Step 4 — Access the File Share Step 5 — Disconnect Troubleshooting
Video Overview

Watch this walkthrough before following the steps below.

1Install the VPN Client

Download and run the installer:

OpenVPN 2.7.4 for Windows (64-bit)

Run the .msi file and follow the prompts. Accept all defaults. A shield icon will appear in your system tray when installation is complete.

Important: Use this specific version (OpenVPN Community). The "OpenVPN Connect" app from the Windows Store does not work with Gigasphere's VPN.

Download and install Tunnelblick:

Tunnelblick 8.0.1 for Mac

Open the .dmg and drag Tunnelblick to your Applications folder, then launch it.

2Import Your VPN Profile

Your administrator will provide a file named <yourname>.ovpn. This file is your personal VPN credential — do not share it.

  1. Right-click the OpenVPN shield icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen).
  2. Select Import file…
  3. Browse to your .ovpn file and click Open.
  4. A confirmation dialog will appear — click OK.

Double-click the .ovpn file. Tunnelblick will prompt you to install the profile. Choose Only Me and click Install.

3Connect to the VPN
  1. Right-click the OpenVPN shield icon in the system tray.
  2. Select Connect (or hover over the profile name if you have more than one).
  3. The icon turns green when connected.

Click the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar and select Connect.

The VPN must be connected before you can access the file share in Step 4.
4Access the Gigasphere File Share

Once the VPN is connected, the company file share is available at:

\\172.18.100.3\gigasphere
Option A — Open directly in File Explorer
  1. Press Win + R, type the address below, and press Enter: 
    \\172.18.100.3\gigasphere
  2. Enter your Samba credentials when prompted:
    • Username: your username (e.g. davis)
    • Password: as provided by your administrator
  3. The shared folders will open in File Explorer.
Option B — Map as a Network Drive Recommended

Mapping lets you access the share as a persistent drive letter (e.g. G:) every time you connect.

  1. Open File Explorer and click This PC in the left panel.
  2. Click Map network drive in the toolbar (or right-click This PC → Map network drive…).
  3. Choose a drive letter (e.g. G:).
  4. In the Folder field, enter: 
    \\172.18.100.3\gigasphere
  5. Check Reconnect at sign-in if you want it to auto-connect.
  6. Click Finish, then enter your credentials when prompted.
Tip: Check Remember my credentials so you are not prompted every time.
5Disconnect

When you are finished, disconnect the VPN to free up the connection:

  • Windows: Right-click the OpenVPN tray icon → Disconnect.
  • macOS: Click the Tunnelblick menu bar icon → Disconnect.

The file share will become unavailable once the VPN is disconnected.

Troubleshooting
ProblemSolution
File share says "network path not found" Make sure the VPN is connected (tray icon is green) before opening the share.
Credentials rejected Double-check your username and password. Passwords are case-sensitive. Contact your administrator to reset.
VPN fails to connect Ensure you are on a network with internet access. Try reconnecting once.
Drive letter not visible after restart The drive auto-reconnects only while the VPN is active. Connect the VPN first, then open File Explorer.