Library and Information Technology Services (LITS)
Does File Stream make the Google Drive plug-in for Microsoft Office unnecessary?
Yes it does. Google Drive contents can be directly accessed from the G: drive within all Microsoft Office applications.
Can I use the old Google Drive app and Drive File Stream at the same time?
Drive File Stream eliminates the need for the old Google Drive app. Allegheny campus computers should no longer be using the Google Drive app. Please contact the InfoDesk if you need to have the app uninstalled.
How do I know if I need to have the Google Drive sync app uninstalled?
A user can check the status of the sync app by locating its icon in the system tray (bottom right corner in Windows, top right in Mac OS X).
On a Windows and Mac, the Drive File Stream icon is similar, but black and white instead of multicolored.
How do I disable the old Google Drive sync app?
Contact the InfoDesk or file a WebHelp ticket.
How do I install Drive File Stream on my college owned computer?
On a Window 10 PC: Drive File Stream should already have been installed when the computer was deployed or upgraded to Windows Users will simply launch the software from the Start menu and then sign in with their Allegheny credentials when prompted.
Mac users can download File Stream here. (Note that non-Administrative user accounts will require the assistance of a User Support technician for installation. Please contact the InfoDesk).
How do I install Drive File Stream on my personal computer?
LITS does not recommend using File Stream from a personal computer. Users are encouraged to access files using the browser-based version of Google Drive when using personal devices. You will need to be logged into your @www.cronistalascolonias.com.ar account to be able to access your files.
Once installed, how do I access Drive File Stream?
Your entire Google Drive contents show up under a new drive letter (typically the G: drive).
This can be accessed from Windows Explorer (file browser) or through the white File Stream icon that appears in the system tray (single click, then click on the folder icon in the pop-up window that appears).
How do I make a desktop shortcut to the G: drive?
Browse to the G: drive via Windows Explorer (Start > Computer). Right-click the G: drive and choose &#;Create shortcut&#;.
Can I access files in a Google shared drive using File Stream?
Yes, when you open the G: drive you will see both My Drive and Shared drives.
Can I edit and save files in a Google shared drive using File Stream?
Yes, provided you have full access to the Google shared drive. Depending on what level of access you have been assigned to any shared drive, your ability to save/edit shared drive files via Drive File Stream may be limited.
Do I need to choose which folders I want to access?
No, every folder and file in your Google Drive will show up in File Stream.
Unlike the old Google Drive app, the files and folders are not saved to your local computer. The cloud icon on the folder tells you that the file is located in the cloud only. Files with a silhouette indicate that they are shared.
Can I save and open files in File Stream directly from programs like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint?
Yes, just open the File Stream drive letter (G:) like you would for a file in My Documents or the O: drive. File Stream works best in storing Office documents that only you edit. If it is a collaborative document, you should ideally use the equivalent Google Workspace Tool to develop your document, presentation, or spreadsheet. Learn more about switching to Google Workspace from Office at the Google Workspace Learning Center.
If I save a file in the File Stream G: drive does it remain on my computer?
No. Data stored in the G: drive is &#;streamed&#; on demand from the cloud to your local computer. Local caching occurs as you access and modify data but a local copy of a file is not accessible unless you choose to make it available while offline (see below).
Can I make a file or folder available when I’m offline?
Yes, if you anticipate that you will not have a network connection and would like to retain access to a particular document you can make it available while offline. Right-click the file, hover over “Drive File Stream” and select “Available offline”. Note that Google Docs, Spreadsheets, etc. cannot be made available offline.
The file icon will change to a blue circle while downloading and then change to a green circle with a check mark when done.
The file is now available offline. If you modify the file while offline, the file will sync the next time you connect to the Internet.
Note: You should NOT make your entire Drive available offline. Storage on Google Drive is unlimited, while disk space on your computer is not.
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