Counterpoint POS Server - Network Drive Mapping Tutorial

Overview

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for mapping a network drive to connect to the Counterpoint POS server. This connection is essential for accessing the Counterpoint database and related files from workstations on the network.

Target Audience: IT Staff and Store Managers
Operating System: Windows 11
Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes

Prerequisites

Before beginning this process, ensure the following requirements are met:

• Network Connection: The computer must be connected to either:
  • Snowknows LAN, or
  • Corporate LAN
• User Account: You will need valid local server account credentials (contact your IT administrator if you don't have these)
• Administrative Rights: You may need local administrator rights on the workstation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Method 1: Using File Explorer (Recommended)

1. Open File Explorer

   • Press Windows + E or click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar

2. Access Network Mapping

   • Right-click on "This PC" in the left sidebar
   • Select "Map network drive..." from the context menu

3. Configure Drive Mapping

   • Drive: Select P: from the dropdown menu (preferred drive letter)
   • Folder: Enter one of the following paths:
     • \\cpserver\CPSQL1 (using server name)
     • \\192.168.111.99\CPSQL1 (using IP address)

4. Authentication Settings

   • Check "Reconnect at sign-in" to automatically connect the drive at startup
   • Check "Connect using different credentials" if prompted
   • Click "Finish"

5. Enter Credentials

   • When prompted, enter your local server account credentials
   • Username: [Your assigned server username]
   • Password: [Your assigned server password]
   • Click "OK"

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Alternative)

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

   • Press Windows + X
   • Select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)"

2. Execute Mapping Command

   • Type one of the following commands:

   net use P: \\cpserver\CPSQL1 /persistent:yes
   

   or

   net use P: \\192.168.111.99\CPSQL1 /persistent:yes
   

3. Enter Credentials When Prompted

   • Provide your local server account username and password

Verification

After completing the mapping process, verify the connection:

1. Check Drive Appearance

   • Open File Explorer
   • Confirm that "CPSQL1 (P:)" appears under "This PC"

2. Test Access

   • Double-click on the P: drive
   • Verify that you can see Counterpoint database files and folders
   • You should see typical Counterpoint directory structure

3. Connection Status

   • The drive should show as connected and accessible
   • If successful, you'll see the Counterpoint file structure

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: "The network path was not found"

• Solution: Verify network connectivity to Snowknows LAN or Corporate LAN
• Solution: Try using the IP address method instead of server name
• Solution: Check if the server is online and accessible

Issue: "Access is denied" or credential errors

• Solution: Verify your local server account credentials with your IT administrator
• Solution: Ensure your account has appropriate permissions for the CPSQL1 share

Issue: Drive doesn't appear after mapping

• Solution: Refresh File Explorer (F5)
• Solution: Restart File Explorer or reboot the computer
• Solution: Try mapping to a different drive letter

Issue: Connection drops frequently

• Solution: Ensure "Reconnect at sign-in" was checked during setup
• Solution: Check network stability and connection quality

Advanced Troubleshooting

If standard troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue:

1. Test network connectivity:

   ping cpserver
   ping 192.168.111.99
   

2. Check available shares:

   net view \\cpserver
   net view \\192.168.111.99
   

Important Notes

• Security: Future security requirements may be implemented. This tutorial will be updated accordingly.
• Persistence: The mapped drive should automatically reconnect each time you log in to Windows
• Multiple Methods: Both server name and IP address methods should work. Use IP address if experiencing DNS resolution issues
• Support: Contact your IT administrator if you encounter persistent connection issues or need assistance with credentials

Additional Information

• Share Name: CPSQL1
• Preferred Drive Letter: P:
• Server Authentication: Local server accounts (specific credential information available from IT administrator)
• Network Requirements: Connection to Snowknows LAN or Corporate LAN is mandatory

Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: [10/14/2025]
Contact: Brennan Pixton