About Knox

Knox is an UIT-managed secure file server that utilizes encryption to safeguard student data and other information that MSU has a legal obligation to protect. For MSU employees, it is free for appropriate use. Knox support is handled through the Web Help Desk ticket system.

Secure file servers provide a safe way to store sensitive information such as social security numbers, student records, or other personally identifiable data on the network. Storing sensitive information on individual computers or on off-campus servers like Google Docs is not appropriate and may be a violation of FERPA regulation.

Knox Folder Requests

To request a secure folder on Knox, or to request changes be made to an existing knox folder,  please complete the Knox Folder Request form. You will receive an automated response from the "Web Help Desk" confirming that your request has been received.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Connecting to Knox

Be aware of the possible RISK posed if using Windows 7 to connect to Knox -

Windows 7 presents a risk connecting to Knox because each time a file is accessed, a copy of the file is cached locally. The file caching is a result of the WebDAV protocol Windows 7 uses to allow shared access to files. Due to the sensitive nature of the data being stored on Knox, these locally cached files present a significant risk and are deleted through a centrally managed process.

If you access Knox with a Windows 7 computer from outside of the MSU network, be sure that you are running Identity Finder to delete those files. Windows 8 and 10 and Mac 10.10 + all use the SMB 3 protocol and don't present this risk because files are not cached locally.

Troubleshooting

Data Management Best Practices 

Data management best practices ensure data quality, accuracy, and security, enabling efficient and compliant operations while reducing risks and costs. They support better decision-making, collaboration, and scalability, and provide a foundation for innovation and effective disaster recovery. Frind more information on Data Managment Best Practices here: https://www.montana.edu/uit/security/datamanagement/index.html

 

How do I request a Knox folder?

Please complete the Knox Folder Request form.

How do I request changes to my Knox folder?

Please use the Knox Folder Request form to request changes to your Knox folder. NOTE: Only the registered owner of a Knox folder may request changes to a Knox folder.

How do I request access to an existing Knox folder?

Please complete the Knox Folder Request form. The folder's registered owner will be contacted for approval.  To save time, ask the owner to complete the form to request access for you. 

How do I request SMB3 access for my folder?

Please complete the Knox Folder Request form, to request SMB3 access for your form  All folders being accessed with Windows 8 or 10 and Mac 10.10 or higher should request SMB3 access for their folder.

I've read the Knox FAQ and my question wasn't answered.
How do I get help?

Knox support is handled through the Web Help Desk ticket system. Email all Knox-related questions to knox@montana.edu. You will receive an automated response from the "Web Help Desk" confirming that your request has been received.

Can I access my Knox folder with a web browser?

Yes, but only for folders on which WebDAV is being used.

To access a Knox folder with a web browser, click a link to your folder or paste the link into your browser's address bar.   Access will be READ-ONLY, you won't be able to create, edit, or delete files.

Links will be in this format: https://knox.montana.edu/foldername.

How do I connect to Knox?

If you just need to view a file, you can paste a link to your folder in a web browser. This will take you to a directory of the files within the folder. Access will be READ-ONLY.  You will not be able to edit, delete or upload files.  

If you need READ-WRITE access (ability to view, edit, delete, upload) please follow the instructions below that are appropriate for your computer.

 

How do I connect to Knox with Windows 10 computer?

Follow the Windows 10/8 - Connect to Knox Instructions.

Can I connect to Knox with a Mac?

Yes, if your Mac OS is 10.10 or newer you can connect to Knox. Follow the Mac - Connect to Knox Instructions.

How do I connect to Knox with Linux? Page up arrow. top  

Konqueror and Nautilus can be used to connect to Knox.

To connect to Knox using Konqueror:

  1. Open Konqueror (Start -> Internet -> Konqueror).
  2. Select "Go" -> "Network Folders".
  3. Double-click "Add a Network Folder".
  4. Select "WebFolder (webdav)" and click "Next".
  5. Name: Type in a descriptive name (Example: Biology Grades on Knox).
  6. User: Enter your NetID (example: j54h273).
  7. Server: Enter "knox.montana.edu".
  8. Port: Enter "443".
  9. Folder: Enter the name of your Knox folder.
  10. Check the "User Encryption" box.
  11. Click "Save & Connect". You will now be prompted to enter your NetID password..

To connect to Knox using Nautilus:

  1. Click "Places" -> "Connect to Server".
  2. Change "Service type" to "Secure WebDAV (HTTPS)"
  3. Server: Enter "knox.montana.edu".
  4. Port: Enter "443".
  5. Folder: Enter the name of your Knox folder.
  6. Username: Enter your NetID (example: j54h273).
  7. Name to use for connection: Enter a descriptive name (Example: Grad School Transcripts)

What do I do if I can't login?

Contact the UIT Service Desk for assistance (994-1777 | helpdesk@montana.edu).

Why do I get a Not Authorized error?

Possible causes:

  • Your access is not set up correctly.
  • You are trying to access the wrong Knox folder.

Send email to knox@montana.edu for help with troubleshooting.

Why do I get a Cannot Connect to Server error?

Possible cause:

  • Your access is not set up correctly.

Send email to knox@montana.edu for help with troubleshooting.

Why do I get a The page cannot be found error? Page up arrow.top

You may be using the wrong folder name and the name you are using does not exist.
Double-check the name of your assigned folder.

Why does the username/password box keep popping up?

Possible causes:

  1. You are using the wrong password.
  2. Your password has expired or your expired password has been cached by your browser.

How do I clear passwords saved by my browser?

To clear cached passwords in Firefox:

  1. Under Tools on the menu bar, click Clear Private Data.
  2. Check the Saved Passwords box.
  3. Click the Clear Private Data Now button.

To clear cached passwords in Internet Explorer:

  1. Under Tools on the menu bar, click Internet Options.
  2. Select the General tab.
  3. Under Browsing History, click Delete.
  4. Click Delete Passwords.

To clear cached passwords in Safari:

  1. Under the History tab, click "Clear History "(NOTE: This also clears browsing history.)

I still have questions. Who do I ask?Page up arrow. top

Email questions to knox@montana.edu or call the UIT Service Desk at 406.994.1777.