Python - How to open Windows share using user name and password

Question

I would like to access Windows share (ex. \\backupserver\\backups) from Python script. Share is protected by user name and password. How to open this share using user name a

Answer 1

Using pywin32 (Python for Windows Extensions), access the windows networking methods in the win32wnet module. The win32wnet.WNetAddConnection2() method lets you specify username and password.

WNetAddConnection2(NetResource, Password, UserName, Flags)

Creates a connection to a network resource. The function can redirect a local device to the network resource.

After the connection is active, access the share using regular directory and file methods.

Answer 2

Why don't you mount the related share using the

NET USE 

command?

Calling NET USE from through the subprocess module is straight forward.

Answer 3

A nice library that wraps 'net use' command:

http://covenanteyes.github.io/py_win_unc/

Answer 4

Complete example for "NET USE":

backup_storage_available = os.path.isdir(BACKUP_REPOSITORY_PATH)

if backup_storage_available:
    logger.info("Backup storage already connected.")
else:
    logger.info("Connecting to backup storage.")

    mount_command = "net use /user:" + BACKUP_REPOSITORY_USER_NAME + " " + BACKUP_REPOSITORY_PATH + " " + BACKUP_REPOSITORY_USER_PASSWORD
    os.system(mount_command)
    backup_storage_available = os.path.isdir(BACKUP_REPOSITORY_PATH)

    if backup_storage_available:
        logger.fine("Connection success.")
    else:
        raise Exception("Failed to find storage directory.")