Read Only users cannot access SharePoint via Web DAV

SharePoint has an alternative method for accessing it’s files, and that is via a web standard called Web DAV. This connection type has been around a long time, and is supported by the web server. This connection type allows other applications, in my case GoodReader, to connect to SharePoint and access folders and files directly.

A user who only has Read permissions is not allow log in rights into the site over the Web DAV connection. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. You can either create a new permission level, like “Read – Web DAV”, or modify the existing Read permission level to include WebDAV.

To do so:

• Go to Site Actions > Site Settings.
• Click Site Permissions.
• Click Permission Levels in the ribbon.
• If you want to add a new permission level, click on Read, then press Copy Permission Level at the bottom.
• If you want to modify the existing Read permission level, click on Read.
• Scroll down, under Site Permissions is Browse Directories. Check that option.
  
• Click Submit.

That should do it. Immediately, Read users, or users in this permission level, can access SharePoint via Web DAV.

Happy SharePointing!