Not sure I follow exactly but from what it sounds like you want the shares to be mapped (from the web server) even when no one is logged on.

In Windows 2000 (as in NT) mapped as part of a user's profile (loaded during logon). The mapped drive can be assigned one of two ways: The first (and least preferable) is when a user right-clicks onto a share in Network Neighborhood (2000 calls it "My Network Places" I believe - whatever), selects the mapping option and choses a letter. At this point there is a checkbox option to "reconnect at login."

The second (more preferable way) is to assign the drive(s) as part of a user's logon script using the "net use" command (also available from the command line). That way if a user jumps from machine to machine and wants a consistent collection of mapped drives no matter where they log on, it won't be a problem. This "consistency" is possible with the first method but they would have to do a one-time remapping for every computer they use. I have about 20 mapped drives so that would definately be unacceptable. You may already know all of the above but I throw it out there for those who may not be familiar with what you're talking about.

If, for what ever reason, you need a path to a shared resource independent of a mapped drive might it be possible to point to the share using its UNC path? I'm not sure how your trying to use the access to the shared resource but a UNC path really will not care about drive letters but will instead just be interested if it's on the network (and of course accessible) to begin with. Hence it will not care if anyone's logged on.

Hope this helps!

Alan