Can't use "net use"

I'm trying to mount a remote folder (on a WHS machine) as a drive in a windows 7 machine. Both computers are in the same homegroup and I can access the remote folders via the file browser.

So, I open up a DOS prompt and enter net use as normal:

Code:

C:\>net use x: \\WHS_Server
System error 53 has occurred.


The network path was not found.

Doesn't work. (It gives the same error if I use the IP)

I ping it to make sure the two computers and 'see' each other.
C:\>ping -a WHS_Server

Code:

Pinging WHS_Server [192.168.1.104] with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.1.104: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.104: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.104: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.104: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128


Ping statistics for 192.168.1.104:
     Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
    Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 0ms, Average = 0ms

Seems all good.

Now I have exhausted my windows networking skills.

Any suggestions?

TIA

You do realize that the only version of Windows server that is made to function properly with Homegroups is the new one code named VAIL. None of the other Windows servers are made to work with Homegroups, you would need to set up a standard Workgroup type network for that. You can try it but it may not work exactly perfect.

If you plan on sharing an entire drive or a folder as a drive you may need to go into the security settings to allow for drive shares to work properly. I'm not too sure exactly what you are trying to do but this might help. It's much safer from a security standpoint to share a folder rather than an entire drive.

To share the entire drive:
Open My Computer -> right click Local Disk D or which ever drive letter your drive is using -> select Properties -> select Security tab -> click Edit button -> click Add button -> enter the name of the User you want to set Security permissions (it is the same user name you've set the sharing permissions for, ex. Everyone will set the read permissions to every user. Put check marks in the boxes for full access and control -> click OK hit apply-> select the desired permissions -> click OK -> wait while permissions are set -> and your Done.

You will also need to use the Advanced sharing tab Sharing>Advanced put a check in the box to share the drive, then click on the permissions tab and "add Everyone" then use the check boxes to allow Everyone full access. Hit the apply button on both windows.

Tepid said:

Try
C:\>net use x: \\WHS_Server\temp

Tried and got the same system error 53.

Tepid said:

Can you access it by bringing up explorer and try getting to it direct from the address bar?

Yes, typing \\WHS_Server\ in the address bar takes me to the shared folders after entering my username/password. In the guided setup for the WHS it asked for the username on the win7 machine (rather than add a user from scratch) so i think that should be all link up correctly.

chev65 said:

You do realize that the only version of Windows server that is made to function properly with Homegroups is the new one code named VAIL.

Sorry, I misspoke in my OP. The computers ARE set up in a workgroup, not a homegroup. Also, the folders seemed to be shared okay, since I can access them via explorer.

thanks again...

Tepid, per your post, I revisited mapping through the GUI. I had started there, but went to net use, because win7 would not remember my credentials despite checking the 'remember my credentials' box.

In playing with it again, I found that immediately after mapping the drive, credentials would show up in the credentials manager, but upon reboot the credential manager would be empty. Therefore the drives would appear broken and you'd have to pass them credentials again.

I deleted the mapped drives, entered my credentials in the credentials manager, and then remapped the drives. I rebooted and it worked. So, it seems that if you put the credentials in the manager directly (instead of allowing windows to automate the process) it seems to remember them. Now I can access remote folders via the cmd console, which was my aim.

I'm still baffled as two why 'net use' can't seem to see any other computers, but at least I have a way around it. FYI, I do have power pack 3 installed and the I tried the reboot sequence you mentioned to no avail.

Barman, just tried it and I get the same system error 53.

Thanks tho.

Also, I got a hold of another win 7 machine and hooked it up and i get the same 'net use' problem.

Another FYI, I happened to just input 'net use' and it sees the mapped drives I create through the GUI.