Trouble Mapping Network Drive Windows 7

[jgray]

Hello -

Okay. Here is the scoop. I work in a small office where we have 1 desktop running Windows 7 64 bit connected by a LAN line to the wireless router, which is our "network drive". We have 1 laptop running 64 bit Vista, 1 laptop running 64 bit Windows 7, and 1 laptop running 32 bit Windows 7.

6 months ago, I loaded all of our shared files to the "public documents" folder on the 64bit Desktop, and was able to get all the laptops to access these folders, as well as to map this folder as our "network drive".

However, something happened about 2 weeks ago when we did some windows updates on our Desktop, and now none of us can re-connect / sync with the network drive. the message we get is:

\\RC-PC is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. A device attached to the system is not functioning.

Oddly enough, however, we can access the folder through the home-group. Just can't seem map the location any longer.

Any ideas?

 

[chev65]

Your best bet is to try and remove the offending update.
Remove an update

I should also mention that because you seem to have a mixed Op system network you should leave the Homegroup from all the Windows 7 machines and set up a Workgroup instead.

Home groups isn't really made to work in a mixed Op system network at all.

 

[jgray]

Hi. Yes, that was the first thing I did. All computers are on the same work-group: MSHOME. As I said, It is strange, All computers are visible on the Network from each of the computers, and we can all access one another's computers, including accessing the laptops from the desktop. Yet we still cannot access the desktop from the other computers, though it appears on the network

Problem with removing the update is that to try to fix the problem, I did an "upgrade" type re-install of the windows 7 operating system on the desktop, so all previous updates are no longer available for removal. Any other advice?

 

[jgray]

Here is a screen shot - As you can see, I can access Documents through "Homegroup" on ROOTCHANGE3-PC, yet when I try to open ROOTCHANGE3-PC through "Network" I Get the message: \\ROOTCHANGE3-PC is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. A device attached to the system is not functioning.

 

[chev65]

As a test we can try making some adjustments to the sharing and the security permissions of the actual drive "C"? which ever is the main drive for the desktop with the access problem. Follow the steps in the link below.

As I mentioned earlier if you are using Homegroups in a mixed Op system network it will cause endless sharing problems, you should leave the Homegroup on all machines and set up a Workgroup instead.

http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/92521-hdd-sharing.html#post798310

 

[jgray]

Ok. I have disconnected all computers from the homegroup. We are now all on the the same workgroup: MSHOME. In addition, have gone and checked all the boxes for sharing through the properties/security on the c: Unfortunately have same problem.

A strange thing I noticed - it looks like the old folder that I had previously mapped as a network drive on the desktop is still "syncing" (I have saved a couple files locally on my laptop that are now appearing on the desktop computer). Yet when I try to manually sync files between laptop and desktop, it sends me another error message. See the screen shot attached. I have tried to "diagnose", but the computer can't solve it.

 

[chev65]

The problem as I see it is that this network drive is showing up in Library's which isn't the correct place for it to show up as you aren't using Homegroups and therefore not using Library's. It's no wonder things are messed up.

It looks like you added this drive to your Library's when you had the Homegroup set up. You will want to remove the drive from the Library and remap it. Although it looks like you already have the drive mapped because it's showing up under "Network".

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/49517-map-network-drive.html

Also besides just checking the boxes on the sharing permissions tab of this drive you will also want to use the Security tab, click "Edit" then next window click "Add" then type in "Everyone" click OK, then second picture notice that "Everyone" is on the access list now, put check marks for full access, hit apply, OK. Second Picture below. This will allow access for this drive to everyone in your network.

 

[jgray]

Ok. I have done both of the above, but still nothing When I try to map the drive, you see the same dialog box (see screenshots)

 

[TGSoldier]

What are your settings looking like in network and sharing center?

Eg. File and printer sharing = on/off? Network Discovery = on/off? etc.

 

[chev65]

Ok. I have done both of the above, but still nothing When I try to map the drive, you see the same dialog box (see screenshots)

You shouldn't even have to map the drive in order to gain access if the sharing and more importantly the Security settings allow for it.

The picture shows the Sharing permissions window but you also need to make the changes I mentioned in the Security settings as well. You need to use the Security tab "second picture" for that, it's not clear if you have done that yet or not?

It also says the device is not functioning so there may be a problem with the drive. You might try changing the sata cable for that drive.

 

[jgray]

Yes. That was the first thing I did. All file sharing/printer sharing is on. Sharing so anyone with network access can read write files in the public folders is on. Password protected sharing is off. Allow windows to manage homegroup connectinos is on. 128 bit encryption is on. Network discovery on.