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Cannot access network shares with iMac

I have a workgroup network of several WinXP, Server 2003 and Vista computers. My iMac can now no longer access shares on this network (initially it had no problems). The workgroup shows up, and all of the computers are properly listed, but when I try to Connect to one of the shares (which are all correctly shown on the dropdown list) I get the message: "The alias "<computer name>" could not be opened, because the original item cannot be found." Choices are <Delete alias>, <Fix alias...> and <OK>. When I select Fix, <Network> is grayed out and cannot be selected.
I have a nearly new iMac with 2GB RAM, OS X Tiger. No other Macs on the network.
Any suggestions?

Eoin OSullivan

1. Delete the Alias .. as once they stop working .. they never seem to be able to work properly again.
2. In the Finder use ... GO menu .. Connect to Server .. enter smb://SERVERNAME/SHAREFOLDER (with you network names or IP addresses
3. IT will prompt for your network username/password and you shoudl be able to connect.

If you regularly connect to specific machines then you can use one of the methods here in this article to have shortcuts or automounts or applescripts do the wok for you
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/22427567/Network-Drive-Mappings-on-Macbook-Pro.html

lakero

ASKER

When I try to delete the alias I'm told "The operation cannot be completed because you do not have sufficient privileges for <server>."
If I follow your #2, I'm told "You are already connected to this server volume."

Eoin OSullivan

You might need to restart the Mac
Maybe disconnect from the network, reboot offline and log in as a user with admin rights .. then delete the alias

Then ignore the aliases for the moment .. and try using an applescript to connect

tell application "Finder"
mount volume "smb://username:password@SERVERNAME/SHAREFOLDER"
end tell

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Eoin OSullivan

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lakero

ASKER

Not sure exactly what step fixed it, but now I have full access to all of my network shares. Thanks!