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Connect to network share via UNC

For years, I have connected to other servers via my Windows XP laptop using an address of something like "\\winservera" from within Windows Explorer. This has always worked fine. However, suddenly last week it quit working.

I get a message saying "Windows cannot find "\\winservera. Check the spelling and try again, or try searching for the item by clicking the Start button and then clicking Search."

The only thing I can think that was a little different was that I had been at a conference and connected to several other networks. But I didn't really do any special setup or anything. Any idea why I can't connect? Any ideas on how I can fix this?

Thanks,
Chris

chrismanncalgavin

What sort of network are you connected to?
Verify your IP address settings are correct, if you changed them to a Static IP Address you may need to set the connection back to DHCP (automatic assignment).

I sounds likely that some network settings have changed, specifically the DNS servers.
Go to Start-Control Panel-Network Connections, right click your network connection and click Properties.
Click Internet Protocol TCP/IP and click properties.

Check settings here are correct as per other machines on your network.

Rob Williams

Have you reboot the laptop? If not I would do so or at least at a command line run
ipconfig /flushdns
nbtstat -R
(rebooting will accomplish this as well)

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vojans

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chlade

ASKER

vojans, that was it. I can now connect.

You mention the setting that refers to adding "DSN Suffix". Where is this setting? Any idea why it may have changed?

vojans

I guess this is good enough, I don't need to write something what's already written. If you still have problems finding it, please note so, and I'll walk you through.

http://www.webhero.org/System/windowsxp_dns.htm