Unable to access Shares on a Windows Home Premium PC
I have a small 4 user network - 3 desktops (Windows Home Premium - Not my idea) and 2 laptop (windows 10). One of the desktops is acting as a server (basically sharing out data files). I received a call the other day regarding loss of access to the main shared folder. I assumed it was loss of power, but, there was no entry in the UPS monitoring logs. I booted the cable modem/wireless LAN router to be sure. No success.
I now believe it was due to recent Microsoft updates (I normally shut those off) taking it upon themselves to download, install and
reboot the system. So now 2 of the 4 machines are completely unable to share out anything.
I checked the properties of the Net adapters. I made sure they were connected to the correct network and that data sharing was enabled. I am able to ping with no problem. I disabled my AV/Firewall (Norton Internet Security) and also tried to rejoin the trusted network with their MAC addresses. One PC I attempted to restore prior to the MS updates - failed - unsuccessful. I tried re-naming the PC/work group just to shake the tree. I also created test shared folders with Everyone having full rights - same results. Nothing seems to work.
Error message while attempting to access the share:
'An error occurred while reconnecting P: to \\PC2\Public Microsoft Windows Network the handle is invalid. This connection has not been restored.
I need to restore the ability to share out files and folders.
Any suggestions?
I now believe it was due to recent Microsoft updates (I normally shut those off) taking it upon themselves to download, install and
reboot the system. So now 2 of the 4 machines are completely unable to share out anything.
I checked the properties of the Net adapters. I made sure they were connected to the correct network and that data sharing was enabled. I am able to ping with no problem. I disabled my AV/Firewall (Norton Internet Security) and also tried to rejoin the trusted network with their MAC addresses. One PC I attempted to restore prior to the MS updates - failed - unsuccessful. I tried re-naming the PC/work group just to shake the tree. I also created test shared folders with Everyone having full rights - same results. Nothing seems to work.
Error message while attempting to access the share:
'An error occurred while reconnecting P: to \\PC2\Public Microsoft Windows Network the handle is invalid. This connection has not been restored.
I need to restore the ability to share out files and folders.
Any suggestions?
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Andrew Leniart
Can you clarify what operating systems are involved here? I note Windows XP in your Topics Selection, but are there other versions of Windows OS in the mix here?
Windows XP is too far gone to share files. But for Windows 7 and up, the new updates (in the last week) have fixed things.
ASKER
Hey John,
You have helped me in the past. Thank you for the quick response, and great suggestion!
I assumed it was the updates, just wasn't getting a clear answer from the Internet the other day.
So I did as you stated and resolved the main acting server shares - way important. So for the most part, my client is up. Unfortunately the owners PC (of course!!!) has gotten worst.
What I failed to mention before was that the acting server (previously) started freezing up after my attempts to resolve the share issues. That problem is now cleared from the server but has now completely shifted to the owners PC after performing the new updates. So, basically I was unable to access shares from the owners PC before, now there is an added system freeze up problem. It appears that any time you attempt to open a folder the system will lock up requiring a cold boot. I checked for any new MS updates - none - and of course they don't have the original Windows Media.
You have helped me in the past. Thank you for the quick response, and great suggestion!
I assumed it was the updates, just wasn't getting a clear answer from the Internet the other day.
So I did as you stated and resolved the main acting server shares - way important. So for the most part, my client is up. Unfortunately the owners PC (of course!!!) has gotten worst.
What I failed to mention before was that the acting server (previously) started freezing up after my attempts to resolve the share issues. That problem is now cleared from the server but has now completely shifted to the owners PC after performing the new updates. So, basically I was unable to access shares from the owners PC before, now there is an added system freeze up problem. It appears that any time you attempt to open a folder the system will lock up requiring a cold boot. I checked for any new MS updates - none - and of course they don't have the original Windows Media.
ASKER
I was just attempting to broaden my tech support pool by adding in XP. There are no XP PC'S in this network. Sorry for the confusion.
It's just Windows Home Premium and Windows 10.
It's just Windows Home Premium and Windows 10.
Based on your comments about the acting server and the lock ups, try running a Windows 10 Repair Install. Try Keep Everything. This will normally work unless the Windows User Profile is damaged.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Windows 10 is running, so click on the Download button (not Upgrade Button, select Save.
Create a USB Windows Installation key and then run Setup on the USB Key.
This will launch the Repair and proceed normally.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Windows 10 is running, so click on the Download button (not Upgrade Button, select Save.
Create a USB Windows Installation key and then run Setup on the USB Key.
This will launch the Repair and proceed normally.
ASKER
The machine in question (owners PC) is running Windows Home Premium
The owner can do the Repair following my instructions above. Repairs have always been safe for me. Nonetheless, data should be backed up.
So long it is not Windows User Profile damage, the Repair almost always works and repairs the problem.
So long it is not Windows User Profile damage, the Repair almost always works and repairs the problem.
ASKER
Thank you John
Yes the MS updates worked. Strangely enough, not right away. Which put me on a path of attempting to restore from an image backup to an altered drive. I didn't want to run the risk of attempting a repair on systems I haven't performed restores on. While I was busy with coming up with an altered plan, one machine pulled down a 2nd MS update that resolved it's issue. So, I pushed my final PC to grab an optional update associated to the NIC/Drive. Surprise! That seemed to work as well - go figure. I also, disconnected the original mapped drive to the server and reestablished the connection.
All appears to be working.
Thank you once again John for all your great support!!!
Yes the MS updates worked. Strangely enough, not right away. Which put me on a path of attempting to restore from an image backup to an altered drive. I didn't want to run the risk of attempting a repair on systems I haven't performed restores on. While I was busy with coming up with an altered plan, one machine pulled down a 2nd MS update that resolved it's issue. So, I pushed my final PC to grab an optional update associated to the NIC/Drive. Surprise! That seemed to work as well - go figure. I also, disconnected the original mapped drive to the server and reestablished the connection.
All appears to be working.
Thank you once again John for all your great support!!!
You are very welcome and I was pleased to help you.