"Network Path Not Found"

Very common problem with a windows network. Here is a guide to various solutions.

Step One:

Try to ping the server from a client machine using both the server name and ipaddress. Server name is likely to not work.

Next try to ping the server name and ip address from the server.

At this point i would also go to start -> administrative tools -> DNS. and check the error logs from the DNS to see if anything specific has happened in the last few minutes.

Step Two:

Go to start -> run. and type services.msc
this will bring up the list of services installed on your machine. Look for the TCP/IP Help service, ensure that this service is running.

Next you need to ensure that the Routing and Remote Acces service is disabled. right click on the service and view its properties. In startup type make sure disabled is selected.



Step Three:

Go to my network places -> right click on the local area connection and view its properties. The list provided should contain the following:

• Client for microsoft networks
• Network Load balancing
• File and Printer sharing
• Internet ProtoCol (TCP/IP)

One problem I have seen in the past is this list being populated by a device driver, if this is the case remove the driver from the list by clicking on it and uninstalling before continuing.

Now click TCP/IP settings and properties. If you are using static IP and gateways, ensure that they are correct. Click advanced and go to the WINS tab. In the netbios settings section, ensure that "enable NetBios over TCP/IP" is selected.

Step Four:

From a client machine go to start -> run. and then type \\severname



QuickFix:

If the network path is critical. attempt to ping the server from a client machine using the ip as in step one. If this works then remap the network drives to \\ip_address\sharename for the time being until the problem as a whole is fixed.