Randomly losing connection to a network drive

[Cristatus]

Ok, here's the deal:

I have a hard drive, that is hosting a USB drive, so that it is shared on the network. The network consists of this particular computer as the "server" for the rest of computers, which is running Windows 7. Then there are 4 other computers running Windows 7, which never have problems with the connection to the "server"

There is one more computer, a Windows XP machine, that is always, randomly, losing access to this networked drive, at a random time.

When the machine does lose access, it gives on of two errors:

1.

An error occurred while reconnecting to \\[computer name]\[share]

Microsoft Windows Network: the specified server cannot perform the requested operation.

This connection has not been restored.

2.

Well, I haven't save the second error,yet. I will post it when I get a chance to record the error.

Anyways, apart from upgrading this machine to a Windows 7, what can I do? I don't even know where to begin.

TIA

(C)

 

[bobdole369]

lol holy shite. This is very similarly happening to me. Randomly. My "server" (nomenclature should read - file host) and 3 other hosts accessing these files. I've RPL NIC, patch cable, and NIC/patch cable on other PC's, so we are down to changing ports on the switch, then the switch itself.

Does your event viewer log any errors on any PC's?

(PS all my OS = WinXP)

 

[Cristatus]

I had checked the event viewer, and there is indeed nothing on there that would indicate any kind of problem.

I've looking around the internet, and I've found different references to changing a registry string related to IRP stack, or something along that line.

I will only be able to test this theory in about 16 hours, once I'm on the site, and there is nobody using the network.

(C)

 

[JackMDS]

What type of Network (Homegroup, Work Netwok etc.).

What the HD is connect to?
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Win7 when configured on peer-to-peer Network has three types of Sharing configurations.

HomeGroup = Works only between Win 7 computers. This type of configuration makes it very easy to Entry Level Users to start Network sharing.

Home Network or Work Network = Basically similar(and better) to the previous methods of Work Group sharing that let you control what, how, and to whom folders would be shared with.

Public Sharing = Public Network (like Internet cafe) to reduce security risks.

For best results log to each computer's System Screen and set all the computers to be on a with the sameWork Group name while each computer has its ownunique name.
http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_name.jpg

Make sure that the Software Firewall, AV, or other components of Security allow free local traffic on all Networked computers. If you use 3rd party Security On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructions

General example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#trusted

Please Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls/AV/Security suits keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic.
If end up with the 3rd party software uninstalled or disabled, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .
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If your network is comprised of Win 7 only and you want a simple Network, use this.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/videos/sharing-files-with-homegroup
After configuring the Homegroup scroll down to the Permission/Security section.
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Networking Win 7 with other version of Windows as Work Network (works very well if all computers are Win 7 too).
In the Network Center, clicking on the Network type opens the window to the right.
Choose your type of Network. Notice the check mark at the bottom, and check/uncheck it according to your needs.
http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_type.jpg
Win 7 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/...mputers-running-different-versions-of-Windows

Win 7 Work Network specific folder sharing - http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windows7/windows7_sharing.htm

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

In Win XP Pro with simple sharing Off, you can Visually see the Permission/Security setting , and configure them to your liking.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/accesscontrol.mspx#securityTab
Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista (Not need for XP-SP3) - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

When finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved.
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If you have Permission and Security issues with Vista/Win7, check the following settings.
Point to the a Folder that meant to to be share. Right click and choose properties.
In the properties
Click on the Security tab shown in the pic bellow to the right) and check that the users and their permission (shown in the pic bellow center and left) are correctly configured. Then do the same to the Permission tab.
This screen shot is from Win 7, Vista's menus are similar.
http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/Permission-Security.jpg
In both the Security panel, and the Permission panel you have to highlight each User/Group and examine that the Permission Controls are checked correctly.
When everything is OK, Reboot the Network (Router, and computer).
* Note . The Groups and Users shown in the screen-shoot are just an example. Your list will look the way your system is configured.

**Note . All users that are allowed to share need to have account onall the computers that they are allowed to connect to.
Everyone is an account, it means a group of all of the users that already have an account and been established as users. It is available to avoid the need of configuring permission to each on its own, it does not mean Everyone that feel that they would like to login.
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