Can't access shared files

[wolfgervdp]

Hi,

I'm having this problem now for 2 or more years, which is I can't access any shared file on my computer. When I try to access the shared files, I get an error:

"\\[MYHOSTNAME] is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. The network address is invalid."

I don't think the problem lies with the network, since I get this error with every network that tries to share files. Even when I directly connect my pc to another pc, and the other pc shares files, I still get the same error.
Pinging to the computer which I'm trying to access always works fluidly. Accessing ftp servers also pose no problem. (Edit: accessing ftp servers trough filezilla, that is.)

Could the reason for this error be that I misconfigured some networksettings, adapters, etc? File- and printersharing is certainly on. I also tried accessing the computers with my firewall turned off, but still, no more luck.

Thanks in advance,

Wolfger

 

[corroded]

try it by ip address... \\192.168.22.231

also, can you ping the IP address? start / run / cmd... ping 192.168.22.231

 

[wolfgervdp]

Both entering the ip adress and pinging don't work either.

Also, I forgot to mention, I can't even access my own pc when trying to access it. It just gives me the same error again.

 

[corroded]

ok in the cmd prompt... do an ipconfig, results... ping the address labeled Default Gateway, results?

Can you log onto the Router (should be the default gateway address)

 

[wolfgervdp]

Pinging to the standardgateway is no problem either.

Accessing the router settings is a bit strange here. My ISP provides me with a router, where I must configure my router on their website. I can't configure it by going to the standardgateway. PF, configurin dmz, it all has to be done on their website. (Honestly no idea why they do it like that.)

 

[corroded]

ok.. lets start local...

In File Explorer:
\\127.0.0.1

what do you see?

 

[wolfgervdp]

I get an error code 0x80070035. The network path was not found.

 

[wolfgervdp]

Ok, I've made some progress.

After an hours-long google session, I found that I apparently had no client for Microsoft-networks installed. Somehow it must have been removed, but now I've got it back, and at least I'm not getting the "\\hostname is not accessible... " error.

Still, more problems persisted. When I was trying to access my own computer, I could get inside, but no further. I got a list with all my shared folders, but when trying to open this folders, I got a new error: "Windows cannot find \\.. Check the spelling of the name". The same error (but with another error code) was thrown at me when trying to access another pc's shared files. This time tough, I couldn't even get a list of the files on the other computer.

So I googled on... I saw something about settings of other adapters messing with file-sharing, so I tried disabling all the network-adapters, except for the one responsible for my network. This time, when trying to access my own files, I could open every folder inside. Finally I could at least access the files of my own computer.

But still, accessing shared files of other computers remains a problem. So now I'm still googling, and trying to find a solution. I'll update when I find a solution to the other problems. If anyone has suggestions, please, shoot. I'm dying to find a solution to this ever-persisting problem.

Edit:
And finally, the last piece of the puzzle has been found.

I opened the settings of my (now only enabled) network-adapter, and ticked my VirtualBox Bridged Networking Driver off. Apparently, this service was causing a lot of trouble regarding filesharing.

 

[corroded]

... you did not mention hosting a VB system. I run VB on this machine and am all over my network. No issues.

Also look at the workgroup for all machines. Make sure they are the same. also if Vista, 7, or 8, turn on the Advanced sharing Home/Work Network discovery, File and printer sharing... I also have Password protected on. You may need to change the HomeGroup connection to User accounts and password.

 

[wolfgervdp]

Yeah, I used it for some time, but haven't used it in a while now. I never mentioned having a VB because I never tought filesharing would have anything to do with my VB...

Yeah, I've been busy making some configuration changes 'n all that now that I can actually use filesharing.

And what exactly do you mean by changing the HomeGroup connection to User accounts and passwords?

 

[corroded]

Users allows classic network share access.