How to Fix the “Network Path Was Not Found” Error on Windows
The “network path was not found” error is a common problem on Windows computers when trying to access shared resources on a network. This error message typically occurs due to issues with network connectivity or permission settings on the shared resources.
- Check Your Network Connection
The first step in troubleshooting this error is to check your network connection. Ensure that your computer is connected to the network with a strong signal. Check if your router or network switch is working correctly, and other computers on the network can access shared resources.
- Ensure the NetBIOS Name Resolution is Enabled
NetBIOS stands for Network Basic Input/Output System and plays a significant role in allowing a computer to communicate with other devices on the network. To enable NetBIOS name resolution, follow the steps below:
– Open the Manage Panel and click on Network and Sharing Center.
– Click on Change Adapter Settings and right-click on your network adapter.
– Choose Properties and click on Internet Protocol Version 4.
– Click on Properties, then click on Advanced.
– On the WINS tab, click on Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and click OK.
This should resolve any NetBIOS name resolution issues that may be causing the error.
- Check the Firewall Settings
The Windows Firewall is the in-built firewall that protects your computer from unauthorized access. However, it also tends to block network traffic that is essential for sharing network resources. To configure the Windows Firewall, follow these steps:
– Open the Manage Panel and click on System and Security.
– Click on Windows Firewall and choose the Advanced Settings option.
– Click on Inbound Rules and right-click on the Rule name “File and Printer Sharing (Echo Request – ICMPv4-In).”
– Choose Enable Rule.
This will allow your computer to communicate with other devices on the network.
- Use the Command Prompt to Re-register the DNS Server
If your computer cannot resolve DNS names, it may cause the “network path not found” error. Here’s how you can use the command prompt to re-register the DNS Server:
– Press Windows + R keys to open the Run command dialog box.
– Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
– Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
– Type ipconfig /registerdns and press Enter.
This will flush the DNS cache and re-register your computer’s DNS Server.
- Ensure File and Printer Sharing Services are Running
If the File and Printer Sharing services are disabled, it may cause the “network path not found” error. To check and enable them, follow these steps:
– Press Windows + R keys to open the Run command dialog box.
– Type services.msc and press Enter.
– Scroll down to the File and Printer Sharing services and ensure that they are running.
– If they are not running, right-click on each service and select Properties.
– Ensure that the Startup Type is set to Automatic, then click on Start.
- Check Permissions on the Shared Resource
If you are still receiving the “network path not found” error, you need to check the permission settings on the shared resources. Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to access the resources by following these steps:
– Right-click on the shared folder or drive and choose Properties.
– Click on the Security tab and check the list of users to ensure that your user account is present.
– If not, click on Edit, then Add and enter your username.
– Set the permission level to Full Control.
