Sometimes, while trying to access a shared a folder in the network drives, you may see an error “The specified network name is no longer available“. Some users, on the other hand, may be able to access the drive, but they will also see the error while trying to sync the files outside the network.
This error can appear due to many reasons and some of the common reasons include if your system supports SMB version 1 (SMB 1.0) on the latest edition of Windows 10, or due to an antivirus software. Whatever may be the reason, it can be frustrating, especially when you want to access the shared folders urgently, Fortunately, the “The specified network name is no longer available” error can be fixed. Let’s see how.
Note: – Some users reported that disabling temporary third party anti virus or firewall also fixed this issue. You can also try this.
Method 1: By Enabling SMB 1.0 in Windows Features
Step 1: Go to Start and type Windows Features in the Windows search box.
Step 2: Click on the result (Turn Windows features on or off) to open the Windows Features dialogue box.
Step 3: In the Windows Features dialogue box, locate the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support option. Check the box next to it to enable the feature.
Press OK to save the changes and exit.
*Note – As you check the boxes next to all the options under SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support the feature is automatically checked.
Step 4: Now, restart your PC
Now, go back to the shared folder and try opening it. You should be able to access it.
If you are still facing the issue, follow the next method.
Method 2: Turn on Network Sharing
Step 1: Go to the Windows search field (next to Start) and write Control Panel.
Step 2: Left-click on the result to open the Control Panel window.
Step 3: In the Control Panel window, go to the View by field and set it to Large icons.
Select Network and Sharing Centre from the list.
Step 4: In the next window, click on Change advanced sharing settings on the left side of the pane.
Step 5: Next, under Change sharing options for different network profiles section, expand the All Networks option.
Go to Public folder sharing and click the radio button next to Turn on sharing so that anyone with network access can read and write files in the public folder. This will turn it on.
Step 6: Go to Password-protected sharing section and select the radio button next to Turn off password-protected sharing.
Press Save changes to save the changes and exit.
Now, go back and try accessing the shared folders and you should not see any more errors.
Method 3: By Mapping Network drive using IP address
1. Open File explorer.
2. Click on This PC in the left menu.
3. Click on Computer
4. Click on Map Network drive.
5. Now, Type the address of the shared folder in the format as given below :
\\IP address\share folder.
Method 4: Start Workstation and Server Services
1 – Search Services in Windows taskbar search and then click on gear shaped icon of Services in the search result to open it.
2 – Now, Locate Workstation service. Double click on it.
3 – Click on start if is not running. Also, make sure Startup type is set to Automatic.
4 – Click on Apply and OK
Do the same thing as described above for two more services which are Given below.
- Server
- Computer Browser
Now, try again.