How to fix the error: THE NETWORK PATH NOT FOUND CANNOT ACCESS NETWORK SHARES (Error code: 0x80070035)

Hello. Just to narrow it down: when you open File Explorer and type the NAS IP directly (for example, \\192.168.1.100), does it open the shared folders?

Two other settings to consider:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings
2. Right-click your network > Properties > Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
3. Click Advanced > WINS tab
4. Select Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP
5. Save and reboot.

And:

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc
• Set these two services to Automatic (Delayed Start) and start them:
  • Function Discovery Provider Host
  • Function Discovery Resource Publication

Some of the steps above might seem obvious, even repetitive, especially from an IT support perspective, but often, it’s applying Occam’s Razor that leads us to the answer.

Dear Lisa,

While your configuration appears sound, Windows 11 includes enhanced security defaults that may affect SMB connectivity. Please review the following steps to help resolve the issue:

1. Verify SMB Protocol Support Ensure that SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support is enabled if your NAS requires legacy support: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off Check SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support (if applicable) Restart your PC
2. Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > All network adapters Confirm Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are enabled for your private network
3. Check Windows Defender Firewall Rules Open Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall Ensure File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In) is allowed on private networks
4. Use Direct IP Access Try accessing the NAS via IP address: \\<NAS_IP_ADDRESS> If successful, consider mapping the network drive using this path
5. Credential Manager Cleanup Open Credential Manager > Windows Credentials Remove any stored credentials for the NAS and reconnect manually

• Windows 11 may block guest access by default for security reasons. If your NAS uses guest authentication, enabling it explicitly may be necessary.
• If your NAS supports SMBv2 or SMBv3, ensure your Windows 11 system is not restricted to SMBv1 only.

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Best regards,

Harry Phan