Map Drive not showing on network computers.

Question

Hi,

I'm trying to add a mapped drive on a pc that we are using as a basic file server.

The pc already has shared folders which are accessible from all pc's without issue. The only reason we require the mapped drive is that one item of software is having issues without accessing a direct drive letter.

On the file server pc I have created the mapped drive and assigned the drive letter 'Y'. It appears in in file explorer under network locations as 'Y'. When I use the 'net use' command it show up with the correct drive letter and status okay.

'Connect using different credentials is un ticked.

I have enabled SMB 1 in Programs and Features.

I have gone in reg edit and added 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System' as the system folder did not exist.

In 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' IP address and domain are set to obtain address automatically.

In File explorer, Hidden items are checked.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jon

***moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Files, folders, and storage***

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft support. Based on the information you have provided, it seems that the mapped drive is not showing up on the network computers. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check if the network discovery is turned on for all the computers on the network. To do this, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings > Turn on network discovery.
2. Make sure that the mapped drive is shared with the correct permissions. Right-click on the mapped drive and select Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing > Permissions. Make sure that the appropriate users or groups have the necessary permissions to access the mapped drive.
3. Check if the firewall is blocking the mapped drive. Make sure that the firewall is configured to allow file and printer sharing. To do this, go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall > Check the box next to File and Printer Sharing.
4. Try accessing the mapped drive using the IP address of the file server instead of the hostname. For example, instead of typing \servername\sharedfolder, try typing \192.168.1.1\sharedfolder.

I hope these steps help you resolve the issue. Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

Karlie

Answer 2

Hi Karlie,

Thank you for your response.

1. Network discovery is all set correctly.
2. Permissions are correct. I even tried setting permissions to everyone to ensure this was not the issue.
3. Firewall all correct.
4. I can see the shared folders no problem and using the IP address is fine. However, I need to be able to access the mapped drive as a letter. This is the issue.

Kind Regards

Jonathan

Answer 3

Hello,

I'm becoming confused because the file appears in File Explorer under network locations as 'Y', yet the title suggests 'Mapped Drive not showing on network computers.' Can you elaborate further on what you mean by 'I need to be able to access the mapped drive as a letter'?

Answer 4

Apologies, allow me to clarify.

The drive does not show as Y. This is the issue.

I can see the computer and search through files manually. However, I have a piece of software on one of the network PC's that does not work correctly when directing to the network location. I need to direct it to a drive Letter (Y). This is why I thought mapping the drive would make sense.

This does not appear and if I try to manually type in explorer 'Y:' it says windows cannot find.

I hope this makes my predicament more clear.

Kind Regards

Jonathan