Network sharing issues

Question

Network sharing issues

DW 40

I have three windows computers.

Device 1 - is a Lenovo desktop

Device 2 is a Dell laptop

Device 3 is a HP laptop.

Device 1 can see all three devices on the network and can access files on Device 2 and Device 3 drives.

Device 2 can see all three devices on the network and can access files on Device 1 and Device 3 drives.

Device 3 can see all three devices on the network and can only access files on Device 2 drives but can NOT access files on Device 1 Drive.

Here is the troubleshooting I have performed

1 - Check Sharing Permissions: I checked sharing permissions an all devices have drives/folders shared with appropriate permissions.

2 - Security permissions: All devices have security features turned on so everyone can have full control.

3 - Network Credentials: I have checked network credentials used on device 3 for device 1 and the credential are correct (my microsoft email and password). Device 1 does not use a local account.

4 - Enable SMB1.0/CIFS File Sharing support: I have enabled SMB1.0/CIFS file sharing support and ensured it is on for each device

When on Device 3 and trying to access Device 1 drives i get the following message. Enter network credentials to connect to: Device 1 and it shows my email and wants me to enter a password. The password i enter is my Microsoft account password. When I enter my password it says the username or password is incorrect.

Please advise as to what do I need to do to get Device 3 to access Device 1 folders?

DW 40 Reputation points

2026-02-24T03:21:38.8066667+00:00

The answer did not solve the issue. I still can not access files on device 3 from device 1. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

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DW 40 Reputation points

2026-02-24T03:21:38.8066667+00:00

The answer did not solve the issue. I still can not access files on device 3 from device 1. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Ivan B 100.2K Independent Advisor

Hi,

First of all, create a restore point > Start Menu > Settings > System > About > System Protection > Create

You will perform the following procedure on computer 1. Restart the PC, remembering to grant permissions to everyone on the shared directory to perform the test.

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters.

If the AllowInsecureGuestAuth entry does not exist, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowInsecureGuestAuth.

Set the value of AllowInsecureGuestAuth to 1.

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Thanks

DW 40 Reputation points

2026-02-24T04:39:24.3233333+00:00

did all the steps outlined and resarted both computers and still getting same dialog box to enter username and password. I use MS email for username and MS PW for password as on other machines. Should I implement restore point or leave as is. Thanks
Ivan B 100.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-02-24T04:42:17.4033333+00:00

Hi,

If you're unsure, try creating a local account and see if the error persists. Then, grant the account permissions to access the folder and see if the problem occurs there.

Thanks
DW 40 Reputation points

2026-02-24T04:47:30.95+00:00

Thanks Ivan, i will read up on how to create a local account. If I were to do that would it mean my Device 2 would not work with Device 1? Sorry if these are dumb questions...

THanks
Ivan B 100.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-02-24T04:53:44.0133333+00:00

Hi,

In this case, the local account won't affect your Microsoft account at all; it shouldn't affect it in any way.

To create a local account: In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Accounts > Other users > Under Add another user, select Add account > select the option that I don't have this person's sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Set the account type as administrator.

As a precaution, create a system restore point before doing anything.

Thanks
DW 40 Reputation points

2026-02-24T15:21:26.1333333+00:00

Thanks Ivan, the local account solved the problem. Appreciate your help in solving this frustrating issue. I spent countless hours trying to get this to work.

Dave
Ivan B 100.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-02-24T16:25:49.75+00:00

Hii,

I'm glad it worked out, you can always count on the Microsoft Q&A community, have a good week

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Thanks
Ivan B 100.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-02-26T12:10:17.08+00:00

Hi ,

Did you manage to solve the problem?

Thanks
DW 40 Reputation points

2026-02-26T15:11:48.9666667+00:00

Hello, the issue was solved by creating the local user.

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