An error occurred while reconnecting
Usually, this problem surfaces when users try to access files in a shared folder or map network drives within a domain. To resolve this error effectively, consider the following methods. Pinpointing the exact cause can accelerate the troubleshooting process and help you find the most appropriate resolution. Possible reasons include:
Drive mapping errors: Sometimes, glitches in network drive mapping result in issues such as duplicate drive letters.Unassigned drive letters: Errors may occur when drive letters are not correctly designated or are missing.Disabled File and Printer Sharing: When File and Printer Sharing is deactivated in your firewall settings, network-related errors, including this one, can occur.Insufficient server space: Increasing the space on the network server’s root drive is known to resolve this error.
1. Delete a Registry Key
Over time, the registry can accumulate entries that are no longer in use or that conflict with current settings. Deleting the specific registry key associated with drive mounting effectively cleans out these digital cobwebs, allowing your system to refresh its network drive connections without stumbling over past configurations that are now outdated or problematic. Before proceeding, it’s important to back up your registry. Refer to our guide on how to back up the registry for careful instructions.
2. Remap the Drive Using Command Prompt
This process involves using much-recognized commands to first sever any existing ties to network drives and then establish a new, fresh connection. It’s similar to rebooting a problematic device; through remapping, the network paths are reset, potentially clearing the error and allowing for smooth access to the designated network resources. This process renews the connection to the network resource, allowing the system to establish a new mapping without the conflict associated with duplicate drive names or outdated connections.
3. Correctly Assign Drive Letters
When a network drive is mapped, it uses a specific letter as an identifier. If this letter isn’t available or is accidentally assigned to another device, it leads to a conflict, prompting the error. By accessing Disk Management and assigning a unique, unused drive letter to the network drive, you effectively eliminate any overlap or confusion, thereby resolving the issue and restoring access to the networked resource.
4. Enable File and Printer Sharing in Your Firewall
When File and Printer Sharing is disabled, your computer’s firewall may block network discovery and file sharing services, which are essential for accessing drives on a network. By enabling this feature, you allow your system to communicate with other devices on the network, facilitating the successful mapping of network drives and, in turn, potentially resolving the error.
5. Change the ProtectionMode Value in the Registry
This particular setting influences how the operating system manages permissions and access to network drives. When changed, it adjusts the way network resources are allocated, potentially resolving conflicts that might cause the error, especially when users without administrator privileges are engaging with network drives. This minor yet powerful adjustment basically instructs your system to relax certain security parameters, thereby facilitating smoother network connections and drive mappings. If the problem remains, try manually removing the mappings with this command in an elevated Command Prompt: Note: If needed, replace the asterisk (*) with the particular drive letter. The error may also come from inadequate space on the server’s root drive. Should you have access to the server, free up necessary space by deleting non-essential files. Whilst there is no definitive minimum for free space, it’s a good practice to clear a few gigabytes. After making space, reassess to determine if the error persists.
