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Usage of UNC path when disconnected from a LAN 1

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Chelmsford

Programmer
Nov 22, 2002
4
GB
I have good reason to use a UNC path to access a shared folder residing on my local PC but when the PC is disconnected from my Ethernet LAN. However, I am having problems with this and would very much welcome some assistance! Is it possible to do what I am attempting? If so, how? Details follow:

When my PC is connected to the LAN I can use Window’s “start/run” with command “\\mycomputername\sharedfoldername” and this will result in Windows Explorer displaying the contents of the shared folder. However, as soon as I unplug my PC from the network, reboot, login, then attempt to do the same thing, I get the error message:

“\\mycomputername\sharedfoldername is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource … The network location cannot be reached.”

I can, however, view the contents of this folder using Windows Explorer so the problem appears to be with the usage of the UNC path when disconnected from the LAN.

In both scenarios I have logged in to my local PC in exactly the same way, i.e. as a user with administrator permissions (I have deliberately avoided logging on to the LAN server’s domain). My PC has Windows XP Professional SP2 although I also get the same behaviour on a different PC running Windows XP Home (no service packs).

My shared folder has the following properties:
- user limit = maximum allowed
- share permissions: everyone has full control, change and read ticked.
- caching settings are enabled as “manual caching of documents”
- security settings set to full control (everything ticked).

Any help would be gratefully received!
 
Many thanks for your help bcastner, the Microsoft loopback adaptor worked a treat. I've given you a star!
 
The loopback adapter is a hidden gem. If you need it, you need it, and it works without complications.

I have done entire LAN software and logon configurations on my laptop while stuck on long airplane flights by using it.

Best regards,
Bill Castner
 
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