Odd Mapped Drive Disconnection Problem...

[IanGlinka]

I have one user (Win2k Pro) who keeps complaining about her network drives becoming disconnected.

I checked it out and used it for a bit, and it works perfectly right after she logs on, but if I let it sit for a few minutes, then try to do anything on the network, I get the following error message:

An error occured while reconnecting S: to \\Server\Sharename
Microsoft Windows Network: The local device name is already in use.
The connection has not been restored.

I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of... I did notice that the Local LAN connection (in the window you get from My Network Places properties) is set up as "Local Area Connection 2"

I read somewhere that if there is one that is invisible, but somehow partially active, it can interfere with the one that Windows is actively trying to use to connect to the network.

I don't know... I'm fresh out of ideas. Before I do an OS reinstall, though, I wanted to consult these forums.

Thanks
Ian

 

[scotty2hottie]

You are right, Windows 2000 will in fact keep the previous connection, (hidden however). This is likely the cause of your problem. The client probably had a mapped drive under "Connection 1". Windows 2000 will, periodically, poll this "Hidden" connection approx. every 30 seconds or so...don't quote me on the time.

Go into Add remove Hardware, completely remove all network adapters. ENSURE you have selected the check box "Show Hidden Devices". Once this is complete, reboot the machine. Log on as the local administrator, and re-setup the NIC.

Do You make use of the LAA number?

 

[IanGlinka]

When I try to remove those "hidden devices" I get the following error message:

"Failed to uninstall the device. The device may be required to boot up the computer."

UGH!!!
Ian

 

[lifto]

I have had similar problems periodically and found that:

net use s: /delete from the command prompt did the trick.

 

[terryISO]

Hi Ian.

I know this is a bit late, but I have been struggling with exactly the same problem. Although mapped drives are actually connected, in Windows Explorer, the drive shows as not connected (with the red cross in the connection Icon).

The mapped drive is actually connected, but the red cross remains, and I periodically getthe message that "Local drive is already in use...". But the connection is OK!

I finally tracked it down. In the Local Area Connection properties I noticed that I had TCP/IP, NetBios, NetBui and NWLink all set up. I removed the NWLink and the problem went away.

Maybe the same in your case?