Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Windows 7 error: Windows cannot access \\servername; The network path was not found

Windows 7 error: Windows cannot access \servername; The network path was not found. Possible cause: outdated login credentials.

Quick Answer: Try updating your login credentials or clearing the cached credentials in Windows Explorer.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. 🎯 Final Words

Windows 7 users are experiencing an issue where they cannot access UNC paths to certain servers, despite being able to remote in successfully. The error message 'The network path was not found' is displayed when attempting to access these shares through Windows Explorer.

This frustration can be attributed to the fact that the user's login credentials may still be cached or stored on the local machine, causing issues with accessing UNC paths.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • One main reason for this error is that Windows 7 caches usernames and passwords when connecting to a network location. If the password has changed, it can cause issues with accessing shares in the future.
  • Another possible cause could be outdated or incorrect DNS settings on the local machine, which may prevent the system from resolving the UNC path correctly.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Clearing Cached Credentials

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Press the Windows key + R to open Run, type 'cmd' and press Enter.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: In the Command Prompt, type the command 'net use /delete \servername oldername /y' (replace '\servername oldername' with the UNC path you're trying to access) and press Enter. This will delete any cached credentials for that specific path.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Close all instances of Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Updating DNS Settings

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > Network and Sharing Center. Click on Change adapter settings.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Right-click on the network connection (usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties. In the Properties window, click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then Properties again.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: In the TCP/IPv4 Properties window, click on the Advanced tab and enter the DNS server IP addresses for your organization. Save changes and restart your computer.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve this issue, try clearing cached credentials or updating DNS settings on your local machine. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to reset the network location settings or seek further assistance from an IT professional.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Related Fixes

How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow

Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl

How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone

Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e

How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue

Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid