If you encounter the Error code 0x80004005 when trying to access a network share, receiving an “unknown error” message from Windows can be frustrating. However, there are several solutions that you can try to resolve the issue.
0x80004005 – Network error
When accessing network drives via the SMB protocol, the following error can occur:
Network Error – xxx accounts cannot be accessed
Make sure the name is spelled correctly. There may be a network error. Click “Diagnose” to identify and fix the network problems.
Error code: 0x80004005 (Unknown error)
In this case Windows has a problem with the login or the connection to the network path. This can have the following causes:
- the SMB protocol has been disabled
- there is already a connection to the network destination
- Local permissions are not propagated across the network
According to the motto “Reboot is always good“ you should first restart your Windows PC. If the error persists, you can follow the tips below.
Re-enable SMB protocol
Older NAS systems, in particular, still use the outdated SMBv1 protocol. When using newer operating systems and due to the installation of current updates, the SMBv1 protocol can be deactivated on the client.
As a result, you will then receive the network error 0x80004005 when accessing such a share. Even if it poses a security risk (keyword: crypto trojans), the SMBv1 protocol can easily be activated. All you have to do is open Windows PowerShell with administrative rights and enter the following command:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName smb1protocolConfirm the security query with “Yes” and restart Windows. This reactivates the SMBv1 protocol and access to such shares.
Existing network connections trigger 0x80004005
Another way to eliminate network error 0x80004005 is to remove all existing connections and reconnect them. You must use the Windows command prompt (cmd.exe) or Windows PowerShell to do this. The following command disconnects all existing network connections:
net use * /deleteAfter entering this command, you have to confirm your intention again. Windows then disconnects all network connections to any connected network drives. You can get success with the net command use to confirm. Now you can try again to reestablish the connections. The error code 0x80004005 should no longer appear.
Authorizations are not passed on.
The reason for the error 0x80004005 could also be a lack of permission. This is when you try to establish a network connection with a local administrator account to a share on another Windows computer. In this case, the so-called auto-elevation of the user account control (UAC), which should actually pass on the authorizations, does not take effect.
This can be remedied by making a new entry in the Windows registry:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem]
"LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy"=dword:00000001Again, a restart of the operating system is necessary.
