Server 2008: Network Path not found when trying to map a network drive
I recently came across an issue in windows server 2008 when I was trying to map a network drive. After ruling out firewall rules and verifying that the correct ports were open using a telnet client, I turned to the windows server configuration for a solution.
After some googling I found a breadcrumb in a thread that solved my problem.
The answer is the Desktop Experience Feature. If this feature is not present, you will be missing some key services or background apps that allow you to brows netbios(smb)shares, namely the WebClient Service.
Adding the Desktop Experience Feature as described below adds the service, and therefore fixes the issue.
I would imagine doing something similar, such as enabling the webclient service on server 2003 would lead to success as well.
1. Open server manager 2. Click features--> add feature 3. Click on Desktop Experience and click next. You will also be asked to add Ink and Handwriting services After a reboot you will be good to go!