Unable to access Network drive, Error 0x80004005

Some Windows 10 users might encounter the error message Unable to access Network drive, accompanied by the error code 0x80004005 during a failed attempt to use a shared resource over the network such as a shared network hard drive. This post offers the most suitable solutions to this issue, which doesn’t include enabling SMB1; since SMBv1 is a very insecure protocol and should not be used, given that Microsoft has deprecated this feature.

When you encounter this issue, you’ll receive a similar error prompt as shown above with the following full error message;

Network Error

Windows cannot access \Computerl
Check the spelling of the name. Otherwise, there might be a problem with your network. To try to identify and resolve network problems, click Diagnose.

Error code: 0x80004005
Unspecified error

Quite a number of factors can lead to the error. For instance, insufficient or no network permissions, improper installed network drivers or corrupted Windows registry.

Unable to access Network drive error 0x80004005

If you’re faced with this issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

1. Disable IPV6
2. Allow Full Permissions for the shared drive/folder
3. Ensure NetBIOS is enabled
4. Make sure Network Discovery is enabled
5. Disable/Uninstall 3rd party security software (if applicable)

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Disable IPV6

This solution requires you to disable IPv6 and see if the Unable to access Network drive error 0x80004005 isue is resolved.

2] Allow Full Permissions for the shared drive/folder

You might be unable to access a computer on a network in Windows 10 due to the improper networking sharing permissions for the shared folder or drive. In this case, you can allow/grant full permissions on the shared drive/folder.

3] Ensure NetBIOS is enabled

NetBIOS allows networked computers to share resources. If this isn’t working or isn’t enabled, it could be causing the error. So, ensure that NetBIOS is enabled on your Windows 10 computer.

4] Make sure Network Discovery is enabled

This solution requires you to make sure that Network Discovery is turned on for Private Network and make sure that the automatic setup checkbox is enabled. Also, make sure Turn on file and printer sharing is also enabled – and make sure the Turn off password-protected network sharing is enabled for All Networks.

5] Disable/Uninstall 3rd party security software (if applicable)

You may encounter this error if you have any third-party security software installed on your Windows 10 computer because File sharing turned out to be managed by a 3rd-party security software making use of Windows Firewall. In this case, you can temporarily disable any third-party security software or allow file sharing via the security software firewall – this largely depends on the security software you have installed. Refer to the instruction manual.

However, if despite the two aforementioned actions, the issue still persists, you’ll have to remove all third-party security software from your PC using the dedicated removal tool to remove all files associated with the security software.

If uninstalling the security software fixes this error, you can now install the same antivirus again, or you can switch to an alternative AV software or better still stick to Windows 10 native AV program – Windows Defender.

Any of these solutions should work for you!