UPDATED: New information added 5/11/2025 @ 4:12 PM PDT
Over the past two weeks some of our clients are reporting that one of their computers can no longer bring up the program. They have received an error that says either “File cannot be Opened”, or “Server cannot be reached”. Clearly this is VERY frustrating !
This is not caused by anything within Auto Shop Writer ( MLS 12 ), and we cannot make any update to the program to resolve it. This is strictly a Windows networking issue.
In November, 2024, Microsoft announced new networking protocols to increase security, and the development of software controlled networking. I have talked to many IT techs who see the problems at many of their ( non-MasterLink ) clients who all depend on the built in networking found in Windows Pro.
In most cases we have found workarounds that resolve the problems ( at least for now ), but there has been no clear documentation or direction from Microsoft on how to setup the networking for basic interactive data sharing under the new methodology.
Shops are seeing this take place overnight. One day everything works fine, the next it does not. Because we have not yet encountered the issue here at our location, we really have no way to aggressively test it, and find a solution.
We are actively engaged with other professionals to identify the root cause, and fixes, for this problem. However, it is basically a networking issue that involves the Windows operating system. If you encounter the problem, we’re happy to talk with your IT person to explain our system ( which is using basic Windows Peer to Peer networking ).
One does not need to test this with ASW. On the workstation that is not connecting, go into Windows Explorer ( the little manilla folder on the task bar at the bottom of your screen ), then in the left column, scroll down to Network. Click on the arrow to the left that would show the visible computers. Can you see the server ? Can you click on it’s arrow to show the shared folders ? If so, can you see, and click on, the MLS12s folder and see the Data ? If not, then something in your system is blocking it.
This will all be related to “permissions”, set and controlled by Windows. Not all machines will update at the same time, and thus it may be a problem on only one computer, and then another.
We will continue to research the problem, and provide further guidance as we get answers.
Using AI, here is a list of suggestions you can share with your IT Professional. This is 100% due to changes in the networking protocols in Windows and has arisen due to recent changes including in the current updates:
If Windows 11 devices can no longer see shared folders on another computer after a recent Microsoft update, try these troubleshooting steps:
### **1. Restart the Devices**
– Restart both the computer sharing the folder and the one trying to access it.
### **2. Check Network Discovery and File Sharing**
– Open **Control Panel** > **Network and Sharing Center** > **Change advanced sharing settings**.
– Ensure **Network Discovery** and **File and Printer Sharing** are turned ON.
– If using a Private network, check the settings under the “Private” section.
### **3. Ensure SMB1 is Enabled (If Necessary)**
Some updates may disable **SMB 1.0**, which older systems or devices require.
– Open **Control Panel** > **Programs and Features** > **Turn Windows features on or off**.
– Scroll down and check **SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support**.
– Click **OK**, then restart your PC.
### **4. Verify Network Profile is Set to Private**
– Go to **Settings** > **Network & Internet**.
– Under **Wi-Fi** or **Ethernet**, check if your network is set to **Private** (not Public).
### **5. Re-enable Guest Access in Group Policy**
Some updates disable guest access to network shares:
– Press `Win + R`, type **gpedit.msc**, and press **Enter**.
– Navigate to **Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation**.
– Double-click **Enable insecure guest logons**, set it to **Enabled**, and click **OK**.
– Restart the computer.
### **6. Reset Network Settings**
– Open **Command Prompt (Admin)** and run the following:
“`
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /flushdns
“`
– Restart the computer.
### **7. Check Windows Credentials**
– Open **Control Panel** > **Credential Manager**.
– Go to **Windows Credentials** and remove any incorrect saved credentials related to the shared computer.
– Reconnect to the shared folder and re-enter credentials if needed.
### **8. Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus**
– Temporarily disable the firewall:
Open **Windows Security** > **Firewall & network protection** > **Turn off firewall**.
– If the shared folders become accessible, add an exception for **File and Printer Sharing**.
### **9. Verify Sharing Permissions**
– Right-click the shared folder > **Properties** > **Sharing** tab.
– Click **Advanced Sharing** and ensure **Share this folder** is checked.
– Click **Permissions**, ensure the correct users have **Read/Write** access.
### **10. Try Accessing via IP Address**
– Press `Win + R`, type `\\[IP-Address]\SharedFolder`, and press **Enter**.
– Example: `\\192.168.1.10\SharedDocs`.
If the issue persists, it might be due to a Microsoft update bug. Checking **Windows Update history** and rolling back the latest update could help.