Access not permited across network

Thanks Denis, I did start a reply at about 6:30pm but had a call from my client saying I could gain access to the site so that I could set up remote access and I've only just got back.

I had some time to properly evaluate - and map - exactly which PCs could gain access to each other, and you are quite correct in assuming that I was relying upon File Explorer's Network section display - I can't recall ever having a problem with it in the past

Using the annotations that I set out in my first post, I can now be definitive in reporting which PCs can access which others - or not - as the case may be!

[A] & [B] can both see both Drives and Files on each other. Both can see the Drives on [D] but cannot access the files. Neither of them has any access to [C] - any attempt to even list the drive icon (it only has a drive C: ) results in the "Ask your Administrator" message.

[D] can see the drives on [A] & [B] but can only access the Files on [B] ???

[D] also seems to have no access to [C] - ie. File Explorer reports that it cannot find the resource - EXCEPT - the main program (SOM) which resides with its database on [C] can be run from [D] and looking at the 'properties' of the short cut (on [D]) will allow me to click on [Open File Location] and that opens File Explorer and displays all files - in that folder, I can't navigate out of there.

The customer has never been able to use the printer connected to [C] via [D]. The printer IS shared but is not seen by the 'Add Printer' option on [D] - even by manually typing in the path.

It occurs to me that the people who supplied the SOM Software may have set up restrictions on access to the C: drive (on [C]) so I'll be begging a question to them shortly.

One other aspect that I haven't yet mentioned; the old PCs are using Microsoft Accounts - with an e-mail address - which I don't do, I always use a 'Local' account - so I couldn't create a new account for ME on either of them. If someone could provide sensible instructions in that respect, I'd be grateful.

I will now read through the rest of your excellent post, particularly the info on how the forum works.

Never (!) share files on the C-Partition. Make sure that each PC has a 2nd Partition (D:) for remote file access. From there it's easy to handle shares.

I agree with your principle Pentagon but I'm taking over the responsibility for two PCs (the old Server & Client [C] & [D]) which were set up by 'A,N. Other' some time ago and only had Drive C: created. I am well aware that I can shrink the partition (there is plenty of space) and create a new Drive D: but there are other factors involved which (currently) I am not fully aware of. The software vendor has yet to answer my queries.

For the past 30+ years I have built many PCs and ALWAYS create at least two extra partitions (D: [Data] & P: [Programs]) beyond the Boot Partition drive C: - I even prefer - as I've done in this instance - to use two drives. The new PCs have a 256Gb M2 SSD which has 'C:' & 'P:' and a 1Tb HDD partitioned again as 'D:' & 'E:' - - - Drive E: will be used for a daily auto-backup of Drive D: from the other PC

Ultimately the older PCs will be retired from their current use when the updated software is full tested and then I will be in a position to start afresh with a completely new installation of Windows and I will re-partition the Drive as C:, D: & P: (at least).

Thanks again for your input Denis. I assumed that it would be possible (to add 'Local' Account) but I couldn't see an option. I'll review your link - - - but maybe not tonight :) - The Duvet Calls

Hmmm. . . ADDED !! - well it is to one PC . . .

Previously I didn't get past the "Microsoft Account" - this time I looked for 'Add user without a Microsoft account'

Tomorrow I'll add the MD to all the PCs which may well solve some of the issues.

- - - Updated - - -

Well, a partial success.

I have been able to add new users (The MD & Me) to three of the four PCs. On the fourth I have completed all the fields on at least 5 occasions but when I click on [Next] the fields go blank and I'm not returned to the previous screen with the new 'user' shown - - - it Just 'hangs'.

I have now done a 'Map' so that anyone interested can get a better idea of what I can & can't do - A 'Picture' is worht a 1000 words I'm told :)



- - - Updated - - -

It seems that there are a few 'anonomolies' - - - the fact that to get access from [D] to [C] requires the Log-On Password for [C] rather than [D] is very odd! Using the known password to log on to [D] results in a block.

With Full access from [D] to [B], why is there not the same access from [B] to [D] ?

Why can't I view the Folders/Files on drives C;, D:, E: & P: on [A], [B] & [C] where I can for 'Users'?

Thanks Denis,

As you'll appreciate, I've not yet found the 'Tutorial' thread - that's a job for this afternoon :) along with reading other links you've mentioned!

I'm having some difficulty in staying logged in and subscribed to even this thread. I must have [subscribed] & [logged in] a dozen or more times - even though I've ticked the [Remember Me] box. ????

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks Denis,

As you'll appreciate, I've not yet found the 'Tutorial' thread - that's a job for this afternoon :) along with reading other links you've mentioned!

I'm having some difficulty in staying logged in and subscribed to even this thread. I must have [subscribed] & [logged in] a dozen or more times - even though I've ticked the [Remember Me] box. ????

The navigation on this forum also seems alien (to me)

What is the IP and Sharename of
1. SERVER (C)
2. SLAVE (D)



Each PC must have a password!

Thanks Denis,

As you'll appreciate, I've not yet found the 'Tutorial' thread - that's a job for this afternoon :) along with reading other links you've mentioned!

I'm having some difficulty in staying logged in and subscribed to even this thread. I must have [subscribed] & [logged in] a dozen or more times - even though I've ticked the [Remember Me] box. ????

The navigation on this forum also seems alien (to me)

I do now see the [Tutorial] and [Brink] - that looks like a very useful resource :)

It so happens that the PC that refuses to complete the Account set up is using Win 11 - - - but so is the other new PC which added both acounts without a hitch.

Maybe I need to create a ne account in the Windows 11 section ??