Locked out of network computer, "Windows cannot access \\XXXX"

I am locked out of other computer through the network. Originally it asked for my credentials (username/password), which did not work. I found out I have to give it the machinename\domain. So, when I entered that, I still put the wrong name (or syntax?) and now it will not even ask for credential again, it just states: "Windows cannot access \\XXXX"

Relatedly, windows added a computer that was not there in the network list: WIN-SKM....

How can I get the credentials box back for the network computer?

build 10130

thank you,

Shawn said:

I am locked out of other computer through the network. Originally it asked for my credentials (username/password), which did not work. I found out I have to give it the machinename\domain. So, when I entered that, I still put the wrong name (or syntax?) and now it will not even ask for credential again, it just states: "Windows cannot access \\XXXX"

Relatedly, windows added a computer that was not there in the network list: WIN-SKM....

How can I get the credentials box back for the network computer?

build 10130

thank you,

This may not apply to your situation, but if you are logging on to Windows 10 using the PIN system, change back to using your Microsoft or local password. That might get you sorted. The PIN system appears to cock up credentials.

Shawn said:

I am locked out of other computer through the network. Originally it asked for my credentials (username/password), which did not work. I found out I have to give it the machinename\domain. So, when I entered that, I still put the wrong name (or syntax?) and now it will not even ask for credential again, it just states: "Windows cannot access \\XXXX"

Relatedly, windows added a computer that was not there in the network list: WIN-SKM....

How can I get the credentials box back for the network computer?

build 10130

thank you,

You're short on details, but it sounds to me like you're using Windows 10 in a corporate domain environment?

If so, then you will need to join your Windows 10 to the domain. This will require a valid username and password with domain rights to join domains (some companies set this up so anyone can do it, some require an administrator to do it).

If you've entered the wrong username and password for a remote, domain joined computer too many times, you will be locked out. Depending on domain policy, this will likely require an administrator to "unlock" your account.

The computer name that starts with WIN-XXX is a randomly generated computer name that is assigned to a new install of Windows by default. This computer does exist, because it's YOUR computer name. You need to change this to whatever computer name you want or originally had. This is done the same way as joining your computer to the domain.

Hello,

I am using just my home internet router. I am not using a windows network. I have gone to individual folders and turned on their share options. And I am not using a PIN access to win 10.

As for domains, it is unclear to me how this works in the network. On my win 8 side of the fujistu (it's a dual boot to win8/win10) I see the domain names are "fujitsu" for all my computers. And then each has a unique login name and password. But this still does not help me figure out how to get windows 10 to let me put in a name and password: how would I "unlock" an account when I am already the admin/owner?

Secondly, so the new computer (WIN-SKM....) is really my win 10 box seeing itself? So that would be the domain name for access to any remote computer?

I have done beta testing for Win 8 and other software over the years but never did get my head wrapped around networking.

thanks,

Ok, so with further clarification, you do not seem to be using a Windows domain. What you are referring to as a domain is actually a workgroup or local-machine name.

If you want to use a computers local credentials, you specify the local computer name ie MyComputer\myuser, and if you're in a domain you specify the domain credentials this way MyCompanyDomain\myuser. Even when in a domain, you can specify your local computer credentials in this way.

In corporate environments, they have a central server (or set of servers) called Domain Controllers, which contain a central database of users (among other things). So logging into the domain allows your user and password to be used on any domain joined computer.

Each individual computer has local accounts as well, and when you're not using a domain, these local accounts are the only accounts there are.

In general, Windows doesn't require you to use the machinename\username format if you're not joined to a domain. Windows will just ignore the domain part and assume you mean the local computer account.

As for being "locked out", that doesn't happen in a non-domain environment. However, there are some situations that may prevent you from accessing a remote computer, such as that computer having it's network access and discovery disabled, or the username not having a password. What's more, Windows will "remember" failed credentials in some cases, and retry them and fail automatically without reprompting you in some situations.

This is all very technical though, and it's hard to explain in simple terms. Your best bet is to use the Windows HomeGroup functionality if you're not technically minded.

You were spot on earlier: it locked me out temporarily. Today it let me enter credential again. I'm good. Thanks.