"Network path was not found" when trying to access a file share

Though there may be other possible causes for this issue, this particular case was due to Client for Microsoft Networks being un-installed. Also of note is that the Computer Browser service was not registered.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Run services.msc and look for the "Computer Browser" service. This should be somewhere between the "COM+" services, and "Cryptographic Service".

   • If the "Computer Browser" service is not present, you probably need to re-install Client for Microsoft Networks. Proceed to step 2. If the service is present, follow the rest of the bullets in this step, and skip the remaining steps.

   • If the "Computer Browser" service's Startup Type is Disabled or Manual, open the Properties page and change it to Automatic.

   • If the "Computer Browser" service is stopped, start it.

2. Open the Properties page of your network connection. In the list that says "This connection uses the following items:" check for "Client for Microsoft Networks".

   • If "Client for Microsoft Networks" is present, verify the "Computer Browser" service's settings, per the last two bullets of step 1. If those settings are correct, and a reboot does not solve the problem, there's a different issue at hand.

   • If "Client for Microsoft Networks" is not present, proceed to step 3.

3. Reinstall "Client for Microsoft Networks".

   • In the Properties page of your network connection, below the list marked "This connection uses the following items:", click "Install...".

   • In the "Select Network Component Type" dialog, select "Client", then click "Add...".

   • In the "Select Network Client" dialog, select "Client for Microsoft Networks", then click "OK.

   • In the Connection Properties dialog, click OK.

4. Reboot the computer.