Windows 7 Network Connections empty

Whenever I try to look at my network connections, the window opens up empty. The only thing shown is the Organize button. I went into Device Manager and deleted my network devices, but now installation fails when I try to reload them.


solution:

I fixed it by deleting the following registry key and rebooting:

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Network\Config

Note: I found the suggestion on this site.


I was having the same problem when connecting to a FQDN UNC share name. However, when I just used the IP address or just the hostname, I was able to see the contents without any problem.

  • I tried the solution linked to above and deleted the config registry entry and rebooted, but it did not resolve it.
  • Also, all 4 of my entries in HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Network\Connections\ClassManagers were on separate lines.

I added a new DWORD entry here:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters

Name: DirectoryCacheLifetime Value Data is 0. (Hexadecimal is selected)
Click OK
Then Reboot

My folder contents re-appeared after rebooting. So the DirectoryCacheLifetim fixed the problem for me. I am not sure why the empty network shares suddenly though. This was always a Windows 7 Pro machine and I have not every had any network problems with it, and it's a pretty clean install. Users do not have admin access to install anything.

The Fix source was found here:
https://dslmac2.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/empty-folders-in-windows-7-on-network-but-others-can-see-files/